9-Day / 8-Night Gentle

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to vibrant Porto, famed for its rich history, striking architecture, and world-renowned Port wine. Nestled along the Douro River, its colourful old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with charm and character.

This morning you have the freedom to explore more of Porto at your own pace. Wander the cobbled streets of the Ribeira waterfront, admire the iconic azulejo-tiled facades, visit some of the city’s many cultural attractions or relax with a coffee by the river. When you’re ready, make your way to São Bento Railway Station to board your train to the Douro Valley (duration: 2h30, payable locally). Be sure to check the timetable in advance as tickets can be purchased at the station or online.

Your train journey is widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe, passing through 26 tunnels and crossing 30 bridges, with stunning views of vineyard-covered hillsides sweeping down to the banks of the Douro River through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley.

Leaving the charming waterfront town of Pinhão, the route passes the famous Quinta de Bomfim before winding upward through terraced vineyards on quiet rural paths. The climb rewards with ever-improving views over the Douro Valley as you make your way to the welcoming Quinta do Jalloto winery and shop, a perfect place to stop. The trail continues uphill to the hilltop village of Casal de Loivos, the highest point of the day and a superb viewpoint over the river and surrounding quintas. From here, a satisfying descent back through the vineyards and narrow paths returns you to Pinhão.

Beginning at the spectacular Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world, the route first passes the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Fonte Santa before climbing the ridge of Portela da Serra through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Vinhateiro. The trail then descends on ancient paths through traditional terraced vineyards toward the quiet village of Vilarinho de Cotas, where a short detour leads to the ruins of its historic castle. The return leg winds back through the vineyards with spectacular views throughout, bringing you full circle to the miradouro.

Leaving the charming village of Favaios, home to the famous Bread and Wine Museum, the route winds through terraced vineyards and woodland on quiet rural paths. The trail passes through the historic village of Sanfins do Douro before a steady climb to the hilltop Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the highest point of the day and a superb viewpoint over the Douro Valley. From here, the route continues through woodland and along a scenic cyclepath before a satisfying descent into the historic wine town of Alijó.

This is one of the most beautiful and memorable walks in the entire Douro Valley region and one not to be missed. From the Laranjeiras garden, the route climbs steadily through vineyards and olive groves, following preserved stretches of the Calçada Romana towards Safres, an ancient hillside village with spectacular views over the Tua River and the surrounding microreserve. From there, the trail enters a wilder landscape as it approaches the dramatic Fragas Más, where granite cliffs, boulders, and patches of woodland create the most rugged and atmospheric section of the loop. The route the drops towards the Tua River, passing groves of the region’s well known orange trees mixed with cork oaks and olive trees. The final section climbs from the valley floor via a wooden staircase to reach the Ponte Romana, before following the Ribeira de São Mamede back into the village.

Beginning at the spectacular Miradouro de Santa Marinha, with its sweeping views over the Douro and the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Vinhateiro, the route descends to the Capela de Santa Marinha before winding through the streets of Castedo. Passing the Douro Olive Oil Interpretive Centre on the way out of the village, the trail follows a mix of cobblestone lanes and dirt tracks through the vineyards and olive groves, passing a quiet lake before arriving at the charming village of Granja. Here, the route makes its way into the market town of Alijó, finishing beside the bust of José Rufino.

Opened in 2026, the Passadiços da Ribeira de São Mamede is already one of the most exciting new walking attractions in northern Portugal and a genuine highlight of the entire region. Beginning at the historic village of São Mamede de Ribatua, the route crosses an ancient Roman bridge before joining the spectacular Passadiços da Ribeira de São Mamede. The wooden boardwalks and riverside paths wind through a dramatic valley landscape of waterfalls, vineyards, olive groves and orange trees alongside the Ribeira de São Mamede. After rejoining the riverbank trail, the route climbs steadily back through the terraced hillsides, with an optional stop at Quinta Vila Rachel winery, before returning to the village. Transfer back to Pinhão.

Take a train from Pinhão which will bring you to Porto. There are regular flights from Porto Airport as well as bus and train services from Porto to other cities and airports. Your hosts can usually provide the most accurate local details, but if you need additional guidance, our team is happy to help.