Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley
Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley
8 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, Penha Garcia, Medelim, Monsanto, Idanha-a-Velha, Sortelha, Belmonte, Serra da Estrela National Park, Amarante, Douro Valley, Casa de Mateus, Pinhão, Casal de Loivos, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26029
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through Portugal with the "Village Walks & the Douro Valley" tour. This immersive experience takes you from Lisbon to Porto, exploring the scenic countryside and historic villages along the way. Hike through the picturesque landscapes near the Spanish border, traverse medieval roads, and discover the stunning terraces of the Douro Valley. Delight in wine tastings with breathtaking views of the Douro River and savor local culinary delights. Stay in charming, locally-run accommodations that blend traditional character with modern comforts. With guided walks, cultural insights, and the option to explore Porto by e-bike or river cruise, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy. Enjoy seamless travel in a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and enriching adventure through Portugal's most captivating regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Medelim: Portugal's Countryside
Location: Lisbon, Penha Garcia, Medelim
Accommodation: Casa Do Cedro
Accommodation Name: Casa Do Cedro
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Speckled with charming and picturesque villages, Portugal will transport you into a fairytale from the coast to the mountains. Dream of village-to-village hikes and delicious food as you head off into the countryside towards the Spanish border. We welcome you to Portugal, and invite you to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of the adventure to come.
Depart Lisbon in the morning toward the border of Spain to a town called Penha Garcia with a lunch stop on the way at a local restaurant. Enjoy a moderate 3km walk through varying terrain ending at the Ichnofossils. Later, drive to the town of Medelim for the night.
Additional Information: This tour departs from Lisbon on day 1 and it is required to be at the meeting point hotel no later than 8:00am.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: A guided walk of Penha Garcia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural insights. The 3 km Fossil Route takes you through the village streets, up to the ruins of a small castle, and down to the famous ichnofossils, where you can see ancient marine life imprints. The walk includes visits to restored watermills that showcase traditional milling techniques and offers spectacular views of the rocky terrain and the village. The visit also includes Fonte do Pego, a perfect spot for a refreshing dip
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2: Medelim: Historic Village Hikes
Location: Monsanto, Idanha-a-Velha
Accommodation: Casa Do Cedro
Accommodation Name: Casa Do Cedro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel back in time over 1000 years to an era of castles, legends and traditions. Deemed one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages, hiking to Idanha-a-Velha will connect you to the time of conquerors as you traverse the paths through historic stone walls and castles. Enjoy the tales of this region's fascinating history under fig and olive trees.
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the stunning Monsanto for a guided walking tour. Opt to enjoy additional time in Monsanto on your own or choose to lace up your hiking boots on a picturesque hike from Monsanto to Idanha-a-Velha. Upon arrival, learn more of this quaint town on a guided walking tour before you head back for a dinner with your group.
ACTIVITY: Monsanto is often known as "the most Portuguese village in Portugal" and is famous for it's traditional stone houses built directly into massive boulders. The guided tour typically begins with an ascent through the winding cobblestone streets where you'll encounter charming homes and ancient granite doorways. Key highlights include the ruins of Monsanto Castle, which provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
ACTIVITY: This fascinating trail will take you through the history of Portugal. The trail from Monsanto to Idahna-a-Velha is part of the GR7 E12 route from Gibraltar to the Pyrenees Mountains. The entire 1,000km trail passes through Portugal, Spain, and France. The trail ascends at a gentle grade as it passes through varied terrain. Start your journey towards Monsanto, where along the way you will see orange, fig, lemon, olive, peach and plum trees. The foot path lined by stone walls near town promptly changes to a dirt path through hills of scrub that end at an asphalt road providing a view of the Monsanto castle in the distance.
Elevation Gain: 460 meters
ACTIVITY: Nestled between the Pônsul River and three gentle hills, we find the modest Idanha-a-Velha, a town originally settled by the Romans. Beneath its humble urban fabric lie the ruins of a city with a rich history.
