Douro Wine Region - UNESCO World Heritage Valley
Douro Wine Region - UNESCO World Heritage Valley
9 Days Starting in 5060 Sabrosa, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Sabrosa, Provesende, Ucanha, Lamego, Cambres, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DWR
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Lactose into, Gluten-free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
About this tour Come and discover the amazing, world-famous winemaking region in the Douro Valley! The first demarcated and controlled winemaking region in the world in 1756, it proudly boasts its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Property. Hike up and down the terraced vineyards that Man built from the schistose rocks from the river up to the tops of the hills, delight in the rich regional cuisine, the olive oil and typical produce, and taste the world-famous Port and Douro wines from the region. During your journey, the magical Douro River will enchant you with breathtaking landscapes, whether you are walking along the riverside or travelling on a river cruiser. The itinerary begins with a walk to Sabrosa, birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan and one of the most emblematic towns in the region. Walk along trails through superb environments, discover little-known places such as the noble winemaking village of Provesende where you will find the greatest number of manor houses and stately homes in the Douro Region, and Ucanha, a stopping place on the Cistercian monks’ wine route that invite you to discover the local sparkling wine. Pinhão, also on your trip, is a town in the heart of the Douro around which the majority of the finest Port and Douro wine estates are located. Stroll into the train station and admire the hand painted tiles with which it is decorated. Take a trip on the river on one of the typical boats, the rabelo, on which, in the past, the young wines were shipped downriver to the warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, across from Porto. The monumental city of Lamego invites you to discover the local rich gastronomy and heritage. From there, travelling along the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrims’ way to Santiago de Compostela, you will arrive near Régua, the capital city of the Alto Douro Region. The itinerary offers a range of opportunities to discover Port and Douro wines with tastings at several wine estates, as well as a tasting of the excellent olive oil produced in this region at a local producer’s. A variety of small restaurants invite you to relish the excellent local cuisine and the quality of the produce.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sabrosa | On The Way To The Douro Wine Region And Its Famous Vineyards
Location: Sabrosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Visit and wine tasting
Start your journey with a transfer from Porto airport to Sabrosa, a small town famous as the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan, the first navigator to circumnavigate the Earth. Discover the natural beauty of this town surrounded by vineyards, one of the gates to the demarcated Douro Wine Region. The vineyards that form the background and the peace and quiet of this town are a sample of what you will expect to enjoy during the rest of your itinerary.
Day 2 : Sabrosa | The Essence Of The Douro Region With Its Splendid Scenery, Vineyards And Olive Groves
Location: Sabrosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Visit to a small local producer with olive oil tastin
Starting from the village of Celeirós, you will walk among the quintas, the name given to the wine estates where the vines are grown and where the farmhouse often also houses the winery. The peace and quiet of the place are often sought after as a refuge from the stress of day-to-day life. Arriving at the town of Sabrosa you will be greeted by its grand manor houses, many of which have their origins in the medieval ages and are a staple in local architectural heritage. Leaving the town, you walk to Fermentões, with a view over the waving blanket of lush vineyards which is truly breathtaking. The Douro Region begins to reveal its charms!
The optional program offers an opportunity to appreciate the more human and authentic nature of the production of olive oil, with a welcoming visit to the press and tasting at a small local producer’s installations. And you will have the option to visit a Port and Douro winemaking estate where you will be welcomed to enjoy a tasting and learn how these famous wines are made.
Stage 1 - Short
Distance (Km): 11.3
Routes: Paved 30% | Trails 70%
or
Stage 1 - Long
Distance (Km): 16.2
Routes: Paved 15% | Trails 85%
Day 3 : Provesende | Village Of Baroque And Neoclassic Manor Houses
Location: Provesende
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walking along rustic stone-paved roads connecting the numerous winemaking quintas, we will explore the village of Celeirós after which the trail magically opens up to reveal the majestic Douro Region landscape: hills covered in lush green vineyards on which the winemakers have painted the names of their properties. The vine-covered terraces and their retaining walls were laboriously built by Man by breaking up the schistose stone of the hillsides. From there, your journey will end in Provesende, a well-kept historic winemaking village with a wealthy heritage containing the largest number of manor houses in the Douro Region, with impressive baroque and neoclassic facades dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
The bakery and appealing aroma of freshly baked bread from the wood oven and the handcraft shops with locally produced items are just some of the interesting places to explore.
