Douro Walks

If you're lucky enough to stumble on Douro Walks during your travel research, don't hesitate to book a tour with António. When planning for our most recent trip to Portugal, we knew we wanted to visit the Douro Valley again. However, after a typical tourist tour (two wineries + boat tour) during our first visit, we wanted to see a more authentic and local view this time. António's tour couldn't have fit the bill more perfectly. We took the train from Porto to Pinhão where António picked us up promptly and brought us to his village of Ervedosa do Douro. Here, he adapted a 8 km hike for us. I can't even begin to explain the sights and knowledge we soaked in during these few hours (perhaps the photos can give you a small glimpse into what we saw). The views were stunning at every point and we gained insight into the lives of the local farmers. Afterwards, it was a privilege to be welcomed into António's home by his family and feast on a delicious home-cooked meal. The experience of eating olive oil made from the olive trees we just saw and port wine aged for 10 years in their home barrels was surreal. Coming from Canada, we couldn't have imagined seeing this aspect of Portugal. But we felt leaving incredibly grateful and we know we couldn't have done it with anyone else.

Antonio was an exceptional host and guide. His tour was perfectly balanced with beautiful views and detailed information about the vineyards and the Douro history. He was kind and thoughtful the whole way. Our only regret, if we had one, is that we did not do the other hike in his village so that we could have met his whole family.

Wow!! One of our favorite days in Portugal! The host António was so hospitable and knowledgeable! We learned so much about the Douro valley region and agriculture! We took a beautiful hike through the vineyards and he showed us his families vineyard. We tried some fresh fruits and nuts on the hike too! He gave us a tour of his home and gave us the most delicious honeycomb and cookies! Even gave us a honey gift to take home. Then we had port made by his family. Also we dined at this incredible local restaurant and had more wine! Then finished the tour at a nice winery with incredible views!

Best day of our visit to the Douro Valley!
Antonio put together the perfect way for us to experience the history and vitality of the Douro Valley. From the warm welcome he gave us at his home, to the informative and enchanting ramble through the vineyard from his village down to the river, we got a sense of the lifestyle and traditions of the region. The reward for our walk was an elegant and delicious lunch at Quinta San Jose. The adventure ended with a scenic boat ride back to our village, made all the more enjoyable with some white port. All 7 in my group agreed that our outing with Douro Walks was the best day of a great trip to Portugal.

We had an amazing experience hiking with Antonio. We went on the 19 km Vineyard route which was an excellent all day tour through the vineyards and the land around the vineyards. Antonio shared his knowledge of the Douro valley and his wife's family connection to the land. We had a nice lunch and visit at one of the Quintas on the route. It was wonderful to meet Antonio's wife and mother in-law. They were so generous and sharing with us. My wife, daughter, and I will cherish the memories.

António is a fantastic guide and I can't recommend Douro Walks highly enough! I did a beautiful walk in the hills above the village where he and his family live. We went through vineyards and fields with gorgeous views into the Douro valley, and we also visited a couple of the parcels of land where António's father-in-law grows grapes (and where the whole family works as needed). I got to taste grapes and plums from one of the parcels and we also found blackberry bushes along the walk. Talking to António throughout the walk and then lunch was fascinating. He's so knowledgeable and also very friendly and open. We discussed the land and crops, his village and others in the area, the effects of climate change, his business, the history of the area, and so much more. After the walk, I enjoyed an absolutely delicious lunch at his house, including food and wine cultivated on his family's land--wine, honey, olives, oranges, and more. I'm hoping I can get the recipe for the chickpea and cod main dish, since I can't easily get back to the village for all the other dishes, which included fresh ingredients from right there. António's wife, Silvia, who grew up in the village, prepared the lunch and it was as outstanding as the walk. I very much hope to go back to do several days of walks in the region with António!

Had the best day today with Antonio. Did a lovely 3 hour hike and even went to his father in laws house to watch him stomp grapes and try their new family wine. The tour was gorgeous and fun and informative. Antonio was happy to answer any and all questions and truly has a vast knowledge and love and passion for this area. We go to pick almonds, apples and walnuts right off the trees and even sample grapes from the vineyards. After the walk, his lovely wife Silvia had a nice table set for us in their cellar with a full spread of honey (that they make themselves), cheese, breads and meat. It was a fantastic day! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Also Antonio is able to customize the walk and tour based on interest and needs. 10/10.

We did the Pinhao walking tour, which Antonio organized and David led us on. We are so glad we did this experience - a walk from the town of Pinhao up through several vineyards and ultimately a local viewpoint of the river and valley in Casal de Loivos, before returning to town through separate vineyards amd roads that loop back to Pinhao. We visited via train, and this hike gave us a chance to see the valley from a different perspective even without a car. We'll definitely do the Ervedosa or Provesende tour when we come back.

David was a genuine, knowledgable host, and supplied us with a ton of local history, recommendations, and tips. 10/10

Worth noting - The walk is partially uphill, and in August it can get a bit hot! Still very much worth doing if you enjoy a hike. David was smart to check the forecast, and made sure we left early enough to avoid the worst of the heat.

