Hiker's Journey to Portugal

Pilgrim Trails, Castle Towns, and Douro Valley Vineyards

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!

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.

Hotel Berne
Manteigas, Portugal
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
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.

The Vintage House
Pinhão, Portugal
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights)
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.

Hotel Fonte Velha
Ponte da Barca, Portugal
Day 5 (1 night)
Peneda Hotel
Gavieira, Portugal
Days 6 to 7 (2 nights)
Hotel MiraCastro
Castro Laboreiro, Portugal
Days 6 to 7 (2 nights)
Paco de Calheiros
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Day 8 (1 night)
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.

Highlights

Highlights

Hike on the Camino Portugués, the famed medieval pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela
Meet a Douro Valley vintner, ride the Linha do Douro (Portugal’s historic river-hugging train), discover castle-topped towns
Taste delicious port wines and Vinhos Verdes
Enjoy unique lodgings, including a converted wine warehouse and a 17th century manor house

Details

Length: 10 days
Cost From: $5695  
Arrive: Porto, Portugal
Depart: Porto, Portugal
Lodging: 9 nights charming accommodations
Meals: All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Cultural Adventures, Hiking / Trekking
Trip Level:

7 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails (some steep sections), 3-6 hours a day with two longer days, van support