Stage 2 - Short
Distance (Km): 9.4
Routes: Paved 20% | Trails 80%
or
Stage 2 - Long
Distance (Km): 14.4
Routes: Paved 15% | Trails 85%
Day 4 : Ucanha | Vineyards And Olive Groves Landscapes And The Town Of Pinhão
Location: Ucanha
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Wine Tasting
Today’s hike connects Provesende to Pinhão along a medieval road that will take you down the hillsides to the riverside, always accompanied by the admirable work of Man who built the terraces, stone by stone. Pinhão, considered to be the geographic centre of the Douro Winemaking Region, is the regional headquarters for many of the best-known Port and Douro winemaking firms. Located between the Douro and the Pinhão rivers, it is one of the most picturesque villages in Portugal. The train station, built at the end of the 19th century and decorated with beautiful hand painted tiles describing life in the region, is especially worthy of a visit. You will have the option of a visit and tasting of the exceptional wines produced at one of the fascinating wineries.
From Pinhão, take a ride on a typical rabelo boat, identical to the craft that for centuries carried the young Port Wine down the Douro River to the warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, across from Porto. After you disembark, you will be transferred to your final destination of the day, Lalim. This is a chance to bask in the peace and quiet of this rural town and to renew your energies for what is waiting for you!
Stage 3 - Short
Distance (Km): 5.9
Routes: Paved 25% | Trails 75%
or
Stage 3 - Long
Distance (Km): 10.1
Routes: Paved 30% | Trails 70%
Day 5 : Ucanha | Mountain Villages And Superb Medieval Heritage
Location: Ucanha
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Visit and sparkling wine tasting
This day we shall take a circular route up and down hills and valleys, beginning at and returning to Ucanha. Start your walk along the river and take some time to enjoy one of the small waterfalls along the way. The entire walk brings you in touch with nature as you cross past small farms and pine groves through picturesque villages, down cobblestone streets lined with typical granite-built houses. You may wish to visit the 12th century monastery of Salzedas, an imposing building that looms over the small village in which it is located. Arriving in the village of Ucanha, you can go for a swim off its wonderful river beach. Afterwards, cross the medieval bridge and stop to visit the ancient tower which until 1527, served as a customs house to collect a toll from everyone who crossed into the lands of the monastery. Right before the end of your outing, past the Murganheira wine estate, you may opt for the optional visit and tasting of the sparkling wine for which the area is famous. A delightful, experience amongst an unforgettable visual array of hundreds of thousands of bottles nestled in the dark, cold, wine lodges.
Stage 4
Distance (Km): 10.2
Routes: Paved 10% | Trails 90%
Day 6 : Lamego | A City Of Monuments In The Douro Region
Location: Lamego
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is time to bid farewell to Lalim. Amble along small roads and paths amongst villages, vineyards and vast apple orchards famous for the perfume of their fruit. At the small local café, ring the bell to call the owner who will welcome you with open arms. This is where the Cistercian monks produced wine during the 12th century, where they shaped the environment and worked the land, cultivated their vines and created winemaking techniques and traditions that have been handed down to this day. Here you will find some of the finest Portuguese sparkling wines. Before you reach Lamego, you may wish to choose the option to visit and taste those made in a historic winery. Your final destination, the historic city of Lamego, boasts the richest architectural heritage in the Douro Region. Dating from the middle ages are the castle, at the top of the city, and most especially the beautiful cathedral with its sumptuous monumental baroque staircase. Climb up the 686 steps surrounded by lush gardens and richly decorated with works of art: statues, obelisks, fountains and handcrafted decorative tile panels.
