The wine region of Douro

Hike in Portugal's stunning wine region of Douro

This is a fantastic trip that takes you to one of the most beautiful places in Portugal: the Douro region. On foot and by train, you’ll travel from Porto through the Douro’s magnificent landscapes and UNESCO-protected wine-growing area, via ancient villages, olive groves and world-class wine tasting!

After the sometimes tough hikes in mountains and valleys, the journey ends with a relaxing boat trip (peak season), or private transfer (low season) back to the estuary in Porto.

The Douro Valley clearly has one of the most captivating landscapes in the world, absolutely perfect for an exciting hiking adventure. Explore the vast valleys as you wander from village to village, enveloped by the endless views of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The Douro region reflects its proud inhabitants who live a traditional lifestyle and dedicate their time to producing the highest quality wine. This is a region of traditions, culture and history, offering an unforgettable opportunity to visit historic sites, experience romantic boat trips, savour fabulous home-cooked dinners and authentic wine, produced locally. Definitely a special place for everyone who passes through here.

Difficulty level

The daily stages vary between about 8 and 16.5 km in hilly terrain, about 350-775 metres of altitude per day. You hike on paths, through vineyards, stretches of cobblestone and narrow tarmac roads. We classify the hike as medium-difficult: 3-4 on a 5-point scale.

Weather conditions

The climate in the area is very mild as it is close to the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures average around 15°C throughout the year and extreme temperature fluctuations are rare. The summer months tend to be dry and warm, while spring and autumn are mild and ideal for hiking, although there is some risk of rain.

Highlights

  • The UNESCO-protected vineyards of the upper Douro
  • The old medieval city of Porto, with its beautiful granite houses
  • Excellent accommodations along the way
  • Traditional food and wine from the region
  • Beautiful views

Quick facts

Travel duration: 7 days/ 6 nights
Travel period: 4/1 – 15/12
Grade:
Medium. Average 4-5 h/ 10-15 km/ 300-700 m per day. Day by day trip grading, see "program" on each trip.
3
Accommodations:
Trip type: Self guided walking holidays
Price example: From 1,300
Meals: Breakfast & 4 dinners

Prices per person in EUR

This trip is available from 4/1 – 15/12, with any arrival date.

7 days/ 6 nights, hotels **** From 1,300 Book your trip

Period Double Room - shared bed Twin Room - separate beds TRP - Triple Room SGL - Single Room
2025-10-27 2025-12-15 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,870
2026-01-04 2026-03-26 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,910
2026-03-27 2026-04-05 1,590 1,590 1,590 2,110
2026-04-06 2026-08-31 1,710 1,710 1,710 2,200
2026-09-01 2026-10-15 1,830 1,830 1,830 2,240
2026-10-16 2026-10-26 1,710 1,710 1,710 2,200
2026-10-27 2026-12-15 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,910
Book your trip

Prices quoted are per person and include:

  • Private transfer from Porto Airport to your first hotel
  • Briefing meeting with our local guide on arrival day
  • Accommodation 6 nights in hotel incl. breakfast
  • Dinners 4 nights: (night 2 and 4-6)
  • Luggage transfers at hotel changes (except day two, when you take your own luggage on the train)
  • Digital roadbook in English with maps
  • App for mobile phones with GPX files, for digital maps and navigation
  • 24 h emergency phone in case of emergencies

Not included:

  • Flight to/from the destination
  • Train ticket day 2 – from Porto (São Bento) to Pinhão, approx. 15 euros/person
  • Luggage transfer from the hotel to the train station on the morning of day 2

Single room rates:

  • Single room rates apply when travelling in the company of others. If you are travelling on your own, in most cases there is an extra charge due to more expensive luggage transport. Contact us for price information

Optional extras:

  • Extra hotel nights at the start or end of the trip. Contact us for prices.
  • Extension of the trip with a one-day river cruise along the Douro to Porto, incl. lunch. Start with a transfer at 09.00 from the hotel to the boat. Approximately six hours cruise. Transfer from the boat to Porto Airport at 17.00. The cruise is only available in the period May-October. Price: 176 Euro/person

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Porto

Transfer from the airport to your first hotel, followed by a briefing meeting before exploring the vibrant city of Porto, which is very pleasant to stroll through, with its narrow streets and alleys.

