Kayaking Portugal Food & Wine

In the morning we take the train from the beautiful São Bento train station towards Pocinho. The journey is unique, through the Douro Valley, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.  We settle for three nights in an exclusive unique hotel surrounded by magnificent views of the valley. To keep the rural heritage of the village, the houses were rebuilt fully preserving the original design. However, this rusticity coexists with the comfort and convenience found in our houses. Enjoy the outdoor pool, or simply sit on the terrace with a glass of wine, taking in the amazing vistas.

Meet the kayaks! After a safety briefing and instruction, paddle off along the Douro – a fabulous way to experience this landscape. Today, we will start our kayak expedition on Douro Valley from Barca d ´Alva to Foz Côa train station about 17km/ 10,5 miles. As on every day of the trip, there are options of a longer paddle, or after lunch transferring to the hotel. Either option is always great!

Drifting along the Douro we will paddle from “Foz do Sabor” to “Cais da Preguiça” about 13km/ 8 miles. Between steep terraced slopes planted with vines. We will see cliffs in the Douro Valley as well as the approach of the most wine-producing area of the Douro Valley.

We will paddle from Cais da Preguiça to Ferradosa about 11k / 6miles. Stop for a picnic lunch in a pretty spot, and wind up the day with a scenic train ride to the beautiful village of Pinhão. Home for the next two nights is a restored manor house, surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, with views of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

After breakfast, we will paddle from Pinhão to Folgosa about 11km / 6 miles. Finishing our lovely paddling for the day we go back to enjoy the stunning natre. Breathe and be intoxicated by the nature that surrounds you. The sun, already wide awake, on the other side of the Douro, illuminates everything: the vineyards painted in autumn, the sleeping river in the background, the villages outlined in the landscape, the aromas of the earth that spread in the air.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we will paddle from “Rede” to “Caldas de Aregos” about 15km / 9 miles. The landscape slowly changes. The green of the vineyards is now forest and small agricultural fields. Look forward to the end of our day, a enjoy the spa moment in our next hotel. Recharge your energy. Book a massage in the spa, or simply relax on the terrace and drink in the views. They will give you unique moments of relaxation.

On this special day, we will paddle from Caldas de Aregos to Entre os Rios about 12km / 7,5 miles. The vineyards are again replaced by the green of the forest, agricultural fields, and small villages along the valley. We will stay in a typical village in the Douro Valley.  Our quinta is placed on a slope, just over the confluence of the rivers Tâmega and Douro. It has a magnificent view essentially of the river Tâmega and the dam of the Torrao. It is intended that the guests have the privilege of enjoying the calm and peace that this landscape transmits and that the result is serenity and peacefulness.

Today is the last day of our expedition, we will paddle about 15km / 9 miles to Porto. The landscapes continue to fill us with happiness. In the evening, a memorable dinner is waiting for us.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer to the airport for homeward flights. Return home with unforgettable memories of a kayaking expedition in the Douro Valley. Please note: this itinerary serves as an example of trip highlights and is subject to change.