Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal
Experience Overview
Ideal for those who enjoy wine, culture and countryside walks this fascinating journey from Madrid to Porto ventures through the Ribera del Duero region of Spain and the Douro winelands of Portugal. Sample regional vintages, explore national parks and stay in beautiful medieval towns.
Segovia - UNESCO World Heritage city and walks in nearby Guadarrama National Park
Douro Valley - Train ride snaking through the beautiful natural scenery of northern Portugal
Porto - UNESCO World Heritage riverside city famous for its port wine
Highlights
Easy walking holiday through Spain and Portugal wine regions|Visits to culturally rich historic towns and villages|Explore Madrid, Segovia and Porto
Trip Details
Product Code: 20281
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusBoatTaxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: MWW
Starts: Spain
Finishes: Spain
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
- Hotel Porcel Ganivet
- El Corregidor
- AZZ Penafiel Las Claras
- Posada Dona Urraca
- Hotel Lamego
- Hotel Moov Porto Centro
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,910 ($326 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in Madrid, the Capital of Spain home to elegant boulevards, manicured parks, cultural museums and fantastic markets.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Madrid at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (Mad) which is around 20 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore the city, wandering the back streets in search of tucked away tapas bars. There vast 19th century El Retiro Park is good place for a leisurely walk, past rose gardens and statues to the boating lake.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Porcel Ganivet
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
This morning we head out for a walking tour (approx. 5 kilometres/3.10 miles) of Spain's busy capital city and the second largest city in the European Union after Berlin. Located on the tiny Manzanares River, Madrid has its share of historic sights, great architecture, nightlife, fine dining, culture and shopping.
We begin our walk in the centre taking in some of the iconic landmarks. We walk through Madrid's lively Latina neighbourhood, making a stop for coffee near the impressive Palacio Real. Passing through the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain's finest squares framed by slate roofed red-brick buildings, we reach Mercado de San Miguel where we try some cheese and snacks before the tour ends. For lunch, you can wander through the market's stalls, sampling a variety of tapas, seafood, meats, and desserts the market has to offer
The afternoon is left free, you could discover Madrid's art neighbourhoods and visit the vast 19th century El Retiro Park or Circulo de Bellas Artes for views over the city from the 7th floor terrace.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Porcel Ganivet
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we leave Madrid behind as we head north to Segovia. After an hour and and a quarter we arrive at the village of Manzanares el Real, and the start of our walk into the Guaderrama National Park. This area of natural beauty is best known for the unusual granite rock formations of La Pedriza. Vegetation is sparse, however for rock-climbers it is a haven, as well as being a breeding colony for Griffon Vultures, which with a bit of luck we will spot on our walk. We continue by road for another hour to reach the city of Segovia.
Today's 8 kilometre/5.0 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - El Corregidor
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today we explore the stunning UNESCO world heritage historic city of Segovia, with its huge 1st century Roman Aqueduct and Disney-like Alcazar Fortress. We'll have an orientation walk with our tour leader followed by free time.
The upper old town enriched by ancient walls is centred around the Plaza Major and 16th century Gothic cathedral, from where streets lead to the famed monuments. The magnificent Aqueduct is the defining feature of the city, spanning 17 kilometres/10.60 miles and made up of 166 arches. Walking up to the hilltop Alcazar is worth if for the views over the city and rivers and to admire the slate turrets, the beautiful keep and square with four towers.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - El Corregidor
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we drive to the spectacular limestone canyon lands of Duraton River Natural Park, and take a walk along the river to medieval l town of Sepulveda. After a coffee break we continue on to Penafiel, right it in the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine region. The Ribera del Duero is one of several recognized wine producing regions along the Douro River. The region produces red wine from the Tempranillo grape. In the afternoon we enjoy a wine tasting at the Protos Bodega, one of Spain's most innovative wineries.
Today's 6 kilometre/3.70 miles walk is expected to take around 2 hours with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and descent .
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - AZZ Penafiel Las Claras
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we drive around an hour and a half hour to El Toro in the province of Zamora, another top notch wine producing region on the Douro River. We will stop for wine tasting in the village, before continuing on to the city of Zamora for lunchtime. This delightful city is a real architectural gem and home to the most Romanesque churches in Europe.
In the afternoon we will continue on the Portuguese border, to our home for the next 3 nights - the medieval hilltop village of Fermoselle, right in the heart of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Fermoselle dates back to pre-Roman times and with its own micro-climate, a landscape similar to that of Tuscany in Italy, its narrow cobbled streets, rustic stone houses and, most importantly, delicious wines - it is a very pleasant place to stay!
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Posada Dona Urraca
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we head into the Arribes del Duero Natural Park for a walk through its spectacular countryside. This afternoon we have a wine tasting in a local bodega, dug into the rock - one of around 900 granite bodega caves dating back to ancient times when wine production was large scale business in the area.
Today's 11 kilometre/6.80 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Posada Dona Urraca
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After breakfast we walk from the village through woodland and oak forest to the village of Pinilla, from where we drive to Fornmillos to visit a small cheese factory and taste some of their local farmhouse cheese. We then return to Fermoselle and meet our local guide to learn about the unique history of the wine production in the area and discover the underground bodegas.
Today's 8 kilometre/5.0 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 250 metres/820 feet descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Posada Dona Urraca
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today we drive 2 hours and cross the border into Portugal, to the village of Pocinhos, from where we board the local train for the hour and a half hour journey along the Douro Valley to Peso da Regua. A short taxi ride uphill then brings us to the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque village of Lamego. We have time to walk around the historic centre and the option to see the famous Nossa Senhora de Remdios church, before taking a short walk in the surrounding area before dinnertime. Tonight we stay in a beautiful hotel with it's own orchard and vineyard. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, small spa (entrance payable locally), and terrace restaurant with modern, spacious and light rooms.
