Compare Douro Wine - More Challenging Route - Self Guided by Fold N’ Visit vs Highlights of Portugal by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 885 | $ 2,545 |
| Price Per Day | $ 126 | $ 318 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | All breakfasts, one lunch and one wine tasting included. Portugal is known for excellent wines and delicious regional cuisine that uses a lot of natural resources and produce. All meals have strong links to the land and sea, often prepared following old recipes. We can try a variety of traditional specialities during the trip and the local leader can always recommend good restaurants. Portugal has some of the best fish in the world. Salt cod is a staple here, eaten all kinds of ways, from baked with cream and potatoes to grilled with salad. The Douro and Alentejo regions are also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, which include roasted goat with rice and potatoes, porco preto (black pork cooked confit-style), posta mirandesa (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). Finally, we can’t leave Portugal without trying pastel de nata, the quintessential Portuguese custard tart originating in Lisbon. Please note, vegetarian meals are available on request although options may be limited. |
| Description |
The Douro Valley is one of the ultimate wonders of nature, but it also the takes the efforts and energy of the man to provide this astonishing nature and environmental transformation. Browsing the Douro means enjoying its convents and churches, meeting its rustic crafts, tasting the genuine cuisine, and witnessing folklore Portuguese traditions. The Port Wine is undoubtedly the most remarkable concept, along with the several holidays and wine celebrations, such as the harvest in September, the most important and lively event. |
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the most welcoming and peaceful countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from colourful Porto, the second city and a Unesco site, our journey follows the verdant valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the lesser-known interior, where we visit Coimbra, the Unesco Batalha monastery, medieval Óbidos before reaching Lisbon, one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.Journey from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and cultural highlights of Portugal |
Day 1: Porto – Pinhão (110 km, train transfer)
Reception at the airport (Airport Francisco de Sá Carneiro). Train transfer from Porto to Pinhão (110 km). Following the railway track to the Douro, our expectation will increase as we reach near Pinhão. Meanwhile, we tend to observe the landscape that we encounter. The luggage and bicycles go inside the van to get to the same destination. A visit and dinner will be expecting us at Pinhão.
Day 2: Pinhão – Vila Nova de Foz Côa (74 km)
Land where the cave paintings are classified as World Heritage, which also produces the famous Douro wine.
Cycling until Vila Nova de Foz Coa. We will begin the course heading towards Ervedosa do Douro and continue to São João da Pesqueira, enjoying the Douro River.
Day 3: Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (42 km)
Pedaling towards Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, we will visit the Northern plateau of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a preserved village with its medieval castle which overlooks the highest point of Portugal. We also will pass through Castelo Melhor, Algodres and Vilar de Amargo. Between February and March, in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, this natural landscape provides a beautiful scenery of almond blossoms.
Day 4: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo – Marialva (60 km)
We continue our cycling journey to. Our day will start following the river course of the Côa River, which will go up to Pinhel. Marialva is connected to a nobility title of Marquis, created after the Portuguese Restoration, in 1640, as well as connected to the equestrian art of the 18th Century.
Day 5: Marialva – Tabuaço (65 km)
Mêda and Ranhados, highest points of this route. From this stage we will enjoy the unique landscapes of the vineyards, that portrait the inhabitants of Douro and the vine carving in the mountains.
Day 6: Tabuaço – Régua (29 km)
From here, we will ride along the Douro River. Régua is the last frontier of the Douro wine on the way to Porto.
Day 7: Transfer by train to Porto
Train transfer from Régua do Porto.
Estimated length of trip: 270 km and 4435 m (1.89%) of cumulative ascents
Day 1 Start Porto
This trip starts in Porto at our hotel in the Ribeirinha district, close to the historic centre and on the banks of the scenic Douro River. Time permitting, we will familiarise ourselves with the hotel, and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening.
