Douro Valley self-guided - Wine, nature and traditions in a World Heritage region
Douro Valley self-guided - Wine, nature and traditions in a World Heritage region
8 Days Starting in 5210 Miranda do Douro, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Miranda do Douro, Sendim, Torre de Moncorvo, Sabrosa, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DV
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Lactose into, Gluten-free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
About this tour Admire one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world and the Douro Valley, one of the most authentic landscapes in Europe, where man has adapted wine production to the arid terrain and harsh climate, guaranteeing the authenticity of the Port wine flavour, the region's trademark. To accompany this famous wine, you'll find a gastronomy rich in the essence of the region, with local products and producers. Take the opportunity to get closer to nature and cycle through the striking landscapes of the International Douro Valley, which marks the border with Spain. Here, more than 170 species of birds nest on cliffs over 200 metres high, and you can see them up close on one of our tours. Continue your walk along the Douro River and be dazzled by the serene green landscapes, along old railway lines, where vast forests, almond trees and vineyards dominate the panoramic views. Relax and enjoy the scenery on board a typical rabelo boat or on a train journey, always with the Douro as your companion. Extend your experience in this region by staying in renowned spaces linked to wine production, which have been adapted to the needs of the guests, while guaranteeing their identity in structure and decoration and preserving the genesis of their origin. In a cosy way, you can stay in a hotel overlooking the river, in a traditional olive oil estate or in an elegant town house, or even in a family manor house - a Quinta.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Miranda Do Douro | City With History, Traditions, Culture And Dancing
Location: Miranda do Douro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Portugal and enjoy an authentic adventure through the oldest demarcated wine region in the world - the Douro. Once you arrive at Porto airport, you will be transferred to Miranda do Douro, the starting point for this tour. Take advantage of the appetiser that this trip will give you to get to know some of the region's most emblematic landscapes, the same ones that will frame your days in the Douro region. You certainly won't be indifferent to the Douro River Gorge, over 200 metres high. Once you've arrived in Miranda do Douro, a town in the region, take the opportunity to relax in this town with its very own characteristics, whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets.
Day 2 : Miranda Do Douro To Sendim | Walks Through The Natural Park, Visits To Picturesque Villages
Location: Sendim
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your cycling experience through the Douro region begins in the direction of the Douro International Nature Reserve, where wildlife combined with exhilarating landscapes will guarantee you a memorable start to your tour.
There are many animals that populate this plateau: wild boar, goats and cattle, and even the occasional Iberian wolf that wanders through the tranquillity of this reserve. Let yourself be accompanied by the flight of more than 170 species of birds, among the most striking being the golden eagle or the Egyptian vulture.
• Picnic included
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Stage 1
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 41.3
Routes: Paved 49% | Unpaved 51%
Day 3 : Sendim To Torre De Moncorvo | Capital Of Flowering Almond Trees And Gate To The Douro Wine Region
Location: Torre de Moncorvo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In maintaining the authenticity of your experience, part of today's stage will take you along a disused railway line. Here, at your own rhythm, you'll be able to enjoy an ecological trail, which will be divided by woods, forests and some fields that favour the typical produce of the region. On your way to Torre do Moncorvo, where you will be hosted at the end of the day, you will be accompanied by extensive fields with olive and almond trees (which, depending on the time of year, colour this region with white). As you pass through the various villages, take the opportunity to socialise with the shepherds, who, in keeping with the image of the region, warmly welcome each one of their visitors. Your experiences for today will only end at the place where you will be staying, a guest house, where you will be welcomed like another member of the family. Take the opportunity to sample the locally produced liqueurs.
• Picnic included
Stage 2
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 38.2
Routes: Paved 45% | Unpaved 55%
Day 4 : Torre De Moncorvo To Vila Flor | Hidden Treasure Surrounded By Rural Landscapes And Olive Trees
Location: Torre de Moncorvo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You're now halfway through your adventure in the Douro region and today you'll finally have the company of the Douro on your ride. The region's escarpments will present you with breath-taking landscapes, but the pure air of these areas will "force" you to take a deeper breath. This region known as the "Terra Quente" (hot land) owes this adjective to its very fertile lands, which combine a unique soil and climate and have an excellent production of fruit, wine and olives, which allow for the production of one of the best olive oils in the world. The gastronomic authenticity that you can enjoy during your journey today will be on offer at dinner. Savour the region's delicacies, especially the cheeses, sausages, baked bread and olive oil, homemade oranges and wine. In addition to the richness of the land, the night sky is one of the clearest you're ever likely to see, so don't miss out on a night walk, which will help you digest the region's delicacies sheltered by the stars that dazzle the Transmontano sky.
