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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to sustainable trips around the world. Carbon removals included with each booking!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover self-guided tours and choose your own departure date to enjoy autonomous sustainable adventures solo, with a partner, or a group of friends. Customization possible!

Self-Guided Tours | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Embark on a hiking adventure from the enchanting hilltop villages in Nice's backcountry to the azure coast of the French Riviera.

[8 Days] Hiking from Hilltop Villages to the Riviera | Yugen Earthside

This self-guided trip provides a great contrast between walking through the mountains and along sun-drenched coastal trails. There will be many swimming opportunities in the Mediterranean Sea along the way! 

Savour French/Italian fusion in architecture, culture, & cuisine

Roam through idyllic villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by mountains

Immerse yourself in the colorful markets of Breil sur Roya, Sospel, & Menton

Hike to Sainte Agnès, a gem of France's perched villages (& the highest coastline village!)

Stroll along the Mediterranean Sea's stunning shores

Wander the cobblestone streets of Eze & discover scenic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Relax in the fishermen's town of Villefranche sur Mer

Behind the French Riviera’s glamour, timeless villages are hidden, tucked away in lush valleys and resting atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind through forests and follow majestic olive groves. Perched high above the sea, the panoramic views from the hilltop villages are stunning and breathtaking. The centuries-old route eventually leads you straight to the beautiful town of Menton, the last stop along the French Riveria before reaching the Italian border.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. We generally recommend this trip from March to mid-November.

March to May: Spring ushers in blossoming landscapes and colorful, picturesque settings. The mild temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, ideal for hiking. Trails may be muddy from winter rains, so it's advisable to take waterproof hiking gear with you. You shouldn't expect big crowds on the trails or in the villages, making for a pleasant experience.

June to August: Summers are dry and can have very high temperatures (~86°F), especially in July and August. If you travel during these peak months, your hikes should be done early in the morning to try to beat the heat. Coastal towns offer opportunities for refreshing swims in the Mediterranean alongside crowds of tourists. 

September to November: Autumn is another ideal season for this trip with pleasant temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F. You'll enjoy the welcome coastal breezes and colorful foliage. The tourist traffic begins to wane, especially in October and November.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we highly recommend taking this trip in the spring or autumn. By traveling during less crowded months, you can contribute to tourism dispersal. This helps lessen the environmental impact on the trail and helps spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond the peak season. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a more tranquil experience along the French Riviera!

Transportation from Menton to Villefranche with your bags 4.20€ pp (D5)

Transportation from Villefranche to Eze and return 1.80€ pp (D6)

7 nights double occupancy with private facilities

Train: Sospel train station to Sospel guesthouse (D1)

Train: Sospel guesthouse to Breil sur Roya (D2)

Road Book with detailed walking itineraries & integrated maps

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike. We believe that tourism can positively impact society in several ways. Firstly, walking and cycling are pollution-free modes of transportation, allowing you to travel in an eco-responsible manner. Additionally, these activities promote physical fitness and provide a rejuvenating break from everyday routines and stress.

By traveling at a slower pace, you have the opportunity to fully enjoy the tours, meet people, and immerse yourself in local culture. We prioritize authentic experiences, introducing you to local accommodations, restaurants, artisans, and farmers. We strive to support sustainable development and responsible tourism by working with small, local, and family-run establishments.

Acknowledging that travel does generate CO2 emissions, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and have partnered with Reforest'Action, a B Corp company. We calculate the average emissions produced by transportation on our trips and plant trees to offset these emissions. Each traveler's participation results in the planting of one tree, contributing to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks. Additionally, your actions support the purchase of carbon credits associated with certified forest conservation projects. You can also extend your impact by purchasing and planting additional trees to reduce your carbon footprint in other areas.

Overall, our tours offer a fulfilling and sustainable travel experience, combining the exploration of beautiful landscapes, the appreciation of diverse cultures, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

In order to act in a responsible way towards the environment, this trip guarantees to and from route transportation by train. Choosing train travel over other modes of transportation, such as airplanes or cars, significantly reduces carbon emissions. Throughout the adventure, we will be staying 2 nights in each place, except for the day we visit Menton. In this way we promote slow tourism, reducing transportation impact, supporting local economies, and deeply connecting with the local culture. 

As hiking is a low-carbon impact activity, our trip is environmentally friendly. 

We highlight the local market days, use trains whenever possible (between Menton and Villefranche / Eze), and also upon arrival and departure.

We use very small guesthouses and a simple Auberge, they serve local food and try to make a special effort regarding recycling, zero plastic use, eco-friendly cleaning products, and energy and water savings.

