Your Journey

Day 1 Arrive Porto

Arrival in the city of Porto, set on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Douro River. Porto's intriguing Old Town – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – clings to the steep north bank of the great River Douro, its jumbled streets seemingly all leading down to the quayside. Five bridges, including one by Eiffel and a spectacular two-tiered construction, link to Vila Nova de Gaia, the heart of the port wine trade, where you can visit one or two of the wine lodges. The Old Town's two main landmarks are the cathedral (Sé) and the panoramic Clérigos Tower. Visit the Stock Exchange (Bolsa) and the church of São Francisco to admire their ornate interiors. Art lovers will like the contemporary art museum, and don't miss the wonderful shops, either – traditional emporiums and designer boutiques stand side by side with old-fashioned shops selling port wine and dried, salted codfish.

Day 2 Discover Old Porto, Train ride to Pinhão

Take the afternoon train (2.5 hrs) eastwards through a colourful patchwork of olive groves, immaculate vineyards and cork-oak woods to Douro Valley, a World UNESCO Heritage Site. The second part of the journey is a real highlight, as the train makes its way along the impressively engineered railway ( 26 tunnels and 30 bridges) which clings to the sliver of land between the River Douro and the steep slopes above. By the time you alight, you are in the heart of port-wine producing country where you stay at a small family-owned vineyard (Quinta).

Day 3 Casal de Loivos to Alijo (Walk: 12km; 700m elevation gain)

Your walk today is among the spectacular scenery of the Alto Douro Wine Region. This is a land of traditions and wine production has been a livelihood here for more than two thousand years. Harvest here is traditional and still done by hand and foot (with the squashing of the grapes!). In Casal de Loivos you can find an olive oil museum and learn the traditional method of production.

Day 4 Alijó - Vilarinho de Sao Romao (Walk: 17km; 600m elevation gain)

Follow a trail through vineyards down to the River Pinhão and Favaios village where the bakeries still use their wood ovens dating from the late 19th century. Pay a visit to the Quinta da Pedra Alta, a vineyard that has won many international wine awards.

Day 5 Vilarinho Sao Romao to Pinhao (Walk: 10km; 200m elevation gain)

Walk back into the vineyard town of Pinhao and enjoy your last day in the area. The village of Provosende is your next stop and one of the seven Vineyard Villages of Portugal. It offers stunning views and is a perfet place for photographs. The day wil finish with a scenic riverside path beside the Pinhao river and a beautiful sunset over the hills.

Day 6 Vale Pinhão to Peso da Regua to Quinta da Pacheca Walk: 8km; 200m elevation gain

This morning a transfer will take you to Pesco da Regua where you can decide to wander through the city befire starting hyour day or cross the river Douro and immerse yourself in viewyards again.

Day 7 River Douro Cruise to Porto

Operates May to October: Douro River Cruise After a short transfer board your river boat for a peaceful cruise down the Douro River, back to Porto. See the thousands of tiers of vine-lined terraces and the many small towns and settlements perched on the sloping hillsides. Many of these villages have retained their medieval simplicity with tiny communities clustered around historic churches, monasteries and castles. Cross 14 locks and descend over 35m at the various dams on this incredible journey. You will also enjoy lunch on board which includes local wine. Later this afternoon arrive back into Porto. November to March when the boat does not operate, you will have a private transfer with visits along the way to Lamego, Douro Museum and a wine tasting at Casa de Mateus winery.

Day 8 Porto

Arrangements end after breakfast.