Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart the U.S. for Portugal

Depart the U.S. bound for Portugal. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed in your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Porto, Portugal and transfer to Porto hotel

Upon arrival at Porto's International Airport, proceed through immigration, claim your luggage, and clear customs. If your luggage is delayed, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area; VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Also make certain that your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you. After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. He or she will make arrangements for your transfer by van to your Porto city center hotel. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

VBT provides you with a City Information Packet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Porto during your stay. You have the rest of the day to relax or begin your exploration of the city.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S. / Fly overnight to Porto, Portugal

Depart from the U.S. for Europe. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Porto

Continue your independent exploration of Porto today. Your hotel, the Pestana Porto, is ideally located on the banks of the Douro River in the heart of the historic district. It is actually built within the walls of 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings, all of which comprise UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Take advantage of your hotel's location on the Placa da Ribeira next to the quayside of the Cais da Estiva. Its wonderful outdoor cafés that line the riverfront invite you to sit for hours. From here you may also choose to take a Douro river cruise and view the city from a more interesting angle.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive Porto and transfer to city center hotel

VBT Air Package guests: Upon arrival at Porto's International Airport, proceed through immigration, claim your luggage, and clear customs. If your luggage is delayed, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area; VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Please note: Also make certain that your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you. After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. He or she will make arrangements for your transfer by van to your Porto city center hotel. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Porto

Continue your independent exploration of Porto today. VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Day 1 of WALKING TOUR All guests meet in Porto, Portugal

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leaders at the Pestana Porto Hotel in Porto at 9:00 a.m. The hotel is located at Praça da Ribeira, nº 1 and the phone number is +351-22-340-23-00. Please contact the hotel to advise them of any travel delays or changes so the staff can pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package & Pre-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, meet your VBT Trip Leaders in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am.

This morning, join your VBT Trip Leaders for a brief orientation before departing on a short transfer to the Minho – one of three regions we will visit in Portugal. At the heart of the Minho region, we follow the Lima River to the attractive riverside town of Ponte de Lima, named after its famous Roman Bridge. Here we will have lunch before beginning our pilgrimage on part of the famous Caminho de Santiago, the religious route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Our walk today begins with a crossing of the legendary Ponte de Lima. Five of its original Roman arches remain. The ancient Romans believed that oblivion itself waited on the opposite shore of the river, and consequently refused to cross. It was only after an army commander waded to the other side and shouted back his troops' names to show that his memory was unaffected that the rest braved the river.

After crossing the bridge we begin our journey through a bucolic landscape. Pilgrims from around the World have been walking this “Way of St. James” for more than a millennium to arrive at Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where many believe St. James was buried. Soon, these pastures give way to huge vineyards surrounding beautiful manor houses. One of these manor houses is a Paço, a small country palace designated as an accommodation for the king during his travels through the countryside.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is in the Paço de Calheiros, which has been owned and operated by the family of Count Calheiros since medieval times. The present-day family home was built in the 17th century. Its stalwart structures and three-foot granite wall have stood the test of time remarkably well. Consider yourself royalty as you stroll the perfectly manicured grounds with breathtaking views of the Lima Valley, and possibly a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean if the day is clear.

In the evening, get to know your host, Count Calheiros, at a welcome reception to be followed by a lavish dinner fit for a king.

Day 2 of WALKING TOUR Historic Villages in Portugal's Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerés

A short morning shuttle to the northern Minho region will take us to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerés. With its forested valleys and mountain pastures, this is Portugal's only national park. The little mountain villages in the park seem lost in time, but have adapted to the new world of tourism with well-marked footpaths that link them together. There'll be time to learn about the villages' unique grain storages known as espigueiros. These wood or granite structures – tall, narrow, encasements with slanted sides – keep animals away from harvested grains. Topped with crosses, they look to be massive tombs. Our walk begins today in the small village of Lindoso which has an amazing 60 espigueiros! Before venturing out of the village, you may want to visit the restored, 13th-century Castle Lindoso, which now houses an art gallery.

Leaving Lindoso, we follow ancient shepherds' trails to Soajo, another lovely village. Our path slices through grassy pastureland among birch trees, Portugal laurels, and holly. Terraced hills stretch to the sky on either side. It's a comfortable byway, one we might share with Barrosão ox and Garrano horses. These wild creatures freely roam the pastureland and show little fear of humans. Our Trip Leaders prepare a picnic lunch in this idyllic setting.

Back at our manor house this afternoon, you may opt to venture out and explore the forests that surround Paço de Calheiros on well-kempt trails, or join us for a walk through the Count's gardens as we harvest fresh produce for a Portuguese cooking class in the manor house's kitchen. Our cooking efforts will be rewarded with a wonderful dinner that features the Count's vineyard wines.

Day 3 of WALKING TOUR Douro River and Portugal's Wine Region

After breakfast we must say our farewells to the Count and his family. We'll shuttle to the Douro River Valley and Portugal's wine region. In 1756, the Douro Valley became the first controlled and demarcated winemaking region in the world. It's all thanks to the Marquis de Pombal who planted granite pillars in 1756 to define the boundary that produced the finest port. Today, the entire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent landscape still inspires poets, painters and photographers from all over the world.

