Welcome to Portugal! After arriving and checking in, meet the group in the lobby of our trip hotel at 5 PM. After a brief introduction and welcome meeting, we'll set out for dinner in Porto, our first of many delicious meals together.


Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel NH Porto Jardim, Porto

Our first full day in Portugal begins at the São Bento train station, one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Located in the historic center of Porto, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the train station's main hall is adorned with more than 20,000 azulejos (painted ceramic tiles) depicting Portugal's history. Our scenic train ride takes us to the start of a loop hike through terraced gardens and picturesque orchards. Hamlets of old stone buildings, mixed forests and countryside quintas—rural country houses and villas, or wine-producing estates—punctuate this walk to the banks of the Douro, where wine has been produced for over 2,000 years. We'll enjoy a delightful picnic along the way, and after finishing this pleasant loop, we'll hop back on the train and finish the journey to Peso da Régua. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner together and settle into our comfortable accommodations for the next several nights.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Original Douro Hotel or similar, Peso da Régua
Travel Time: Train (1 hour)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3.5-4.5 hours, 5 miles, 1,200 feet of elevation gain/loss)

This morning, after a satisfying breakfast, we'll take a short train ride to Ferrão, a small town nestled on the banks of the Douro River, for another picturesque hike through the countryside dotted with quintas and vineyards. Today, however, we'll have the chance to visit the remarkable Quinta Nova, Quinta do Infantado and Rosa estates, and indulge in a port wine tasting. The Douro Valley is considered the oldest demarcated wine region in the world—established in 1756 for Port wine—and as we get to know its unique landscape, it comes as no surprise that this stunning valley (the Alto Douro Wine Region) is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll continue on to the village of Pinhão, whose train station is famous for its azulejos that tell the story of life on the vineyard. After our train ride back to Peso da Régua, we'll reflect on another wonderful day in the Douro Valley as we savor a delightful dinner.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Original Douro Hotel or similar, Peso da Régua
Travel Time: Train (1 hour)
Daily Activities: Hiking (5-6 hours, 7.8 miles, 1,800 feet of elevation gain/loss)

A short drive will bring us to the small and remote hilltop village of Provesende this morning, whose narrow cobblestone streets, traditional granite houses, and historical charm are the perfect backdrop for the start of our adventure. We'll descend through the centuries-old schist terraces, vineyards, and olive groves that encapsulate the essence of the Pinhão Valley. Along the way, we'll be treated to breathtaking views overlooking the Douro River. This afternoon, we'll have the opportunity to explore the river by kayak, giving us a new perspective of the hillsides we've been traversing on foot. The waters of the Douro are calm and tranquil, so we'll be able to enjoy the view as we paddle upstream to the Tua tributary. After a delightful couple of hours on the river, we'll return to Peso da Régua by train, where we're free to enjoy dinner on our own this evening.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Original Douro Hotel or similar, Peso da Régua
Travel Time: Driving (30 minutes), Train (30 minutes)
Daily Activities: Kayaking (3-4 hours), Hiking (2.5-3.5 hours, 3.5 miles, 1,800 feet of elevation loss)

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we'll jump back on the train this morning and travel up the river to Pocinho, a steeper and more rugged stretch of the Douro River. Today's walk brings us to Foz Cõa Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its prehistoric rock art. Its pictographs and petroglyphs are believed to have been created about 25,000 to 10,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period, and the sheer number of sites scattered throughout the mark places Foz Cõa among the most important and extensive archaeological sites in Europe. We'll pay a visit to the museum here before embarking on a tour of the small town of Foz Cõa, which is famous for its olives and almonds. After stepping back in time on today's adventure, we'll enjoy a scenic train ride back to Peso da Régua and enjoy one last dinner together in this charming riverside town.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Original Douro Hotel or similar, Peso da Régua
Travel Time: Train (2 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (approximately 1 hour in the park, 330 feet of elevation gain/loss; route may vary)

This morning, we'll say goodbye to Peso da Régua and make our way to the Vila Real mountains, where we'll start the day with a visit of Casa de Mateus and its stunning gardens. Designed by the architect Nicolau Nasoni, Casa de Mateus is a masterpiece of 18th-century Portuguese baroque grandeur, and a marvel to behold. Our path will then continue towards town, crossing from one bank of the Corgo River to the other via footbridge and getting glimpses of the gorges of the Corgo Valley. We'll witness such diverse terrain today, with striking contrast between the wild nature of the gorge and its forests, cliffs and waterfalls, and the town of Vila Real, which dominates from the top of its rocky outcrop—not to mention the dramatic splendor of Casa de Mateus. Upon arrival in Vila Real, we'll have time to explore this historic city before settling in at our hotel and savoring a delightful dinner as a group. The hotel's views overlooking the gorges are the cherry on top after such a marvelous day.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Miracorgo or similar, Vila Real
Travel Time: Driving (40 minutes)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-5 hours, 2.8 miles, 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss)

After a satisfying breakfast enjoyed with stunning views of the gorge, today's adventure through Alvão Natural Park is an absolute treat. We'll start out at a small, picturesque lake and hike amongst the rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, tranquil rivers, and lush forests that make this park one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Portugal. Looking out from various viewpoints, we might catch a glimpse of the wildlife that call the park home—from deer and foxes to golden eagles and griffon vultures. Our path will continue on to the well-preserved, traditional village of Lamas de Olo, following ancient stone walls as we walk. Tonight, back in Vila Real, we are free to enjoy dinner at a restaurant of our choosing.


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Miracorgo or similar, Vila Real
Travel Time: Driving (1 hour)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-5 hours, 8.5 miles, 1,200 feet of elevation gain/loss)

We'll head back to Porto this morning to make the most of our last full day in Portugal. On a guided walking tour of this colorful city, we'll experience a little bit of everything. We'll visit the Bolhão Market, Porto's iconic and historic 19th-century covered food market, and enjoy a smorgasbord of traditional Portuguese products—spices, fruits, cheeses, wine… the perfect fuel for another day of exploration. Passing through vibrant districts and medieval streets, we'll see some of Porto's most well-known monuments, such as the Cathedral, the Clérigos Tower, and the Stock Exchange Palace, eventually arriving at the Douro River and the Maria Pia Bridge (built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel). On the left bank of the Douro, which offers an exceptional view of Porto, we will visit the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and taste Port wines that age alongside the river before being exported all over the world. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner tonight, reflecting on memories made together and a week well spent in Portugal!


Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel NH Porto Jardim, Porto
Travel Time: Driving (1.5 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2-3 hours, 4-6 miles, 650-1,300 feet of elevation gain/loss)

Sadly, we have to say goodbye today. You are free to leave anytime after breakfast. Safe travels!


Included Meals: Breakfast