Inntravel's Valley of Gold self-guided walk through the Douro valley offers the chance to learn about the process of wine and port production in beautiful, remote northern Portugal.

Starting from Pinhão on the upper Douro, each day’s walk has a different character, with plenty of climbing through vineyards to isolated villages with spectacular views of the river snaking far below.

Luggage is ferried between hotels, which range from two to four-star and include some of the oldest manor houses in the valley.

At the Casa de Casal de Loivos, home to the Sampaio family for three centuries, host Manuel Sampaio introduces guests to the subtleties of port and wine produced from grapes grown on his estate.

Season permitting, walkers can strip off their boots and join the traditional treading of the grape harvest, serenaded by accordionists.

GETTING THERE
Inntravel (01653 617722/ www.inntravel.co.uk) offers a six-day self-guided trip from £716pp (two sharing), including accommodation en route, most meals, maps, walking notes and all transfers. Flights can be arranged upon request.