Wish to say it was a brilliant holiday! This was due to fantastic scenery and lovely walks at a wonderful time to go, at grape harvest time. The colours as autumn approached were beautiful. The hotels were of a very high standard, food was delicious and Portuguese people were so friendly. We were blessed with great weather too. The walks through the hills were exhilarating and rewarding.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip in a lovely part of Portugal.  We started by staying in porto for 2 nights -  a bustling interesting city, with some great places to eat.  Then onto the train (at the impressive Sao Bento station) to head east along the Douro river to Pinhao -  quite a spectacular train journey.  The first hotel at Casa de Loivos (now deep in wine growing country) had a gob smacking view over the river valley from high on its flanks.  The walking was not too taxing and mostly very pleasant  -  hilly vineyard country but with lovely woodland walks and some hill walking as well.   We ended up at the Casa da Visconde (where you stay for 2 nights) -  an excellent hotel with truly delicious food.   We went in mid September, with calm sunny days and the grape harvesting was in full swing.  All in all very intersting and enjoyable.

A wonderful, restorative holiday - exactly what we needed after 18 months of lockdown.  Thank you, Inntravel for arranging everything so well. We particularly enjoyed the tour of the Graham's Port Lodge in Porto, and the recommendations for supper at Jimao Tapas e Vinhos, and Postigo do Carvao (both of which we booked before leaving the UK), and lunch at the Majestic Cafe. We had 2 nights in Porto and were glad that we asked Inntravel to bring forward our arrival at Casa de Casal de Loivos by a couple of hours.  The view from the terrace is magnificent and it would have been a shame to have only arrived early evening. Margarita the manager is absolutely wonderful - nothing is too much trouble; sitting on the terrace with a complimentary glass of white port we felt that the 'relaxation' phase of our holiday had really begun.

The Inntravel guide describes Alijo as a 'small working market town' but we were impressed by it's cleanliness and sense of civic pride. We ate very well in the Barao Forrester restaurant. Walking from Alijo the next day, our visit to the bread and wine museum was a real treat.  It was fascinating to learn about the local production of moscatel wine - even better to sit on their terrace with a view of the vineyards, sampling it at 11am...  Cristina and her nephew made us very welcome at Casa de Vilarinho de Sao Romao and we felt privilleged to have such a lovely house to ourselves as we were the only guests. We enjoyed the walking (which was not strenuous) and apart from one group of Dutch walkers never met anyone apart seeing grape pickers in the distance. I was glad that we booked an extra night at Cas do Visconde de Chancelieros  - a wonderful place to relax at the end of the holiday. The food there is superb - and we loved the fact that they would point out the villages on the hillside where that evening's local wines originated.We enjoyed our tour of Quinta de la Rosa, and we also organised our own walk through the vineyards of Quinta das Carvalhas which gave some of the best view of the holiday. A superb holiday!

Fabulous holiday from beginning to end. The booking process was seamless and very efficient. Everything went to plan. The variety of accommodation was delightful and the walking was very well described in the notes, the GPS files were also a god send as there aren't many signs on the routes. Such a beautiful area to walk through the vineyards, especially at harvest time. Thank you Inntravel for an excellent holiday, wish we were still there!

Lovely hike in stunning scenary with a very authentic character from the towns and villages on the route.

This is a fantastic walking holiday on fairly easy paths in an area of calm outstanding beauty. You are rewarded at the end of the day with lovely meals, mostly included in your package with great suggestions from Inntravel when the meals are not included. The hotels are all fantastic, with a great location in Porto, two outstanding small hotels in the countryside and one good comfortable hotel in a small town (our package needed some modification as one of the initial hotels was fully booked). We need to give a special mention to Casa do Visconde at Chanceleiros. We were the only guests for 2 nights and only joined by another couple for our last night (due to the covid situation and the fact that apart from their international clientele this lovely hotel relied this year on their Portuguese clients who were back at work in September). Despite being the only ones, the whole team worked to produce lovely meals in the evening. The feeling was unreal, having a good kitchen working only for 2 people. The food was traditional Portuguese cooked with flair and great ability, the wine offerng is more than generous. We learnt a lot about Port (and drank a fair share). I recommend to extend the holiday a few days in Porto as one day doesn't appear enough to explore this lovely city. Once again, an excellent holiday package from Inntravel and really great places to stay.

