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A fascinating region of Portugal, for walkers as much as for wine lovers and foodies, active Douro Valley tours offer a very different experience from that of beaching in the Algarve! Not only do you have the contemporary buzz of modern Porto (also spelled Oporto), but it is also easy to step into the region’s rich history. Examples of which include the legacy of Henry the Navigator and all the amazing architecture, especially from the 17th century, which drop in beautiful tiers down to the Douro riverside in both Porto and the southern riverbank where the city Villa Nova de Gaia is found. Here you can explore town markets and sup coffee while watching the rather gentile street life from a street café.

When walking or boating around Pinhão, you’ll notice various of the Douro’s wine estates mark their territories by big name-boards overlooking the river. Vineyard tours to some of the estates can be organised from the small port shop by the railway station in Pinhão.

Higher up in the village of Vilarinho de São Romão, things usually are a little cooler. From here it is a treat to explore the attractive surrounding towns and villages on foot. Walk into towns such as Sabrosa, Vilela and Provesende and pass through various growing areas of the vineyard estates called quintas.

Tourism in the Douro Valley is a fairly recent phenomenon. Aided by the development of river cruising along the navigable sections of the river and the growth in popularity of city breaks (read Porto). Because of the relatively new development, Douro Valley lacks a large tourist infrastructure, which is however very nice for walkers. Picture quiet trails and country lanes without coming across many walkers or even tourists until reaching the small town of Pinhão.

On our walking holidays in the north of Portugal, you will discover the very different landscape of the Douro Valley and lively Porto.

Find your Douro Valley & Porto trip

 

Local Knowledge of the Douro Valley

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries in the Douro Valley & Porto to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Great Value & Quality Trips in North Portugal

Our active holidays in Portugal's Douro Valley are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your trip.

Personal Experience of Porto & Douro Valley

Our team have been walking and cycling for over 4 decades. We are passionate about Portugal, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.



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Porto and the North As Never Seen Before