Discover the amazing, world-famous wine-making region in the Douro Valley with our carefully crafted Douro Wine Region hike tour. Hike up and down the terraced vineyards that were built from the schistose rocks from the river up to the hill tops and delight in the rich regional cuisine tasting the world-famous Port and Douro wines from the region.
This self-guided hike tour begins in Sabrosa, birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan and one of the most emblematic towns in the region. Walk along trails through scenic environments, discovering gems such as the noble wine-making village of Provesende and Lalim—a stopping place on the Cistercian monk’s wine route. You will also visit Pinhão, a town in the heart of Douro where the majority of the finest Port and Douro wine estates are located.
Enjoy a serene boat ride on a rabelo, used for shipping young wines downriver to the warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, across from Porto. While the monumental city of Lamego invites you to discover local sparkling wine, the typical villages among the terraced vineyards above the Douro River offer breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.
Please see our itinerary for more details.
It is hard to believe that the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. The nine Islands of the Azores are Europe's western most point located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores have long been known as one of the most scenically varied areas to explore, each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife and sites of historical interest. The islands of the Azores are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers with their blue lakes bordered by flowers, dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters.
This 14-night island hopping holiday features the best of the Eastern and Central Islands of the Azores including Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial & Santa Maria.
Sao Miguel is famous for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional volcanic lakes. The largest of the Azorean islands it is known as Ilhe Verde - Green Island. A stunning coastline of small bays with black sand and precipitous sea cliffs interspersed with small harbours add further interest. The island features three major calderas (volcanic craters) now with lakes sparkling at the bottom. Sete Citdades even has a village at the bottom of the crater and two lakes one blue and one contrasting green.
Sao Jorge has the most-jagged coastline of the Azores Islands, with coastal cliffs surrounded at sea level by Fajas. These small flat pieces of land are formed by lava flows and are distinctive features of the Azores. Discover spectacular waterfalls, lush ravines and the chance to explore the interesting fishing village of Velas.
Pico is the most volcanic of the Azores Islands, renowned for its almost perfectly coned mountain of Pico Alto standing at 2352m, making it the highest peak in all of Portugal. Enjoy stunning walks through interesting fauna and picturesque villages. The local approach to wine production and vineyard culture has been preserved through the years, making for remarkable scenery of unique vineyards and dark grey basalt.
Faial is known as the Blue Island for the abundance of blue hydrangeas seen all over the island and due to its deep relationship with the sea, with its harbour proving important for many adventurous transatlantic sailors. Famous for its stewed octopus in wine amongst the Azoreans - you should most certainly try some! Faial island offers a contrasting picture of rich and diverse flora and a dry lunar landscape. The walking here takes you to volcanic crater rims with breath-taking views and the opportunity to explore the lighthouse and museum which shows the history of volcanic eruptions.
Santa Maria is the oldest of the Azores Islands and being the most eastern and southern island, its climate is also much drier. Due to its drier climate, Santa Maria offers unique characteristics including fascinating rock formations and stunning fauna (it is a geologists and botanist's paradise). It also features what is considered by many to be the best beach in the Azores, Praia Formosa.
Azores, Sao Miguel, Faja Grande, Parque Rural Del Teno, Rua De Santa Maria, Vila Do Bispo, Lagoa Do Fogo, Sete Cidades, Sao Jorge, Fajã Dos Cubres, Ponta delgada, Pico
This two week tour of Spain and Portugal sets off from Madrid, visiting Porto, Lisbon, Cordoba, the Costa del Sol and more. Cruise the Douro River and taste local Port wine in a Porto wine cellar. Visit the mosque-cathedral of La Mezquita in Cordoba and the second-largest cathedral in the Catholic world in Seville. Admire the mountains of Andalusia and the beaches of the Costa del Sol, sample organic local olive oil and explore the Alhambra palace in Granada. Watch a traditional Flamenco show, visit the ruins of Merida and end your journey back in the Spanish capital.