Stage 5
Distance (Km): 13.4
Routes: Paved 57% | Trails 43%
Day 7 : Cambres | Along The Pilgrims’ Way To Santiago De Compostela And Historic Wineries
Location: Cambres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beginning on the streets of central Lamego, this last trail takes you partly along one of the secular pilgrims’ ways in the interior of Portugal as they make their way to Santiago de Compostela. Those who travel them today experience life-time challenges, attractions and lessons. Your journey will be accompanied by the impressive environment of vineyards and historic quintas as it was here that the first great vineyards in the winemaking region were planted during the 12th century. Your goal is Cambres, a town surrounded by a green blanket of vineyards, near Régua, the capital city of the Douro Winemaking Region. Attractive stone-paved roads take you past famous quintas where you may choose to visit and taste Port and Douro wines in one of the most famous wineries in the region, dating from the 16th century. Live this last day in your itinerary to the fullest, one that will live on as being memorable for the most fantastic landscapes and wines that Portugal has to offer!
Stage 6
Distance (Km): 14.7
Routes: Paved 25% | Trails 75%
Day 8 : Porto | Unesco World Heritage City, World-Famous For Port Wine
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Tasting and visit to the Port Wine Cellars
Like the wine, which owes its name to this region, your trip along the Douro ends in the city of Porto, where you can explore one of Portugal's most emblematic cities in peace and quiet, where you'll find a must-see on every street corner. Living up to its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you'll find more than 150 classified monuments, in which you'll find memories of the history of a region and its people. Lose yourself in the city's typical neighbourhoods, which retain their authenticity, with the traces of the medieval period. The River Douro awaits you and the Ribeira welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to cross over to the famous Port wine cellars, where you can travel back in time and stand next to the oldest barrels in which the famous wine was transported.
Day 9 : Departure
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Porto airport according to flight schedule
What's Included
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Accommodation
Casa das Pipas, Sabrosa (Wine estate producer surrounded by a fabulous landscape of vineyards) Situated on Quinta do Portal vineyard in the wine-producing valley of Douro, northern Portugal, this hotel has embraced enotourism with enthusiasm. Surrounded by a fabulous landscape of vineyards and fertile green countryside, join us to feel the emotions and understand the reasons that led the Alto Douro wine region to be considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Apart from learning more about the 1st demarcated region in the world and its wines, you can also experience some of the ways in which the vineyard operates, including participating in the harvest. As well as enjoying fine wines, you can maintain your exercise regime in the outdoor swimming pool. Quinta Manhãs Douro, Provesende (Fine charming boutique hotel, wide horizon, hills, vineyards and a historic vineyard village location) Quinta Manhãs D'Ouro is located in Provesende, a small and welcoming village integrated in the Municipality of Sabrosa and in the "Aldeias Vinhateiras" route, characterized by its historical and natural richness is the ideal place for those who seek calm and beauty to live unique moments. In the heart of Alto Douro Vinhateiro, World Heritage by UNESCO, the Quinta is located very close to Pinhão, one of the main tourist destinations of the Douro region. The Quinta is composed by the house and its exterior area constituted by fruit trees, olive trees, chestnut trees, and vineyards. Offering an outdoor swimming pool with sweeping Douro Valley views, Quinta Manhas Douro is surrounded by nature and also features a restaurant. The country house has accommodation in air-conditioned double rooms, each with elegant furnishings, as well as a private bathroom and a flat-screen satellite TV. Free WiFi access is provided. Guests are welcome to enjoy their meals in the in-house restaurant, where traditional Portuguese meals are served, accompanied by the famed wines of the region. Following a refreshing dip in the pool, guests may relax in the setting which has vast green surroundings, vineyards and hillside views. The outer area of the property features olive trees, vineyards and various fruit trees. Douro Cister Hotel Resort, Ucanha (Deluxe rooms and bungalows amidst tranquil surroundings of vineyards and forests) The 4-star Douro Cister Hotel features accommodation in deluxe rooms and bungalows amidst tranquil surroundings. It includes outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a spa and wellness centre. The property has comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all with a private bathroom and a flat-screen satellite TV. The units also come with a desk, sofa, minibar and a view. There is also the option of fully equipped bungalows, with a terrace. Douro Cister’s onsite restaurant serves tasty traditional meals, prepared with regional quality produce. The bar provides refreshing drinks and cocktails, which guests can enjoy while taking in the view. The property features relaxing views over the greenery of the surrounding valley. There are on site vineyards, as well as a small medicinal herb garden. The hotel has historic ruins within its premises, including an ancient Roma oven and a water mill, that dates to the 12th century. The Douro Cister Hotel is 300 m from the bank of the Varosa River and at a 20-minute drive from the Douro River. Lamego is 18 km away. Muralha Charm House, Lamego (Charming guest house, city centre location, inviting rooftop) The Muralha Charm House is a guest house located at the city centre of Lamego, in the Douro Wine Region. Get enchanted with this space full of culture and history, leaned into the walls of Lamego´s castle. The Guest House features cosy lounge areas where guests can seat and relax while reading a book or playing traditional games. Breakfast offers continental and buffet options and is served at the rooftop with superb views to the city of Lamego. All rooms are carefully designed, always with a modern touch, and are equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. Quinta de Tourais Rural Guest House, Cambres (Boutique guest house and family estate, between vineyards, wine producer) Quinta de Tourais is a pleasant surprise in a Douro Heritage of Humanity region. Located in the Lamego, Régua and Vila Real area. Perhaps it was a small monastery just before the forming of the nation. We forget at times that we are only a few kilometres away from three cities. The sublime countryside, the calmness, the swaying of the trees and the light waves of the Douro, hidden between houses and vineyards, lead us to Quinta de Tourais, where wines, jams and a warm welcome are traditional.
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Additional Services
All accommodation with breakfast included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Day 1 Hour:According to flight details From: Porto´s Airport To: Sabrosa Day 9 Hour: according to the flight schedule From: Porto Hotel To: Porto Airport
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Daily luggage transfer
Daily luggage transfer
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Transfer:
Day 4 Hour: 16h00 From: Pinhão To: Ucanha
What's Not Included
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Fully Guided
On request
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Insurance
Not included
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Meals
Meals not mentioned
Optional Extras
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Half board
During your stay you will enjoy seven delicious dinners, wine included, either in your accommodation or at nearby restaurants. Two of the dinners will be a 3-course meal paired with selected local wines at a stunning winery.
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Wine & Specialties experiences
Experience the amazing flavours of the region at family-run wineries. You'll have the chance to taste local Douro and Port wines, perfectly complemented by the richness of their own delicious olive oil.
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Picnic
6 light meals for lunch during the hiking stag
Mode of Transport
Hiking
Car/Minibus
Accommodation
Casa das Pipas, Sabrosa
(Wine estate producer surrounded by a fabulous landscape of vineyards)
Situated on Quinta do Portal vineyard in the wine-producing valley of Douro, northern Portugal, this hotel has embraced enotourism with enthusiasm.
Surrounded by a fabulous landscape of vineyards and fertile green countryside, join us to feel the emotions and understand the reasons that led the Alto Douro wine region to be considered World Heritage by UNESCO.
Apart from learning more about the 1st demarcated region in the world and its wines, you can also experience some of the ways in which the vineyard operates, including participating in the harvest. As well as enjoying fine wines, you can maintain your exercise regime in the outdoor swimming pool.
Quinta Manhãs Douro, Provesende
(Fine charming boutique hotel, wide horizon, hills, vineyards and a historic vineyard village location)
Quinta Manhãs D'Ouro is located in Provesende, a small and welcoming village integrated in the Municipality of Sabrosa and in the "Aldeias Vinhateiras" route, characterized by its historical and natural richness is the ideal place for those who seek calm and beauty to live unique moments. In the heart of Alto Douro Vinhateiro, World Heritage by UNESCO, the Quinta is located very close to Pinhão, one of the main tourist destinations of the Douro region.
