kayak the douro wine region – 6 days
Our second most popular tour explores the oldest demarcated wine region of the world by kayak. Before the 20th century, the River Douro was a tricky and dangerous path which the sailors struggled to navigate. The construction of 5 dams in the Portuguese territory allowed for safe navigation between Porto and Barca d`Alba (a few minutes from the Spanish border). Our tour takes place in a region where humans have shaped the mountains with their own hands, creating lands with vineyards where some of the best wines in the world are produced. The landscape is filled with vineyards, fruit, cork and olive trees. On this trip you will experience the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and visit historical towns and villages. UNESCO also gave particular emphasis to the Côa Valley, part of the World Heritage list since 1998.
day 1 – Arrival day at porto
It is the arrival day at Porto. 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 – train from porto to pocinho and first paddle
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.
After lunch and a brief safety session with our tour leader, we will paddle from Foz de Sabor to Freixo de Numao. We will see cliffs in the Douro valley, and paddle next to some Quintas and vineyards in the wine producing area of the Douro valley.
Our accommodation is in a typical mountain lodge where our crew will cook a home made sumptuous dinner!
day 3 – paddling through the mountains
Today we will paddle from Freixo de Numao to Ferradosa. The river scenery and geography gently changes.
We end our day with at dinner at Tua, which we passed a few days before and stopped while on the train.
Our accommodation changes…but don’t worry, our crew will have your luggage ready at the new destination. Just enjoy!
day 4 – paddling through the valley where port wine grapes are born
We will launch our kayaks at Tua village close to 2 impressive dams. Our trip today will take us to the popular visitor spot of Pinhão, where we will pass small “rabelo” boats trailing up and down the river, and see much more activity.
After lunch we will drive up to the picturesque village of Provesende which is one of our favorite spots for photography (every trip we find a new house or tile decoration to take a snap of). For those wanting to hike down, there is either a 1.5 mile or 3 mile option downhill with one of guides. We have yet to find a guest that did not enjoy it thoroughly. There are several viewing points during the hike with wonderful views of the Douro and the Valley as well as Pinhão at the bottom.
With our steps well earned, we will have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants…the dinner is a surprise, but believe us…you will be happy you burnt some calories on the hike!
Accommodation will be in the Pinhão area.
day 5 – paddle to the thermal waters
Today will be our 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 where our crew will prepare some more local dishes, and why not…we can perfect our Port wine tasting abilities.
day 6 – free day in porto and departure
A short drive through the Porto suburbs will return us to the city where we started one week earlier.
We will have time to have lunch together and remember the best moments of our expedition.
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.