Much as I love snow and skiing and cold winter air, by February my mind is wandering away to warmer climes. Like Portugal’s Douro River Valley, for instance, a lesser-known slice of Europe that’s way high on my bucket list at this frosty moment.
In northernmost Portugal, well away from the crowds in Lisbon or the Algarve beach resorts, the Douro River winds through remote mountains topped with medieval castles and stone villages. Terracing down their steep flanks are orchards of olives and almonds and especially vineyards, dedicated to producing the famous grapes that create classic port wine.
While a few standard European river boat cruises ply the Douro River, the best way to see it is from the seat of a kayak on an indulgent Explorers’ Corner adventure — a bit more refined an ‘expedition’ than our Arctic paddling endeavors! On EC’s Kayaking and Culture on the Douro River trip, you’ll enjoy the finest of food, wine and scenery while you get a bit of exercise as you paddle way down the sleepy river, stopping on occasion to hike — or not! Choose an active adventure or a lazy sojourn, it’s up to you.
By day, paddle and drift in the slack water, moving toward shore on occasion to pick some low-hanging fruit from the trees that caress the river’s edge. Step ashore for a sumptuous picnic lunch, replete with local cheeses, olives, crusty bread and, of course, plenty of local wine. If you’re inclined, hike up through the vineyards to a vantage point surveying the twisting ribbon of blue and the green and gold mountains that rise on either side.
Photo credit: TravelPortugal.com
By evening, settle in at one of the hospitable quintas — the historic wine estates that line the ridge tops along the river. Most are still family-run, and dinners are a convivial gathering over fabulous food, locally sourced, accompanied by — you guessed it — more wine.
The region’s premier wine got the name “port” in the latter half of the 17th century from the seaport city of Porto at the mouth of the Douro River, where much of the product was brought to market or shipped for export elsewhere in Europe. The Douro Valley where port wine is produced was established as an appellation in 1756, making it the oldest defined and protected wine region in the world. For all its renown, it’s a much less expensive wine region than France, and a tasting-and-paddling tour here is a most unique way to savor the best of Portugal’s port.
Early fall — harvest time — is a sublime time to go, when the warm Mediterranean air is scented with crushed grapes. That’s why our Douro River trips depart in September. I can feel the sun on my back already, listening only to the drip of my paddle’s edge as I float happily toward my next glass of wine.
Won’t you come, too?
Always traveling — at least in my mind,
Wendy
Written By Wendy Worrall Redal.