Day 3: Manteigas: Hike to a Castle in the Sky
Location: Sortelha, Belmonte
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
Accommodation Name: Casa das Penhas Douradas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The enchanting Sortelha Castle stands on a crag at an altitude of 760 meters. It looms over the most mysterious of all the historic villages, where you will soon lose yourself in a maze of alleys and lanes as you hike up to the lofty castle. It is a place where time seems to have stood still. The wind whistles round the corners and hardly anyone passes by. This sentiment lingers when you arrive to the town of Belmonte after your hike in Sortelha.
On today's stunning hike, join your guide and wander along the historic stone path from Casteleiros to Sortelha. Visit the beautiful castle before heading to the grandiose town of Belmonte. In the evening, check into your OMG Stay.
ACTIVITY: Surmounted by a castle built on a formidable crag at an altitude of 760 metres, Sortelha still retains its medieval appearance through the architecture of its rural granite houses. This is the most mysterious of all the historic villages you encounter on your adventure.
ACTIVITY: Famous for historic villages, this hike takes place on a medieval road connecting Casteleiro and Sortelha, surrounded by ancient olive groves.
Day 4: Amarante: Explore Serra da Estrela National Park
Location: Serra da Estrela National Park, Amarante
Accommodation: Casa das Lérias
Accommodation Name: Casa das Lérias
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, rolling hills are interrupted by giant slabs of granite that protrude out of the ground. Pause to admire the beauty of this stark environment as you cross Corgo da Mós before the hike leads you to the beautiful Vale do Rossim Lagoon. In the afternoon, transfer north to Amarante.
Hike through the Serra da Estrela National Park to the Lagoon of Vale do Rossim. Return for a delicious lunch before heading to Amarante for the night.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Explore this beautiful valley nestled within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. You'll be surrounded by lush green, rolling hills, and striking rock formations scattered across the landscape. Witness the two granite peaks, Serra da Estrela, the namesake of the National Park, and Fragões das Penhas Douradas, which hosts your OMG Stay at its peak. The hike will lead to the dazzling lagoon of Vale do Rossim.
Day 5: Amarante: Douro Valley Walk Along the Vineyards
Location: Douro Valley, Casa de Mateus
Accommodation: Casa das Lérias
Accommodation Name: Casa das Lérias
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A tapestry of vineyards unfolds as you traverse Douro wine country, Portugal's most esteemed wine region. With the perfect blend of nature and culture, crossing this picturesque countryside proves worthy of more than just wine tasting as you hike along a valley trail along the river. Soak in the incredible views as you sample some of the specialties of the land.
After breakfast, walk along the valley of the Douro wine region before arriving to a world class vineyard for a 3 course meal with wine pairings. Then head to Casa de Mateus for a tour of the palace and museum before enjoying a free evening.
ACTIVITY: The Corgo walking trail is located in the heart of the Douro wine region. Walk along the terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo river.
Elevation gain: 100 meters.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh, local ingredients paired with some of the wines that are grown in the region. Soak in the views of the Douro Valley and the Corgo River below.
ACTIVITY: Discover Mateus through a premium guided tour of the Casa Museum, temporary exhibitions and Chapel, accompanied by an expert guide. At the end of the visit you will be offered a glass of Mateus Rosé or white wine from Lavradores de Feitoria.
Day 6: Amarante: Hike to Casal de Loivos
Location: Douro Valley, Pinhão, Casal de Loivos, Amarante
Accommodation: Casa das Lérias
Accommodation Name: Casa das Lérias
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mesmerizing mazes of vineyards scale the sides of the Pinhão hills. You will weave through historic village streets, beautiful buildings and up through paths draped with green grape vines. This hike allows for an endless panoramic riverscape and gorgeous views of the Douro River.
