Douro River Kayaking and Hiking Getaway, Portugal
Experience the best of Portugal’s natural beauty on an amazing all-inclusive Douro River kayaking and hiking getaway! Join a certified local guide and feel the immensity of nature as you paddle alongside awe-inspiring cliffs and catch sight of rare birds on an unforgettable adventure.
Group
4 Days
Mar, Oct, Nov
High
Intermediate
Highlights
* Enjoy the towering cliffs and beautiful views as you kayak down the Douro River.
* Catch sight of rare birds and spend time in nature, away from the crowds.
* Meet local artisans and sample the delicious local wine and cuisine.
Description
On this Douro River kayaking and hiking getaway, we will explore one of the most stunning places in northeast Portugal. Throughout our 4-day adventure, we will enjoy the gorgeous nature and some history too as we explore the region in our kayaks and on foot.
The adventure begins with a pick-up in Lisbon, and from there, we will head to São João das Arribas, a 3-4 hour drive away, in the Douro International region. Once there, we will enjoy a warm-up hike and some delicious local cuisine before setting off on our kayaks the following day. You can find a detailed description in the itinerary below. Keep in mind that the Douro River is famous for its amazing cliffs and also, for its stunning wildlife, especially for its birds, so this adventure is a treat for nature lovers. It is also quite remote and uncrowded.
To join this trip, you will need to be physically fit. It is an intermediate challenge that will require you to stay active throughout. At night, we will sleep in lovely country houses, and all the delicious high-quality meals are included. We will also have the chance to visit some gorgeous historical sites and villages and even catch sight of some Paleolithic art. All the equipment, accommodation, meals, and transfers are included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics either.
So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the beautiful Portuguese wilderness? Then contact us today to plan an unforgettable all-inclusive Douro River kayaking and hiking getaway! We look forward to guiding you!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Transport during the trip
Price details
Included in the price:
Professional kayaking guides certified by the American Canoe Association and the Portuguese Canoe and Kayak Federation.
Transfers from and to Lisbon city center or airport.
All paddling equipment: sea kayaks, paddles, spraydeck, PFDs
All transports onsite
3 nights in high-quality rural accommodations.
All meals from dinner of the first day to lunch of day 4.
2 different lodgings during the stay
NOT INCLUDED:
Personal equipment (dry bags for your own clothes, camera, clothing)
Extra drinks
Souvenirs
Itinerary
Day 1: São João das Arribas Hiking 6 Km
First, we will check-in to our wonderful country house accommodation. After settling in, we will hike towards São João das Arribas and its Chapel with majestic views of the Douro gorges and historical traces of Roman occupation.
Later on, we will enjoy our first wonderful dinner together and sample the delicious regional gastronomy.
Day 2: Miranda do Douro and the Granitic gorges, Kayaking 15 Km
We will visit the historic village of Miranda do Douro and paddle alongside the deep granitic gorges. The vibrant colors will mesmerize you. The effects of light on the setting day are unforgettable.
Day 3: Bemposta to Bruçó, Kayaking, 24 Km
This part of the trip is still marked by cliffs, but the scenery becomes more lush with fragrant Mediterranean vegetation. You might be able to grab fruits at the water’s edge. We will enjoy a delicious picnic on the beach!
The arrival in Bruçó is quite stunning and was once the stage of Dr. Zhivago.
Afterwards, we will visit the historic village of Freixo de Espada a Cinta at night.
Day 4: Lagoaça to Congida Kayaking, 16 Km
The valley widens, and orange groves and vineyards line the water trail.
We will stop for a great lunch in the shelter of weeping willows and will have the chance to admire Paleolithic Rock Art!
At Congida, the Douro becomes a peaceful lake. It’s time to say farewell to the Douro before we head towards Lisbon again in the afternoon.
Equipment you will need to bring
Al kayaking equipment is included in the price. You will need to bring your own personal equipment (dry bags for your own clothes, camera, clothing).
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Bork
BORK You is an adventure travel agency based in Lisbon, Portugal. Discover Portugal Nature Parks through kayaking, diving and hiking expeditions in Sintra Cascais, Arrábida, International Douro, South-East of Alentejo and Vicentine Coast, International Tejo and Berlenga Archipelago. All expeditions are monitored by qualified instructors who love their job and will share their enthusiasm and passion with you.
Languages
Portuguese | Italian | German | French | English | Dutch
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Kumari
5.00
I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!
Niklas
5.00
I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.
Greg
5.00
I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.
Colin
5.00
Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!
Lesley
4.00
Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.