Family Active Portugal

Our trip begins in Porto, Portugal's second largest city situated on banks of the Douto River in northern Portugal. The city itself is compact which makes it ideal for exploring, it is also one of the oldest European centres of population having been an outpost of the Roman Empire. Porto's rich history is evident throughout the city, but none more so than in the Ribeira district, the picturesque riverside area which is like stepping back in time wondering through its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets. Modern day Porto effortlessly blends its rich history with a modern twist, it has many outstanding restaurants as well as thriving street art and cutting edge architecture, all reasons why Porto has become one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. It is an ideal base to start our week long adventure in northern Portugal. Our trip leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on a short walk to get our measure of the centre of Porto. Our hotel has a fantastic location on the pedestrian Rua de Santa Catarina, a short walk to the historic waterfront, there is also an excellent ice cream parlour just opposite the hotels entrance, ideal for a holiday treat. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is a 25 minute drive from the city centre. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. There are no activities included on this first day, you are free to arrive at any time. It is well worth heading to the Ribeira district to eat out, it's a 15 minute walk from our hotel. There are several restaurants on the waterfront as well as on the streets leading down to the Douro River. The riverside comes alive at night with street artists and musicians playing on the waterfront.

After a leisurely breakfast we'll stroll down the cobbled streets to Ribeira - undoubtedly the most picturesque spot in Porto. As we make our way down to the waterfront we'll pass many of Porto's historic buildings along the way. Northern Portugal is rightly known for its food, one of the stops we make this morning is at the outstanding Pastel de Nata Atelier bakery to try freshly baked Pastel de nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dusted with cinnamon. We will get to see these delicious treats being prepared right in front of us and taste them as they come out the oven, they are hard to resist! Continuing to the quayside, the outline of the vast two tiered Dom Luis I Bridge, built in 1886 by an assistant of Gustave Eiffel comes into view. Here, ancient houses with laundry-draped balconies stand high above the waterfront looking out over the river, where several old boats lie moored at the water's edge. Despite the commercial decline in the use of this harbour, it continues to have character and bustle reminiscent of its lively past. We break for three course lunch and a glass of wine or soft drink (included) at a waterfront restaurant. After lunch, cross the Douro River to the Sandeman port lodge on the banks of the river. During our tour of the cellars we will learn the history and processes involved in making the famous white, ruby and tawny port wine and witness first-hand the vast collection of wines dating back over a hundred years stored in the atmospheric cellars. At the end of our guided visit adults get to enjoy a port tasting whilst children are served a non-alcoholic alternatives. There is the chance to purchase a bottle of vintage port should you wish. The rest of the day is then free to further explore the city that has a surprise around every corner. One option is to get the cable car from the Sandeman port lodge up to the top level of the Dom Luis I Bridge. Some of the best views of the city can be seen from crossing the bridge on foot. Taking the historic tram line number 1 from the Ribeira waterfront to the end of the line at Passeio Alegre is another great option, the line follows the Douro River and its a short ten minute walk from the final tram stop to Ingleses Beach, which is a great spot of an ice cream and a stroll along the promenade.

Bidding farewell to Porto, drive inland through gentle rolling hills to the Pena Adventure park for a day of adrenalin fuelled activities. Highlights include a 1.5km zip line between two hills, 150 meters above the ground (minimum age 10 or over 30kg), a thrilling alpine coaster descending 700 meters, a tree top walking course in the forest and Via Ferrata, an safe introduction to rock climbing using fixed steel cables and steps to allow participants to ascend a rock face. A picnic lunch is included today. For those that want to opt out of any of the activities, the park is located in a pristine nature park with a choice of tranquil walks available in the park and for younger children the option of crazy cart rides and a scaled down shorter version of the alpine coaster. All activities are fully supervised, with a safety briefing provided before each activity is undertaken. Late afternoon we head north to Arcos de Valdevez, our base of the next three nights. Our spa hotel overlooks the Vez river and there are several fine restaurants in town showcasing Northern Portugal's fine culinary traditions including the Restaurant a Floresta offering regional specialities with terrace dining in the town centre and the excellent Churrascaria O Braseiro, a simple but very high quality steakhouse, great for families.

