THE ADVENTURESS
The Adventuress is a blog for women with adventurous spirits.
It's a source of inspiration, planning, tips, and advice from experienced travelers and outdoor adventurers
with the extra flair of being for women and by women only.
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The Douro River Valley is surrounded by natural preserved areas on either side of the river that form Europe’s largest protected area. The Douro Valley stretches across 62 miles and is the only natural border between Spain and Portugal. We will paddle among unique landscapes, where deep granitic valleys with craggy slopes have been slowly excavated by the Douro and Águeda rivers since the beginning of time. The granite cliffs reach 650 feet high in places! We will also enjoy hiking the Douro Valley and visit historical villages that have been occupied since Prehistory. We will be able to watch the near extinct Black Storks, Griffon Vulture, and other cliff dwelling birds as we paddle through the valley, which is a Special Protection Area for Birds recognized by the European Union. The vineyards are terraced along the valley as they have been for centuries and one reason the region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Its unique microclimate also produces olives, citrus fruits and almonds.
Highlights
- Kayaking and Hiking in the Douro River Valley, the natural border between Spain & Portugal
- Gazing at the towering cliffs and the beauty of the river
- Watching the cliff dwelling birds as we paddle down the river
- Hiking along the cliffs above the river seeing traces of ancient civilizations
- Visiting with a local artisan, sampling local wine and food
Departures and Prices
| October 05 to October 14, 2021 |
| $3650.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
Inclusions
- A professionally certified local kayaking guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 8 on the trip, there will not be an AGC guide)
- 9 nights double occupancy lodging
- All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the day of departure
- Double kayaks, limited # of singles, PFDs, paddles and spray skirts
Not included: Airfare to and from the Porto International Airport (OPO), transfers to the trip hotel at the beginning of the trip, trip insurance, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Details
This trip is designed for women in good condition who want to combine river kayaking with exploring the history and culture of Portugal. Some of our kayaking days are longer than others. We paddle downstream on smooth river. On days when we are not paddling, we will be hiking and exploring the local area. Both single and double kayaks are available - please indicate your preference when you sign up. If you have limited experience or do not kayak regularly, please choose a double.
We will paddle amongst unique landscapes, where deep granitic valleys with craggy slopes have been slowly excavated by the Douro and Águeda rivers since the beginning of times. Such slopes, which at some points reach more than 650 feet high, feature sumptuous gorges, with the deep down river flow-ing smoothly, featuring one of the most beautiful images you’ll ever see! We will also enjoy hiking the Douro Valley and visit historical villages that have been occupied since the Prehistory. We reserve you the best of local accommodation and gastronomy, especially gorgeous meat, which also make this trip so singular
We'll spend the first night and the last night in Porto, Portugal. The other nights we will be stay in small locally owned lodges in double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The rooms will be simple and our hosts delightful.
There are 2 single supplements available for an extra cost on the first and last day of the trip in Porto.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Hiking: 5 mile, 400-foot elevation gain and loss. Drive Time: 2 hours 45 min. Overnight: Cimo da Quinta Tourist Lodge (B, L, D)
Kayak: 10 miles. Drive Time: 20 minutes. Overnight: Cimo da Quinta Tourist Lodge (B, L, D)
Kayak: 12 miles. Drive Time: 40 minutes. Overnight: Casa das Arribas (B, L, D)
Kayak: 15 miles. Drive Time: 35 minutes. Overnight: Casa das Quintas (B, L, D)
Hiking: 6.3 miles, about 1,000-feet elevation gain and loss. Overnight: Casa da Quintas (B, L, D)
Kayaking: 11 miles. Drive time: 40 minutes. Overnight: Quinta do Salgueiro (B, L, D)
Hiking: 5 miles, 1,010-foot elevation gain and loss. Overnight: Quinta do Salgueiro (B, L, D)
Drive Time: 3 hours Overnight: Porto (B, L, D)
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- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be at the lodging where you are staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, if we know well in advance. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
