Traveler Testimonials
H. Loeser
"Gear was in great shape, prepped and maintained carefully by Liz, Vitor and Pedro - all of whom were skillful and patient and encouraging as needed. Liz and Pedro managed the opportunity to take our group of mixed-experience kayakers through the lock with appropriate teaching and care - such an exciting aspect of the trip! And the team's willingness and ability to quickly reorder our plans for the penultimate day, when the opportunity to crush grapes arose, was impressive and demonstrated their (previously expressed) dedication to our experience ."
L. Nicolas
“It was perfect…the right amount of water and wine!”
N. Gibson
“Nancy’s experience, confidence and personal knowledge of the area, and her positive relationships with in-country guides as well as those with whom we stayed made this a truly exceptional trip. I particularly appreciated her experience and confidence kayaking and leading a group with diverse previous experience. She is an exceptional guide.”
B. Naylor
“I enjoyed every day to the utmost. Meals were excellent and absolutely faultless guiding professionals.”
H. Zeiger
"We loved viewing the wine region and beautiful scenery from the river. We loved the meals and wine and port tastings along the way. We loved feeling close and in physical contact to the area and not travelling in a bubble. The accommodations were all unique and gave a sense of the region' s history. The friendliness of staff and their care in making our stay comfortable was outstanding. The trip was so well organized and orchestrated."
J. Creore
“What more can I say? Nancy loves the country and the people and shares her enthusiasm. I loved being in a place where the people live in total harmony with the land, meeting the people at the quintas, the food, the wine, and the landscape.”
S. Most
"I am a 70-yr-old novice kayaker, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd described my fitness level to a few people who'd taken the tour, beforehand, and was told I'd probably be fine, but I was a bit concerned. The paddling conditions were perfect. I found the paddling very strenuous, for me, and very hard work, but I was able to manage, and found it was worth it. I had also been concerned about my ability to get in and out of the kayak, but help was always available, and I was shown a method that made that quite easy. I enjoyed most the scenery on the river, the attractive accommodations in quaint towns, quality and friendliness of staff, and camaraderie in the group."
G. Prior
“Nancy was an outstanding Expedition Leader. Despite having participants at significantly different levels of experience with kayaking, she managed to ensure that we all enjoyed the experience and came through it safely. Her intimate knowledge of the river and the places we visited and stayed, as well as her close relationships with the owners of our homes away from home definitely enhanced the trip.”
B. Gibson
“Nancy is an outstanding leader, she has a quiet confidence that I enjoyed very much. She has a warm relationship with all of the hosts at the various quintas and with the Graham port group that contributed greatly to the hospitality that all of the group received at each quinta. Her long experience on this trip was evident and most helpful.”
M. Webert
"I really enjoyed experiencing the beautiful Douro Valley first hand through kayaking and hiking. What did I enjoy the least? Nothing! It was an absolute pleasure to have Nancy as our leader. Her enthusiasm, friendliness, and professionalism made the trip wonderful. Her helpers, Pedro and Vitor, were also amazing, helping to make everything run so smoothly."
N. Schwenger
"I enjoyed everyday. I enjoyed going through the lock. Hearing the history connected to several of the vineyards. The weather couldn't have been better--did you have anything to do with that? All of the meals were delicious. It was hard to choose a favorite! Nancy always explained what we were enjoying. The wines also flowed freely. I enjoyed tasting the local wines and also the olive oils. The activities were perfect. Just the right balance with kayaking and hiking. I found the tandem kayaks comfortable and the paddles were great. Obtaining our equipment was well organized and started the day quickly. Nancy was a fantastic leader. Her knowledge of the area--the culture, food, wines and the people was remarkable. If a question was asked and she didn't know the answer she found out and relayed the answer. She was truly loved and respected by our hosts and by Vitor and Pedro."
"Gear was in great shape, prepped and maintained carefully by Liz, Vitor and Pedro - all of whom were skillful and patient and encouraging as needed. Liz and Pedro managed the opportunity to take our group of mixed-experience kayakers through the lock with appropriate teaching and care - such an exciting aspect of the trip! And the team's willingness and ability to quickly reorder our plans for the penultimate day, when the opportunity to crush grapes arose, was impressive and demonstrated their (previously expressed) dedication to our experience ."
“It was perfect…the right amount of water and wine!”
N. Gibson
“Nancy’s experience, confidence and personal knowledge of the area, and her positive relationships with in-country guides as well as those with whom we stayed made this a truly exceptional trip. I particularly appreciated her experience and confidence kayaking and leading a group with diverse previous experience. She is an exceptional guide.”
B. Naylor
“I enjoyed every day to the utmost. Meals were excellent and absolutely faultless guiding professionals.”
H. Zeiger
"We loved viewing the wine region and beautiful scenery from the river. We loved the meals and wine and port tastings along the way. We loved feeling close and in physical contact to the area and not travelling in a bubble. The accommodations were all unique and gave a sense of the region' s history. The friendliness of staff and their care in making our stay comfortable was outstanding. The trip was so well organized and orchestrated."
J. Creore
“What more can I say? Nancy loves the country and the people and shares her enthusiasm. I loved being in a place where the people live in total harmony with the land, meeting the people at the quintas, the food, the wine, and the landscape.”
S. Most
"I am a 70-yr-old novice kayaker, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd described my fitness level to a few people who'd taken the tour, beforehand, and was told I'd probably be fine, but I was a bit concerned. The paddling conditions were perfect. I found the paddling very strenuous, for me, and very hard work, but I was able to manage, and found it was worth it. I had also been concerned about my ability to get in and out of the kayak, but help was always available, and I was shown a method that made that quite easy. I enjoyed most the scenery on the river, the attractive accommodations in quaint towns, quality and friendliness of staff, and camaraderie in the group."
G. Prior
“Nancy was an outstanding Expedition Leader. Despite having participants at significantly different levels of experience with kayaking, she managed to ensure that we all enjoyed the experience and came through it safely. Her intimate knowledge of the river and the places we visited and stayed, as well as her close relationships with the owners of our homes away from home definitely enhanced the trip.”
B. Gibson
“Nancy is an outstanding leader, she has a quiet confidence that I enjoyed very much. She has a warm relationship with all of the hosts at the various quintas and with the Graham port group that contributed greatly to the hospitality that all of the group received at each quinta. Her long experience on this trip was evident and most helpful.”
M. Webert
"I really enjoyed experiencing the beautiful Douro Valley first hand through kayaking and hiking. What did I enjoy the least? Nothing! It was an absolute pleasure to have Nancy as our leader. Her enthusiasm, friendliness, and professionalism made the trip wonderful. Her helpers, Pedro and Vitor, were also amazing, helping to make everything run so smoothly."
N. Schwenger
"I enjoyed everyday. I enjoyed going through the lock. Hearing the history connected to several of the vineyards. The weather couldn't have been better--did you have anything to do with that? All of the meals were delicious. It was hard to choose a favorite! Nancy always explained what we were enjoying. The wines also flowed freely. I enjoyed tasting the local wines and also the olive oils. The activities were perfect. Just the right balance with kayaking and hiking. I found the tandem kayaks comfortable and the paddles were great. Obtaining our equipment was well organized and started the day quickly. Nancy was a fantastic leader. Her knowledge of the area--the culture, food, wines and the people was remarkable. If a question was asked and she didn't know the answer she found out and relayed the answer. She was truly loved and respected by our hosts and by Vitor and Pedro."
