Compare Blazing Saddles - Family Adventure in Portugal by KE Adventure Travel vs Highlights of the Azores by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,380 | $ 2,670 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 | $ 381 |
| Highlights |
--A family walking holiday with donkeys in Portugal --Feed and look after the donkeys each evening --Pleasant ‘Turismo Rural’ accommodation with pools --Free time in the charming coastal city of Porto --Look out for vultures and eagles in the Douro National Park |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included |
Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
In the north-eastern corner of Portugal, the Tras-os-Montes district is a paradise for donkeys and walkers alike. Tras-os-Montes, literally means Beyond-the-Hills and is an unspoilt area with authentic rural charm, close to the Douro River which forms the border with Spain. In this area, the AEGPA gives shelter to donkeys that have ended their working lives on local farms and actively promotes the endemic species of donkey - the ‘Burro Mirandes'. Generally nut-brown in colour, these are enchanting animals that make trusty companions on our series of rural walks. Having journeyed to Pocinho from Porto by train and car, we have the chance to meet our donkeys on Day 2 and learn a little about their upkeep. On the following day we set off and each day, thereafter, we walk for between 3 and 5 hours through the countryside, on ancient paths and dirt roads and from one village to the next. Along the way, we pass through farms with lots of noisy animals: cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, dogs and cats. In contrast, out in the country, we walk in peaceful silence. Each evening, when we reach the donkey-stables, the children have to help to brush and feed the donkeys. A perfect way of getting the whole family involved in an active holiday! Much of this area is a nature reserve, set up to protect the landscape and the several important species of birds of prey, including both vultures and eagles - we will be looking out for these impressive creatures, especially during the last 2 days of walking. Returning to Porto at the end of the holiday, we have chosen to use a hotel in the Portofoz area of the city, which will give us a free afternoon close to the beach and to the old part of Porto. |
Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure. |
Day 1
We rendezvous at the group hotel in central Porto. Airport transfers are not provided and you will make your own way from the airport to Trinidade Station using the convenient Metro. It is a short walk from here to our modern hotel, which was formerly a cinema. KE Land Only package services begin with a briefing from the guide at 7 pm, followed by dinner at a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, we take the Metro to the Campahna Station and from there take the train to Pocinho. Arriving at lunchtime, we then take an hour's taxi ride to our 'Turismo Rural' base, Casa Pimenteis, in the Vale de Algoso. In the afternoon we go to meet our donkeys and have the chance to use the pool. Dinner and overnight at Casa Pimenteis.
Day 3
After a leisurely start, we go back to the donkey ranch at Atenor, meet our 'burros' and set off on a morning walk through meadows and woodland. We stop for a picnic lunch in a pleasant spot and end our walk in the village of Palacoulo. Once we've fed the donkeys, we return to Casa Pimenteis. Free time at the pool in the afternoon. 7 kilometres walking. 3 hours.
Day 4
Returning to Palacoulo, we meet up with our donkeys and set off on a walk that takes us up onto a plateau with small fields and groves of trees. We will stop for a picnic lunch en route to Sao Pedro da Silva, where we will leave the donkeys and make the 10-minute transfer back to Casa Pimenteis. 8.5 kilometres walking 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5
From Sao Pedro da Silva we cross the Mirandese Plateau, with great views of the upper valley of the Douro River. In the village of Duas Igrejas, on the border with Spain, there is a tiny ancient chapel and a picturesque and now disused, railway station. Dinner and overnight at another Turismo Rural in Pena Branca. 7 kilometres walking. 3 hours.
Day 6
Today we have our longest walk, from Duas Egrejas, through the very scenic Douro Nature Park, keeping a watch for vultures that live here. Passing through Miranda do Douro, we say goodbye to our donkeys and return to the Turismo Rural in Pena Branca. Free time to use the swimming pool. 10 to 12 kilomettres walking. 4 to 5 hours.
Day 7
After breakfast, we return to the station in Pocinho and take the train back to Porto unaccompanied. Arriving in the city, we take the Metro to a different hotel in the Portofoz district, close to the beach and to many of the city's attractions. Afternoon free on the beach and with options to explore the city. Overnight at the hotel in Portofoz, with access to many nearby restaurants.