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, head towards the National Park to explore the rugged beauty of Portugal. Far from the mass tourism and crowded beaches of the Algarve, this undiscovered part of Portugal is a hidden treasure. We start by driving to a viewpoint over Sistelo for fine views looking back down the valley, a view that has hardly changed at all over the past two hundred years, this is rural Portugal at its very best; the terraced plots wouldn't look out of place in the Himalaya. Look out for the distinguished looking prized Cachena breed of cow that originate from the region, easily recognized by their elegant lyre-shaped long horns.

Heading back down the valley, there is time to take a look round the village of Sistelo, get a coffee and use the facilities before we set off on our 8km hike. The hike itself follows the river down the valley. Most of the path is on newly constructed board walk with a short steep section at the start on a cobbled path. The scenery is beautiful and as we descend further into the valley below the tree lined river banks provide welcomed shade, indeed the area has been recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

At the end of our hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by the river with ample time for wild swimming in the natural rock pools; a welcome refreshing dip in the hot summer months, before we return to our hotel mid afternoon.

Today is a free day. Our hotel offers complementary use of kayaks to explore the river which runs through the town and is flanked by wooded gardens and has a small summer beach. Alternatively spend time in the hotel spa and indoor pool or relax on the sun terrace.

The small town of Arcos de Valdevez is well worth exploring, alternatively Ponte de Lima, the oldest village of Portugal, is just twenty minutes drive away. With its medieval heritage, narrow streets and lovely squares, enjoy sitting down for refreshments in one of the many outdoor cafés facing the river and the bridge. There is a traditional craft market held every Thursday in Barcelos, the town is an hours bus ride away.

For lunch or dinner there are plenty of restaurants and cafés. Take advantage of your visit to discover the celebrated local cuisine, especially the famous rojoes and arroz de sarrabulho, a pork and savoury rice dish.

Heading further north, our destination is the small town of Melgaco situated on the border between Portugal and Spain. We will meet our rafting guides just outside of town and get changed into wet suits. Changing rooms and showers are available, a towel and swimming costume is recommended as are wet shoes or an old pair of trainers which will get wet. There are secure facilities to leave personal effects on site.

Transferring into a four wheel drive vehicle, take a short drive with our raft to the launch point. After a safety briefing we climb into our raft and float downstream. The waters and currents of the rivers in Minho are perfect for water sports, especially rafting in an inflatable raft. Paddle around natural obstacles alongside the green banks in the heart of the Minho province. This activity is ideal for newcomers to rafting, covering between 10 to 14 kilometres depending on the river conditions, this part of the river features both rapids and stretches of calmer waters providing ample opportunity to appreciate the setting and nature all around us.

While out on the river, watch out for the local fishing traps lying in wait for eels and other freshwater species in a tradition dating back centuries. The level of difficulty of this descent is rated 'low' and is graded two to three.

We are met at the end of the rafting expedition with a light snack of a sandwich and a bottle of water before we are driven back to base in our 4 wheel drive off terrain vehicle.

After lunch (not included on this day) we continue to Vila Praia de Ancora on the Atlantic coast and check-in to the family run Meira Hotel, set just one road back from the beach front. The hotel features a swimming pool and sun terrace and the beach is a very short walk away.

This morning head to the beach after breakfast for a two hour surfing lesson. Praia de Ancora is an ideal location to learn to surf; this stretch of Portugal's Atlantic coast is well known amongst the surfing community as offering some of the best surfing conditions in Europe, Praia de Ancora offers a sheltered section of beach protected by its harbour walls allowing a safe environment to learn the basics. For those who feel more confident and have more experience the conditions further along the beach offer more challenging waves. A wetsuit is provided, please bring a towel, swimming suit and sunscreen.

Our instructors know the conditions extremely well, Fabio who runs the surf school has lived in Praia de Ancora all his life and is a beach lifeguard in his spare time.

After our surfing lesson the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. There are several dining options in town for lunch dinner. For those looking to be more active there is an excellent coastal walk to the nearby village of Afife with a famous tavern-style restaurant Mariana. Continuing to the next village of Carreco with its ancient lighthouse of Montedor and the old windmills and fortress in Paco are well worth a visit.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Praia de Ancora.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Praia de Ancora at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), which is about an hours' drive.