• Picnic included
• 1 Olive oil visit and tasting at an olive oil producer included
• Dinner included
Â
Stage 3
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 29.3
Routes: Paved 81% | Unpaved 19%
Day 5 : Vila Flôr To Sabrosa Municipality | The Essence Of The Douro Region With Its Splendid Scenery, Vineyards And Olive Groves
Location: Sabrosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
To finish your adventure in this region, we've reserved for you a tour of the Douro valleys and the cycle path that will take you down to the river. Maintaining the image of the previous day, with the vineyards cooling the air, the landscape grabs holds of you for another unique experience. Now continue on to the town of Peso da Régua, where you can deepen your knowledge of this emblematic wine, without neglecting the tastings you can do here - we bet you'll have a hard time choosing the best among the white, red and liqueur wines. Enjoy your last day in the Douro Valley and make sure you capture all the images of this authentic experience. We have arranged for you to be hosted in a rural accommodation space, where in addition to a breathtaking view of the Douro valleys, you'll be treated to the best flavours of the region: jams, hams and the best wines.
• Picnic included
• Visit and tasting at a local olive oil producer
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Stage 4
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 32
Routes: Paved 99% | Unpaved 1%
Day 6 : Sabrosa To Peso Da Régua | Along The Pilgrims’ Way To Santiago De Compostela And Historic Wineries
Location: Sabrosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
To finish your adventure in this region, we've reserved for you a tour of the Douro valleys and the cycle path that will take you down to the river. Maintaining the image of the previous day, with the vineyards cooling the air, the landscape grabs holds of you for another unique experience. Now continue on to the town of Peso da Régua, where you can deepen your knowledge of this emblematic wine, without neglecting the tastings you can do here - we bet you'll have a hard time choosing the best among the white, red and liqueur wines. Enjoy your last day in the Douro Valley and make sure you capture all the images of this authentic experience. We have arranged for you to be hosted in a rural accommodation space, where in addition to a breathtaking view of the Douro valleys, you'll be treated to the best flavours of the region: jams, hams and the best wines.
• Picnic included
• Visit and tasting at a local olive oil producer
Â
Stage 5
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 43.9
Routes: Paved 99% | Unpaved 1%
Day 7 : Porto | Unesco World Heritage City, World-Famous For Port Wine
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Like the wine, which owes its name to this region, your trip along the Douro ends in the city of Porto, where you can explore one of Portugal's most emblematic cities in peace and quiet, where you'll find a must-see on every street corner. Living up to its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you'll find more than 150 classified monuments, in which you'll find memories of the history of a region and its people. Lose yourself in the city's typical neighbourhoods, which retain their authenticity, with the traces of the medieval period. The River Douro awaits you and the Ribeira welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to cross over to the famous Port wine cellars, where you can travel back in time and stand next to the oldest barrels in which the famous wine was transported. To say goodbye to this adventure, don't forget to enjoy a soiree in one of the city's famous restaurants, well known for its gastronomy and the graciousness with which it welcomes its visitors.
• Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 8 : Transfer Out
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Porto airport.
