Portugal - Porto / Douro / Minho / Geres
Portugal walking and wine : Porto wine trails and Douro river cruise
Portugal walking and wine : Porto wine trails and Douro river cruise
ACCESS
. From Lisbon, regular trains
. From Porto airport - info here
PASSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS
EU members: valid passport or identity card
British passport holders : for further Brexit Travel advice please check here
Other nationalities: consult the Portuguese consulate/Embassy of your country of origin.
We advise you to also bring a photocopy of your original documents and keep them with you during your trip separate to the original ones.
HEALTH INFORMATION
No vaccine is required, but it is recommended to be up to date with all universal vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio.
Other risks: If, as in all European countries, the traveller is not exposed to "exotic" health risks, the behavioural or environmental risks may be the same as elsewhere.
Practical info: Health infrastructure is, of course, satisfactory everywhere, but the cost of care in some private facilities requires checking all the clauses of the insurance contract before departure.
INSURANCE
As you are travelling abroad, it is your responsibility to have an adequate valid travel insurance
Bring a copy of it, and please forward us all information (company name, contract number, and international 7/7 assistance contact)
WEATHER
Continental Portugal has a climate with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences.
The coast is always more temperate, subjected to the oceanic mildness while the climate becomes drier when you go inland. The North of Portugal is much more rainy and cold in winter while the Algarve in the south enjoys a very mild microclimate. The summer is hot in Portugal, so we advice to stay on the coast during this period.
- Spring : all regions are pleasant at this period, with the explosion of flowering and an extraordinary light.
- Summer : Warm and dry inland, we recommend the tours on the coastline, more temperate and ideal for wonderful swimming.
- Autumn : The beginning of autumn is very pleasant from North to South. After the rains at the end of October and beginning of November, the southern part (from Lisbon to the Algarve) benefits from the "little summer of Saint Martin" also called the 2nd spring. It is a very beautiful period, with great light and the first oranges.
- Winter : The Algarve benefits from an exceptional micro-climate. The almond trees in bloom from January give a particularly pleasant touch to the region. From December to early March it benefits from exceptional light.
We recommend the weather websites: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/portugal
ELECTRICITY
Voltage: 220V. We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items on:http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET
Contact your operator before leaving and check if you will be able to use your mobile phone abroad.
A good option is to buy a “country Sim card” in a phone shop, to get on the local network ( local phone numbers and internet access )
MONEY MATTERS – TIPPING – CLOSING TIME
Portugal is part of the €uros zone.
ATM are available all over the island and card is accepted in most shops and hotels.
Tipping is not included in the restaurants / bars. Tipping is entirely voluntary and should be dependent on good service.
Shops are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some shopping malls are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FAQ
Is Pinhão far from Porto? How do you get there?
Pinhao is about two hours from Porto. You can get there by train; the Porto–Pinhao line offers a scenic journey lasting around two hours and fifteen minutes. We can also arrange a private transfer from your accommodation.
What boat trips are available during the stay?
The tour offers two boat trips on the Douro. A trip on a Rabelo, the traditional Douro boat once used to transport Port wine, which is ideal for exploring the vineyards from the river in an authentic setting. A boat trip from Régua to Porto, with lunch included on board, available only between April and October.
What makes Port wine so special?
Port wine is one of the world’s most famous fortified wines. It is produced exclusively on the finest terroirs of the quintas in the Douro Valley, which has been the world’s first demarcated and regulated wine region since 1756. Traditionally, the wine is then transported to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, opposite the city of Porto, for ageing. There are two main types: Tawny Port (including Colheita) and Ruby Port (including Vintage and Late Bottle Vintage).
When is the best time to visit the Douro Valley?
The Douro Valley can be visited all year round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular for their pleasant temperatures and colourful landscapes. September is usually the grape harvest season, though it can start earlier some years. It is a special and lively time of year.
Why is the Douro Valley considered one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in the world?
Its landscapes of terraced vineyards, authentic villages and panoramic views of the river are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an unmissable destination for lovers of nature, fine food and wine.
- From 780€ /pers
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- Self-guided Walking
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Easy
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- 6 days
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- From January to December
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- Simple -
- Comfort -
- Charming -
- Superior
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- Ref : K1103
YOUR TRIP
How does it work
- 1 - Select your start date & accommodation choice and click “BOOK NOW”
- 2 - Enter your details
- 3 - Pay the deposit
- 4 - Wait for full confirmation before booking your flights
Book with confidence
- We manage the logistics of your trip ( hotel, luggage transfer, bike)
- We are a certified agency
- You reserve the right to refuse our offer, and request a refund
Contact us
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+33 (0)4 86 65 00 20
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Contact us
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