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Colchester Travel » Tours - Escorted & Self Guided » Portugal
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Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley - Portugal

An ideal balance of city and countryside, walk through medieval towns and village hamlets as Portugal steals your heart on this 8-day active discovery. A feast for the senses, savour the regions' delicious food with fresh, local ingredients and hike along the vineyard and olive grove-laced landscapes of the Douro Valley, with pit stops to sample some of the delicious wines and delicacies of the region. Finish in Porto as a final course to cap off the perfect week. Rich in history and culture, experience Portugal as never before.

Day 1 Medelim: Portugal's Countryside
Speckled with charming and picturesque villages, Portugal will transport you into a fairytale from the coast to the mountains. Dream of village-to-village hikes and delicious food as you head off into the countryside towards the Spanish border. We welcome you to Portugal, and invite you to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of the adventure to come.

Day 2 Medelim: Historic Village Hikes
Travel back in time over 1000 years to an era of castles, legends and traditions. Deemed one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages, hiking to Idanha-a-Velha will connect you to the time of conquerors as you traverse the paths through historic stone walls and castles. Enjoy the tales of this region's fascinating history under fig and olive trees.

Day 3 Manteigas: Hike to a Castle in the Sky
The enchanting Sortelha Castle stands on a crag at an altitude of 760 meters. It looms over the most mysterious of all the historic villages, where you will soon lose yourself in a maze of alleys and lanes as you hike up to the lofty castle. It is a place where time seems to have stood still. The wind whistles round the corners and hardly anyone passes by. This sentiment lingers when you arrive to the town of Belmonte after your hike in Sortelha.

Day 4 Amarante: Explore Serra da Estrela National Park
In Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, rolling hills are interrupted by giant slabs of granite that protrude out of the ground. Pause to admire the beauty of this stark environment as you cross Corgo da Mós before the hike leads you to the beautiful Vale do Rossim Lagoon. In the afternoon, transfer north to Amarante.

Day 5 Amarante: Douro Valley Walk Along the Vineyards
A tapestry of vineyards unfolds as you traverse Douro wine country, Portugal's most esteemed wine region. With the perfect blend of nature and culture, crossing this picturesque countryside proves worthy of more than just wine tasting as you hike along a valley trail along the river. Soak in the incredible views as you sample some of the specialties of the land.

Day 6 Amarante: Hike to Casal de Loivos
Mesmerizing mazes of vineyards scale the sides of the Pinhão hills. You will weave through historic village streets, beautiful buildings and up through paths draped with green grape vines. This hike allows for an endless panoramic riverscape and gorgeous views of the Douro River.

Day 7 Porto: Your OMG Day
Porto is yours to discover today with a choice of two activities. Explore the best of Portugal's second largest city on an e-bike tour through picturesque neighborhoods, along the coast to where the river meets the sea. Or choose to climb aboard a river cruise followed by a port wine tasting in the historic Vila de Nova Gaia area of the city.

Day 8 Porto
Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.

  • Your Discover Moment: Monsanto Visit with Local Guide, Monsanto Your Foodie Moment: Lunch With a View and Wine Pairings, Peso da Régua Your OMG Day: E-bike Tour of Porto or a River Cruise with Port Wine Tasting, Porto
  • Welcome dinner
  • Village-to-village hike from Idanha-a-Velha to Monsanto with a local guide
  • Visit the natural pools of Penha Garcia
  • Hike from Casteleiros to Sortelha and visit the castle
  • Hike in Serra da Estrela National Park to the Vale do Rossim Lagoon
  • Hike past vineyards in the Douro Valley along the Corgo River
  • Hike to the Casal de Loivos from Pinhão
  • Farewell Dinner
  • All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 4 dinners
Prices based on accommodation only basis,
Packages with flights, car hire or transfers are available. All prices and details are subject to change and availability.  Terms and conditions apply.
Prices start from £2,639

Or call us for further information
01206 508888
Holiday Name : Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley 
Reference : GAH

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