Discover beautiful landscapes and World Heritage-listed architecture on walks and hikes along Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago, through the spectacular Douro River Valley wine region, along the dramatic coast, and in the historic cities of Coimbra and Porto.

Activity Level: This is a Light Active Journey. Travelers should be reasonably fit and capable of walking or hiking for several hours at a time, occasionally over steep and uneven terrain. Travelers can expect 3 to 5 miles of hiking or easy walking on several days. Day-by-day activity descriptions can be found on the itinerary page at the end of each day.  Read more about Active Journeys activity levels here.

This Active Journey is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers per departure

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Cabo da Roca, Portugal, continental Europe's westernmost point

A view of São Jorge Castle, perched on one of Lisbon's seven hills

The lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, Portugal

Hikers on the coast near Cabo da Roca, Portugal

Cliff-top path at Cabo da Roca, Portugal

The town of Coimbra, home to a World Heritage-listed university

The ancient Ponte de Lima

Paço de Calheiros manor house, Alto Minho, Portugal

Kitchens at Paço de Calheiros manor house, Alto Minho, Portugal

The Basílica de Santa Luzia, overlooking Viana do Castelo, Portugal

The Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago

A windmill at Montedor, along the Poruguese Way of the Camino de Santiago

The coast near Caminha, Portugal, along the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago

Vineyards along the banks of the Douro RIver

A path through the vineyards of Portugal's Douro River Valley

Casa Mateus, Portugal

Azulejos facade at Igreja do Carmo, Porto

Boats moored Douro River near Porto's Dom Luis I bridge

Walking in Portugal: An Active Journey along the Coast, the Camino, and the Douro Valley

10 days from $4,999

This Active Journey is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers per departure

departure passengers

Tour Details

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Overview

Immerse yourself in history, walking trails that date back centuries, from the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago to the wine routes of the Douro River Valley. Hike along the dramatic cliffs near Lisbon, discovering wild coastal geology, then head north to explore charming Coimbra and its World Heritage-listed university. Stay in a historic manor house near the Roman town of Ponte de Lima, and walk two sections of the Portuguese Way pilgrimage trail, visiting villages and historic sites on your path. Spend two days hiking amid the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro River Valley, and end your adventure in incomparable Porto. Along the way, enjoy wine tastings and a performance of traditional fado music, and visit some of Portugal's finest castles and estates.

Highlights:

Camino de Santiago’s Portuguese Way: Walk along two separate portions of the Camino de Santiago's Portuguese Way, following in the footsteps of pilgrims through the Alto Minho region and along the coast.
Douro River Valley: Hike among the ancient terraced vineyards of the beautiful Corgo and Douro River Valleys, and follow the Porto Wine Route through the Alto Douro Wine Region, designated a World Heritage site.
Lisbon and Cabo da Roca: Stay in the heart of Lisbon and hike atop the dramatic coastal cliffs that surround Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point. Visit the extraordinary Palácio de Monserrate and meander through its exotic gardens.
Coimbra and Porto: Explore two World Heritage-listed cities on guided walks, discovering the renowned palaces and chapels of the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions, and the fascinating architecture of Porto—from its azulejo-covered train station to its double-deck iron bridge.
Cuisine and Culture: Take in a traditional fado performance in Coimbra, and stay in a 700-year-old estate in the Alto Minho region, where you’ll enjoy wine tastings, a cooking demonstration, and conversations with the owner. Visit the Casa do Mateus near Porto, and enjoy a tasting tour at a port wine estate on the Douro River.

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

Itinerary

Day 1-2 U.S./Lisbon, Portugal

Fly overnight to Lisbon and transfer to your hotel in the city center upon arrival. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and trip leader for a welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

Dos Reis by the Beautique Hotels

Day 3 - Cabo da Roca/Lisbon

After breakfast, travel to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and the starting point for the day’s hike. The dramatic headland, blanketed in brightly colored ice plants, rises some 460 feet above the Atlantic, and its lighthouse is one of the oldest in Portugal. Hike past the iconic beacon on a path that traces the coastal cliffs, pausing at viewpoints that overlook wild rock formations at the water’s edge. Weather permitting, descend to Praia da Adraga beach, a secluded cove framed by natural stone arches and caves. Alternatively, enjoy a gentle hike around the bluffs of Cabo da Roca. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the World Heritage-listed town of Sintra for a visit to the Palácio de Monserrate, an exquisitely detailed 19th-century palace that combines romanticist and neo-Moorish architecture. With a local guide, explore the grounds and discover exotic plant species in its remarkable gardens. Return to Lisbon for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 3 miles (2.5 hours) on dirt and gravel paths with some elevation gain