Our accommodations for the next two nights are in the heart of the wine region near the town of Pinhão. The wine estate of Quinta Nova established the first wine hotel in Portugal in its lovely 18th-century manor house, offering spectacular views of the Douro River Valley. It is now considered one of the most beautiful winemaking estates in the Demarcated Douro Region.

From this 18th-century manor house, we can lace up and hike a ten-mile network of well-marked hillside trails among cypress, orange, and almond trees, with sweeping views of the valley. We'll also learn some of the estate's wine-making secrets. By day's end, you just might be able to sip, swirl, and tell the difference between vinho verde, or green wine, and white port. Every month here offers new insight into the wine-making cycle. Visitors in September and October can actually help to pick grapes, the spectacular Duoro Valley serving as a sublime backdrop.

Day 4 of WALKING TOUR Vineyard walks in the Douro River region

Today we have the entire day to spend as we like, picking from Quinta Nova's various options. Explore more trails that hug the hillsides. Relax by the pool. Or head into the town of Pinhão's train station to view its “Wine House” museum.

We'll also offer a shuttle today to the peaceful town of Peso da Régua. From here, rabelos, or wooden sailing ships, carried wine up and down the Douro River to other regions. The Douro Museum here tells more of the story, or you might join a tranquil Douro River cruise.

If you prefer, join us for a fun “wine-caching” game, a cousin of the recent “geo-caching” trend. In this modern-day scavenger hunt, a GPS helps you scour the estate's trails for hidden treasures.

Throughout our two days at Quinta Nova, you will be gastronomically tantalized by the estate's home-style meals and wonderful wines.

Day 5 of WALKING TOUR Train ride along the Douro River / Ervamoira archeaological ruins / Port tasting

This morning, we venture onwards with a short train journey along the scenic Douro River to the eastern Beiras region. Tracing the Douro River, we'll take in tiny white visions of other quintas nestled on hillsides. As we alight our train, four-wheel drive vehicles await us to take us deep into the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For 2,000 years an incredible range of cultures has passed through here, and recent digging expeditions have unearthed Roman, late-Roman, Paleochristian, Visigoth and medieval ruins. But for many, the most remarkable find has been an array of stone carvings from the Paleolithic era.

Day 6 of WALKING TOUR Exploring the medieval town and castle of Marialva

After a sumptuous breakfast, venture out to explore Marialva and its castle. The village's origin dates back to the sixth century BC, but it was not officially granted a town charter until 1179. This hillside medieval village seems carved from the craggy slopes, so it's easy to see why it once served as an important military fortress. Wandering these streets on old stone-paved roads makes for an otherworldly experience; you'll want to leave no history-drenched corner unexplored. Venture up to the medieval castle for a guided tour, where you'll learn more about Marialva's remarkable past.

After lunch you may want to continue exploring the stone village, perhaps meeting some of the elders, or walk through the craggy countryside to the neighboring town of Meda, a neighboring town also frozen in time. Or simply relax by the swimming pool and reminisce about your journey through Portugal.

This evening's farewell dinner is bound to be one of your favorite meals, featuring family recipes passed down over generations to our hotel's owner. What better way to celebrate the end of your walking tour than with good friends, great food and generous wines!

Day 7 of WALKING TOUR Transfer to Celorico da Beira train station / VBT No-Air Package ends

After an early morning breakfast, we'll conclude our Portugal walking tour with a short shuttle to the nearby town of Celorico da Beira where we say good-bye at the town's small train station.

VBT No-Air Package guests: Our tour finishes at the train station in the town of Celorico da Beira. Important: Train departures from Celorico da Beira prior to 8 a.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you are responsible for your own transfer arrangements from the last hotel.

VBT Air Package guests: We will continue our Portugal tour with an early morning train journey from the town of Celorico da Beira to Lisbon, approximately 3 hours. We'll arrive in Lisbon mid-day. After your included transfer from Lisbon's train station to your city center hotel, you will have the remainder of the afternoon to explore the historic capital of Portugal. Spend a night at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza, located next to Lisbon's main avenue, Avenida da Liberdade. You will receive a VBT City Information Packet containing maps and recommendations for cafés, restaurants, museums and transportation. As a guest of the Hotel Lisboa Plaza, you will receive a complimentary pass to the National Ancient Art Museum.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast*, transfer to the Lisbon International airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight**. Please note: Ensure that you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

** Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Lisbon

Continue your independent exploration of Lisbon, or venture to the historic towns surrounding it today.

Lisbon's charms are its people and neighborhoods and the best way to explore is on foot. Take time to stroll through the three most important neighborhoods of Lisbon – Bairro Alto, the Alfama and the Baixa. Your included VBT City Information packet will help point the way, but you can also inquire with the hotel about some affordable guided walking tours conducted by locals. Simply meet your guide at a certain time and place, with no reservations required Lisbon is also a wonderful starting point to explore the nearby beautiful seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais, or the historic towns of Obidos, Sintra and Fatima.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Lisbon

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Lisbon extension concludes/Depart for U.S.

