Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium Adventure

We begin our Portuguese adventure in the verdant Douro Valley, birthplace of the world-renowned port wines. The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening, along with a welcome dinner. Stay: Hotel Régua Douro (D).

This morning we take a private transfer of approximately 40 minutes to the start of today's walk in Povoação, driving along the beautiful roads on the north slope of the Douro Valley and its tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is in the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will walk along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo River.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Vila Real (approximately 20 minutes) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens that is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit, we transfer back to the hotel (approximately 50 minutes). Stay: Hotel Régua Douro (B).

We start the day with a 30-minute transfer to Quinta de Tedo, an 18th-century winery in the centre of the Douro region. We take 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 offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery, we take a 20-minute transfer to the town of Régua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the Unesco-recognised Douro wine region.

In the afternoon, we transfer back to our hotel (approximately 20 minutes). Stay: Hotel Régua Douro (B/L).

After breakfast, we transfer to the Mondim de Basto region (approximately one hour). On our way, we'll pass through Alvão Natural Park, a protected area of majestic landscapes. This region on the mountain of Alvão marks the transition from the coastal and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Trás-os-Montes. We start our walk in Bobal, one of the four villages we'll pass through today.

We'll find a countryside that reflects the carefully maintained balance in which human beings and nature coexist. For this balance to be preserved, the Maronesa cow is of the utmost importance. A Portuguese native breed from this region, there are still genes from the ancestral Auroque in its genetics. The fields are cultivated for subsistence farming, with seeds passed down from generation to generation. After lunch we transfer to our hotel (approximately 30 minutes) and there is free time to enjoy the hotel amenities or explore nearby, before a group dinner. Stay: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (B/D).

Our walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine (vinho verde) region, along the banks of the Cabril River. Here, we enjoy uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the fertile lands and vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk at the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeiras to sample their wines and appreciate organic vinho verde.

In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel, we visit one of the main shrines in northern Portugal to the Virgin Mary: the Senhora da Graça, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of a granite mountain range almost 3,281ft (1,000m) high. Stay: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (B/L).

This morning, we transfer by minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Vilarinho to start our walk along the Levada de Vilarinho, a 13th-century waterway. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region due to water scarcity in the past. After 1. 5mi (2. 4km), we leave the rebuilt waterway and meet the old levada as it enters a forest of oaks and pines, with a stream running alongside. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and surroundings.

This evening we will enjoy dinner together. Stay: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (B/D).

In the morning, we return to vibrant Porto (approximately 1hr 15min).

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. Please note that your leader will leave the group after todays wine tasting and the remainder of the trip will be self-guided, but you will be provided with plenty of tips, maps and directions to make the most of your time in Porto. Stay: Neya Hotel (B).

Our trip ends in Porto in the morning. If you'd like more time in this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).