The hikes were nicely varied in scenery: vineyards, deep wooded valleys, little towns, mountain top views and pine forests. Each day got better than the last and I only wish there had been more days! 

Great hotels and a chance to see the city and valley. A cuisine delight. I enjoyed the wine and the wine tasting. This is not a challenging walking holiday but an all-round experience.

I appreciate that weather is one aspect of the holiday over which you have no control, but we were fortunate to have perfect sunny days during our walking holiday. The inns/hotels were lovely and the meals were very good. (To update your info, the Pousada de Barao Forrester no longer offers wine or water with their 25 Euro menu but will give you 10% off the a la carte menu.) Walk directions were very clear, with a few small exceptions that I can forward to you if you like, but we always guessed correctly when we were in doubt. We enjoyed the company of other Inntravel clients who were a day ahead or behind us when we stayed at the same hotel for two nights and our schedules overlapped. I would definitely recommend taking hiking poles. The picnic lunches provided by the hotels were very generous and we learned to sort through them before setting out to remove heavy items that we did not anticipate consuming in the course of our day's walk. I would have appreciated having an information addendum for Day 7 as to whether arrangements had been made for Mr. Carvalho to collect us from our hotel and take us to the train station (Ursula seemed confident that they had, but agreed to call to confirm) and to let us know the approximate cost of the taxi ride. I would have preferred to have Inntravel add that charge to their invoice and send me a second voucher for this final leg of the trip.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: We followed up the holiday details referred to here and have updated the notes accordingly and contacted this customer with our appreciation.

Weather was perfect. We were really lucky. I'd recommend getting train tickets when you can in advance as queues can be large at times. When you come back from Pinhao check platform. Ticket inspectors will keep you right about whether train goes direct or you need to change. Hop on Hop off bus in Porto isn't worth the money! Metro trams and buses are really good. Streets in Porto are very steep especially going down to river. Get a good map of Porto before you go if you can. 

Great week. Inntravel choice of hotels were excellent & with 3 of them felt like being in a family home. Beautiful area.

A thoroughly enjoyable walk through very attractive countryside. October was the perfect time... not too hot, but sunny and the added interest of seeing the grape picking. 

We had a wonderful holiday helped by the beautiful October weather. Inntravel is one of the best tour companies we have used and the information provided was very impressive, comprehensive and useful which helped us to get the very best from our 9 day trip.

The beauty and the tranquility of this area made one forget all about the stresses of our busy lives - it was magic.

My personal highlight of the trip was the walking from one accommodation to the next each day without the need for transport. It is amazing to me how all of the tracks, cobbled walkways, and roads join together to provide a solitary and scenic path from one place to the next. We only saw six other hikers the entire time on the trails. I loved looking back over the valley and being able to see the way that we had come - it looked like such a long distance! It was beautiful to be out in nature passing through vineyards, orchards, quintas, hamlets, villages, and towns. The local people we passed in the villages were friendly and welcoming.

Tips: Do not be overwhelmed when you receive the directions and maps - they make a lot of sense once you are there following them. They are very detailed and helpful! The hiking can be challenging at times with the elevation changes, do not under estimate the need to train and be prepared. We are very active and still wish we had gone on some hikes with elevation changes to be more prepared. Spend time in the small villages to talk to the local people - we did so and were invited to taste the port made by a local. Allow time each afternoon to arrive at the accommodation early enough to enjoy the lovely outdoor terraces and pools.

I'm already researching where my next walking holiday with InnTravel will be!

A good walk, pretty undemanding. The Cities were rather crowded with tourists and we were told it was high season. Queues at major sights were very long, meaning a wait of over two hours to gain entry. In most cases we gave them a miss. Maybe we did not go at the best time.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our Valley of Gold walking holiday with the Cities, Palaces & Wine journey by rail. September is a popular month in the cities.

Well chosen hotels, wish we could have stayed in the ones that were full! Good and accurate walking descriptions. And appreciated the maps.

A truly lovely and active holiday. The countryside is stunning, the food and accommodation excellent and the hospitality second to none. We were fortunate to be there for the harvest (our intention) which added to the enjoyment. The families harvesting the grapes were really friendly and kept offering us bunches of grapes for our lunch. Thank you Inntravel.

