Itinerary Details
G Adventures: Portugal: Coastal Walks, Vineyards & Villages of the Douro Valley
Day 1: Lisbon: Welcome to Portugal
Speckled with charming and picturesque villages, Portugal will enchant you as you move from coast to mountains. Dream of village-to-village hikes and delicious food as you head off into the countryside toward the Spanish border. We welcome you to Lisbon, and to Portugal, where we invite you to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of the adventure before you.
Arrive in Portugal before 1:00 pm and meet your included arrival transfer at the airport. Join your CEO and group at the hotel for a welcome meeting before heading out for an unforgettable food and wine tour through the city.
Day 2: Lisbon: Cabo da Roca Hike
Sand-coloured cliffs dive to meet the vibrant contrast of the ocean blue with statue-like stone stacks that jut out of the sea, while waves crash along their sides. These are your views along your breathtaking morning hike. But the spectacle doesn't end there. We head east to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where you can smell the flowers and explore the amazing garden of Palácio Monserrate. After a beautiful day, the night is yours to explore the city of Lisbon.
In the morning, depart for Cabo da Roca, the point known for where the land ends and the sea begins. And so begins your hike along the coastal cliffs, passing immaculate views like Pedra de Alvidrar and Buraco do Fojo towards Praia de Adraga. After a rewarding hike, take a tour of Palacio Monserrate in Sintra then set off for an evening at leisure in Lisbon.
Day 3: Medelim: Portugal's Countryside
Bid farewell to Lisbon as you head into the picturesque Portuguese countryside. Get your bearings in a small town before setting off on a pleasant hike that will take you on a winding trail near the Spanish border.
Depart Lisbon in the morning toward the border of Spain to a town called Penha Garcia with a lunch stop on the way at a local restaurant. Enjoy a moderate 3km walk through varying terrain ending at the Ichnofossils. Later, drive to the town of Medelim for the night.
Day 4: Medelim: Historic Village Hikes
Travel back in time over 1000 years to an era of castles, legends and traditions. Deemed one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages, hiking to Idanha-a-Velha will connect you to the time of conquerors as you traverse the paths through historic stone walls and castles. Enjoy the tales of this region's fascinating history under fig and olive trees.
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the stunning Monsanto for a guided walking tour. Opt to enjoy additional time in Monsanto on your own or choose to lace up your hiking boots on a picturesque hike from Monsanto to Idanha-a-Velha. Upon arrival, learn more of this quaint town on a guided walking tour before you head back for a dinner with your group.
Day 5: Manteigas: Hike to a Castle in the Sky
The enchanting Sortelha Castle stands on a crag at an altitude of 760 meters. It looms over the most mysterious of all the historic villages, where you will soon lose yourself in a maze of alleys and lanes as you hike up to the lofty castle. It is a place where time seems to have stood still. The wind whistles round the corners and hardly anyone passes by. This sentiment lingers when you arrive to the town of Belmonte after your hike in Sortelha.
On today's stunning hike, join your guide and wander along the historic stone path from Casteleiros to Sortelha. Visit the beautiful castle before heading to the grandiose town of Belmonte. In the evening, check into your OMG Stay.
Day 6: Amarante: Explore Serra da Estrela National Park
In Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, rolling hills are interrupted by giant slabs of granite that protrude out of the ground. Pause to admire the beauty of this stark environment as you cross Corgo da Mós before the hike leads you to the beautiful Vale do Rossim Lagoon. In the afternoon, transfer north to Amarante.
Hike through the Serra da Estrela National Park to the Lagoon of Vale do Rossim. Return for a delicious lunch before heading to Amarante for the night.
Day 7: Amarante: Douro Valley Walk Along the Vineyards
A tapestry of vineyards unfolds as you traverse Douro wine country, Portugal's most esteemed wine region. With the perfect blend of nature and culture, crossing this picturesque countryside proves worthy of more than just wine tasting as you hike along a valley trail along the river. Soak in the incredible views as you sample some of the specialties of the land.
After breakfast, walk along the valley of the Douro wine region before arriving to a world class vineyard for a 3 course meal with wine pairings. Then head to Casa de Mateus for a tour of the palace and museum before enjoying a free evening.
Day 8: Amarante: Hike to Casal de Loivos
Mesmerizing mazes of vineyards scale the sides of the Pinhão hills. You will weave through historic village streets, beautiful buildings and up through paths draped with green grape vines. This hike allows for an endless panoramic riverscape and gorgeous views of the Douro River.
Spend another day in the Douro wine region with a longer hike through the hills and town of Pinhão. In the afternoon, return to Amarante and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9: Porto: Your OMG Day
Porto is yours to discover today with a choice of two activities. Explore the best of Portugal's second largest city on an e-bike tour through picturesque neighborhoods, along the coast to where the river meets the sea. Or choose to climb aboard a river cruise followed by a port wine tasting in the historic Vila de Nova Gaia area of the city.
Travel from Amarante to Porto in the morning. Choose between a riverside e-bike tour through Porto or join your CEO on a Douro river cruise and walk through Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto Augusto for a wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon before joining your group and CEO for one last dinner together in the evening.
Day 10: Porto
Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.