Take a deep-dive into the premier wine region of Portugal, the Unesco-listed Douro Valley
Portugal has been making wine for centuries, with some estimates placing the first planting of vines as far back as 2000 BCE. The Basto and Douro regions are perhaps the best known and offer rich landscapes and fascinating history to discerning visitors.
Led by one of our expert guides, Lina Ferreira or Ana Carla Moura Parente da Costa, immerse yourself in atmospheric Porto and indulge in a voyage of taste and discovery through the verdant Douro Valley, where port wines are produced. Venture into the region known as Terras de Basto, home of Portugal’s young wine, vinho verde, and stay in handpicked hotels including properties in the heart of the Douro Valley, which have exceptional views. The perfect combination of leisurely walks and authentic cultural visits provide a memorable introduction to this lush, captivating country, once a dominant trading power in the world.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Highlights
Discover two of Portugal’s most revered wine regions on foot, ending each night in a premium hotel
Tour the 18th-century Quinta do Tedo winery and sip their exquisite produce
Stroll through the Mondim de Basto region and sample the local vinho verde
Finish in historic Porto, raising a glass together in a traditional port wine cellar
Key Information
Accommodation: 7 Premium nights (hotels)
Gentle walks on four full days and two half days, two free half days
Group normally 4-16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
Well-marked trails and paths
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
Citizen Science departures available on this trip
Option to travel by train to your adventure
Countries visited: Portugal
What's Included
All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and three wine tastings
All premium accommodation
Tipping for all hotel staff, local staff and drivers
Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise
All transport and listed activities
Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
City tax of €2 to be paid in Porto (in cash)
Tip for the tour leader
Travel insurance - information on insurance through Exodus is available here
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Day 2
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 3
3 km / 1.9 miles
Day 4
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 5
6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 6
9 km / 5.6 miles
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
As much as possible, we use hotels that are locally owned and employ local staff.
Walking tours actively encourage the group to chat with the locals to discover what life is like in this part of Portugal and purchase local produce, gifts and crafts.
Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
This trip uses established walking routes that have been created with the conservation of local landscapes in mind.
Our philosophy is to show you authentic Portugal in the most sustainable way possible, helping to conserve rural lifestyle and contributing to the overall sustainable development of the area.
We are dedicated to promoting authentic experiences and supporting the enjoyment of Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage while simultaneously encouraging their protection through raising awareness of environmental issues.
We only work with small groups of travellers and promote the maintenance of a social, economic, and environmental system that meets the needs of the current generation, without compromising the resources of future generations. Furthermore, local people (be it from restaurants, accommodations or residents) teach us how to care for and protect these destinations, knowledge that is useful not only in this context but globally.
Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
When meals are provided, ingredients used are locally sourced wherever possible. When meals are not provided, our local guides will recommend and encourage clients to visit local restaurants and cafés to try specialities from the area.
Walking trips have little detrimental impact on the environment.
We encourage people to bring a reusable water bottle and drink tap water on this trip.
Our partners take active steps to ensure our groups have a minimal environmental impact, such as sticking to established trails, not leaving rubbish behind and not removing any plants. Our operator also aims to minimise environmental damage by using eco engines on vehicles.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.
Itinerary
Mesão Frio/Régua
Porto
Fly to Porto; transfer to accommodation in the Douro Valley
Fly to Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site, renowned for its landscape and historical architecture. Those on the group flight will be transferred from the airport to our accommodation in the Douro Valley (approximately 1hr 30min drive). Full joining instructions will be provided prior to departure.
The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening, along with a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Meals included: Dinner
Day
1
Start at our accommodation in the Douro Valley
We begin our Portuguese adventure in the verdant Douro Valley, birthplace of the world-renowned port wines. The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening at 630pm, followed by a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Meals included: Dinner
Day
2
Walk along the Corgo River; visit baroque-era Casa de Mateus
This morning we take a private transfer of approximately 40 minutes to the start of today’s walk in Povoação, driving along the beautiful roads on the north slope of the Douro Valley and its tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is in the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will walk along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo River. In the afternoon, we transfer to Vila Real (approximately 20 minutes) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens that is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit, we transfer back to the hotel (approximately 50 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Distance covered: 4mi (7km)
Ascent: 197ft (60m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Short walk around Quinta do Tedo winery followed by wine tasting; visit Douro Museum
We start the day with a 30-minute transfer to Quinta de Tedo, an 18th-century winery in the centre of the Douro region. We take a guided tour of the grounds, following a walking trail that offers beautiful views of the Douro and Tedo rivers, vineyards and olive groves and offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery, we take a 20-minute transfer to the town of Régua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the Unesco-recognised Douro wine region. In the afternoon, we transfer back to our hotel (approximately 20 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Distance covered: 2mi (3km)
Ascent: 394ft (120m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
4
Maronesa walking trail; transfer to Mondim de Basto
After breakfast, we transfer to the Mondim de Basto region (approximately one hour). On our way, we’ll pass through Alvão Natural Park, a protected area of majestic landscapes. This region on the mountain of Alvão marks the transition from the coastal and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Trás-os-Montes.
We start our walk in Bobal, one of the four villages we’ll pass through today. We’ll find a countryside that reflects the carefully maintained balance in which human beings and nature coexist. For this balance to be preserved, the Maronesa cow is of the utmost importance. A Portuguese native breed from this region, there are still genes from the ancestral Auroque in its genetics. The fields are cultivated for subsistence farming, with seeds passed down from generation to generation.
