2024 Sept 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-28, 2024 Oct 12-18
Dates
3/5
Level
1620€ in twin/double room, 1940€ in single room
Price
7 Days
Duration

A unique kayaking experience amongst Mother Nature!

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 flowing smoothly, featuring one of the most beautiful images you’ll ever see! We reserve you the best of local accommodation and gastronomy, especially gorgeous meat, which also make this trip so singular.

After its slow journey through the Spanish cereal plains, the Douro forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain. This area, known as the “Douro Internacional” in Portugal and ” Arribes del Duero” in Spain is a wonder of nature by the immense beauty of its landscapes and biodiversity.
From Zamora to Alva Barca which lasts for about 150 km, the river drops 640 meters to reach an altitude of 150 meters above sea level. It is a violent descent creating a stunning border. The topography is characterized by the collection of the river system , where the valleys are often steep slopes and cliffs of 400 meters high, forming a landscape of breathtaking beauty. The Mediterranean climate of this region, characterized by the softness of the cold seasons with almost no frost, has been exploited by man for cultivation of exotic species in these latitudes such as olives, almonds and citrus.
It is along the Douro River softened by five dams, as a result of a colossal work, that a community of birds, some endangered, found their habitat. This is the case of the Black Stork, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Eagle Bonneli, Royal Milan and Egyptian vulture. They found refuge between the cliffs washed by the waters.

We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.

INCLUDED Professional kayaking guides certified by the American Canoe Association and the Portuguese Canoe and Kayak Federation

Transfers from and to Porto city centre or airport.

All paddling equipment: sea kayaks, paddles, spraydeck, PFDs

All transports onsite

6 nights in rural accommodations of high quality

All meals from lunch of first day to breakfast of day 7

High quality accommodations and food

3 different lodgings during the stay

NOT INCLUDED Personal equipment (dry bags for your own clothes, camera, clothing)

Extra drinks

Souvenirs

Next departures

 

08/09/2024 to 14/09/2024 Places available
15/09/2024 to 21/09/2024 Places available
22/09/2024 to 28/09/2024 Places available
29/09/2024 to 05/10/2024 Fully booked
06/10/2024 to 12/10/2024 Fully booked
12/10/2024 to 18/10/2024 3 places left
20/10/2024 to 26/10/2024 Fully booked

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Additional information

Price option1620€ in twin/double room, 1940€ in single room
1

Meet the International Douro

São João das Arribas Hiking 6 Km
After check-in into our wonderful country houses, we will hike towards São João das Arribas and its Chaptel with majestic views on the Douro gorges and traces of Roman occupation. We will also appreciate our first wonderful dinner together and dig in the regional gastronomy.
2

Discover Miranda do Douro and the Granitic gorges

Miranda do Douro, Kayaking 18 Km
We will visit the historic village of Miranda do Douro and soon paddle between the deep granitic gorges and sumptuous colors that will leave us breathless. Within a theater of water and rocks, the effects of light on the declining day are unforgettable.
3

From Picote do Bemposta

Kayaking, 20 Km
We will start the journey at Picote Dam, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the Trás-os-Montes region. The valley looks like a canyon above which evolve majestic raptors. The way down to our paddling departure is quite an adventure. We will enjoy paddling and see the griffon vultures in their habitat. We will sleep in a former school rehabilitated for tourism with an amazing view on the valley.
4

Enjoy hiking and visiting

Hiking, 8 Km
After enjoying breakfast most likely outside overviewing the Douro River, we will take a day off and visit the village of Mogadouro. We will witness part of its history from the Mesolitic to the XVIIIth century. We will hike the slopes from Bruçó to Vilarinho, witnessing traces of occupation from the II B.C. Our hike will take us to higher viewpoints where we will have the chance to observe the vultures and the magnificent Douro. We will also visit a cave excavated in the old quarry of the dam and do a wine proofing.
5

From Bemposta to Bruçó

Kayaking, 24 Km
This portion 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 admire the vultures again, stop on the beach on the Spanish side for picnic. The arrival in Bruçó is quite a scenary that was once the stage of Dr. Jivago film making. We will visit the historic village of Freixo de Espada a Cinta at night.
6

Lagoaça to Congida

Kayaking, 18 Km
The valley widens, the terraces occupy the slopes: orange groves, vineyards handcrafted for centuries and hardly accessible. We will stop for a great lunch in the shelter of wipping willows and will have the chance to admire Paleolitic Rock Art! At Congida the Douro becomes a peaceful lake. We will enjoy our last dinner together.
7

On the road again towards Oporto

Farewell Douro
It´s time to leave and go back to civilisation with tons of memories. We will head back to Porto where it´s time to say goodbye.

International Douro Nature Park

The Douro river, with its 928 km long, is one of the major river basins of Western Europe. After its slow journey through the Spanish cereal plains, the Douro forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain. This area, known as the “Douro Internacional” in Portugal and ” Arribes del Duero” in Spain is a wonder of nature by the immense beauty of its landscapes and biodiversity.
From Zamora to Alva Barca which lasts for about 150 km, the river drops 640 meters to reach an altitude of 150 meters above sea level. It is a violent descent creating a stunning border. The topography is characterized by the collection of the river system , where the valleys are often steep slopes and cliffs of 400 meters high, forming a landscape of breathtaking beauty. The Mediterranean climate of this region, characterized by the softness of the cold seasons with almost no frost, has been exploited by man for cultivation of exotic species in these latitudes such as olives, almonds and citrus.
It is along the Douro River softened by five dams, as a result of a colossal work, that a community of birds, some endangered, found their habitat. This is the case of the Black Stork, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Eagle Bonneli, Royal Milan and Egyptian vulture. They found refuge between the cliffs washed by the waters.

International Douro is a rare treasure that will impress you so much, while kayaking, which is also the best way to discover it.

Two Nature Parks on either side of the river form Europe’s largest protected area. The Douro stretches across 100 km and is only natural border between Spain and Portugal.
You will be amazed by the spectacular scenery of 600m high granite cliffs or watch the black stork and other endangered birds in their natural habitat. It is a special “Bird Protection Area” recognized by the European Union and is home to the near extinct Black Stork.
Only traditional agriculture & cattle are permitted in the Natural Reserve. Its unique microclimate allows organic cultivation of vines but also olives, citrus fruits, almonds.
Flora: Kermes Oak, Black Oak, cork-oak, holm oak, oak, juniper and broom woods.
Fauna: Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Red Kite, Eurasian Hobby, Peregrine Falcon, Black Stork, Scops Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Nightjar, European Bee-eater, Alpine Swift, Thekla Lark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Spectacled Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting.

Paddle on the border between Spain and Portugal in the middle of the International Douro Nature Park
We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.
We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.
We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.
We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.
We will paddle between the dams sculptured into the cliffs. We probably won´t see a human soul beside our group while paddling. You will feel the imensity of Nature and appreciate the beauty of the Natural Park.