Paddling Portugal's River of Wine

A very important feature of our Douro River trip is the limited group size, as kayaking trips are best experienced and safely conducted with a small group of travelers. Also, a small group allows us to experience the intimate hospitality of the small inns and manor houses where we stay.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local guides, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, most wine, Port and other alcoholic beverages, all kayaking gear, some gratuities, airport/train station transfers for those arriving on Day 1 and departing on the final day, scenic train journey in the Douro Valley, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate
Our Portugal kayaking adventure includes five days of flatwater river kayaking. This trip is suitable for those with little to no paddling experience, although you should know in advance that you are physically able to kayak the minimum daily distance, and that you actually enjoy kayaking, before signing on. You must be able to paddle a minimum of 4 hours per day (with breaks) and up to 2 hours at a time in order to participate. The exact distance we paddle each day will depend on local weather and wind conditions; distances will range from 7 to 11 miles. The river is relatively narrow and water is generally very slow-moving, with little or no current. We will encounter no large waves or rapids, though sometimes it can be windy in the river canyons, and we may have to paddle against the wind and small waves, which can be more taxing and increase our time on the river. Hikes ashore take us through inviting landscapes that frequently include historic sites. Hikes typically last from 1 to 3 hours over well-marked easy but hilly terrain, sometimes following a dirt road through the vineyards. You must be able to walk a minimum of one mile to participate in this trip, including the ability to easily navigate stairs.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Safety on the River
We provide highly competent kayaking guides and the very best equipment to ensure a safe, enjoyable and top-quality paddling adventure. Our guides are trained in kayaking rescue, risk management and first aid. Aside from the day in the International Nature Park (fall departures only), we have a follow safety boat on the river with the group at all times. The boat trails behind so as not to disturb the peaceful environment and overall experience, but close enough to be there if needed.

Once in a Lifetime
This unique trip (and we don't use the term "unique" lightly) is so much more than a mellow paddling adventure. It's a thorough immersion in a slice of rural Portuguese life that very few travelers are fortunate to experience. Through our longstanding local connections in the Douro Valley, we have been able to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary that gets into natural and cultural settings totally off the typical tourist trail. By focusing on the upper section of the Douro River, we're away from busier areas, offering an encounter with regional traditions and lifestyles you'd be unlikely to discover on your own or on a more standard tour. We stay in small family-run inns, often part of a wine estate, enjoying fabulous home-cooked fare and free-flowing wine, both red and white table wines and the famous ports of the world's first demarcated wine region. You'll get to know your hosts, enjoying convivial conversation and insights into local life you won't find elsewhere.

Arrive in Porto no later than 1 pm on Day 1 in order to participate in afternoon activities. You are free to depart Porto anytime on the final day.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.