Douro valley by train

Take a train in Porto city to the very heart of the Douro Valley before exploring picturesque slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot. You will make daily hikes to different vineyards and taste some of the best wines of the Golden Valley!

Duration: 
5 days / 4 nights
Country: 
Activity: 
Type: 

Highlights

  • Porto City Tour with our local representative upon arrival
  • Train ride from Porto City to the heart of the Douro Valley
  • Lovely station of Pinhão with painted tile panels
  • Local wineries
  • Boat trip on the Douro River
  • Hike along hillside villages and terraces
  • Walk through vineyards and visit an olive oil lagar and a small family Quinta
  • Douro wine estates
  • Magnificent views

 

Itinerary

Make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro Valley by train before exploring the picturesque slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot.

Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you walk from vineyard to vineyard, watching some of the year-round activity involved in tending the vines and terraces. 

Relax after each day's walk while tasting some of the best wines of the Golden Valley. 

DAY 1 Arrival in Porto City

Welcome to Portugal!

Our local representative will meet you at your hotel for a briefing and take you for a city tour.

You will spent the first night in vibrant Porto City.

DAY 2 From Porto to the heart of the Douro Valley

This morning you will take the train from Porto to the small riverside village of Pinhão (about 3 hours), at the heart of the Douro Valley. Arrive at the lovely train station, decorated with painted tile panels, portraying Douro wine production. After check-in take a walk along the Douro River to contemplate its calm waters and to reach one of the local wineries for a first Port wine tasting. After the tasting, you can take a boat trip along the river.

Overnight in Pinhão, breakfast included

DAY 3 The Golden Valley

The first walk will take you to the hillside villages of São Cristovão do Douro and Provosende, while walking through the incredible terraces. Hiking down to Pinhão, the views of the surrounding vineyards and of the Douro River more than compensate your efforts.

Walk approx. 16 km I  Overnight in Pinhão

DAY 4 The Douro slopes

Spend the day walking through vineyards, stopping for a visit to an olive oil lagar and a small family Quinta (wine estate) on the eastern slopes of the Pinhão Valley. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Douro River and end the day at one of the Douro wine estates.

Walk approx. 9 km I Overnight in Pinhão

DAY 5 Return to Porto by train

After a short getaway at the Douro Valley, a visit to the Port wine cellars in Porto city make the perfect ending to a fantastic trip.

Pricing and options

This price is always subject to availability. It can also vary according to personal wishes, extra services, changes in the itinerary, amount of participants, type of accommodation and so on. Only the confirmed price on your definite order form is valid. Please contact YŪGEN tours to request a personalized itinerary and quote according to your personal wishes. 

You can always contact us by email at hello@yugentours.com. However, it is recommended to fill out the YŪGEN compass in case you like a personal travel plan. The compass helps you to show us what your holiday should be like and at the same time provides you several images, inspiration and possibilities. There is also space to write down any question you may have or additional information you would like to give us. 

The YŪGEN compass

Use our compass to let us know what kind of holiday you would like and let us guide you in the right direction. Together we will create your custom-made itinerary which fits your style and wishes.

 

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Rental car

You are free to book with any supplier of your choice. Several companies are present at both Porto and Lisbon airports. Or you can book directly with our preferred supplier through the link below. Please contact us first to check availability for your travel itinerary with the desired accommodations and other service providers before booking a car.

Important information

Best time to travel

This tour is available from March to October. Best time to travel is spring and September as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get hot and crowdy, especially in August.

Travel insurance

  • It is aways recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
  • YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.

Medical Precautions

  • Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
  • Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Travel documentation

  • If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
  • A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport. 
  • A visa is not required.
  • Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
  • Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal

Flights

  • Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
  • If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
  • Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
  • The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

Drive and self-drive tours

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.
  • More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal
  • Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult https://www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.
  • Several car rental companies are present at Porto Airport. Cars can also be rented in Viana do Castelo, according to availability.

Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.