kayak the douro river and it’s tributaries – 10 days
Getting to know the Douro valley is an unique experience. The Douro River is World Heritage since 2001, the entire wine region is protected. The only way to get to know this natural heritage, observing and listening to the sounds of nature is by kayak, from the far east to the far west. The variety of landscapes, cultures, gastronomy will be a reality throughout the tour. We will get to know the local culture, the varied and rich gastronomy and the immeasurable beauty of the Douro valley landscapes.
On our Kayak tour, we will explore Douro River and two tributaries: the Tua River and the Tâmega River. The Tua River is a tributary of the Douro river. It results from the junction of two other rivers: the Tuela River and the Rabaçal River, a junction that occurs 2 miles / 4 kms north of the town of Mirandela. The Tuela River and the Rabaçal River are born in Spain. Until 2008 the river Tua could be contemplated in a train trip in the Tua Line, between Mirandela and the Tua Railway Station. The line was closed due to economic reasons and recurrent accidents. Currently part of the old line is submerged by Foz Tua Dam. The Tâmega River is also a tributary of the Douro River. From Verín, it flows south to Portuguese city of Chaves; then it flows through a fertile valley called the Veiga. Below Chaves the river narrows to pass through mountains and valleys. It passes through the cities of Amarante and Marco de Canaveses, flowing in the Douro River, near Entre-os-Rios: in fact Entre-os-Rios means between the rivers. The Tâmega is more important historically than economically. It has always served as an invasion route for foreign armies intent on reaching the richer southern lands of Portugal.
Day 1 – Arrival day
It is the arrival day at Porto. We have a full day walking on Day 2, so we recommend guests rest and take it easy. Your accommodation will allow you to enjoy jaw dropping views and short walks without too much effort.
After settling in, our guide can helps with any tips and needs.
We will have a group dinner with a fantastic view to the UNESCO World Heritage “Ribeira Porto”.
Accommodation is in Porto City.
Day 2- porto walking tour – unesco world heritage city
After years of enjoying our walks, we have worked out a route that will allow you to enjoy most of the top attractions without exhausting your calves…it is a City on a hill after all! Porto has hundreds of things on offer and we discover many of them.
This is a walking tour that will allow guests to get a really good feel for the city, visit a market and decide which shops they will visit at the end of the trip. We will end our tour with a lunch next to the Douro River.
Guests will have a few hours to rest or do their own exploring.
In the evening we will do a Port wine tasting session before dinner, which will be cooked by our crew in a very special place.
day 3 – a relaxing train ride along the douro river
In the morning we will take the Douro Train Line from the historic São Bento station in Porto, all the way along the river to Mos de Douro. We will be able to see our paddling path from both sides of the river as well as the majestic dams.
Lunch will be at arrival at small mountain village, followed by the visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Côa Valley pre-historic rock art park with one of their knowledgeable guides. If weather allows the visit will be on an electric powered boat along the Côa.
Our accommodation is in a typical mountain lodge where we will have time to relax, unpack for the next days and have a tasty dinner.
day 4 – First day kayaking – exploring the douro river
Our first paddle takes us from Foz do Sabor to Freixo de Numão. The Sabor River is one of the Douro’s tributaries where we will launch.
Accommodation will be in a mountain lodge.
day 5 – The rocky cliffs of the douro river
Today we will paddle from Freixo de Numão to Ferradosa. We will enjoy the view of cliffs as the Douro River narrows before we reach out destination.
Here the observation of wildlife is possible (many species of birds…).
Accommodation will be in a mountain lodge.
day 6 – tua – the river that lost the train line – a tributary of the douro
Until 2008 the river Tua could be contemplated in a train trip. The line was closed due to economic reasons and accidents. Our paddle takes us from Brunheda to Foz do Tua.
Now, we can explore this beautiful valley by kayak and get to unreachable places and hidden places…
day 7 – paddling where the port wine is produced
Today we will discover the famous Port wine estates. The entire landscape has been sculpted by man. The kayak trip through the valley is unforgettable, with mountains full of vineyards.
We will paddle from Tua to Pinhão.
Accommodation will be in the Pinhão area.
day 8 – paddle to caldas de aregos – the thermal water village
Today will be our second longest paddle of the tour, but for those who love a bit of pampering we have a visit to thermal pools and spa which originated back in the Roman times. Worth the extra miles on the boat! We will launch at Rede and exit at Caldas de Aregos.
The landscape during our paddle slowly changes. The green of the vineyards is now forest and small agricultural fields.
Accommodation is in a mountain village with dinner at a typical local restaurant.
day 9 – paddling the tamega river
The Tâmega is more important historically than economically. It has always served as an invasion route for foreign armies. The calm waters of the river Tâmega will take us to the end of our expedition.
Dinner at Porto
day 10 – departure day
Every guest will have their own decisions to make on this last day. Some will continue their trip in Portugal or Europe, others will take a flight back home. The luckier ones will stay more days in Porto to continue exploring.
Whatever you decide, we will help you organize your continued or return trip (train station or airport).
TRIP TIMELINE
Open here to see the full Timeline of this trip.