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A perfect introduction to Porto and the UNESCO Douro wine region
Our group flight usually arrives in Porto in the early afternoon. A single group transfer from Porto city centre (Hotel Cristal) to the start hotel will be provided for flight inclusive and land only clients. Full joining instructions will be provided prior to departure, but the transfer usually leaves Porto city centre between 4pm and 5pm and will reach the start hotel before dinner. If you are planning to join this transfer, please contact us prior to departure to request it.
This morning we transfer (approx. 40 mins) from the hotel to the start of today's walk in Povoação, driving through the beautiful roads along the north slope of the Douro Valley and its side tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is located on the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will be walking most of the time along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo river. In the afternoon we transfer to Vila Real (20 mins) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit we transfer back to the hotel (approx. 50 mins).
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 60
We start the day with a short transfer (30 mins) to Quinta de Tedo, a winery from the 18th century in the heart of the Douro region. We will have a guided tour of the grounds, following a walking trail that offers beautiful views of the Douro and Tedo Rivers, vineyards and olive groves and plenty of opportunities for bird watching. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery we transfer to the town of Regua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro wine region. In the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel.
Distance in Km: 4
Distance in Miles: 2
Altitude Gain: 90
After breakfast, we transfer to Ovadas (approx. 1 hour) for our walk in the Cabrum Valley. This region, set on the mountain of Montemuro, marks the transition from the coastal temperate and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Tras-os-Montes. We discover the landscape of terraces, stone-built walls and villages that have retained the beauty of their rural location. In the afternoon we transfer to Mondim de Basto (approx. 1h50), on our way we cross the Alvao Natural Park, a protected area that offers a haven to endangered bird species. We’ll stop to visit one of the villages within the park's boundaries, an opportunity to see a truly traditional way of life. We stay overnight at a 4-star hotel offering an infinity pool and wonderful views.
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 5
Altitude Gain: 360
Our walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine region, along the banks of Cabril river. Here we are welcomed with uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the lands worked for the daily food and the vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk in the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by the pilgrims walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeira where we will do the wine tasting, to appreciate the organic 'Vinho Verde' or green wine. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel we visit one of the main shrines to the Virgin Mary found in northern Portugal: the Senhora da Graca, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of granite mountain range at almost 1000m high.
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 4
Altitude Gain: 280
This morning transfer by minivan (10mins) to Levada do Piscaredo, a waterway dating back to the 13th Century where we will start our walk. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region, due to water scarcity in the past. We follow the waterway to the center of Mondim de Basto village. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities or the hotel surroundings.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 4
Altitude Gain: 220
In the morning we travel back to the vibrant of Porto. After a guided visit of the historic centre and Port wine cellars (wine tasting included), the rest of the day is free for further individual sightseeing or optional activities, such as a boat ride along the Douro river; overnight at a Hotel in Porto.
* 7 nights 4 and 5-star hotels, all rooms en suite
* 5 days short gentle walks and 1 free day
* Group normally 6-16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Well marked trails and paths
* Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
All breakfasts, 3 wine tastings and 2 dinners are included.
Porto and the Douro valley are known for their excellent wines and the
delicious regional cuisine which makes use of the natural resources found
here. All meals have strong links with the land and sea, often prepared
following old traditional recepies. Local specialities include the caldo
verde, a cabbage soup that originated here thanks to the fertile green fields
of the region. Portugal also prides itself in having some of the best fish in
the world, and in this region a lot of the fish comes from the Douro river.
The Douro region is also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes,
which include the famous roasted goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew,
posta mirandes (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages
and cabbages). There is another dish too, made on the basis of a sandwich,
that is a true institution: the francesinha. Please note that vegetarians
meals are available on request although options may be limited. The Douro
Valley, birthplace of Port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic
world wine regions. Wine has been made here for 2000 years. Considering the
importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, in 2001 UNESCO recognized this site
as World Heritage. Port wine is a fortified wine produced under peculiar and
unique conditions. It is still produced in an old fashioned way, in which the
fermentation process is stopped by adding spirits distilled from wine, and
the blending of wines and aging still play a vital role. Port wines can be
red, white and rosé and during the trip there will be plenty of
opportunities to try the different varieties. The Vinho Verde is also an
excellent wine produced in this area. Naturally light and fresh, it is
fruity, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or served with light meals.
