Blazing Saddles - Family Adventure in Portugal

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
99%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
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 o...
From$1,380
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    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.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Family Friendly
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Portugal

Trip includes

    • --A professional English-speaking local leader --All accommodation as described --Land transport as described --Donkey support 1 per family with 2 children (additional donkeys can be hired) --Walking guide from the evening of day 1 to the morning of day 7 --Meals as listed in the Meal Plan

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 Lan...

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.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,380
Price per day$173
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with KE Adventure Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

KE Adventure Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
128
Great
3
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
Write a Review

Other KE Adventure Travel Reviews

S

Simon

Jan 2020

This was out first trip with KE and part of a longer stay in China

This was out first trip with KE and part of a longer stay in China. We had a fantastic time and the trek was the highlight of our extended holiday. The scenery was s...

R

Richard

Jan 2020

This trip was a wonderful

This trip was a wonderful introduction to Jordan - combining stunning mou...

A

Amanda

Jan 2020

Highly recommend this trip

Well organised and professional guide Leycen instilled confidence throughout. Gite accommodation was clean, showers available and good quality and quantity of food. ...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

KE Adventure Travel

none
View Profile

KE Adventure Travel offers holidays with a difference. With so many destinations and activities on offer, we have packages to suit everyone from family groups to seasoned explorers. Whether you're searching for trekking holidays, cycling holidays or something more specific, take a look around our website and find out what adventure travel can mean.

When travelling with KE, you are assured of the highest standards. An office team of experienced travellers who know our holidays inside out, together with first-class local agents and skilled and knowledgeable leaders, combine to ensure that our trips run smoothly. Whilst being adventurous, we also recognise the need to be responsible, to protect the world's wild places and to make a positive contribution in the areas we visit.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • --Travel insurance --Airport transfers --Tips for support staff and guide --Miscellaneous expenses drinks souvenirs etc
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
keadve-blasadkea

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!