After lunch we transfer to our hotel (approximately 30 minutes) and there is free time to enjoy the hotel amenities or explore nearby, before a group dinner.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Distance covered: 4mi (6km)
Ascent: 581ft (177m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
5
Walk in the green wine region of Mondim de Basto and taste organically produced ‘vinho verde’ at Quinta das Escomoeiras
Our walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine (vinho verde) region, along the banks of the Cabril River. Here, we enjoy uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the fertile lands and vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk at the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeiras to sample their wines and appreciate organic vinho verde. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel, we visit one of the main shrines in northern Portugal to the Virgin Mary: the Senhora da Graça, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of a granite mountain range almost 3,281ft (1,000m) high.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Distance covered: 4mi (6km)
Ascent: 469ft (143m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
6
Walk via the Levada de Vilarinho; free afternoon
This morning, we transfer by minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Vilarinho to start our walk along the Levada de Vilarinho, a 13th-century waterway. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region due to water scarcity in the past. After 1.5mi (2.4km), we leave the rebuilt waterway and meet the old levada as it enters a forest of oaks and pines, with a stream running alongside. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and surroundings. This evening we will enjoy dinner together.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Distance covered: 6mi (10km)
Ascent: 863ft (263m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
7
Transfer to Porto; visit the historic town and the famous Port wine cellars for wine tasting; optional boat tour.
In the morning, we return to vibrant Porto (approximately 1hr 15min). After a guided visit of the historic centre and port wine cellars (wine tasting included), the rest of the day is free for further individual sightseeing or optional activities, such as a boat ride along the Douro River. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Fly to London
Transfer to the airport and fly to London.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
End Porto
Our trip ends in Porto in the morning and our guide will be on hand to provide recommendations if you have planned to extend your stay in Porto. If you’d like more time in this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Easy).For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Walks: Each day, we walk from two to five hours (excluding the sightseeing or free afternoons). Walking hours stated in the itinerary are approximations only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of the group.
Routes: The terrain and path type will vary from paved tracks to dirt roads. The walks are easy and taken at a leisurely pace, although there are some short ascents and descents. Some of the drives, although short, follow winding mountain roads.
Climate: The Douro region can often reach 30C (86F) between June and September.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotels and phone number:
Hotel Régua Douro, Largo da Estação, 5050-237 Peso da Régua (+351 254 320 700)
Recommended arrival time: Welcome meeting and main briefing is at 630pm in the hotel reception. Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport that departs at 3pm, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel in Régua by taking a 15 minute taxi ride to Ermesinde train station to take a scenic 1.5 hour train ride to Régua station which is then only 2 minutes walk from the Hotel Régua Douro. It is advised to take an earlier flight for this option as the trains run every 2 hours. If you can’t join the group transfer and would like to organise a private transfer, or would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends in Porto, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Porto Airport. There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Mesão Frio/Régua Location end: Porto
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and three wine tastings are included.
Porto and the Douro Valley are known for their excellent wines and the delicious regional cuisine which makes use of the natural resources found here. All meals have strong links with the land and sea, often prepared following old traditional recipes. Local specialities include caldo verde, a cabbage soup that originated here thanks to the fertile green fields. Portugal also has some of the best fish in the world, and in this region a lot of the fish comes from the Douro River. The Douro region is also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, including roasted goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew, posta mirandes (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). The francesinha is unmissable – a multi-layered sandwich comprising cheese, ham, steak and sausage, topped with a fried egg and coated in a spicy tomato sauce.
Although meat and fish dishes are typically the focal point of Portuguese cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options have become more widely available in recent years, particularly in cosmopolitan cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can best accommodate your request.
The Douro Valley, birthplace of port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful wine regions in the world. Considering the importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, Unesco recognised it as a World Heritage site in 2001. Port is a fortified wine produced under particular and unique conditions. It is still produced in the traditional way, during which the fermentation process is stopped by adding spirits distilled from wine, and the blending of wines and aging still play a vital role. Port wines can be red, white or rosé and during the trip there will be plenty of opportunities to try the different varieties. Vinho verde is also an excellent wine produced in this area. Naturally light and fresh, it is fruity, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or served with light meals.
Weather
The Douro region has a micro-climate, which is an important factor in the quality and style of its wines. Sheltered from the cold and humid winds of the Atlantic Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountain ranges, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cooler and wetter winters. As you leave Porto behind and travel upriver, the rainfall decreases and temperatures increase. In May, spring peaks, with flowers and greenery in abundance. June still offers this pleasant climate without the stifling heat of July and August. September and October are also particularly pleasant, remaining dry and warm, and from the second half of October, the beautiful red, orange and yellow of the leaves herald autumn.
Premium Hotels
Enjoy a trio of four-star hotels on this Premium Portugal adventure, each selected for their style, location and excellent service.
Douro Valley: Hotel Régua Douro (nights 1-3)
On the banks of the Douro River, but also in the heart of Régua town, this 77-room property is ideally located for our adventures. When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the hotel amenities, which include an outdoor pool, gym, games room and bar. The third-floor restaurant serves an à la carte menu with panoramic views over the rivers, vineyards and terraces.
Basto region: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (nights 4-6)
Unwind at this contemporary hotel with peace-inducing views over mountains and the River Tâmega. Relax further in the outdoor infinity pool or book yourself into the Agua Viva Spa for a treatment or two. The Tâmega Restaurant offers a fine-dining take on Trás-os-Montes cuisine (with views over the beautiful landscape), while Fisgas Bar serves wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Porto: Neya Hotel (night 7)
Return to the banks of the Douro River, this time staying in a converted convent in the Ribeira area of Porto. Many of the original features were preserved during the restoration, plus there are plenty of modern conveniences, including a day spa and restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Gather the group and raise a final glass together at the Último rooftop bar with a view of the Douro.
Worth knowing
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.