A well organised walking trip I would have no hesitation in recommending. The hotels were all comfortable and pleasantly situated. I was impressed that it had been noted that I am vegetarian and most of the meals I was offered were delicious, with a real effort made to accommodate me. The view from the hermitage of San Domingos was spectacular, but I think our favourite day was the longest - that from Alijo to São Romão, for its variety of landscape. When staying in Alijo, we found the recommended restaurant O Pelourinho excellent - such delightful hosts and delicious food, again with great kindness in offering to make a special meal for me. Another of your recommendations, that of Cais da Foz, was very good too. We found poles a must, especially on the descent from San Domingos. Take mosquito repellent: I was tormented at Chanceleiros!

We really enjoyed the walks and different hotels. Good walking paths apart from dusty! We used walking shoes and it was absolutely fine. It was lovely having a pool at all the hotels. It would be nice to arrive at Casa de Casal de Loivos earlier in the afternoon to enjoy the views and lovely terrace. We regretted not taking an earlier train. But then we had had extra days in Porto so would have been happy leaving in the morning. It was worth spending extra nights in Porto - a lovely city. Enjoyed Grahams and Quinta de la Rosa port wine tours. Lots of nice food and of course the port. Particularly enjoyed a Port and tonic before dinner! We’ve been on several Inntravel holidays now and would certainly recommend - and probably do another one.  

The highlights for us of the Douro holiday were the train journey from Porto to Pinhao and the lunch at Manuel's restaurant in Pinhao. Also the circular walk whilst staying at Casa Vilarinho via Sabrosa. By amazing chance, we hit the very day the village was celebrating 500 years since Magellan circumnavigated the globe. We saw acrobats and tumblers performing in the little square and later had a beer in the central bar when players from the band piled in. What an atmosphere!  A local was trying to tell us something but it was too noisy to hear him. It was a lovely walk too, especially going through the pine woods. Made a change from vines!

The wine & port tasting and tour at the Quinta de la Rosa was excellent and well worth the 5km walk down there.

We enjoyed the Minho part of the holiday and felt the highlights were staying at Quinta de Sobreiro and accidently walking to Cruz where we were treated to the church bells at 12pm (Westminster Chimes) and at 12.03 (Ode to Joy, twice round!) while we sat in the bar opposite.

As always, it was good meeting the other Inntravelers and eating at a large table together.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our Valley of Gold and Manor Houses of the Minho walking holidays.

A very good holiday. All the hotels varied in character but were all equally enjoyable. The swimming pools were very welcome as the weather was very hot for early September. The cooking was exceptional and we enjoyed the communal tables at 2 of the hotels and the  lively conversations with other guests. All the staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful. The scenery was quite different for us and we enjoyed the lovely long distance views. The visits to the Quinta de la Rosa and Grahams in Porto were both pleasureable and informative,but also very different. We also had a meal at Graham's restuarant but found it disappointing.

Porto was busy and vibrant but we found quite expensive, The Pestana Vintage was good but we found a marked difference in the room between our first night stay and our addon at the end. The restaurant 1858 BBGourmet in a quiet location was really excellent for lunch and had we been there for another night we would definitely have gone back for an evening meal.

As usual Inntravel arrangements went smoothly.

2019 is a year when both of us celebrate our 70th birthdays and the Valley of Gold was planned as a special treat and we added several days onto the holiday in both Porto and Chanceleiros - and what a treat it was! Everything was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed Porto and the visit to Graham's port cellars was incredibly interesting but the only drawback(?!) was succumbing to the purchase of 5 half bottles of port. The Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto recommended a fish restaurant in Matosinhos (25 minute taxi ride) called O Valentim and it was a superb experience - simple surroundings but what wonderful fish. We had a very warm welcome by Maria at Casa de Casal de Loivos and this set the tone for all the places we stayed at and it was here that we thoroughly enjoyed sitting around a large dining table and meeting other visitors and enjoying a beautiful meal. Many reviewers comment about Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros and their regret at not staying longer so we took note of those comments and had the extra night at what was probably the best hotel that we have stayed in regarding location, welcome and wonderful food. It will be difficult to better this holiday so well done Inntravel.