Day 2 Train journey from Porto to Pinhão + 9 km hike

This day starts with an unforgettable train journey to Pinhão, in the heart of the Douro Valley. Once on the train, the beautiful scenery of the vineyards will whiz by outside your window. You’ll notice that the steep slopes of the valley and the authentic wine culture are present everywhere.
After the train journey, the first hike of the week begins along the Pinhão River and ends at Casal de Loivos, where you can rest and enjoy an aromatic glass of wine. Port wine, of course!
9 km, + 400 m, – 400 m

Day 3 Hike from Casal de Loivos to Alijó - 16 km

In Casal de Loivos, there is an olive oil museum where you can learn about the traditional production process. If you are more interested in wine tasting, the Enoteca da Quinta Avessada and the Núcleo Museológico Favaios will give you the chance to learn more about the wines. Favaios is not only the name of a town, but also the beloved drink served here, and perhaps this will also become your favourite wine in this region. Shortly afterwards, you will arrive in Alijó and its beautiful landscape. Here you also have an excellent opportunity to taste the local wines.
16 km, + 400 m, – 400 m

Day 4 Hike from Alijó to Vilarinho de São Romão – 17 km

Today’s hike takes you through an area with beautiful olive trees and vines planted on terraces, conveying a sense of the life and work of the locals. After passing through the village of Favaios, you’ll arrive at Quinta da Pedra Alta, a site that won medals in an international wine competition. From here, the hike continues to lesser-known historical sites and Sabrosa, one of the most emblematic towns in the region. From the small villages to the breathtaking landscapes of the vineyards, you will have many opportunities to admire the fascinating colours of the Douro Valley and take unforgettable photos.
17 km, + 600 m, – 600 m

Day 5 Hike from Vilarinho São Romão to Pinhão - 10 km

Today you will return to Pinhão and enjoy your last day in the area. The village of Provosende is the first stop of the day and one of the seven vineyard villages in Portugal. Here you’ll have great views of the area – a perfect stop for any photo lover! Then, as you cross the plateau, you’ll see amazing vineyards, small villages and old paths. The day ends with a scenic trail along the Pinhão River and a beautiful sunset over the hills.
10 km, + 200 m, – 200 m

Day 6 Hike around Peso da Régua - 8 km

The day starts with a transfer to Peso da Régua. You can choose to wander through the town before moving on, or directly cross the Douro River and immerse yourself in the vineyards once more. During the day, you’ll hike along lonely roads and among the traditional houses, scattered across the landscape. There is no better place to end the day than Quinta da Pacheca. If you don’t want to end the hike just yet, we recommend you take a stroll through the town’s cosy alleys and squares.
8 km, + 100 m, – 100 m

Day 7 Return journey or river cruise along the Duro

Today you have the option to take the train back to Porto on your own, or add a spectacular river cruise along the Douro River.
The river cruise package starts with a 9am transfer from the hotel to the boat. The cruise takes approximately 6 hours and includes lunch. Once in Porto, you will have a transfer from the boat to Porto Airport at 17:00.

Accommodations

During this trip you will stay in selected 4-star hotels & farms, among vineyards and in charming villages.

7 days/ 6 nights

NightPlaceAccommodation
Night 1PortoHotel ****
Night 2PinhãoHotel ****
Night 3AlijóHotel ****
Night 4São RomãoHotel ****
Night 5PinhãoHotel ****
Night 6Quinta da PachecaHotel ****

Route map

Getting to the destination

Plane

The nearest airport to fly to is Porto Airport (OPO).
You can also fly to Lisbon Airport (LIS) and then take the train to Porto.

Transfer

Private transfer from Porto Airport to the first hotel is included in the price.

Local transports

Private transfer from Porto Airport to the first hotel is included in the price.
On your return journey, you can take the train to Porto.

Our travelers’ reviews

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Review for the-wine-region-of-douro
5/5
The Douro hike
A wonderfully beautiful, interesting, and moderately challenging hike. Good pre-trip planning. Excellent and welcoming organization before and during the hike with comprehensive route and tourist information. Some of the four-star hotels did not meet expectations. We would have liked clearer information on accessibility and directions to the wineries along the route.