Discover the natural beauty of Douro as you explore on foot
What better way to experience the magnificent natural beauty of Douro Natural Park than a self-guided hiking tour? Set your own pace on foot, exploring the natural wonders of this special region. Stand tall atop the cliffs overlooking the sparkling Douro River by day, and then cozy up in picturesque villages at night.
Make your way through lush trees filled with rare birds, their calls the only sound cutting through the peace and quiet. Dine on produce grown right here, passing the very farms, vineyards, orchards, and green pastures that fuel you. Finish your tour off with a scenic train ride to the historic city of Porto and celebrate your wonderful trip with a glass of this colourful city’s famous port. Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy the Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour!
Highlights of the Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour
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Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Miranda do Douro
Arrive in Miranda do Douro, the official starting point of your tour. Please inquire about scheduled shared transfers or private transfers from the Porto Airport.
This welcoming town is protected from the outside world by the soaring cliffs that surround it. The locals here have a colourful traditional dance and even their own regional language!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Miranda do Douro
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the cliffs and birdwatch in Miranda do Douro
Your morning adventure will begin in town so that you can discover the majestic cathedral, ancient city walls, and amazing views of the craggy backdrop.
Your hike will begin to follow a trail into the Natural Park where you’ll find fruit orchards and towering cliffs. From the So Joo Arribas viewpoint, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Douro River. This is a great place to birdwatch- try and spot golden eagles, griffon, and Egyptian vultures.
From July to October, you can also book an optional canoe ride along the base of the magnificent cliffs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Miranda do Douro
Distance: Short route: 3 hours, 11.8 km, 268m of ascent and 115m of descent
Long route: 4 to 5 hours, 18.3 km, 320m of ascent and 237m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike in the Natural Park
Today you’ll continue hiking through the Natural Park southwards to the picturesque village of Picote.
From this charming town, you’ll hike through the natural forests of cedars, oak, and cork and into the rolling pastures of Mirandesa cattle. You’ll arrive in the farming village of Sendim in time to explore the churches and local craft shops.
The shorter route includes your transfer to Sendim, where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sendim
Distance: Short route: 3 hours, 10.8 km, 181m of ascent and 140m of descent
Long route: 5 hours, 21.6 km, 365m of ascent and 305m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Vineyards and Orchards near Sendim
Today begins with a circuit around Sendim, crossing through splendid vineyards, olive groves, and almond groves. Along the trail, you’ll come across an enormous juniper plantation where they harvest the berries for making seasonings and gin.
When you arrive back in Sendim, be sure to visit the local winery for a tasting or to try some local produce at dinnertime.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sendim
Distance: 3 hours, 11.5 km, 359m of ascent and 352m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Discover Felgar and the Sabor River Valley
This morning, you will be transported to Felgar after breakfast. You’ll begin your hike by passing through this lovely town spread across the hillside of Roboredo Mountain. As you explore the fields and olive groves nearby, you’ll be enjoying the amazing views across the valleys and surrounding mountains.
Today there is an optional 4x4 excursion that includes bird watching and a hike on the Apajares Way with a professional guide. Take advantage of the pool at the hotel today by finishing your day with a relaxing swim.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Felgar
Distance: Short route: 2 hours, 9.1 km, 485m of ascent and 482m of descent
Long route: 3 hours, 13.1km, 729m of ascent and 712m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Hike to Torre de Moncorvo
Follow the scenic trail along old railway tracks towards the town of Torre de Moncorvo. You’ll be hiking in the area known as the gateway to the famous Douro Wine Region. As the name suggests, this is where port and Douro wines are produced.
You’re free to explore the town in the afternoon. There are lots of shops to discover with local delicacies like olive oil, almonds, cheese, jams, and wines. You can also see how the Portuguese sugar-covered almonds are made (and taste, of course).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Torre de Moncorvo
Distance: Short route: 3 hours, 11.6 km, 77m of ascent and 289m of descent
Long route: 4 to 5 hours, 14.41km, 107m of ascent and 292m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Scenic Hike and Train to Porto
Today you will be hiking towards Pocinho. The trail has incredible views of sweeping vineyards and the sparkling Douro and Sabor Rivers.
You’ll be nearing the end of the trail when the striking railway bridge and Pocinho Dam comes into view. From here, you’ll purchase your ticket for the train and take in the scenery to Porto as you ride towards the city.
From São Bento station, considered to be in the top five most beautiful stations in the world, you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel. Spend the afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of Porto and then pick one of the many great restaurants for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: 3 to 4 hours, 13.7 km, 42m of ascent and 332m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Return Home
Your tour concludes after the breakfast. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available every Saturday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from $1,525 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,095 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses. Rooms are double occupancy and solo travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room for the duration of this tour.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Parador Santa Catarina Hotel in Miranda do Douro ★★★★
This hotel is the perfect way to end your day. Relax as you take in the sweeping views from the balcony or unwind in front of the lounge fireplace.
Curral de I Tiu Pino in Sendim
Immerse yourself in local culture while you're staying at this 19th-century guesthouse that also features a 300 year old wine press.
Casa de Santa Cruz in Felgar
This guesthouse from the mid-17th century blends modern amenities with rustic design. Enjoy the outdoor pool, games room, and a lounge with a fireplace.
Casa da Avó in Torre de Moncorvo
Stay in a beautiful 150-year-old manor house right in the center of town. The accommodations are simple but are filled with romantic old-world charm.
Carris Porto Ribeira in Porto ★★★★
Soak in the history of Porto by staying in this Ribeira quarter hotel. It features modern, comfortable rooms.
What’s Included in the Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. There are optional meal or tasting packages that may be added to your tour.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes transfers to and from Porto Airport. Your luggage transfer from one hotel to the next is included.
Transfers between specified destinations are also included as per your itinerary. This includes Miranda do Douro to Pena Branca on Day 2, Miranda do Douro to Vila Chã de Braciosa Day 3, and Sendim to Felgar on Day 5.
Also Included
- Welcome meeting
- Emergency support between 8 am and 8 pm
- Access to mobile app for digital trip support including maps, points of interest, and route details
Not included
- Train ticket from Pocinho to Porto
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Porto
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers
- Guide
Optional Extras
- Guide
- Wine & specialties
- Picnic lunch
- Half Board upgrade
- Private transfers between Porto Airport and city center
- Half-day birdwatching in Miranda do Douro
- Full-day birdwatching and hike
- Shared departure and arrival transfers to and from Porto Airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Douro Natural Park Hiking Tour
VINITUR is a full-service tour operator providing fine customized programs about wine, food, and culture in Portugal and Spain. VINITUR has dedicated itself to special groups, corporate travellers, and gourmet and luxury-focused visitors for leisure travel since 1998. VINITUR’s innovative approach and unique services include wine, food, and culinary itineraries, gourmet experiences, meetings, and conferences. The company has provided self-guided bike tours since 2014 alongside other self-guided tours by car since 2005. VINITUR is the Portuguese travelling agency endorsed by the world-famous Great Wine Capitals network.
In 2014, Vinitur launched the Portugal Biking Experiences, a new offering linked to active tourism and nature. This new service was the result of an intense year of exploration of new concepts, selection of the best bicycle routes, new partnerships, and the creation of innovative cycling products. Relying on their many years of experience, Portugal Biking Experiences combines the best that nature has to offer in a beautiful, authentic experience.
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