Spend another day in the Douro wine region with a longer hike through the hills and town of Pinhão. In the afternoon, return to Amarante and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Walk through the Douro and Alto Douro Vinhateiro, a wine region UNESCO describes as being a living cultural landscape. Travel north through Pinhão to the village of Casal de Loivos where you can detour to a viewpoint, boasting one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
Elevation gain: 400 meters
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Porto: Your OMG Day
Location: Amarante, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
Accommodation: Pousada do Porto Rua das Flores
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Porto Rua das Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Porto is yours to discover today with a choice of two activities. Explore the best of Portugal's second largest city on an e-bike tour through picturesque neighborhoods, along the coast to where the river meets the sea. Or choose to climb aboard a river cruise followed by a port wine tasting in the historic Vila de Nova Gaia area of the city.
Travel from Amarante to Porto in the morning. Choose between a riverside e-bike tour through Porto or join your CEO on a Douro river cruise and walk through Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto Augusto for a wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon before joining your group and CEO for one last dinner together in the evening.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Discover Porto's historic old town on a panoramic e-bike tour. Cycle through the neighborhoods of Ribeira and Miragaia, following the river down to where it meets the ocean. See some of the city's many bridges and look out to the typical "rabelo" boats that have been used for centuries on the Douro River.
Option 2: Take a boat cruise along the Douro River on one of the typical "rabelo" boats. See the iconic bridges of the city as you glide underneath them and watch everyday life unfold along the river. Disembark and walk to the historic Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting of port wine, one of the region's most celebrated specialties.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take time to explore Porto, famously known for the production of Port wine.
Day 8: Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts). -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners -
Discover Moment
Enjoy a visit to Monsanto with a local guide.
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Foodie Moment
Experience lunch with a view and wine pairings in Peso da Régua.
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OMG Day
Choose between an e-bike tour of Porto or a river cruise with port wine tasting in Porto.
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first day of the tour.
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Village-to-Village Hike
Participate in a hike from Idanha-a-Velha to Monsanto with a local guide.
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Visit Natural Pools
Visit the natural pools of Penha Garcia.
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Hike and Castle Visit
Hike from Casteleiros to Sortelha and visit the castle.
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Serra da Estrela National Park Hike
Hike in Serra da Estrela National Park to the Vale do Rossim Lagoon.
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Douro Valley Vineyard Hike
Hike past vineyards in the Douro Valley along the Corgo River.
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Hike to Casal de Loivos
Hike to the Casal de Loivos from Pinhão.
What's Not Included
CEO and Porterage Tips
Tips for the CEO and porterage are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in locally-run hotels for 7 nights, offering a blend of traditional character and modern convenience, ensuring a cozy retreat after each day's adventure.
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a private vehicle and enjoy scenic walks, providing a seamless and immersive experience as you explore the picturesque landscapes of Portugal.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location where this is not already included in the itinerary, your CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) It should also be noted that baggage should adhere to strict airline weight limits - 15kg for checked luggage and 6kg for hand luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in locally-run hotels for 7 nights, which offer a blend of traditional character and modern convenience, ensuring a cozy retreat after each day's adventure.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are a big part of the travel experience, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local dishes.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is in comfort with a private vehicle, allowing you to enjoy scenic walks and providing a seamless and immersive experience as you explore the picturesque landscapes of Portugal.
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Are tips included in the tour package?
All tips for activities and meals are included, except for tips for the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and porterage.
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What activities are available on the 'OMG Day' in Porto?
On the 'OMG Day' in Porto, you can choose between a riverside e-bike tour through Porto or a Douro river cruise followed by a port wine tasting in the historic Vila Nova de Gaia area.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 participants.
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What kind of hiking experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes various hiking experiences such as a village-to-village hike from Idanha-a-Velha to Monsanto, a hike from Casteleiros to Sortelha, a hike in Serra da Estrela National Park to the Vale do Rossim Lagoon, and hikes past vineyards in the Douro Valley.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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