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart & soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[8 days] Heart & Soul of Douro Valley, Portugal | Yugen Earthside

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the heart and soul of Douro Valley, one of Portugal's famous wine regions and a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk at your own pace and do wine tasting along the way, while your luggage is transported for you between accommodations. Our route takes you through astonishingly beautiful landscapes and postcard-worthy traditional villages. The Douro Valley's demarcated wine region is one of the most scenically impressive in the world; as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is the fourth most visited destination in Portugal,  thanks to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. 

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site 

Explore the heart of the famous Douro wine region and witness year-round vineyard activity

Walk from village to village along unpaved roads and footpaths

Enjoy al fresco lunches and taste award-winning table wines and other varieties

Stay in local boutique accommodations with warm hospitality

Visit historical sites and port wine cellars in Porto

Make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro region before exploring the picturesque, patterned slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot. 

Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you walk through the different villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample not only award-winning table wines but also port and muscatel wines.  Museums such as the Bread and Wine Museum in Favaios will give you a greater appreciation of local traditions and wine production. Favaios is famous for producing Moscatel wine, a sweet, fortified wine made from Muscat grapes. Visiting the town's wineries and vineyards will allow you to taste and learn about this unique wine while witnessing some of the year-round activities involved in tending the vines and terraces.

Relax after each day’s walk at carefully selected country houses and hotels. You will receive a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals.

End your self-guided Douro Valley walking tour back in the fascinating historical city of Porto. You can visit the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia as well as explore Porto’s many sights and views.

With this trip through the Alto Douro region, you will gain an understanding of the local traditions and unique landscapes. Feel transported back in time by walking close to the Douro River, the once treacherous main route for transporting goods, especially barrels of wine from the vineyards to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Like what you but it is not quite a perfect fit?

Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is from March 1st to April 30th & from October 16th to 31st.

The high season is from May 1st to October 15th.

Spring, early summer, and fall are ideal for walking holidays in northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, you will have the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries. With a bit of luck, you can even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Traveling during the low season is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal: spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Train transfer (round trip) between Porto train station and Pinhão train station

Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above

App with trail information for use on a smartphone

7 Nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast

5 Packed lunches during the walks (day 3 to day 7)

Private transfer from Porto airport to Porto hotel (day 1)

Private transfer from Porto hotel to Porto train station (day 2)

Luggage transfer between accommodations from days 3 to 7 and to Pinhão train station on day 8

24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking)

More than 30 days before the expected arrival date: no costs

From 29 to 15 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 50% of the total cost

Less than 14 days before the expected arrival date: we retain 100% of the total cost

Instead of traveling by train, you can opt to spend the day on the water and take a river cruise upstream to Régua. This will involve the fascinating machinations of the Carrapatelo Dam (35 meters) and the Crestuma-Lever Dam (14 meters). The boat journey takes around 6 hours to reach Régua, with lunch on board, followed by a private transfer to your accommodation in Pinhão.

Day 2: River Cruise from Porto to Régua, lunch included. 120 € pp

Day 8: River Cruise from Régua to Porto, lunch included. 120 € pp

Private transfer from Porto to Pinhão: 240 € for 1-3 people, 320 € for 4-7 people

Extra night at Porto Hotel: 90 € pp in a shared double room, 165 € pp in a private single room

Extra night at Pinhão Hotel: 80 € pp in a shared double room, 135 € pp in a private single room

Pinhão Winery Visit & Tasting: 30 € pp (paid locally)

Price varies between high and low seasons.

Low Season: March 1st - April 30th & October 16th - October 31st

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 


Environmental Initiatives
You will see this UNESCO World Heritage landscape up close through scenic routes and rural backroads with river and vineyard views. You will see man-made wine terraces, and have the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact, especially since you will receive a full briefing from us on how to respect the local wildlife and landscape. We focus on green transportation by taking the train out to the valley and then beginning the walking tour. We use some accommodations for multiple nights in order to reduce the need for luggage transfers. When necessary (to avoid some luggage transfers), we'll use local taxi drivers to reduce carbon emissions and support the local economy. Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.


To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where clients are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents.

This is particularly relevant in the village of Favaios, which is famous for its artisanal bread. We strongly recommend visiting one of the local bakers to see how they use the wood-fired ovens and buy still-warm rolls. The formidable baker, Manuela, will also slice and butter the bread on request. Favaios is also one of only two places in Portugal that produce muscatel wine so a glass of Moscatel de Favaios is a must for those who enjoy fortified wines. Clients can learn more about the history of both these tasty treats in the village’s Bread and Wine Museum.