The Quinta is composed by the house and its exterior area constituted by fruit trees, olive trees, chestnut trees, and vineyards. Offering an outdoor swimming pool with sweeping Douro Valley views, Quinta Manhas Douro is surrounded by nature and also features a restaurant. The country house has accommodation in air-conditioned double rooms, each with elegant furnishings, as well as a private bathroom and a flat-screen satellite TV. Free WiFi access is provided. Guests are welcome to enjoy their meals in the in-house restaurant, where traditional Portuguese meals are served, accompanied by the famed wines of the region. Following a refreshing dip in the pool, guests may relax in the setting which has vast green surroundings, vineyards and hillside views. The outer area of the property features olive trees, vineyards and various fruit trees.
Douro Cister Hotel Resort, Ucanha
(Deluxe rooms and bungalows amidst tranquil surroundings of vineyards and forests)
The 4-star Douro Cister Hotel features accommodation in deluxe rooms and bungalows amidst tranquil surroundings. It includes outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a spa and wellness centre. The property has comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, all with a private bathroom and a flat-screen satellite TV. The units also come with a desk, sofa, minibar and a view. There is also the option of fully equipped bungalows, with a terrace. Douro Cister’s onsite restaurant serves tasty traditional meals, prepared with regional quality produce. The bar provides refreshing drinks and cocktails, which guests can enjoy while taking in the view. The property features relaxing views over the greenery of the surrounding valley. There are on site vineyards, as well as a small medicinal herb garden. The hotel has historic ruins within its premises, including an ancient Roma oven and a water mill, that dates to the 12th century. The Douro Cister Hotel is 300 m from the bank of the Varosa River and at a 20-minute drive from the Douro River. Lamego is 18 km away.
Muralha Charm House, Lamego
(Charming guest house, city centre location, inviting rooftop)
The Muralha Charm House is a guest house located at the city centre of Lamego, in the Douro Wine Region. Get enchanted with this space full of culture and history, leaned into the walls of Lamego´s castle.
The Guest House features cosy lounge areas where guests can seat and relax while reading a book or playing traditional games. Breakfast offers continental and buffet options and is served at the rooftop with superb views to the city of Lamego.
All rooms are carefully designed, always with a modern touch, and are equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV.
Quinta de Tourais Rural Guest House, Cambres
(Boutique guest house and family estate, between vineyards, wine producer)
Quinta de Tourais is a pleasant surprise in a Douro Heritage of Humanity region. Located in the Lamego, Régua and Vila Real area.
Perhaps it was a small monastery just before the forming of the nation. We forget at times that we are only a few kilometres away from three cities. The sublime countryside, the calmness, the swaying of the trees and the light waves of the Douro, hidden between houses and vineyards, lead us to Quinta de Tourais, where wines, jams and a warm welcome are traditional.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, but the pick-up in Porto airport to Baiona will be at 11am (31-08-2024)
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4 and 5 star hotels and farms
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
We recommend a 23kg suitcase per person
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You can find this and other information in the tour description.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Children can take part in the tour, we just need to know their age. This is so that we can organise all the necessary conditions for the child to take part in the tour safely and whether there will be any additional costs (e.g. bus seat, bicycle seat/trailer, etc.).
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Does the tour package includes bicycles and equipment?
Yes. The tour includes: Per person - Hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag and helmet One for two bicycles - lock, handlebar bag Per group/reservation - Pre-paid mobile phone, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, and spare inner tube, GPS device loaded with the trails and route notes with detailed information
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Authentic Trails, a company that has been on the tourism market for almost 10 years, prepares itineraries and accompanies tourists in Portugal.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you change the date, you will have to pay a fee of 100€.
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What kind of bicycles do you have available?
We have standard touring bicycles that are included in the package price, and e-bikes for a surcharge and subject to availability. Both types exist with low frame and are subject to availability.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Individual tours receive vouchers for hotels and everything included (e.g. dinners, tastings), as well as access to our app where you can find the stages and points of interest. Group tours don't receive anything as they have a guide who helps with everything.
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Why should I do a bike tour?
A bike tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the country
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
As the start date is the same, the companions will all be those doing the same tour
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No, but in special seasons and incentive tours we promote solidarity campaigns, support for the homeless.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Authentic Trails allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Authentic Trails allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform authentic trails, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Authentic Trails requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 31 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of authentic trails charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.