End of the tour.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Parador Santa Catarina Hotel * * * *, Miranda do Douro (Small traditional hotel, amazing river views, inside Natural Park) This hotel is located in Miranda do Douro, on a hillside overlooking the Douro River. The unit is inserted in the International Douro Natural Park, which has various green areas, hiking trails, cycling paths and picnic spots. The hotel's central location allows quick access to various landmarks in the historic centre and immaculate and charming nature. The hotel combines tradition with architectural details and fascinates with its panoramic valley views. Guests may enjoy a drink from the bar while appreciating the views of the hotel´s balcony or relaxing in front of the fireplace in the lounge area. The restaurant prepares traditional Portuguese dishes and provides a selection of quality Douro wines. The reception staff is available 24 hours a day and they organize various outdoor activities, such as fishing or diving trips. Curral de l Tiu Pino, Sendim (Rural house with traditional decoration, cosy and quiet environment, small village location) Curral de l Tiu Pino is a house located at the peaceful village of Sendim, at the Douro Superior region. At this hospitable village, the owners warmly welcome their guests and make them feel at home. This cosy rural house from the 19th century truly portrays a home of a farmer on those days, with its discreet architecture. In front of the main building, you can still find the space used to protect wheat, rye, potatoes, hay or animals from rain and storms. Also, you can visit their restored ancient wine press, with more than 300 years of history! The accommodation has 4 double rooms equipped with bathroom and 2 former barns which were converted into 4 comfortable "bungalows" for 2 to 4 persons. Manor House Casa da Avó, Torre de Moncorvo (Manor house with over 150 years of history, rich in details in the town centre) Located at the centre of the Torre de Moncorvo village, Casa da Avó takes you back in time. This charming manor house is considered a piece of living memory of the Douro regions history and traditions. The house has a classic architecture and is richly decorated in a romantic style. Rooms with a rustic feel, all with private bathroom, air conditioning and flat-screen TV. Feel welcomed at the bar, the game room and library, and have a traditional meal at the small restaurant. Rural Hotel Quinta do Barracão da Vilariça, Vila Flor (Charming rural guest house in the countryside and organic olive oil producer) Near the small and picturesque town of Vila Flor lies the rural hotel and farm estate of Quinta do Barracão in the Vilariça valley. The estate combines its origins, as a farm and windmill to adapt into a charming accommodation. There are a total of 17 rooms, mainly doubles including the main house and two independent houses. Each room has air conditioning and private bathroom. Guests may also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, terrace and game room. The estate has an eco-friendly farm and produces organic olive oil. Quinta de Fiães, Vila de Maçada (near Sabrosa) (Manor house in wine estate surrounded by nature) This manor house is a beautiful example of Douro region arquitecture. Tradition, nature, wine and natural products come together to offer a pleasant stay in Douro valley. With views to Pinhão river and located in the hills of Douro valley this house surrounded by nature is hidden spot to relax in the nature. The house has a pool available for all guests and 6 rooms in the main house with air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite TV and telephone. The other 9 rooms are distributed in 6 apartments with air conditioning, bathroom, living room, kitchenette, satellite TV, telephone and fireplace. Quinta de Tourais Rural Guest House, Cambres (Boutique guest house and family estate, between vineyards, wine producer) Quinta de Tourais is a pleasant surprise in a Douro Heritage of Humanity region. Located in the Lamego, Régua and Vila Real area. Perhaps it was a small monastery just before the forming of the nation. We forget at times that we are only a few kilometres away from three cities. The sublime countryside, the calmness, the swaying of the trees and the light waves of the Douro, hidden between houses and vineyards, lead us to Quinta de Tourais, where wines, jams and a warm welcome are traditional. The Quinta has a total of 7 rooms equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning and flat-screen TV. NEYA Porto Hotel * * * *, Porto (Charm and both historical and modern environment, riverfront) Located in the privileged location of Porto’s ribeirinha area and 15 minutes away from the airport, NEYA Porto Hotel embraces the Douro River edge. Along with the stunning view, guests will find the perfect retreat to escape routine, enjoy family holidays, do business, or simply have a relaxed weekend. The hotel, which faces the Douro River, was a previously historical convent called the Madre Deus de Monchique convent. The building was refurbished while respecting the abbey’s original architecture and preserving historical artifacts. Among the 124 rooms, guests will find themed suites that reference icons of the Portuguese industry, such as the Bordallo Pinheiro Suite, the Delta Caffés suite, Amorim Cork suite, porcelain by Vista Alegre, along others aimed at surprising our guests.