This trail is in the heart of the renowned Douro wine region so as well as observing the manual labor that goes into tending the endless grape vines, both for small-scale independent production and for the major players, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local wine producers to taste and buy their wines and learn about the unique family histories of these quintas (wine estates).

If the trip coincides with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, clients have a wonderful opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries and, with a bit of luck, even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Economic Initiatives
By booking this trip, you'll directly support the local economy. Your tourism money will stay with these communities as you support older generations reliant on subsistence agriculture.

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Feb. 1st - Jun. 30th
Sep. 15th - Nov. 15th

Journey through prehistoric lands and witness dramatic rock formations, endangered wildlife, & more on this walking tour in Douro International Natural Park & the Côa Valley.

[8 days] Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley | Yugen Earthside

Journey through prehistoric lands and witness dramatic rock formations, endangered wildlife, historical villages, and ancient cultures on this walking tour through the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley Archaeological Park.

Begin your trip in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, Portugal, where you'll be met by a private local driver and taken to your hotel. On your walking route, you will venture along the Douro River to the Spanish border by train. You'll be surrounded by mesmerizing scenery, including the amazing Douro Valley and its renowned wine region, and Paleolithic rock art near the Douro and Côa Rivers.

Along the way, you'll visit medieval villages, learn about local culture and traditions, and feel welcomed at cozy guesthouses throughout northeast Portugal.

Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Alto Douro wine region

Experience a night visit by moonlight to an incredible prehistoric rock art site

Visit a cheese producer, stay in a shepherding village, and stay on a farm

Pass by 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Côa Museum

About as far as you can get from the madding crowds, you’ll be staying on a working wine estate and olive farm for the first few days while you explore the Douro International Natural Park. In this wild, rocky landscape, endangered bird species such as the Egyptian vulture and the griffon vulture are protected, so keep your eyes peeled for these birds.

The wonders of this area include prehistoric human activity. Your walk will take you past a 10,000-year-old rock engraving of a horse! To make your stay at the Douro International Natural Park even more memorable, you will rest at a beautifully converted stone farmhouse, where your host will prepare delicious meals from local produce.

In the Côa Valley Archaeological Park area, you’ll be staying in a quaint and charming shepherding village and get to visit a local cheese producer. The highlight of your journey will undoubtedly be the spectacular night visit to the Palaeolithic rock art site on the banks of the Côa River. Under the moonlight, your eyes will witness the ancient, breathtaking art that has survived for thousands of years.

Walking through the medieval village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, you can marvel at the surprising amount of Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) architecture. You’ll pass through other smaller villages too as you make your way along trails that are over a thousand years old.

Walk through old paths to immerse into the Portuguese serene country life. As you hike, notice how the main crops of grapes, almonds, and olives are cultivated in this remote part of Portugal and learn about some traditional agricultural practices. Through the rocky plains local sheep graze, so, you may see local shepherds taking their flocks there.

Are you ready to take the plunge and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Book this incredible trip with a partner or a small group of walking buddies and leisurely walk through scenic landscapes where the magic of Portugal is vibrantly alive.

Like what you see but it is not quite a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

You can book this itinerary from February 1st - June 30th, and from September 15th - November 15th each year.

The end of winter through spring (late February through May) is a great time to do this trip if you enjoy cooler weather and blossoming landscapes. 

If you’re lucky enough to do this walking tour of the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley in late February or early March, you will see the countryside transformed by the pink and white puffs of almond trees in blossom. You may even catch a festival dedicated to the almond blossoms in Vila Nova de Foz Côa towards the end of your adventure. Wait a little later in the year and you’ll be surrounded by colorful spring wildflowers and lush greenery during your walks. Days can be warm and sunny, and rainfall can be frequent during this season. So, come prepared for changeable conditions.

Summers in Portugal can be hot and dry, which might be challenging for long walks during the day. Summer coincides with the high season, meaning it is also likely to be the most crowded with tourists. We don’t recommend doing this Douro walking holiday in July and August, as temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F). June can be a good balance of warmer weather and fewer visitors than in July and August.

Early fall (September and October) is also a very pleasant time to do this walking trip. Similar to the spring, days can be sunny and warm with chances of wind and rain. If your trip aligns with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, you will have the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries. With a bit of luck, you can even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Traveling during the low or shoulder seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal: spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Côa Museum entrance fees and other optional expenses

7 nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast

Private transfer from Porto airport to Porto hotel on day 1

Private transfer from Porto Hotel to Porto Campanhã train station on day 2

Train tickets from Porto to Pocinho on day 2

Transfers to/from the Pocinho train station

Visit to a cheese producer and tasting of regional products

Prices are the same regardless of when you travel.

This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet.