Today's urban walk is expected to take around one-and-a-half hours with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Lamego
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we travel to Regua to visit a family Port and Douro winemaking estate (Quinta) where we'll enjoy a guided winery visit and learn how these famous wines are made. A tasting is included, after which we drive to Porto via Vila Real, a hilltop town above the confluence of the Corgo and Cabril rivers. Here, we visit the Mateus Palace; a stunning 18th century Baroque Palace with elegant manicured gardens.
Arriving into Porto this afternoon, a local guide will take us around Porto to wander around the cobbled streets and taste some of Porto's delicacies. After the tour, there is an option to visit a local bodega for a wine tasting.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Moov Porto Centro
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today has been left free to enjoy this lovely riverside city and its sights. Porto is Portugal's second largest city after Lisbon, and offers visitors a range of architectural and cultural attractions, such as the Palacio da Bolsa, with its spectacular Alhambra-like interior, a charismatic medieval quarter and the monumental central avenue, Avenida do Aliados. There is the option to take a 6-bridges-boat tour on the River Douro, providing a different perspective of the city.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Moov Porto Centro
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Porto.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Porto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) a 20 minutes' drive from the hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Sue & Tim - Traveled, June 2025
The best tour we have ever been on. Magdalena was a fantastic guide! She was extremely well prepared and organised, knowledgeable and lots of fun. Magdalena went out of her way to find new experiences that she thought the group would enjoy. We walked to places that we would never have found by ourselves and stayed in villages that were off the tourist track. The hotels were clean and comfortable. We are already looking for other walks run by Explore World and preferably led by Magdalena. We have already recommended this tour to many people we have met since we finished the walking tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
My friend and I have taken several small group (or private) walking tours with a number of different companies. This was our first with Explore. I found the itinerary, walks and wine tasting to be excellent! The hotels were all very good - accommodations were clean, comfortable and roomy with good to excellent amenities. They were all conveniently located but I personally found the Porto (too far from the river area) and especially the Madrid (somewhat dingy neighborhood with few open dining options on a Sunday) hotels to be in somewhat less desirable areas. I was somewhat disappointed with communication and execution both by Explore and our guide. Many tour companies offer a brief bio of the guide and detailed packing guidelines (what to bring) 1 to 2 weeks prior to the tour. This did not happen with Explore. Additionally, there were several miscommunications and some disorganization during the tour. Some examples include incorrect hours for various sites(we arrived at several places during closed hours) and last minute dining arrangements or changes. Our final dinner was a disaster. Arrangements not made far enough in advance, miscommunication on number, so they couldn’t accommodate us. Wandered down the street and found a place with no customers. There were only two people in total working there. Orders were incorrect, took an extremely long time, and the food wasn’t good. . The guide was not on top of who had been served on a couple occasions, and some of us waited almost two hours for our meals. This really wasn’t noticed or addressed by the guide until one of the group raised it. This was the guides first trip doing this tour. She was kind, considerate and worked very hard. There were too many missteps for me to rate the overall tour or guide as excellent, but I would still recommend the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2024
Carrie - Traveled, November 2024
My fellow travelers made this trip a wonderful experience. Some of the hotel accommodations should be reviewed for comfort/sound issues and breakfast options. Also recommend that guides on this excursion should be trained in first aid. We had an incident on a hike and luckily we had a paramedic on this trip with us. This was the first time our trip leader led this particular adventure. She did a great job of adjusting to circumstances and helped to make the trip enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2024
Chris (Chimera Photographic) - Traveled, September 2024
What a fabulous tour! What can go wrong with Walking & Wine Tasting?? - Absolutely nothing....a fantastic tour and one that I/we were dubious about due to our lack of stamina for walking, however this was paced fabulously and the walking was wonderful with some stunning scenery. Accommodation was excellent (apart from one very basic hotel). The places visited were all different in there own way, but it was great to get out of Madrid and into Countryside. The Group were great - A mix of Brits. Aussies. Americans and a Kiwi and all above the age of 50, but please don't let this put you off booking this tour!! The Winery's & Bodegas visited were an excellent mix. The food, was truly amazing. Magdalena our Tour guide was fabulous and considering this was her first tour with Explore, she did a remarkable job. Now, where to next????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Catherine - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent trip, good group of travellers, everyone got on well. Tour Guide worked very hard, but at times overloaded us with information. I really enjoyed the entire trip and the visit to the bodegas. The train trip from Pocinha to Peso da Regua along the Douro River was good. If you like wine I would definitely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2024
Richard - Traveled, September 2024
Fantastic holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
It was a good tour and set at a nice pace. There were no early starts, but we did pack a lot in. Plenty of wine and good food. We visited a variety of vineyards, which offered different tasting experiences. The walks were good, especially the last one. Lots of lovely scenery and towns, villages, cities to see. Our guide was great and kept us well informed and on track. A great group too. All in all a very good experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
An excellent trip with a a varied and well balanced itinerary. Tour leader was fantastic. An excellent selection of wine tastings from a contrasting range of wine makers. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Some accomodation simple, with outlook onto courtyards, car parkss etc. Good mix of wine tours, walking tours and longer walks in very intrresting places. Rocio was dxcellent, knowledgable, flexible and fun. Great locations. Good variety if wine tours and tastings. Tour guide of Porto was patronising and glib.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Our Tour leader Magdalena was exceptional! She went above and beyond finding additional wine tastings and local restaurants to try! Her efforts made the trip extra special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2025
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