After breakfast* on the final morning, transfer to the Lisbon International airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight**. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated transfer time.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

** VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Walking Portugal's Douro River Valley - 2011

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Porto 2011 - 2 nights for only $245

Porto is the cultural heart of northern Portugal, and a walker’s delight. It is ideally located near the mouth of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. This location has proved to be quite important for trade through the centuries, from Roman times, continuing with the Moors in the 11th century, to the crusaders en route to the Holy Land. Porto also took advantage of the wealth created by Portugal’s maritime discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. When the spice trade died, the city continued to prosper by exporting wine from the nearby Douro River Valley wine region. Throughout Porto you will discover vestiges from the wealth that flowed into this city in the grandeur of church interiors, and its grand public and private buildings.

Your hotel, the Pestana Porto, is ideally located on the banks of the Douro River in the heart of the historic district. It is actually built within the walls of 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings, all of which comprise UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Take advantage of your hotel’s location on the Placa da Ribeira next to the quayside of the Cais da Estiva. Its wonderful outdoor cafés that line the riverfront invite you to sit for hours. From here you may also choose to take a Douro river cruise and view the city from a more interesting angle.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

Post-Trip Extension

Lisbon 2011 - 2 nights for only $245

Lisbon was one of the wealthiest capitals in the world during its “Age of Discovery” in the 15th & 16th centuries. Famous Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama opened up new trade routes which brought countless riches to the city. In the 17th & 18th centuries, gold, diamonds and sugarcane from Brazil made Lisbon even wealthier. Today, Lisbon is a charming mix of past and present.

Your Lisbon post-extension trip will begin with a train transfer from Celorico de Beira in central Portugal. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the centrally located Hotel Lisboa Plaza. You’ll be just steps away from the main avenue of Lisbon, Avenida da Liberdade, in the center of this historic city. You will have plenty of time to explore the many riches that this city has to offer. As a guest of the Hotel Lisboa Plaza, you will receive a complimentary pass to the National Ancient Art Museum.

Lisbon’s charms are its people and neighborhoods and the best way to explore is on foot. Take time to stroll through the three most important neighborhoods of Lisbon – Bairro Alto, the Alfama and the Baixa. Your included VBT City Information packet will help point the way. Lisbon is also a wonderful starting point to explore the nearby beautiful seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais, or the historic towns of Obidos, Sintra and Fatima.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

Accommodations

Pestana Porto

Pestana Porto is a charming 4-star property located in the heart of historic Porto, in Praça da Ribeira. This hotel is located in a magnificent building that is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its privileged location allows beautiful views of the Douro River.
Guests can dine at the Vintage Restaurant, serving Portuguese and International cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. Bar Heritage is the ideal place for guests to have a drink and relax after a discovery-filled day visiting the beautiful city of Porto.

Paço de Calheiros

Paço de Calheiros has a most impressive entrance with its distinguished gateway, beautiful tree-lined drive and stone fountain. The Count of Calheiros, who will proudly show his 17th-century family home, makes guests feel very welcome. A magnificent view of the Lima Valley can be seen from the tranquil gardens.

Quinta Nova N.S. do Carmo

The Quinta Nova is well-equipped with public spaces, including a winter garden with fireplaces, a covered "shed" or terrace with upholstered deck chairs, picnic tables, a terrace with overhanging grapevines, and a swimming pool. There's even an historic private chapel.
Quinta Nova is especially popular during the harvest season, but it attracts guests year-round from Porto, Lisbon, and foreign countries. It offers comfortable, low-key luxury without pretension, and it makes a good base for touring the Alto Douro wine region.

Casas do Coro

The Casas do Côro are located in the heart of medieval Marialva, a historic Portuguese village, in a region where signs of man reach as far back as the Paleolithic era. The refurbishment of these centuries-old houses and the harmonious blend of the structures’ granite with the refined decor are an astonishing surprise. The feel is rustic, yet doesn’t compromise the comfort demanded by the times and afforded by the surrounding space.

LISBOA PLAZA HOTEL

Lisboa Plaza Hotel opened at the beginning of the 1950's. The hotel’s architect developed a concept of modernity throughout. As he himself said "practical solutions promote a sense of well-being." The family who owns the hotel today has continued the architect's dream, and over the years has created an atmosphere of informal good taste.

The beautiful décor was created by Graça Viterbo, one of the most famous Portuguese interior designers. This charming hotel is one of the most reputable in Lisbon, thanks to the constant updating of services and the attention paid to even the smallest detail.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour features a combination of paved roads and easy terrain, mixed with moderate hills, uneven footpaths and vineyards. On rainy days the footpaths and vineyards can often be wet and muddy. Our VBT minibus is available at specific meeting points for those who need assistance. Both morning and afternoon walking options are available most days. Ideal for enthusiastic beginners and experienced walkers.