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 will also enjoy hiking the Águeda Valley and visit historical villages after the path of the Napoleon army. 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 immensity 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 Lisbon city centre or airport or pickup/drop-off at Pocinho train station All paddling equipment: sea kayaks, paddles, spraydeck, PFDs All transports onsite 3 nights in rural accommodations of high quality All meals from dinner of first day to lunch of day 4 High quality accommodations and food 2 different lodgings during the stay |
| NOT INCLUDED | Personal equipment (dry bags for your own clothes, camera, clothing)
Extra drinks Souvenirs |
Next departures
| 27/10/2021 to 30/10/2021 | Places available departing from Lisbon or pickup option at Pocinho train station |
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Meet the International Douro
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.
Discover Miranda do Douro and the Granitic gorges
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.
From Bemposta to Bruçó
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 picnic on the beach, what a luxury! 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.
Lagoaça to Congida
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. It´s time to say farewell to the Douro before we head towards Lisbon again in the afternoon.
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.
