Discover Portugal’s beautiful Douro and Côa Valleys on a holiday blending cultural experiences and local cuisine with picturesque trails, vineyards and historic villages.
- Scenic train along the Douro River
- Explore Côa Valley rock engravings
- Visit charming historic villages
- Hikes through the picturesque Douro International Park
- Taste local wines & cheeses
Starting in Porto, travel by train along the Douro River before exploring the remote north-east on foot. Walk through vineyards, olive groves and dramatic gorges, visiting villages such as Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Vilar de Amargo. Along the way, discover prehistoric engravings, sample regional produce and enjoy stays in charming rural Portuguese accommodation.
This relaxed-paced itinerary combines easy to moderate daily walks with cultural discovery, offering a rich insight into one of Portugal’s most unspoilt regions. With luggage transfers and detailed route notes included, you're free to immerse yourself in the landscapes, wildlife and traditions of the Douro International Natural Park and Côa Valley.
If you'd like to extend this itinerary, please see our itinerary note below for trip ideas.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Upon arrival at Porto Airport, you're transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to explore Porto independently.
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Day 2: Train to Douro International Park
Travel by scenic train along the Douro River to Pocinho, then continue with a transfer to Freixo de Espada à Cinta.
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Day 3: Trek Along Roman Roads
A short drive takes you to the start of today's trek. The route begins in Ribeira do Mosteiro and leads you along ancient zig-zag Roman paths, until reaching Freixo da Espada à Cinta. The trail weaves through the countryside and the village of Poiares.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 610 m | Descent: 240 m
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Day 4: Douro River Trail to Vilar de Amargo
A transfer takes you to Barca D'Alva, and from here the walk leads you along the south of the Douro River. This trail was once used by local farmers and labourers to access fields.
The landscapes vary along the route from river views, to vineyards, and olive groves. The end of the hike is in Vilar de Amargo, where you stay for the next few evenings.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 635 m | Descent: 155 m
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Day 5: Circular Shepherds Path
Today, follow a circular route from Vilar de Amargo. The shepherds' trail leads you past dry-stone walls and open pastures, where animals may be grazing. As the trail climbs higher, you're rewarded with views across olive groves and terraced vineyards.
The trail passes Quinta da Urze, a producer of wine and olive oil. It can be possible to stop here for a tasting (payable locally).
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 310 m | Descent: 310 m
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Day 6: Discover Rock Art & the Valley
From Vilar de Amargo, the trail leads through rocky landscapes until you reach the village of Algodres, a historic village originating from an Iron Age settlement. After exploring the village, continue to the hillside village of Castelo Melhor.
After the hike, there is an opportunity to visit a local cheese producer and sample cheese, before seeing the prehistoric rock art on the banks of the Coa River.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 385 m
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Day 7: Castelo Melhor to Torre de Moncorvo
The final hike starts in Castelo Melhor and leads you through uncultivated countryside. Views stretch across the Côa Valley and its breathtaking vineyards, before descending to where the Douro and Côa Rivers meet.
After your hike, there is time to explore the Côa Museum before a transfer takes you to Torre de Moncorvo.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 350 m | Descent: 425 m
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Day 8: Departure Day
This morning, transfer from your hotel to Pocinho train station. Take a train back to Porto, payable locally. Upon arriving in Porto, make your own way to the airport, or your next holiday destination.
Please note: If you wish to extend this holiday, there are a few options. Firstly, we can add extra nights in Porto or any of the other destinations within the itinerary. Secondly, it's possible to travel to Pinhão and add days 2-6 of our Porto & Douro Valley Short Hiking Break itinerary, allowing you to see another area of the Douro Valley. Contact our team to discuss your travel options.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £1,195 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,455 per person
- Single room supplement: From £375
- Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 7 x breakfasts, 4 x picnic lunches & 2 x dinners
- Visit to cheese producer & tasting
- Penascosa rock art site
- Transfers listed in the itinerary
- Luggage transfers
- Printed route notes & navigation app
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 4 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2026 | From 1 Feb to 30 Jun | £1,195 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 15 Sep to 15 Nov | £1,195 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | From 1 Feb to 30 Jun | £1,255 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | From 15 Sep to 15 Nov | £1,255 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
