Arrive in Porto, home of port wine, merchant history and stately bridges joining the city over the River Douro. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you from Porto Airport to you hotel for the evening. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to explore this beautiful coastal city, we recommend paying a visit to Igreja de Sao Francisco for views over the river and walking through the Ribeira district where the medieval streets house many welcoming cafes and picturesque backstreets.

Waking up to the fantastic Portuguese hospitality, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before wandering to the impressive azulejo-clad Sao Bento train station. Then it is time to hop onto the train for a scenic rail journey through the northern countryside to Peso da Regua on the banks of the River Douro, watching the landscape change along the way and relaxing into the rural way of life which will shape the rest of your trip. Peso da Regua is a pioneer in the world of wine, and is the founding town of the Royal Company of Vine Growers. Douro now proudly possess a formal demarcation (D.O.C), protecting the heritage of Port wine since 1756. It is from this bustling rural town that the barrels of port where transported down the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for aging in the wine lodge. You will have time to settle into your hotel, and relax into the Douro way of life. Pay a visit to the Douro Museum, or take a stroll through the town and perhaps enjoy a taste of the region's famed wine at one of the nearby wineries.

Your first walk of the week will take you through this magnificent landscape to Aldeia de Baixo. You'll notice here the contrast of rugged untouched hillside against perfectly cultivated vineyards, olive groves, and orchards of cherry and apple trees. Crossing the river you will leave Peso da Regua behind you and enter into a world of vineyards, birdsong and welcoming villages. This is 'real' Portugal, away from the tourist hotspots, a place where you can experience authentic rural life and enjoy the simple things; beautiful countryside, great walking and deliciously fresh produce. Along your way you will encounter several sleepy villages where you can stop for coffee and perhaps enjoy a slice of Borrachao, a local speciality cake made with port from the surrounding area. Arriving at your home for the next two nights, your hosts will be ready to welcome you. You will have time to relax in the gardens and perhaps take a dip in the pool (seasonal) before venturing out to one of the nearby restaurants where you will find hearty stews and home grown vegetables featuring on the menu.

Waking in this idyllic part of the Douro, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before taking a short private transfer to the neighbouring village of Salzedas, home to the lovely Cistercian monastery. Dating back to the mid-12th century it was once one of the riches monasteries in Portugal, you will have time to visit and explore the peaceful village, and perhaps enjoy a coffee, before starting your walk. Today's route is particularly beautiful in spring as the apple and cherry orchards you will walk through are in blossom and the wild flowers are in abundance. As you make your way north towards Aldeia de Baixo you can enjoy the mountain views of the Alto Douro and majestic Alvao Natural Park. Arriving back at your welcoming guest house you can enjoy cooling off in the pool or perhaps relaxing in the garden with a good book before dinner.

Today begins with a short transfer to the nearby town of Armamar. You will have time to explore the town before setting off through the rural landscape towards todays delight; the UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of the Douro Valley itself. Heading north of Armamar, towards the sleepy village of Vacalar, you will acquire your first taste of the dramatic landscape of the Douro Valley with its endless terraced slopes leading down to the mighty River Douro from which the region has gained its name. You will meander your way through this verdant landscape towards your final goal of the day- Quinta do Tedo. Here, we have arranged a wine tasting for you, after all, part of embracing the culture is sampling the local produce! When you have finished sampling the fantastic local wines and learning of the wonderful production methods, you will be transferred to the nearby town of Tabuaco where you will be welcomed by your hosts for the next two nights.

Your route today is one of contrasting landscapes as you make your way through boulder-strewn hillsides above Tabuaco, along the undulating slopes of the Douro Valley and along plateaus providing far reaching views. Leaving Tabuaco you will ascend to Barcos, one of the Douros's six official wine producing villages. You will have time to enjoy a morning coffee before heading on your way towards the Douro River, seeing the landscape change from small independent farms to large, perfectly manicured vineyards. Reaching the half way point of your walk you will be greeted by far reaching views over the UNESCO landscape as the Douro snakes its way through the hillside. A view worthy of a picnic stop! Passing through the lovely village of Adorigo you return towards Tabuaco accompanied by birdsong and beautiful scent of the wild flowers. Arriving back at your hotel you will have time to unwind and freshen up before enjoying the local delights in one of the nearby restaurants. Roast lamb is a specialty of this area.

After a relaxed breakfast you will be transferred to the nearby village of Valenca do Douro with views across to the interesting circular building of the Quinta das Carvalhas estate, dating back to 1759 and still one of the largest producers in the area. You will have time to explore the village and its unique little castle perched on the hill above it, before setting off on your hike. Your walk will take you through the heart of the village to traverse the slopes of this magnificent hillside. The landscape here really is a tapestry of vineyards with each local producer having their own plantation pattern. Arriving in the village of Sarzedinho you can enjoy a morning coffee before continuing to snake your way around the hillside towards the banks of the River Douro. Crossing this meandering river you will arrive into Pinhao and your final hotel of the week where you can enjoy a cooling dip in the pool before exploring this laidback town and appreciate the local produce in a nearby restaurant.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before being collected for your private transfer back to Porto whether that be to the airport in time for your flight or into the city to enjoy a couple of additional nights before your onward journey. For those who are not rushing back for a flight, we recommend taking time to enjoy a boat ride along the River Douro. There are many options to choose from but the 2 hour excursion offered by the boat companies is usually the best option. Taking you from Pinhao winding through the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with an audio guide and a glass of Port included you a enjoy a relaxed insight into the beautiful landscape you have been exploring throughout the week. A stunning end your trip before taking your transfer to Porto.