Day 8
KE Land Only package services end after an early breakfast. Airport transfers are not provided. Clients will make their own way to Porto Airport using the Metro.
Day 1 Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, treasured as the vibrant Garden of the Atlantic thanks to its lush surrounds – hopefully you get a glimpse of this through the plane windows on the way in. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting that takes place at your hotel at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade of Ponta Delgada town, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Day 2 Sao Miguel Island / Ponta Delgada
Sao Miguel is home to some stunning scenery and by the end of the day, this should be more than obvious. Take a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation located at Faja de Baixo. These glass greenhouses often take two years to grow the delicious fruit within, and there might be an opportunity to snack on some during the visit. You’ll then skim along the south coast of the island towards Furnas. Marvel at the volcanic activity of the Furnas volcano and visit the great lagoon, then sit down to a truly unforgettable experience. Your lunch today is ‘Cozido das Furnas’ – a delicious stew cooked underground by the steam from the volcano – you’ll lava it! After lunch you’ll have the option to take a relaxing dip in a geothermal hot pool, then it’s time to hit the road again and travel to the fabulous Pico do Ferro viewpoint. Stop in at a local tea plantation for a tour and to sample some of the only tea grown in Europe – the only tea plantations on the continent are found in Sao Miguel! Finally, pay a visit to Miradouro de Santa Iria where you’ll soak in sweeping views of the north coast of the island.
Day 3 Sao Jorge Island / Velas
The morning is yours to discover more of the magic of Sao Miguel. You may like to pay a visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, an emerald green lake in a volcanic caldera that would look right at home on another planet. If you’d like to learn about Azorean natural history then the Museu Carlos Machado is the place for you, and the building it sits in, a 16th-century convent, is as much of an attraction as the museum itself. This afternoon, board a flight bound for Sao Jorge Island (approximately 1 hour), one of the most scenic islands in the Azores thanks to its steep cliffs and narrow landmass. In the evening you may like to get to know Velas, the island’s capital, by visiting one of the many local bars or sampling some of the region’s famous (and strong) cheddar.
Day 4 Sao Jorge Island / Velas
Start the day with a visit at local groceries to pick up a tasty snack, or if the days line up, you may instead go to the local market. Then it’s time to discover the island’s beauty on foot during a hike to the spectacular Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Begin your walk at Serra do Topo and climb a wide trail upwards. You’ll have the option to detour to a beautiful waterfall, then continue along a cobbled path towards Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The views you’ll come upon on this walk are simply unforgettable – each one more breathtaking than the last. Follow the trail to the natural debris field of Fajã dos Cubres and explore the lagoon while your leader fills you in on the flora and fauna of the region. Stop off at a scenic spot along the trail to appreciate the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to Velas after your hike for an evening at leisure.
Day 5 Faial Island / Horta
Today you'll travel to Faial Island by ferry (approximately 2.5 hours), sometimes referred to as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). Raul Brandao, the Portugese poet, famously made note of the iconic blue hydrangeas that bloom on Faial during the summer months, quipping 'the man that had the idea to border the road with these plants should have a statute on the island.' Visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos, or rather the volcano centre as the climb up is not considered safe. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area in five metres of volcanic ash. The rest of the day is free to explore the local port town, Horta, and discover its long maritime history.
Day 6 Pico Island / Faial Island / Horta
Leave Faial for the day to visit Ilha do Pico (Pico Island). Known as Ilha Preta (Black Island) for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major part in the community’s development. Today you will set out on a marvellous tour on the island. Firstly learn about the island's volcanic past by visiting Arcos do Cachorro (lava tunnels) - the fascinating rock formations reveal this special force of nature. Then the hidden gem of a family-owned distillery awaits. Enjoy a tour through the distillery and learn about their special techniques and chat about the life on Pico Island over a tasting of their wonderful products. Next up is a stop at Criacao Velha for the stunning view of the UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico's vineyards. Free time afterwards and you may like to take part in an optional whale watching tour. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for sea-faring visitors. You'll be back on Faial Island for the evening and that means there's time for a cheeky G&T at Cafe Sport (aka Peter's Bar), perhaps the most famous sailor's bar in the world. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.
Day 7 Faial Island / Horta
Say goodbye Azores! Your trip comes to an end today after check-out.
