Douro Rambler
7 Days Starting in Vilarinho de Sao Romeo, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Vilarinho de Sao Romeo, Pinhão River Valley, Vilarinho, Pinhão, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPO
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Douro Rambler" tour and explore the enchanting landscapes of Portugal's Douro Valley. Begin your journey in Vilarinho de Sao Romeo, staying in a charming 17th-century manorial house. Enjoy picturesque walks through the valley of the Pinhão River, passing through quaint villages and lush vineyards. Discover the bustling town of Pinhão, with opportunities for river cruises and wine estate tours. Continue to Porto, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Ribeira district, savor marine cuisine, and visit renowned port lodges. This self-guided holiday offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Vilarinho De Sao Romeo
Location: Vilarinho de Sao Romeo
Accommodation Name: Manorial House
Make your own way to Vilarinho de Sao Romeo
Accommodation: Stay for the first 3 nights in a beautifully restored manorial house in the hills high above the Douro Valley, dating back to the 1600s. All the rooms have their own character and are ensuite. There is a pleasant lounge and a beautiful shady wisteria engulfed verandah. The pretty gardens have a small outdoor pool (maybe closed early and late in the season).
Day 2 : Circular Walk Into The Valley Of The Pinhão River 14.1 Km/8.7 Miles, 5 H
Location: Pinhão River Valley
Accommodation Name: Manorial House
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walks described can be done in any order, on any day. This circular walk takes you deep into the working wine estates of golden terraces laced with vines. The walk passes through the village of Celerios before dropping steeply into the valley of Pinhão where there are some amazing Escher type perspective views of the vine terraces from across the hills in certain lights. You will walk through many small estates, crossing the river twice before winding back up through forest and vineyard to Vilarinho.
Day 3 : Circular Walk To Vilela And Fermentoes 11.3 Km/7 Miles, 4.5 H
Location: Vilarinho
Accommodation Name: Manorial House
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is a straight forward walk which takes you through the pine and eucalyptus hillsides above Vilarinho. A lovely tour for walking through peaceful countryside and a couple of villages before returning to the 'Casa'. You will get to see vineyards of various sizes. There are a couple of very sleepy villages on the way including Vilela and the appropriately named Fermentoes. There are opportunities for cafe stops on the way where a simple lunch could be obtained. There are some steep tracks with gravelly surfaces through forests and vineyards.
Day 4 : Walk (Or Taxi) To Pinhão 11.5 Km/7 Miles, 5 H
Location: Pinhão
Accommodation Name: 5 Star Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can either walk down to Pinhão, or if you want more time in the town, you can transfer with your luggage to the hotel. The walk is a beauty, taking you back down to the Douro and spends some time above the course of the Pinhão River which meets the Douro at Pinhão. The first half of the walk is through the woods, pine, heather, eucalyptus, broom and thyme of the hills of the ‘Serra de Alem,’ dropping steeply into the attractive village of Provesende. Next you head off through vine country, with yet more steep descents until you are right down by the Pinhão River, walking beside it until the River Douro. This afternoon you may have time to do a boat tour on the Douro or visit one of the famous wine estates for a tour.
Accommodation: Overnight at a very special hotel in a wonderful location by the Eiffel Bridge and the river. The old house and the lands around it are part of an 18th century estate, exquisitely renovated into a magnificent 5 star hotel with all comforts, facilities and high standard service whilst maintaining the charm of the old days in the traditional architecture that has been carefully preserved. There is an outdoor swimming pool with lovely views to the river. There is also a tennis court, beautiful gardens, games rooms and library Bar. The restaurant specialising in Portuguese cuisine.
Day 5 : Morning In Pinhao, Optional Activities Afternoon Train To Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: 4 Star Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will have time for optional activities such as a boat ride up the Douro under some of the famous 'Quintas' - wine estates, or for an estate visit before you take the train with your baggage to Porto. Check into your Hotel and enjoy the afternoon and evening in the vibrant Ribeira district, down by the quays. There are lots of traditional 'tascas' (taverns) with marine cuisine.
Accommodation: Our hotel is central to the old part of the city and the Riberia district. It is a fusion of 5 listed buildings, fully renovated and totally modernised into a 4 star hotel.
Day In Porto, Walking Tour, Wine Tasting Possibilities
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: 4 Star Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day in Porto. We suggest a walking itinerary taking in the famous sites such as the Cathedral, churches such as 'Igreja de sto Ildefonso' and the 'Igreja Clerigos' with its monumental tower. Maybe walking along the upper and lower spans of the famous Luis I road bridge, admiring the riverside districts of the old towns on both river banks. We would also recommend a trip across the river to the other town, 'Vila Nova de Gaia' where you can take your choice and visit one or more of the famous port lodges. Prices and tour times will vary,Taylors do a good one with tastings for approx. 6E. Not all require bookings.
Day 7 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast make your way to the airport either via the Metro or Taxi service.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in a rural pension -
6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Enjoy 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners during your stay.
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3 nights accommodation twin share ensuite in a rural pension
Stay for 3 nights in a rural pension with twin share ensuite facilities.
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1 night accommodation twin share ensuite in a 5 star hotel
Spend 1 night in a 5-star hotel with twin share ensuite facilities.
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2 nights accommodation twin share ensuite in a 4 star hotel
Enjoy 2 nights in a 4-star hotel with twin share ensuite facilities.
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1 luggage transfer from Vilarinho to Pinhão
Your luggage will be transferred from Vilarinho to Pinhão.
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Information pack including notes and maps
Receive an information pack that includes notes and maps.
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Emergency contact
Access to an emergency contact during your trip.
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GPX files
GPX files will be provided for your walks.
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Transport to and from the start/finish points
Transport is provided to and from the start and finish points of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement fee will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is included.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.
Grading
This trip involve walking between 4 - 5 hours per day. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a rural pension, 1 night in a 5-star hotel, and 2 nights in a 4-star hotel. All accommodations offer twin share ensuite rooms, with some featuring unique character and amenities like outdoor pools and beautiful gardens.
Mode of Transport
Transport includes transfers to and from the start/finish points, with an option to take a train from Pinhão to Porto. Luggage transfer from Vilarinho to Pinhão is also provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in a rural pension, 1 night in a 5-star hotel, and 2 nights in a 4-star hotel. The rural pension is a beautifully restored manorial house dating back to the 1600s, with ensuite rooms, a lounge, a verandah, and a small outdoor pool. The 5-star hotel is an 18th-century estate with modern amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, gardens, games rooms, and a library bar. The 4-star hotel in Porto is a fusion of 5 listed buildings, fully renovated and modernized.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and all lunches and beverages.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. However, an information pack including notes and maps, as well as GPX files, will be provided.
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What kind of walks can I expect during the tour?
The walks range from 4 to 5 hours per day and take you through various landscapes including working wine estates, pine and eucalyptus hillsides, and peaceful countryside. You will visit small villages, vineyards, and have opportunities for cafe stops. Some walks include steep tracks with gravelly surfaces.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include short river cruises on the Douro River, boat rides up the Douro under famous wine estates, and visits to wine estates for tours and tastings. In Porto, you can visit famous sites such as the Cathedral, various churches, and the Luis I road bridge, as well as the port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.
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What level of fitness is required for this tour?
You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health as the trip involves walking between 4 to 5 hours per day.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room are not included in the tour package.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.