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Meals
Included - 3 dinners - 5 light lunch meals to carry on bike in riding days - 1 wine tasting and 1 olive oil tasting
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Optional
Olive oil & Wine experience with 1 visit with tasting. Discover the secrets behind the production of premium olive oil. Followed by a tasting session to complete your culinary journey. Special Wine & Dine package with 2 dinners. Explore the amazing gastronomic and wine treasures of the Douro! Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner at a local restaurant and another at a prestigious wine estate, both perfectly paired with carefully selected wines from the region. E-Bike 5 stages (subject to availability due to the limited number of E-Bikes)
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Transport
Day 1 Transfer from Porto airport To: Miranda do Douro – starting point Hour: 14h00 CET-1 Day 3 Transfer from your accommodation in Sendim to the cycling stage start Hour: 08h00 CET-1 Day 5 Transfer from your accommodation in Vila Flor to the cycling stage start Hour: 8h00 CET-1  Transfer from Pinhão train station to your accommodation in Sabrosa Hour: 15h00 CET-1  Day 7 Transfer from your accommodation in Régua to your hotel in Porto Hour: 10h00  Day 8 Transfer from your hotel in Porto to Porto airport Hour: according to the flights  Standard bicycles included. E-bikes available at a supplement fee.
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Fully Guided
Guide price on request
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Other included
• Organization of the program • Daily post-ride messages • Accommodation, 7 nights BB, in double standard room • Luggage transfer daily • Porto airport transfers to the start and from the ending points of the programs in a car, van, or minibus • Per person: Standard Touring bicycle, cargo rack, 1 pannier bike bag, handlebar bag, 1 spare inner tube. • Per group/reservation: GPS loaded with the tracks, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, pre-paid mobile phone, lock (one per two bicycles) • Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotels • Login access to the app where the route is published in digital support, including map, points of interest and route details; the client must download it beforehand to its own smartphone, using it online/offline to guide himself during the journey
What's Not Included
- Guide and support vehicle (price on request) - Meals not mentioned (optional) - Insurance - Personal expenses - Other items not mentioned
Optional Extras
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E-bike
(subject to availability)
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Special Wine & Dine
2 three-course dinners paired with wine
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Olive oil & Wine experience
1 visit with tasting
Accommodation
Hotels listed below or similar
Parador Santa Catarina Hotel * * * *, Miranda do Douro
(Small traditional hotel, amazing river views, inside Natural Park)
This hotel is located in Miranda do Douro, on a hillside overlooking the Douro River. The unit is inserted in the International Douro Natural Park, which has various green areas, hiking trails, cycling paths and picnic spots. The hotel's central location allows quick access to various landmarks in the historic centre and immaculate and charming nature.
The hotel combines tradition with architectural details and fascinates with its panoramic valley views.
Guests may enjoy a drink from the bar while appreciating the views of the hotel´s balcony or relaxing in front of the fireplace in the lounge area. The restaurant prepares traditional Portuguese dishes and provides a selection of quality Douro wines.
The reception staff is available 24 hours a day and they organize various outdoor activities, such as fishing or diving trips.
Curral de l Tiu Pino, Sendim
(Rural house with traditional decoration, cosy and quiet environment, small village location)
Curral de l Tiu Pino is a house located at the peaceful village of Sendim, at the Douro Superior region. At this hospitable village, the owners warmly welcome their guests and make them feel at home. This cosy rural house from the 19th century truly portrays a home of a farmer on those days, with its discreet architecture. In front of the main building, you can still find the space used to protect wheat, rye, potatoes, hay or animals from rain and storms. Also, you can visit their restored ancient wine press, with more than 300 years of history!
The accommodation has 4 double rooms equipped with bathroom and 2 former barns which were converted into 4 comfortable "bungalows" for 2 to 4 persons.
Manor House Casa da Avó, Torre de Moncorvo
(Manor house with over 150 years of history, rich in details in the town centre)
Located at the centre of the Torre de Moncorvo village, Casa da Avó takes you back in time. This charming manor house is considered a piece of living memory of the Douro regions history and traditions. The house has a classic architecture and is richly decorated in a romantic style.
Rooms with a rustic feel, all with private bathroom, air conditioning and flat-screen TV.
Feel welcomed at the bar, the game room and library, and have a traditional meal at the small restaurant.
Â
Rural Hotel Quinta do Barracão da Vilarica, Vila Flor
(Charming rural guest house in the countryside and organic olive oil producer)
Near the small and picturesque town of Vila Flor lies the rural hotel and farm estate of Quinta do Barracão in the Vilarica valley. The estate combines its origins, as a farm and windmill to adapt into a charming accommodation. There are a total of 17 rooms, mainly doubles including the main house and two independent houses. Each room has air conditioning and private bathroom. Guests may also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, terrace and game room. The estate has an eco-friendly farm and produces organic olive oil.
