Compare Blazing Saddles - Family Adventure in Portugal by KE Adventure Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,380 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 |
| 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 |
| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
| Meals Included |
Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| 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. |
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.
