Tour Family Active Portugal

Others

Surf’s up - Take part in a surfing lesson at one of Portugal’s premier surfing spots, staying in a charming family run boutique hotel Nature - Get away from the crowds as we explore the rugged scenery of the north, spend a day exploring the beautiful valley of Sistelo and cool off taking a refreshing dip in the river Taste of adventure - Try river rafting, a thrilling 1.5km zip wire line, tree top challenge walk, via ferrata and hiking Food and wine - Northern Portugal is famed for its cuisine and fine wines and port

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 7 Breakfasts 2 Lunches

Guide

Experienced English-speaking driver and guide throughout tour. Tipping: Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per family member as a guideline. Local crew Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local currency per family member. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Accommodation

2 nights at the 4-star Grande Hotel do Porto 3 nights at the 4-star Ribeira Collection Hotel by Piamonte Hotels 1 night at the 4-star Hotel Meira Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. Final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents. Porto: The Grande Hotel do Porto is located downtown, right in the heart of the city centre within easy walking distance of Porto’s outstanding monuments, churches, museums and theatres. Charming and evocative of a long-gone age, with a unique interior decoration in Renaissance and Art Deco styles. The hotel was originally built in 1880 in a five store "Grand Hotel" format, which is still visible in its late Victorian facade and the elaborate exterior details. The hotel offers 97 rooms equipped with individual air-conditioning, flat tv, amenities and internet wireless. The hotel has a cosy bar and the Renascença restaurant is located in a ballroom, with a strong presence of the "Grand Hotel" heritage from late 19th century. Arcos de Valdevez: The Ribeira Collection Hotel offers 37 rooms equipped with a private bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, safe, minibar, wardrobe and free WiFi. Located in the heart of Arcos, the hotel is situated on the river front with great views of the Vez River and the old bridge. The property features water sports facilities, a terrace, a bar, an indoor pull, a spa and wellness center where guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub, sauna and steam bath. Just 15 km away is the Peneda-Geres National Park, classified by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserve. Vila Praia de Ancora: Built in 1935, Hotel Meira is a family business, remaining in the Meira family to this day, currently in the 4th generation. It is located in the town centre of Vila Praia de Ancora, one of the most popular beaches in Northern Portugal. Its typical fishing port, next to the elegant fortress, provides the village’s various restaurants with fresh fish and seafood, making Vila Praia de Ancora a gastronomic destination in its own right. The hotel has 52 fully refurbished rooms with air conditioning, direct telephone line, individual safe, LCD TV, minibar, free wi-fi internet access, safe, complete bathroom with hairdryer. Hotel services include an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant.

Transport

A bus will be the main mode of transport on this tour. You will also be in a Jeep or 4WD for some of the activities. Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Not included:

Others

Arrival and departure transfers - available on request Pre and post-tour accommodation - available on request Tipping Other meals, snacks and drinks Visa and Passport Information Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, E.U Nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents. Please contact our team of Travel Experts for more information. The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family.

Insurance

This tour does not include travel insurance. Please make sure you are adequately covered. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred provider, or our Travel Experts can recommend a provider for you. It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

Flights

As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialize in organizing the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. Flight Information You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

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Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Porto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Porto

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 an 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.
Day 2 Day 2: Full Day Exploring The Historic City Of Porto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Full Day Exploring The Historic City Of Porto

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! As we make our way through the city we will enjoy further local food experiences to get a real flavour for the city. 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. 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. Optional port wine tasting is also available at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 3 Day 3: Adventure Park Including Via Ferrata Course, Thrilling 1.5 Kilometre Zip Line, Tree Top Challenge And Alpine Coaster. Continue To Arcos De Valdevez
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Adventure Park Including Via Ferrata Course, Thrilling 1.5 Kilometre Zip Line, Tree Top Challenge And Alpine Coaster. Continue To Arcos De Valdevez

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.
Day 4 Day 4: Full Day Exploring The Rugged Beauty Of Peneda Geres National Park Region Including The Opportunity Of Wild Swimming
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Full Day Exploring The Rugged Beauty Of Peneda Geres National Park Region Including The Opportunity Of Wild Swimming

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.
Day 5 Day 5: Free Day In Arcos De Valdevez
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Free Day In Arcos De Valdevez

Today is a free day. Kayaks are available to hire at the hotel, why not explore the river that runs through the town, cruise past the wooded gardens and relax on the 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. Today is a free day. Kayaks are available to hire at the hotel, why not explore the river that runs through the town, cruise past the wooded gardens and relax on the 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.
Day 6 Day 6: Rafting On The Minho River On The Boundary Between Portugal And Spain. Continue To Praia De Ancora On The Atlantic Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Rafting On The Minho River On The Boundary Between Portugal And Spain. Continue To Praia De Ancora On The Atlantic Coast

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.
Day 7 Day 7: Surfing Lesson On Praia De Ancora. Free Afternoon On The Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Surfing Lesson On Praia De Ancora. Free Afternoon On The Beach

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.
Day 8 Day 8: Trip Ends In Praia De Ancora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trip Ends In Praia De Ancora

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 an airport transfer today, you’ll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), which is about an hours’ drive.

8 days tour

Family Active Portugal

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Family Active Portugal

Day 1: Join Trip In Porto

Day 2: Full Day Exploring The Historic City Of Porto

Day 3: Adventure Park Including Via Ferrata Course, Thrilling 1.5 Kilometre Zip Line, Tree Top Challenge And Alpine Coaster. Continue To Arcos De Valdevez

Day 4: Full Day Exploring The Rugged Beauty Of Peneda Geres National Park Region Including The Opportunity Of Wild Swimming

Day 5: Free Day In Arcos De Valdevez

Day 6: Rafting On The Minho River On The Boundary Between Portugal And Spain. Continue To Praia De Ancora On The Atlantic Coast

Day 7: Surfing Lesson On Praia De Ancora. Free Afternoon On The Beach

Day 8: Trip Ends In Praia De Ancora

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