Â
Quinta de Fiães, Vila de Macada (near Sabrosa)
(Manor house in wine estate surrounded by nature)
This manor house is a beautiful example of Douro region arquitecture. Tradition, nature, wine and natural products come together to offer a pleasant stay in Douro valley. With views to Pinhão river and located in the hills of Douro valley this house surrounded by nature is hidden spot to relax in the nature. The house has a pool available for all guests and 6 rooms in the main house with air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite TV and telephone. The other 9 rooms are distributed in 6 apartments with air conditioning, bathroom, living room, kitchenette, satellite TV, telephone and fireplace.
Â
Vila Gale Collection Douro, Cambres
(Luxurious, riverside, refined, exclusive, sophisticated)
The Vila Galé Collection Douro Hotel is an elegant hideaway situated on the slopes of the Douro River in Portugal. With sophisticated architecture, it offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and the river. Its luxurious rooms combine contemporary design with traditional touches from the region. Guests enjoy a refined dining experience in the hotel's restaurants, highlighting local cuisine and award-winning wines. Facilities include a panoramic swimming pool, spa and leisure areas. Vila Galé Collection Douro fosters an atmosphere of serenity, providing a complete immersion in the natural beauty and unique wine culture of the Douro.
Â
NEYA Porto Hotel * * * *, Porto
(Charm and both historical and modern environment, riverfront)
Located in the privileged location of Porto’s ribeirinha area and 15 minutes away from the airport, NEYA Porto Hotel embraces the Douro River edge. Along with the stunning view, guests will find the perfect retreat to escape routine, enjoy family holidays, do business, or simply have a relaxed weekend.
The hotel, which faces the Douro River, was a previously historical convent called the Madre Deus de Monchique convent. The building was refurbished while respecting the abbey’s original architecture and preserving historical artifacts.
Among the 124 rooms, guests will find themed suites that reference icons of the Portuguese industry, such as the Bordallo Pinheiro Suite, the Delta Caffés suite, Amorim Cork suite, porcelain by Vista Alegre, along others aimed at surprising our guests.
Mode of Transport
Day 1
Transfer from Porto airport To: Miranda do Douro – starting point
Hour: 14h00 CET-1
Day 3
Transfer from your accommodation in Sendim to the cycling stage start
Hour: 08h00 CET-1
Day 5
Transfer from your accommodation in Vila Flor to the cycling stage start
Hour: 8h00 CET-1
Â
Transfer from Pinhão train station to your accommodation in Sabrosa
Hour: 15h00 CET-1
Â
Day 7
Transfer from your accommodation in Régua to your hotel in Porto
Hour: 10h00
Â
Day 8
Transfer from your hotel in Porto to Porto airport
Hour: according to the flights
Â
Standard bicycles included. E-bikes available at a supplement fee.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 and 4 star accommodation.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You can find this and other information in the tour description.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Porto airport transfers to the start and from the ending points of the programs in a car, van or minibus.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
We recommend a 23kg suitcase per person.
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Does the tour package includes bicycles and equipment?
Yes. The tour includes: Per person - Hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag and helmet One for two bicycles - lock, handlebar bag Per group/reservation - Pre-paid mobile phone, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, and spare inner tube, GPS device loaded with the trails and route notes with detailed information
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Authentic Trails, a company that has been on the tourism market for almost 10 years, prepares itineraries and accompanies tourists in Portugal.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you change the date, you will have to pay a fee of 100€.
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What kind of bicycles do you have available?
We have standard touring bicycles that are included in the package price, and e-bikes for a surcharge and subject to availability. Both types exist with low frame and are subject to availability.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Individual tours receive vouchers for hotels and everything included (e.g. dinners, tastings), as well as access to our app where you can find the stages and points of interest. Group tours don't receive anything as they have a guide who helps with everything.
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Why should I do a bike tour?
A bike tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the country
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
As the start date is the same, the companions will all be those doing the same tour
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No, but in special seasons and incentive tours we promote solidarity campaigns, support for the homeless.
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Free Date Changes
Authentic Trails allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Authentic Trails allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform authentic trails, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Authentic Trails requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 31 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of authentic trails charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.