Day 2 Morning guided sightseeing in the Unesco-listed historic centre; port tasting; free time for optional activities and transfer to Douro Valley
Today starts with a guided tour through the historic centre of Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site. As we amble along the ancient streets and medieval lanes, we visit important monuments, including São Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel. In the buzzing, colourful squares and traditional, unique cafes, we discover the authentic heart of the city. We conclude our guided visit in Ribeirinha, the picturesque riverside area, where we enjoy a tour of the historic port wine cellars, ending with a short wine tasting. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower. Later, we transfer by private bus to the Douro Valley (approximately 90 minutes).
Day 3 Optional Douro River cruise; enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a winery with river and vineyard views; transfer to Coimbra
Today we explore the heart of the Douro Valley, the first officially designated wine region in the world, renowned for excellent port wine and pretty landscapes of steeply terraced riverside vineyards. In the morning, you have the option to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Douro River. Later, we enjoy a delicious lunch with an included wine tasting in an 18th-century estate surrounded by terraced vineyards that climb high above the dramatic confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. In the afternoon, we transfer by private bus to Coimbra (approximately two hours) in the central region of Portugal.
Day 4 Visit Coimbra and its university; then to Batalha and its Unesco monastery.
Known as the City of Students, Coimbra has a history closely linked to the Unesco-listed University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the second oldest in Europe. The city is divided into two distinct areas, the baixa (downtown) by the river, where most of the commercial activity is concentrated, and the alta (upper town), home to the oldest and most important buildings, including Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the university. We visit the most important areas and sites this morning during a guided tour. There will be free time in the afternoon for independent sightseeing before we transfer (approximately one hour) to the peaceful little town of Batalha, the setting of the most important battle in Portugal, the Batalha de Aljubarrota (1385). This battle secured Portuguese independence from Castile, and to honour it, King João I constructed the Mosteiro da Batalha, the finest monastery in Portugal. We visit this Portuguese gothic masterpiece that combines various influences from its lengthy construction, which lasted several reigns. We will have the opportunity to visit the outstanding interior, including the Founders’ Chapel with its fine stained-glass windows, cloisters, the Unfinished Chapels with their Manueline and Flemish gothic features and the Chapter House.
Day 5 Head to Nazaré beach; transfer to Óbidos
Our first stop today is the seaside town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest surfing waves in the world. There will be time for a stroll, lunch and free time to soak up the lovely atmosphere of this coastal village. Then we move to Óbidos, our base for the night. This small, fortified village resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by the inhabitants, who take pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village, characterised by narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and impressive fort walls, perfect to enjoy after day-trippers have left. We stay overnight in Óbidos.
Day 6 Transfer to Lisbon; guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood
Today we head to Lisbon, one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world (transfer 1 hour). This morning we take a guided tour of the Belém neighbourhood, home to the Unesco-listed Monastery of Jeronimos and the bakery serving the original pasteis de Belém (custard tarts). Historically, Belém was the location of Lisbon's shipyards and docks which helped to bring incredible wealth to the country through the trading routes established from the 16th century. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or further independent sightseeing.
Day 7 Guided sightseeing in Lisbon
Today we continue to explore the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens) on a guided tour. Lisbon was once home to the explorers Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Today, it is one of the most sought-after destinations, offering delicious food, ancient monuments, quirky cafes, charming neighbourhoods, and views over the Tejo river. Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few steep climbs and steps during today’s walking tour. We start with an optional ride on the famous Lisbon tram, which takes us to the elegant area of Graça. We then descend on foot through Alfama, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, with its maze of colourful alleyways, old buildings and breath-taking viewpoints. We conclude our busy guided tour in Rossio, the heart of the city. The rest of the day is free for further independent sightseeing.
Day 8 The trip ends in the morning
Our Highlights of Portugal trip ends after breakfast. However, with so much to see and do in Lisbon, we recommend adding some extra days after the tour to truly appreciate the many attractions this city offers. Speak to your sales representative to book.
