Over 12 days we immerse ourselves in the best of nature, culture, and regional food and wine that Portugal has to offer. We begin in romantic Porto, with its medieval Ribeira district, bustling plazas and Baroque churches. We take to the hills of Peneda Geres National Park to explore pilgrim trails through time-worn villages and landscapes sculptured by geological forces, wind and water. In Douro Valley, we enjoy the comfort of luxury accommodation while being spoilt with gourmet meals, walks through vineyards and rural farms, and local train and boat rides. Following old stone walls and small villages we find ourselves in the beautiful 12th century historical village of Marialva, complete with a lofty castle, narrow cobbled streets and a cluster of granite-built houses. Foz Coa River Valley takes us back to the Ice Age with a visit to an archaeological museum and a wander through a remarkable open-air collection of Palaeolithic stone art. At Faia Brava Natural Reserve, we search for Griffon vulture and Bonelli’s eagle. A half day walk in Portugal’s highest reserve, Serra da Estrela Natural Park features unusual rock formations. From the historic town of Lousã, we walk to the surrounding well-preserved schist villages along numerous trails for cycling, walking and hiking. Our journey ends with a night in the Portuguese capital and World Heritage listed centre, Lisbon.
- Stay in the old town of romantic Porto
- Wander pilgrimage trails in Peneda Geres National Park
- Explore World Heritage listed Douro Valley, the birthplace of Port wine
- Enjoy half & full day walks on village paths, Roman roads & rail trails
- Explore Palaeolithic art at Foz Coa
- Ride the historic Douro railway and stay in the medieval village of Marialva
- Walk beneath shady oak forests and towering cliffs of Faia Brava Reserve
- Explore Serra da Estrela Natural Park and Serra do Açor stone villages
- Finish with time in the World Heritage listed capital of Lisbon
- Accommodation in boutique hotels, luxury inns and including all meals
Price: A$9,870 Twin share/person (starts Porto/ends Lisbon)
Single Supplement: A$2,735
Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable room-mate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group Size: 8 guests
Special Interest: Gourmet, Culture, History, Geology
Walk rating: Easy to Moderate, 5-12km per walking day, on mostly well graded tracks. There are some moderate to challenging sections with steeper, rougher or non-graded tracks.
Inclusions:
- 11 nights twin share accommodation – boutique hotels, luxury & family run inns with private facilities
- Meals include – 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- Private bus transfer throughout
- Rabelo boat cruise and train trip in Douro River Valley
- National Park and museum entry fees as noted
- Professional tour leader assisted by local tour guides throughout
- Basic group tips where required
- Pre-departure material including background & personalised A-Z tour information and destination tour companion
Exclusions:
- Airfares & taxes to start / from end of tour
- Airport transfers
- Passport & visa expenses
- Heavy or excess baggage • Travel insurance
- Personal expenses e.g., drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions
Leo San Sebastian
Leo San Sebastian grew up in Spain’s Basque Country and has been a professional tour leader for over 25 years, leading walking holidays throughout Spain, Morocco, the French Swiss & Italian Alps, South America and Asia. Over the past 20 years he has created and led our Spain, Morocco and Portuguese programs. Leo’s care and concern for travellers, his passion and desire to showcase the areas we visit along with engaging local guides will ensure an enriching trip and one not easily duplicated if travelling independently.