Hike through the vineyards and villages of the famous Douro wine region in Portugal
Who said a thrilling hiking tour and a decadent wine tour couldn’t be wrapped up in one? Indulge your love of the outdoors and your love of wine at the same time on the Douro Wine Region Hiking Tour! This self-guided tour takes you through the ancient Douro winemaking region, one of the top in the world!
You’ll be wandering through incredible vine-covered hills and valleys and staying in cozy authentic guesthouses each evening. Tailor the difficulty of your hike as you please, lingering where the scenery beckons. On your route, you’ll discover small family-run wineries, high-end famous regional wineries, and even vineyards planted by monks in the 12th century. One of your paths will be walking a part of the famous Camino de Santiago, the pilgrim’s way to Santiago de Compostela. Exploring Northern Portugal’s Douro region on foot is a beautiful way to take in the beauty of this renowned landscape and enjoy the fruits of these ancient vineyards. Lace up and sip away!
Highlights of the Douro Wine Region Hiking Tour
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Douro Wine Region Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Sabrosa
Arrive at Sabrosa. This town is one of the gates of the Douro wine region and is also the birthplace of the famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
Spend the evening settling in as you please.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sabrosa
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the Stunning Sabrosa Vineyards
Begin your hiking holiday from your hotel’s front door. The town will quickly disappear as your path follows rural roads through the magnificent vineyards.
Soon you’ll pass your first “quinta”, which is the name for the wine estates that grow their own grapes and the farmhouses that produce the wine. You can add a package that includes a visit and tasting with a local olive oil producer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sabrosa
Distance: Short option: 3 hours, 11.3 km, 200m of ascent and 207m of descent
Long option: 4 hours, 16.2 km, 361m of ascent and 384m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike the Countryside to Provesende
This morning you’ll hike the stone roads that leave Sabrosa. You’ll notice the vines growing on terraces- these are constructed of stone retaining walls that have all been man-made.
As you pass through the village of Celeirós, the hills will roll out before you in endless waves of vines. Take in the awe-inspiring landscape from the Monte São Domingos viewpoint and then continue your journey to Provesende.
Spend your afternoon exploring this historic winemaking village. You may want to take in the architecture or stop in at a local bakery for some treats. You also have the option to visit a port and winemaking estate for a special tasting.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Provesende
Distance: Short option: 3 hours, 9.4 km, 280m of ascent and 247m of descent
Long option: 4 hours, 14.4 km, 499m of ascent and 538m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Hike to Pinhão and Epicenter of the Douro Winemaking Region
Today you will follow the medieval road to the riverside and onto the Pinhão. You’ll be able to continue to marvel at the stone terraces along your route.
You’ll have time to explore Pinhão, which is known as one of the loveliest villages in Portugal. Visit the stunning train station, or add on optional wine tasting to experience the best the region has to offer. Here you’ll board a rabelo, which is a traditional boat that has been used to transport wine for centuries. Enjoy the cruise!
Afterwards, you’ll be transported to Lalim for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lalim
Distance: Short option: 2 hours, 5.9 km, 109m of ascent and 580m of descent
Long option: 3hours, 10.1 km, 938m of ascent and 471m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Mountain villages and Medieval heritage
You’ll be hiking a circuit through the hills and valleys today. Walk along the river and take some time to enjoy the sound of the small waterfalls. Feel the serenity of the quiet farms and tree groves as you wander from village to village.
Arriving in the village of Ucanha, you can go for a swim off its wonderful river beach. Before ending your day, you can opt for the optional visit and wine tasting at the beautiful Murganheira Wine Estate.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lalim
Distance: 3 hours, 10.2 km, 447m of ascent and 448m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Hike Historical Vineyards to Lamego
Amble along small roads and paths which compose on of ways of St. James, amongst waterfalls, villages, and vineyards. Your final destination, the historic city of Lamego, boasts the richest architectural heritage in the Douro Region.
Dating to the Middle Ages are a castle and a beautiful cathedral with a sumptuous monumental baroque staircase. Climb up the 686 steps surrounded by lush gardens and richly decorated with works of art.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lamego
Distance: 3-4 hours, 13.4 km, 388m of ascent and 450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Journey along the Camino de Santiago to Cambres
Today a part of your path will be along the renowned Camino de Santiago. People travel from around the world to walk this path as part of a spiritual pilgrimage, believing their sins will be forgiven once they complete the trek in Santiago de Compostela. You’ll also be hiking through some of the very first vineyards planted in the region, which date back to the 12th century. Since today is your last day walking the stone-paved roads of Douro, be sure to stop at the historic wineries you pass on your way to Cambres.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cambres
Distance: 4 hours, 14.7 km, 205m of ascent and 595m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure day
Your adventure will conclude after the breakfast.
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 $1,650 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,150 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 Wine Region Hiking Tour
The accommodation on this tour is based in rural guesthouses. These boutique mansions and manor houses provide private accommodations in unique and historic buildings. Rooms are double occupancy and single 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 at the accommodations on this tour.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Casa dos Barros in Sabrosa
Enjoy a comfortable night at this stately 18th-century manor house. Take in the spectacular vineyard views from the poolside.
Morgadio da Calçada Rural Hotel in Provesende
Soak up the ancient traditions of Provesende in this 17th-century mansion. Many areas of this mansion still reflect its historical origins.
Quinta do Terreiro Rural Hotel in Lalim
This 18th-century manor house has preserved its historical character. The guest rooms have modern comforts and gorgeous exposed stone walls.
Muralha Charm House in Lamego
Enjoy the views of Lamego from the rooftop patio. This guesthouse is cozy, comfortable, and perfectly situated to explore the city.
Quinta de Tourais in Cambres
Quinta de Tourais is the perfect place to soak in the gorgeous Douro landscape. Enjoy traditional hospitality and a view that takes your breath away.
What’s Included in Douro Wine Region Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Your luggage transfer from one hotel to the next is also included. Shared transfer on day 4 between Pinhão and Ucanha is also included.
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
- River cruise on a rabelo boat on Day 4
Not included
- 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
Optional Extras
- Guide
- Wine & specialties experiences daily (please inquire for more information)
- Picnic lunches
- Half Board upgrade
- Shared departure and arrival transfers to and from Porto Airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Douro Wine Region 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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