Porto and the Vineyards of the Rio Douro
Footloose- 7 Nights/8 Days
Explore the timeless valley of the Rio Douro (‘river of gold’) on this unguided walk in Portugal.
Fertile hills neatly striped with green vines and silver olive trees are reflected in the mirror-like waters, as are the painted long boats which ply the river, and the region’s tiny, untouched villages of white houses with red roofs. It is here, at the quintas dotted across the slopes, that port wine is produced using age-old harvesting and processing methods.
Begin your walking holiday with a night in Porto, friendly capital of the port-wine trade. You will experience the great contrast between the bustle of the historic sea port and the slow, traditional ways of life upriver, where the wine originates.
Itinerary and Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive Porto.
- Day 2 Stroll through the charming old streets of the Ribeira (‘riverbank’), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the afternoon train eastwards along the sliver of land between the River Douro and the steep slopes above. At the riverside hamlet of Vesuvio, cross the river in a small ‘ferry’ to your hotel.
- Day 3 Stroll along the willow-lined bank of the Douro then transfer to a hill-top village high above the river. Return to Vesuvio enjoying views of the the famous Quinta da Vesuvio vineyards. Cross the river again, and catch the train downstream to the river port of Pinhão.
- Day 4 Walk along the ridge above the deep valley of the River Pinhão, a tributary of the Douro to reach Alijó.
- Day 5 Walk a different landscape of farmland, orchards then sleepy, traditional villages. Descend to the River Pinhão to cross and ascend the opposite slope towards Vilarinho de São Romão.
- Day 6 Cross the wilder hills that separate Vilarinho de São Romão and your final destination, Chanceleiros. Optional transfer into the hills if you wish. Tonight, sample the white port, wine and liqueurs of the area.
- Day 7 Easy day with optional walks along the River Douro or visit Quinta de la Rosa (entrance fee included), where the grapes for their wines and ports are still trodden by foot.
- Day 8 Walking holiday arrangements end after breakfast. To return to Porto take a train from Pinhao.
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Boats in the Rio Duoro, Oporto