Another wonderful walking holiday. All the accommodation was great but the last, Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros was terrific and well worth a few extra nights. I would definitely recommend dinner in the Atrium of the Graham Port Lodge Restaurant, Vinum. Great food and a lovely view of Porto with the Luis 1 Bridge in the background as the light fades and the streets lights go on. The tour round Graham’s Wine Lodge was also fascinating. The train journey from Porto to Pinhão is very scenic and we thought that the two hour boat trip from Pinhão is a “must”. The heat at that time of the year made the walking quite challenging (we went on 28th August) but the swimming pool in each hotel provided wonderful relief!

The vista from the Casa de Casal de Loivos is probably the most spectactular  I have ever seen and I have travelled quite extensively. It was just paradise sitting on the terrace with a cold glass of Douro wine overlooking the pool, vines and river Douro down below. Perfect !

We enjoyed that all transfers were truly "inn to inn."  Now, at the time of our trip, the trails were extremely secluded and so, this trip put an emphasis on peaceful solitude and tranquility.  Fine for us three but some might be unnerved by the lack of other hikers on the trails.

Dinner on the terrace with fellow guests at Casa de Casal de Loivos - the views, the views! The lady who served us, Maria was super - fun and engaging.

Eating out in Alijo at Restaurant Pelourinho - delicious food that only cost 32 Euros total for two of us, including wine!!

The walk to Chanceleiros hotel - fabulous. It would only have been improved had the sun been shining, instead of it being overcast and raining.

The hotel Chanceleiros was charming in every way - we loved it and wished we had booked an extra night here. The evening meal was quite an event!

Pestana Vintage in Porto - the breakfast is unbelieveable! 

We loved this tour! The countryside was beautiful. We had trails to ourselves. The whole tour far exceeded our expectations. Everyday was different. We had considered bringing walking sticks but didn't need them. We had bright sunny days which added to the experience. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our walking holiday in the Douro Valley. The walking routes were so scenic and the terrain varied and interesting.  Inntravel did an excellent job of providing walking notes that we could follow and luggage transfers were seamless. The accommodations in most instances were comfortable and the personnel were helpful. 

One highlight of this hike, is that one can see where you are going and where you have been in the open countryside. The walking segments were just right to leave time to rest, cleaning, and a beer before dinner. Each lodging was unique and fun. At two, everyone shared dinner at one table, and we loved meeting others (none of which were actually hiking). Even where tables were separate, conversations between them ensued. We never turned on the television as all the entertainment came from the hosts and other travellers. Make sure you leave time to visit the Quintas and the wine-bread museum enroute.

Along the Costa Vicentina: Wonderful views of the wild Atlantic coast. Some harrowing narrow ledges above the cliff to navigate and lots of sand dunes on this route. Sense of accomplishment at the end!

The Valley of Gold had outstanding views whenever we reached the "next" peak and looked back.  Absolutely amazing how the vineyards are planted and maintained.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our Along the Costa Vicentina and Valley of Gold holidays. We offer inland options to bypass the narrowest sections of the Costa Vicentina route.

Our plan for our first visit to Portugal consisted of two Inntravel trips with extra time in Lisbon and Porto. A week’s walk on the Palaces & Pathways of Sintra was followed by a week in the Valley of Gold. Traveling by rail between the two trips we stopped in Coimbra for an interesting tour of the town and campus. We loved both walking itineraries.

Palaces & Pathways of Sintra: We liked the varied walks and the seacoast proximity. We were especially impressed with the proprietors of Convento de Sao Saturnino and Colina Flora. They have worked so hard to create interesting and attractive inns, and to provide an enjoyable experience for their guests.

Valley of Gold: We loved the views, the quiet country lanes, farm roads, and the picturesque villages.  Again the overnight stays were very enjoyable.  The last stay at Casa Do Visconde de Chanceleiros was definitely a cut above, and deserves consideration for an extra night.

This was our sixth and seventh walk with Inntravel. We’ve said it before and we say it again “You Are Tops!” All arrangements and communications are trouble-free. All routes are carefully considered, interesting and delightful.

Another well organised Inntravel holiday. Great scenery and excellent accommodation, Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros being the highlight. Had two extra nights in Porto at the end which was very enjoyable - stayed in Hotel Ribeira do Porto which is much better value than the adjacent Hotel Pestana. Whilst in Porto do make sure that you take the Graham's Wine Lodge tour recommended by Inntravel - the tasting in their Old Library was wonderful and very self indulgent