Dos Reis by the Beautique Hotels

Day 4 - Coimbra

Drive north to the World Heritage site of Coimbra, Portugal’s capital during the 12th century. Founded by the Romans, the city became a medieval center of culture and thought, and the University of Coimbra, established in 1290, counts among Europe’s oldest academic institutions. Enjoy lunch together before heading out for a guided walk through the university campus. In the Palace of Schools, see the ornate Joanina library, considered one of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe. Step into Chapel of São Miguel; and tour the Royal Palace, which served as a fortress during Moorish rule in the 10th century and later became the residence of the king of Portugal. Continue your walk through Coimbra's old town, passing the medieval gates into the cobbled lanes of the Cidade Alta (Upper Town) and visiting the Sé Velha and New Cathedrals. Later, soak up the wistful strains of fado at a performance of traditional Portuguese folk music. (B,L,D)

Walking: 2-3 miles (3 hours) on paved city streets

Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra

Day 5 - Ponte de Lima/Camino de Santiago

A morning drive brings you north into the Alto Minho region to Ponte de Lima, once an important stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. On an orientation walk, stop by the arched bridge that crosses the Lima river, built by Romans around the first century. In the afternoon, trek a portion of the Camino de Santiago's Portuguese Way, crossing landscapes blanketed with centuries-old vineyards. Alternatively, take a shorter hike and meet the group back at your accommodations, a historic manor house. Tonight, enjoy an evening of wine tasting and Portuguese cuisine, as well as a guided tour of the 700-year-old home, and hear about the property’s history, perhaps from the Count of Calheiros himself. (B,D)

Hiking: 5 miles (3.5 hours) along a mix of paved, cobbled, and dirt paths with some elevation gain

Villa Paço de Calheiros

Day 6 - Viana do Castelo and the Camino de Santiago Coastal Route

Begin the day with a visit to the Basílica de Santa Luzia, set on a hilltop high above the town of Viana do Castelo. Admire panoramic views of the town and the Atlantic coast beyond, then transfer to the castle ruins of Forte da Areosa, the starting point of today's hike along the Camino de Santiago's Portuguese Way. This portion of the Camino traces the rugged coast, passing age-old windmills and other historic landmarks. Arrive at Praia de Carreço, and see impressive natural rock formations nearby. Continue by vehicle to Caminha, another historic stop on the coastal Portuguese Way, and enjoy free time to get lunch and explore the town. Back at the manor house tonight, attend a cooking demonstration with the chef and learn about the local specialties prepared for dinner. (B, D)

Hiking: 5 miles (2.5 hours) on a mix of sand, rocky and paved trails over mostly flat terrain

Villa Paço de Calheiros

Day 7 - Douro River Valley

After breakfast, transfer to the banks of the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro River. Today’s hike follows an old railway line along the natural contours of the river valley, offering views of the terraced vineyards that flank the trail. Transfer to the town of Villa Real for lunch and time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Casa de Mateus, a beautiful 16th-century manor classified as a National Monument of Portugal and learn about the Mateus Foundation's work in preserving the region’s arts and culture. Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Walking: 3 miles (2 hours) on paved roads and trails with occasional inclines and declines

Douro Palace

Day 8 - Douro River Valley

Immerse yourself in the stunning Alto Douro Wine Region today, discovering this World Heritage site on foot. Hike the Porto Wine Trail from the village of Samodães, following a gently undulating trail along hillsides stacked with vines, and learning about the region's 2,000-year-old viticulture traditions. At the end of the hike, transfer to Peso da Régua for lunch and time at leisure. Later, take a guided tour of a local quinta (wine estate) and its olive orchards and vineyards. Discover how port wine is produced, bottled, and aged in the heart of the Douro Valley and sample a curated selection of vintage ports. Head back to your accommodations and enjoy dinner with the group. (B,D)

Hiking: 4-5 miles (3.5 hours) on gravel or paved trails over hilly terrain with some moderately steep ascents/descents

Douro Palace

Day 9 - Porto

Travel west to Porto, one of Europe's oldest centers for wine production and trade, poised near the mouth of the Douro River. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time for lunch. Meet up for an afternoon walking tour, visiting many of the city’s architectural marvels. Admire the Igreja do Carmo church, Clerigos Tower, and the Rectory at the University of Porto, and take in views of Porto from lovely overlooks. See the azulejo tiles at the São Bento Railway Station and Porto Cathedral, and end your walk at the Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustav Eiffel. Tonight, celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Walking: 2 miles (3 hours) on paved and cobblestoned roads with some hills

Pestana Pousada Porto Hotel

Day 10 - Porto

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)