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Douro valley self-drive

Follow unpaved roads and footpaths 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!

Duration: 
7 days/6 nights
Country: 

Portugal

Activity: 
Hiking

Highlights

  • Porto City tour with a local
  • Guided visit Mateus Palace and gardens
  • 5 wine estate visits and tastings
  • Olive oil lagar and small quinta
  • Favaios Bread & Wine Museum
  • Boat tour
  • Hike along villages, terraces and through vineyards
  • Amazing views 

 

Itinerary

Make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro Valley 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 from the Golden Valley.

DAY 1 Arrival in Porto City

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

Overnight in Porto.

DAY 2 Winelands

Today you drive from Porto to Vila Real, stopping on the way for a visit at Mateus Palace, a masterpiece of 18th century Portuguese Baroque. Visit the palace and its famous gardens.

As you approach the Douro Valley a series of pretty valleys appear. After check-in it is time for your first wine tasting. A short walk will lead you to one of the Douro wine estates. 

Walk approx. 4 km I Overnight in Sabrosa

DAY 3 Exploring the Moscatel

Today's walk focuses on the Moscatel wines. Museums such as the Bread and Wine Museum in Favaios will give you a greater idea of local traditions and wine production. Everywhere you are surrounded by an amazing landscape.

Walk approx. 12 km I Night at Sabrosa

DAY 4 The Golden Valley

Drive down to Pinhão, spend the day walking through vineyards, stopping for a visit at an olive oil lagar and a small family Quinta ( wine estate) on the Eastern slopes of the Pinhão valley. You will enjoy magnificent views of the Douro River. End the day at one of the Douro wine estates!

Walk approx. 8 km I Overnight in Pinhão

DAY 5 The Douro slopes

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

Walk approx. 16 km I Overnight in Pinhão

DAY 6 Driving along the Douro River

A morning boat tour will give you a different perspective over the impressive terraces. In the afternoon drive down to Régua along the N222 road, considered one of the most beautiful roads of the world.

End your day with a visit to a centenary estate located at the outskirts of the Douro region.

Overnight in Régua

DAY 7 Goodbye Douro Valley

Day 7 is deparure day. You can return to Porto airport or extend your holiday with a city trip, beach time of more hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park, or why not, hike all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. There are so many options. All depends on your personal interests.

Contact YŪGEN tours for a custom-made itinerary.

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.

Take the quiz!

 

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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.