Overview
Exploring Portugal’s gorgeous rural landscapes, our trails bring us into the craggy Serra da Estrela mountains, through Douro wine country, across the fragrant forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park, and along part of the Camino Portugués pilgrim trail. Along the way, we’ll taste wines in a family-owned quinta, explore 13th century castle towns, take an incredibly scenic train ride along the Douro River through age-old vineyards, and of course, try the velvety port wines. Our lodging is a delight, including a charming converted wine warehouse in picturesque Pinhão and a 17th century manor house where the Count of Calheiros himself welcomes us!
This was my first Wilderness Travel adventure and what a rich, enlightening, varied, educational, fun experience it was. Every aspect was managed to the detail and the trip was perfectly balanced with an emphasis on hiking but so many additional learning, cultural, and historical opportunities. It was one of the best trips of my lifetime and I have been on ~20 active, adventure trips with other organizations. I am a huge fan of Wilderness Travel. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the quality and challenge of the hikes and in particular our guide David. Great job! Great company! Amazing experience.
— Pam F., Hermosa Beach, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Porto / Mantiegas / Serra da Estrela
From the lovely city of Porto, we head into the Serra da Estrela to hike across terraced meadows and past shepherds’ huts nestled in deep glacial valleys. The hardy sheep here are the source of Portugal’s Queijo Serra da Estrela cheese, and we may see the local breed of sheep dog, the cão da Serra da Estrela.
Days 3-4
Belmonte / Pinhão / Douro Wine Tasting
Castle-topped Belmonte’s medieval Jewish Quarter is fascinating to explore, and a classic rail journey along the Douro brings us to the wine town of Pinhão. Our vineyard hike in the Douro Valley ends with a visit to a family-run estate for a tasting. On the tranquil Douro itself, we take a late afternoon ride by traditional flat-bottomed boat.
Days 5-8
Pilgrim Path to Peneda / Peneda-Gerês National Park
A pilgrim trail leads us to the revered sanctuary at Peneda, and on our hikes in Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its wild Garrano horses and long-horned Barrosã cattle, we’ll probably see no one else on the trail, except perhaps a herder and his castro laboreiro (Portuguese watchdog), a breed that originated in this area.
Days 9-10
Camino Portugués / Ponte de Lima / Porto
Our last hike is across the beautiful Camino Portugués, which has brought pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela since medieval times. We end our journey in Porto’s historic quarter, listening to soulful fado songs. Depart on Day 10.
Hiker's Journey to Portugal
Highlights
Highlights
Details
7 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails (some steep sections), 3-6 hours a day with two longer days, van support