* 7 nights 4 and 5-star hotels, all rooms en suite
* 5 days short gentle walks and 1 free day
* Group normally 6-16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Well marked trails and paths
* Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
Grade: 1 (Leisurely) Each day, we walk for 2 to 5 hours (excluding the
sightseeing day). The terrain and type of path will vary from manmade paved
tracks and tarmac to dirt roads. The walks are easy and taken at a leisurely
pace, although some short ascents and descents should be expected. Please be
aware that the Douro region can also be very warm, often reaching 30 degrees
in the summer months between June and September. Walking hours stated in the
itinerary are given as approximations only. Timings stated include lunch and
photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of the group. Some of the
drives, although short, follow winding mountain roads.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
"http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Premium Hotels
We spend the first three nights at 5-star luxury *Douro Scala Hotel,*
offering stunning views of the world-famous Douro valley and vineyards. It
has a spa with a heated indoor pool, private treatment rooms, and a hot tub.
In Mondim we stay three nights the 4-star *Mondim Agua Hotel*, a
contemporary hotel with an infinity pool and stunning views.
Our final night is spent in Porto at the 4-star* Vila Gale or Hotel
Cristal*, depending on your departure date. Hotel Vila Gale offers a health
club with an indoor swimming pool and the spacious rooms are air-conditioned
and feature a bright décor. Hotel Cristal Porto is a new 4-star hotel in a
central location in Porto. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning,
mini-bar, a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. A garden gives guests
the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All breakfasts, 3 wine tastings and 2 dinners are included.
Porto and the Douro valley are known for their excellent wines and the
delicious regional cuisine which makes use of the natural resources found
here. All meals have strong links with the land and sea, often prepared
following old traditional recepies. Local specialities include the caldo
verde, a cabbage soup that originated here thanks to the fertile green fields
of the region. Portugal also prides itself in having some of the best fish in
the world, and in this region a lot of the fish comes from the Douro river.
The Douro region is also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes,
which include the famous roasted goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew,
posta mirandes (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages
and cabbages). There is another dish too, made on the basis of a sandwich,
that is a true institution: the francesinha. Please note that vegetarians
meals are available on request although options may be limited. The Douro
Valley, birthplace of Port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic
world wine regions. Wine has been made here for 2000 years. Considering the
importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, in 2001 UNESCO recognized this site
as World Heritage. Port wine is a fortified wine produced under peculiar and
unique conditions. It is still produced in an old fashioned way, in which the
fermentation process is stopped by adding spirits distilled from wine, and
the blending of wines and aging still play a vital role. Port wines can be
red, white and rosé and during the trip there will be plenty of
opportunities to try the different varieties. The Vinho Verde is also an
excellent wine produced in this area. Naturally light and fresh, it is
fruity, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or served with light meals.
Transport from and to the airport is by minibus. Other transport mentioned in
the itinerary as an integral part of the guided walks is also included and it
is by private vehicle.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or TAP (depending
on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we
recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Porto and ending in Porto*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Porto in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The start hotel Vila Gale is located approximately 15km from Porto airport.
If you are planning to make your own way by public transport, take the metro
(line E) and stop at the station Campo 24 Agosto, which is only 200m from the
hotel. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and the cost of a single
ticket is €2,40. Alternatively a journey by public taxi into the city
centre costs approx. €25.
The Douro enjoys its own micro-climate, which is an important reason for the
quality and style of its wines. The most important geological features
responsible for this are several mountain ranges sheltering the region from
the Atlantic Ocean influence, giving it a continental climate, with hot and
dry summers and cooler and wetter winters. As one leaves Porto behind and
travels upriver in the region the rainfall decreases and the temperatures
increase. In May spring reaches its climax, with flowers and greenery
abounding. June still enjoys this flush without having the hotter weather of
July and August. September is one of the most favoured climatic months, being
mostly dry and warm without being hot. October is still warm and from the
second half the beautiful red, orange and yellow hues of the leaves herald
autumn.
Walking shoes
warm jacket or sweater in May and October
sunhat, suncream
daypack to carry your belongings on walks
Waterproof jacket
Waterbottle: while mineral water is available at the hotel and shops, it’s
safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water
bottles and keep hydrated during the day.
Umbrella and swimwear for pools
Allow €15-20 for lunch or dinner (taken in a standard restaurant),
excluding alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks
or ice creams in cafés or bars during the day walks or in the hotel bar in
the evening. Typically a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a
reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €8-15.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of
our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help
and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the
service received. For this trip we recommend between €15 and €20 per
person for the leader.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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