Don't miss out on these wonderful hiking tours in douro valley with Antonio. I very much enjoyed my hiking day with him and the traditional portugues picnic made by Antonios wife and mother in law. Walking in between hidden paths, wine yards, including fantastic views and information about people and culture. Totally recommended! 😊👍

The best option to learn more about Pinhão local agriculture in a qualitative say is to meet António and embark into one of his walks 🤩 We visited Pinhão from the uphills on a 5 hours hike loop and ended-up with a pretty nice pique-nique. Thank you for this precious time together, for the great conversations and knowledge sharing!

Dourowalks, a small local business owned by António and Sílvia is the perfect choice if you're looking for a walk in the Douro Region and a must if you're eager to walk by the historical paths right by the amazing vineyards, learn more about the Region History, and be amazed by the magical landscapes the Douro Region has to offer. We did the Casal de Loivos hike, and couldn't be happier with it. Also, I think that the optional picnic by the Douro River at the end of the hike is wonderful as you get to taste a lot of local products that are high quality (wine, almonds, cheese, jams, just to name a few). António is very knowledgeable about the region and a really nice person. You can't go wrong with Dourowalks walks! =)

I loved the hike with Antonio and the picnic afterwards. He has a lot of knowledge of the area and is great in sharing cultural facts throughout our walk. The view is beautiful and, of course, the wines are delicious!

We had an absolutely wonderful time with Antonio today. He was so kind and knowledgeable, we got a wonderful view of the Douro Valley and finished it all off with a delicious homemade picnic lunch. Highly recommend!!!

One of our favorite hikes, EVER! Antonio was such a gracious guide who knew so much about the area and indulged all of our many questions. It was a perfect day, weather wise and we can’t wait to get back to hike with him again. In short, BOOK IT. You will have an unforgettable experience with memories that will last you a lifetime.

So far by a wide margin, this was the best day we spent in Portugal. We’ve been here 9 days. If you love a good long walk in nature and want to experience what life is like for the people in a small village in the Douro Valley, you can’t do better than spending a half day with Antonio. He is so personable and a great storyteller. After our 3 hour hike, part of which was in a torrential rain storm, we had a wonderful lunch at his home, which included wine and port….homemade and delicious. We also met his kids.

An absolute must
We traveled to Portugal for our 10th wedding anniversary and Douro Walks was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s an absolute must if you visit the Douro Valley. We couldn’t decide which tour to book, so we contacted Antonio & Silvia and they customized a day for us. It was spectacular and we left feeling like we have family in Ervedosa do Douro.

Antonio drove us to Ervedosa and along the way, highlighted points of interest and shared information about the region with us. We walked from the village along trails and roads to the family vineyard where we met Silvia, her brother and father. We picked figs, vegetable from the family plot and walked through another part of the vineyard learning about grape growing, the harvest and family history.
We harvested almonds with the family - so fun!

We met Silvia and Antonio’s three children and Silvia’s mum who prepared and unbelievable lunch... they called it a picnic but it’s was a family Sunday dinner, in an old vines vineyard under an apricot tree. We feasted on homemade bread & baking, grilled pork and fresh vegetables... all paired with Mr. Sebastian’s homemade wine and port. This family meal remains our favorite experience from our trip to Portugal.

After the “picnic” Silvia & Antonio drove us through other villages to viewpoints and taught us more about the region. On the way back to our hotel we stopped at their home and again were invited inside by Silvia’s mom for more food and time with the family. We were then given grapes, vegetables, almonds & bottle of port to take home!

If you are looking for an authentic experience... look no further. We can’t thank Silvia and Antonio enough for an amazing day. Their generosity & hospitality made us feel like a part of their family and we look forward to visiting them again.

We had such a wonderful time with Antonio on his guided walking tour through the vineyards of his family in the Douro Valley! The authentic picnic lunch in his home included the best bread we’ve ever tasted. Paired with wine and cheese and this was heaven. Don’t hesitate to book a tour!

While visiting the Duoro Valley we were fortunate to take a 3 hour hike overlooking the vineyards and overlooking the beautiful valley and river. Antonio is so knowledgeable of the area and life of the grape growers. We visited some small villages and we were fortunate to meet and chat with some of the land owners working in their fields. It made our time in the valley extra special.

What an amazing experience! I planned a work retreat and everyone wanted to tour the Duoro valley vineyards. But I didn't want a 'typical' tour on a shuttle bus... so glad I found Duoro Walks! It gave us a chance to be IN the vineyards, experience the beautiful Portugal weather, and get some movement. But, the best part? The hosts! Antonio and Silvia were so sweet and welcoming, and invited us into their home to try their own families' wine and yummy treats. We got to learn about the local culture by the very locals that are living it. I HIGHLY recommend this tour group.

We spent three days walking, eating and tasting wines with Douro Walks, the experience was the highlight of our vacation! We walked with Silvia the first day and Antonio the remaining two. We visited villages, had lovely picnics at wineries and an incredible and traditional lunch with their lovely family of 3 children. We tasted their family grown honey and wine and port. We learned all about wine making, history of the Douro Valley, Portugal and history of Silvia's family wine estate and growing up in the small village. It was extremally hot and they were able to change the schedule to hike earlier to beat the heat. Walking on trails through villages and vineyards made us feel like were were really able to be a part of the community. We felt welcomed, and like we've made some great new friends!

We can't recommend Douro Walks enough for a customized hike experience! We can't wait for some merch to be available for order so we can proudly wear our Douro Walks t-shirt or hat!