River Douro

Douro Vineyard Walk

5 - 11 September 2010

The Douro is still one of Europe’s unspoilt paradises. On this stunning walking tour, we’ll explore the vineyards, quintas, villages and towns of the dramatic Douro valley; mostly on foot, but also by train. At just before harvest there will be lots happening in the vineyards!

We are based in the classic Cima Corgo region in the lovely homely surroundings of a top quality estate, Quinta do Passadouro. The Quinta is famous for both red table wines and Single Quinta ports vinified by their superb in-house winemaker, Jorges Serodio.

Every day we walk in the quiet side valleys and down by the river. We visit leading firms such as Niepoort and Quinta da Noval and rising stars like Quinta do Vale D.Maria and Quinta do Portal.

Despite the Douro’s reputation for Port, at our visits we taste many of Portugal’s top non-fortified wines as well as Port. Quinta do Portal produce a range, Passadouro’s table wines are amongst the most exciting in the valley and Quinta de Napoles are just as famous for their superb wines as for their Port.

We take the train which hugs the side of the Douro River, one of The Great Train Journeys of the World, with great views of this now calm but once turbulent river. The area is extremely rural but there are one or two small towns. We visit Lamego, the prettiest and most interesting.

Each evening we relax over dinner at the Quinta with a variety of menus to include Portuguese specialities and during the day we will enjoy picnic lunches in the midst of the stunning scenery of the Valley.

Despite the huge gradients which the terraces of the Douro conjure up, this walk is not overly strenuous. There are steep sections but the distances covered remain reasonable. Indeed there are optional extra sections on several days which can increase the amount of walking if you wish.

The last day is free in Oporto, you can explore this lovely city or perhaps fit in an extra visit to one of the many port lodges that line the riverbank at Vila Nova da Gaia.

The Walk Guide is Ronald Weustink.

Rating: Moderate, but with steep sections, (due to the terrain some cannot be opted out of).