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Portugal – Douro River 

Kayaking, Culture and Cuisine (and Wine!)

Overview

Overview

One of Europe’s iconic rivers, the Douro flows across Northern Portugal, from wild rugged mountains on the Spanish border to the medieval city of Porto. It is the heart and soul of this region, and the life force of its ancient wine growing culture. Our Douro adventure follows the ‘River of Gold’ and two of its lesser known tributaries. We paddle between steep terraced slopes planted with millions of vines, rolling green hills and sheer granite walls. And we go deep into the world of Douro wine and refined cuisine.

We pride ourselves on finding accommodations and restaurants that authentically reflect the area we are exploring. Our quintas include an architecturally brilliant eyrie perched on a cliff with sweeping views (and raptors riding the currents close to our rooms), a carbon neutral hotel set amongst eco-friendly vineyards, and a family- run restored manor house. In all of these lovely places we get to know our hosts and learn about (and enjoy!) the wine they produce and their locally sourced gourmet food.

 

 

The trip starts and ends in beautiful Porto, one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites we visit along the way. We kayak on six days of the trip, going with the flow of the Douro and its tributaries, the Rivers Tua and Tamega. The kayaking is suitable for beginners, however you should be able to paddle for four hours a day (with breaks). And this is paddling plus: we also have time to wander through quaint villages, take scenic train rides, visit prehistoric rock art, hike through rolling countryside, sample lots of port and exquisite table wines, learn how to make Vinho Verde… and savour amazing meals in exquisite settings.

FAQ

FAQ

What are the physical activities on the trip and what level of fitness do I need?

A reasonable level of fitness is required. You should be able to kayak for four hours a day with breaks. On every day there is the option of transferring to the hotel after lunch. The cultural walking tours are very easy.

What are the kayaks like?

We use high quality, sit-in style kayaks and paddles that are adjustable to suit your preference of feathered or unfeathered. Generally we use double kayaks. In the case that you prefer a single kayak you would need to demonstrate your ability to successfully perform a wet exit and reentry at the beginning of the trip.

What is Portuguese food like?

Traditionally, the food in Northern Portugal is quite hearty and meaty. However, there will also be vegetarian and fish options, and throughout the trip we will have lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Some of the dinners will be full-on gourmet, with locally sourced (and sometimes grown on the property) ingredients.

I'm a vegetarian or a vegan, is that a problem?

Not at all, but please let us know in advance, and advise us on your dietary preferences.

Do I need a visa?

US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to visit Portugal.

Do I need any special insurance?

Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, is mandatory on all our trips. We also strongly advise you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Do I need vaccinations?

You must provide proof that you have been fully  vaccinated against Covid 19 and your routine vaccinations (tetanus/diphtheria, polio, etc.) should be up to date.

What does the trip price cover?

Airport transfers on the first and last days of the trip, all guiding and entrance fees, all accommodation, meals as indicated in the itinerary, wine with all dinners, water on excursions (in restaurants, tap water is potable), kayak equipment.

What does the trip price not cover?

International and domestic flights, airport transfers not on the first or last days of the trip, beverages apart from wine with dinners, meals not indicated on the itinerary, personal insurance and gratuities.

How can I access cash when I'm on the trip?

ATMs are readily available throughout the trip.

What clothes and equipment will I need?

No special equipment is required. When you sign up for the trip, we will provide you with a comprehensive clothes and equipment list. If you prefer to use you own paddle or PFD, please feel free to bring those along.

I’m travelling alone, is that a problem?

Absolutely not. We have many guests who travel with us on their own. They appreciate the camaraderie of our Hidden Places groups and usually go home with new-found friends. Prices are quoted on a shared room basis. If you require a single room, a Single Supplement will apply.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Transfer from Porto Airport to our luxury hotel, one of the Relais & Chateaux collection, set amid the port wine lodges and with stunning views over the city. In the afternoon, meet our trip leader and head out for a port tasting, a walk through Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage old quarter, and a fun welcome dinner.

 

DAY 2

Transfer to the Alto Douro area (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) and settle for two nights into an exclusive boutique hotel surrounded by the vineyards of Quinta do Vallado, one of the most important Douro wine producers. Enjoy the infinity pool, wander through the vines, or simply sit on the terrace with a glass of wine, taking in the amazing vistas. After a delicious dinner, visit Paleolithic engravings in caves nearby, your third UNESCO World Heritage Site of the trip!

 

DAY 3

Meet the kayaks! After a safety briefing and instruction, paddle off along the Douro – a fabulous way to experience this landscape. As on every day of the trip, there are options of a longer paddle, or after lunch transferring to the hotel. Either option is always great! Today, enjoy a jacuzzi, sauna or Turkish bath in the hotel spa, followed by a cup of tea in the relaxation area next to an orange grove. Or, treat those kayaking muscles to a fabulous massage!

 

DAY 4

Drift along the Douro between steep terraced slopes planted with vines. Stop for a picnic lunch in a pretty spot, and wind up the day with a scenic train ride. Home for the next two nights is a restored manor house, surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, with views of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

 

DAY 5

Kayak ‘off the beaten paddle” along the Tua River, a tributary of the Douro. Savor this breathtaking stretch through the very heart of the Douro Valley’s designated UNESCO World Heritage area, where the best port wine is produced. Stretch your legs on a riverside path then savor a slow lunch in village restaurant, before transferring back to the quinta.

 

DAY 6

After a morning of lovely paddling, enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet picnic in a gorgeous setting. Transfer to your next quinta, set amidst 8 acres of vines, and run by a charming family who give you the warmest of welcomes!

 

DAY 7

Enjoy a delicious, leisurely breakfast, and a free morning. Explore the many walks around the quinta, book a massage in the spa, or simply relax on the terrace and drink in the views. After a picnic lunch, set off down the Douro to a small riverside hotel.

 

DAY 8

This special day starts with a short train ride, a private ferry across the Douro and spectacular paddling along the Tamega River! After a delicious picnic, you transfer to our amazing hotel: boutique, eco-friendly, carbon neutral, set in 75 acres of vineyards, and with its own vino-spa. As a grand finale, take a private workshop on making Vinho Verde – create your own batch to keep!

 

DAY 9

In the morning transfer to Porto – which takes about 45 minutes – for your return flights.

A transfer to Lisbon can be arranged at an extra cost.

Gallery

Portugal Kayaking

hidden-places-portugal-3

Trip Details

Land Cost
From US $7450 per person
Single Supplement US $1490


Length
8 nights / 9 days


Dates 
2023: Sep 13 to 21
2024 to be announced


Accommodation
5 star wine and spa hotels, a restored manor house, country estates, a local lodge.


Group size
10 guests maximum


Begins/Ends
Porto, Portugal


Activities
Kayaking, village walks, wine tasting and culinary adventures, cultural tours

Paddle into magic with us, on Portugal’s Douro River. #portugal #kayakportugal #kayakdouro #riverkayak ...

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