Rural Tourism:
Our self-guided hikes follow rural backroads and paths through a fascinating landscape with the undulating countryside, vineyards, valleys, and villages, offering you the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact.

Green Transportation:
We focus on green transportation by taking the train out to the valley and then beginning the walking tour. We use some accommodations for multiple nights in order to reduce the need for luggage transfers. When necessary (to avoid some luggage transfers), we'll use local taxi drivers to reduce carbon emissions and support the local economy.

Water:
Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.

Preventing Economic Leakage:
To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

Food:
The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Local Life:
Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where you are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents. You will also get to see cheese production in action.

Natural Parks:
This trail is in two very special parks near the border with Spain, where rural traditions and agricultural practices are still evident. You’ll probably see shepherds with their flocks in Vilar de Amargo and you’ll be staying at a farmhouse for a few nights where Margarida will be happy to share her local knowledge. Marco, your host in Vilar de Amargo, is also a font of information about the local history, culture, flora, and fauna and he’ll be taking you to the cheese factory and the rock art site.

Enjoy an unforgettable ride cycling the Camino de Santiago along the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral!

[9 days] Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way | Yugen Earthside

See the best of northern Portugal and Galicia as you cycle the Portuguese Coastal Way of St. James along the coast and through gloriously green countryside. Between the fascinating cities of Porto and Santiago de Compostela, you’ll discover authentic villages and hamlets, pretty towns, and loads of history.

The Camino de Santiago, or "the Way of Santiago", is an ancient and famous set of pilgrimage routes, all culminating at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northern Spain. There are cycling and walking routes of varying lengths, many starting or passing through Portugal, Spain, and France. Contact us if you're interested in different Camino de Santiago routes!

Cycle this ancient pilgrimage route along a scenic coastal trail

Pass by gorgeous and iconic beaches, rivers, bridges, and valleys

See beautiful churches, chapels, and roadside shrines

Head inland and cycle through forests, farmland, and historical cities

Enjoy regional dishes, including amazing seafood, Padrón peppers, and great local wines

Find comfort in boutique accommodations and a spa town with thermal baths

You’ll begin in Porto, and pedal by a series of sandy beaches, villages, and market gardens en route up the coast to the low-key resort town of Esposende via Vila do Conde. Then you'll head inland and follow quiet country lanes to Caminha, passing through the small, attractive city of Viana do Castelo along the way.

A short but scenic ferry ride takes you across the River Minho to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain. A glorious stretch of rugged coastline and a small mountain connect you to Baiona, a charming seaside town with lots of history and tapas bars. Then it’s on to the city of Vigo through the typical rural countryside. Ride on to Redondela, where the coastal and central Caminos become one, accompanied by views of the Ria do Vigo.

Stop for oysters in Arcade before using ancient stone paths to cycle through the forests and villages to the city of Pontevedra, a city full of intriguing squares and buildings. The next town of note is Caldas de Reis, where you can test the temperature of the thermal waters. Pretty Padrón is where St. James is said to have been buried. Try the famous peppers here then pedal on to your ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela.

Like what you see but it is not a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

The low season is in March, April, May, and October.

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a cycling holiday to northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

Traveling during the low or mid-seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Roadbook with tips, maps, and detailed information about your route

8 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag)

7 days bike rental (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels + panniers + helmet)

Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)

You may request an accommodation upgrade for paradores (a type of inn) as well as 4 and 5-star hotels.

Extra night at Porto Hotel (3-star hotel): 65 € pp in a shared double room, 95 € pp in a private single room

Extra night at Santiago de Compostela Hotel (3-star hotel): 70 € pp in a shared double room, 110 € pp in a private single room

6 Dinners during the Cycling Trip (drinks included): 175 € pp

Private transfer between Porto city and Porto airport: 40 € for up to 3 people, 65 € for 4-7 people

Private transfer from Santigao de Compostela to Porto: 320 € for up to 3 people, 360 € for 4-7 people

Upgrade to E-bike TREK Powerfly 4 625 (or similar): 200 € per E-bike

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

Low Season: March, April, May, and October

This cycling tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet.

Environmental initiatives
We take into consideration environmental issues when planning new programs within Northern Portugal and design them to have a negligible harmful impact. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines laid out by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which protect and preserve the areas of natural beauty and environmental significance in which we operate. As biking is a low-carbon impact activity your trip will not seriously damage the environment.

Sociocultural Initiatives
The nature of our self-guided programs enables us to work in very quiet villages with small locally-owned, family-run hotels, cottages, guesthouses, and restaurants. We ensure our staff and those who work for us are treated with respect and have fair working conditions.. Throughout the different days, travelers will enjoy authentic experiences that enable a deep connection with local communities. 

Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

Take the road less traveled with this walking tour on the other side of Douro, Portugal's famous wine region replete with orchards, vineyards, & typical villages.

[8 days] Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro | Yugen Earthside

Take the road less traveled with this walking tour on the other side of Douro, Portugal's famous wine region replete with orchards, vineyards, and typical villages.

This weeklong, self-guided stroll takes you through the unexplored, rural side of the Douro at your own pace. Slow down and rejuvenate as you explore a side of Douro where few tourists venture. Discover a new layer to this UNESCO region by hiking through awe-inspiring landscapes, and stopping in small villages along the way. Visiting the Douro region wouldn’t be complete without savoring delicious wines in serene settings, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hot spots.

Visit the Alto Douro wine region, the oldest wine region in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Soak in stunning views as you walk through terraced vineyards

Meet with small wine producers and participate in port and wine tastings

Discover charming local villages, historical monuments, and Portugal’s rural life

On this walking trip through the other side of Douro, you’ll start in Porto and make your way down to the riverside town of Peso de Régua. As you explore the area south of the Douro River, you’ll walk through beautiful natural landscapes past fruit trees and orchards, and through terraced vineyards.

You’ll have the chance to admire the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of the Alto Douro wine region from multiple vantage points. Our different hikes to Pinhão, Vacalar, and Adorigo, to name a few, offer the chance to overlook gorgeous rolling vineyards, terraced slopes, and the mighty Douro River.

Throughout your hike, you can sample delicious local specialties, and savor the unique flavors of the region’s wines. The wine production here is mostly thanks to smaller producers, which means a greater variety of vineyard patterns and a very local feel to the experience.

As well as its wine industry, the Douro region is well known for its fruit production. Strolling through Armamar, a charming town in northern Portugal, you’ll see orchards full of cherries, apples, elderberries, and figs. Depending on the time of year, the fruit trees may be in blossom or in fruit, adding extra color and flavor to your time in the Douro Valley.

This Douro walking tour also offers the possibility to immerse yourself in Portuguese history and culture. In Salzedas and Barcos, located in northern Portugal, their historical monuments, including a Romanesque church and a Cistercian monastery, will impress you. For example, the monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas, which dates from the 12th century, has been recognized as one of the most important and beautiful in Portugal.

You’ll also experience the region’s laid-back rural rhythm. In small towns, notice how locals manage their vegetable plots, vineyards, and fruit trees. There will be time, too, to hang out in a cafe and watch life unfold around you.

The final walking day starts in a hillside village on the north side of the Douro River, which gives you an opportunity to see where you’ve already walked from a different perspective. This is a lovely way to end your Douro vacation!

Like what you but it is not quite a perfect fit?

Lunches and dinners (except for the packed lunch between day 3 and day 7)

Transfer from Porto hotel to Porto train station

Detailed route notes & welcome kit with pre-departure information

7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Private transfers between accommodation and the start or end of daily walks, where relevant

Luggage transfer between accommodations (days 3, 5, and 7)

Tour and tasting session at Quinta do Tedo winery (day 5)

Port wine tasting at Quinta das Carvalhas (day 7)

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. This walking tour was crafted using extensive local knowledge and designed to respect both the way of life of local populations as well as the natural environment. 

Environment: You will see this UNESCO World Heritage region up close through scenic routes and rural backroads with river and vineyard views. You will see man-made wine terraces, and have the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna with negligible environmental impact, especially since you will receive a full briefing from us on how to respect the local wildlife and landscape.

Since the quality of tap water is excellent in Portugal, we supply a refillable bottle that clients can use during their walking holiday and beyond.

Community: To make sure that money stays within the small local communities that our clients spend time in, the accommodation for this program is in a combination of small, unique hotels and family-run rural lodgings, which give clients an insight into local history and culture. Some accommodations produce their own wine, olive oil, and fruit, from which they make products that can also be purchased as gifts/souvenirs.

Local food:
The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at hospitable local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, engage with the owners, chef, or servers, and, of course, sample Douro wines and port.

Most of the walking days involve passing through small hillside villages where you are welcome to stop at local cafés, bakeries, and grocery or craft stores in order to get a sense of what local life is like and interact with the residents.

Wine producers:
This trail is in the heart of the renowned Douro wine region so as well as observing the manual labor that goes into tending the endless grape vines, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local wine producers to taste and buy their wines and learn about the unique family histories of these quintas (wine estates).

Economy: Your tourism money will stay with these communities and you will support older generations reliant on subsistence agriculture. By booking this trip, you'll directly support the local economy.

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