Wine Villages of the Douro Valley

You begin your journey in Porto, where you’re transferred to Vila Real and ease into the trip with an orientation walk and welcome dinner.  From there, you head into the Marão Mountain range, hiking through scenic terrain with sweeping views that reveal the contrast between Portugal’s coastal regions and its quieter interior.

Your cultural experience deepens with a visit to the 18th-century Casa de Mateus. You explore the baroque palace, chapel, gardens, and vineyards, while also enjoying a tasting of its renowned rosé wine.  The following day, you walk through Alvão Natural Park, where you encounter lush forests, rivers, and traditional villages that showcase rural life.

As you travel to Peso da Régua, you enter the heart of the Douro Valley. A scenic downhill walk takes you past vineyards to the river, including a stop at a family-run winery to taste local wines.  You then enjoy a free day to relax by the river, explore cafés, or simply admire the terraced landscape.

One highlight is your journey along the Douro railway line, offering spectacular views of vineyards, villages, and dramatic river scenery.  You also visit historic Lamego, exploring its cathedral and famous staircase before walking back through traditional countryside.

Towards the end, you visit the Douro Museum to learn about port wine before returning to Porto, where you enjoy a Fado performance, explore the city’s landmarks, and finish with a port tasting