Child Ages: 7+

Family Active Portugal

Portugal - Trip code FPR Family
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
229Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

An action packed eight day family holiday to Portugal contrasting the lush national parks of the north and the sprawling beaches of coast. Relaxation and thrills come in equal measure in this family Portuguese adventure.

Why we love this trip
  • 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
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 6

    Lunch: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

  • i

    Accommodation

    4 nights premium hotel

    3 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    12 - 18

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Arcos de Valdevez

Our journey begins in the adventurous Arcos de Valdevez, nestled in the lush wilderness of northern Portugal. This charming town is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise thanks to the rugged terrain. The verdant landscapes and winding riverbanks set the stage for an active escape, with trails that lead through the breathtaking Peneda-Ger\'eas National Park.

Our tour leader will meet us at the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting, followed by a leisurely wander to get acquainted with the town's scenic surroundings. Whether you're scaling the hills, heading down the Vez River, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Arcos de Valdevez is the perfect launchpad for our northern Portugal adventure.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Porto Airport by 4pm.

There are no activities on this first day, so you're free to make your own way to Arcos de Valdevez if you'd prefer. A regular bus service from the airport is available, and the journey takes around 90 minutes.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Full day exploring the rugged beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park, including the opportunity for wild swimming

After a hearty breakfast, we set out into the national park. Far from the mass tourism and crowded beaches of the Algarve, this undiscovered part of Portugal is a hidden gem. We start by driving to a viewpoint over Sistelo, offering stunning views back down the valley\emdash views that have hardly changed in over 200 years. This is rural Portugal at its very best, with terraced plots that wouldn't look out of place in the Himalayas. Look out for the elegant Cachena breed of cow, easily recognised by their long, lyre-shaped horns.

Heading back down the valley, we'll have time to explore the village of Sistelo, grab a coffee, and use the facilities before setting off on our 8 kilometre/5 mile hike. The hike follows the river down the valley, with most of the path on newly constructed boardwalk, apart from a short steep section at the start on cobbled stones. The scenery is stunning, and as we descend further, the shaded tree-lined riverbanks offer welcome relief from the sun. This area has been recognised 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\emdash a refreshing dip in the hot summer months\emdash before we return to our hotel in the afternoon.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Canyoning adventure at Entre Ambos os Rios

Adventure is very much on the agenda today! After a short transfer to Entre Ambos os Rios Adventure Centre, we'll have a briefing before donning our kit and heading to the start of the canyon. The rock formations, rivers, and waterfalls here create a fantastic setting for clambering, jumping, sliding, and floating our way down the canyon. Once back at base, we'll enjoy a late lunch before returning to our hotel.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Stand-up Paddleboarding

After yesterday's adventure, we slow the pace a little. Heading back towards Entre Ambos os Rios, we turn our attention to the fun but more relaxing sport of paddleboarding. We'll have a 2-hour lesson with a local instructor\emdash plenty of time to learn the basics\emdash and soon we'll be gliding across the water. Although, the occasional splash into the drink is still possible!

We aim to return to the hotel just after 1pm, with the afternoon free to relax, explore the local area, and get ready for the beachside leg of our adventure.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Rafting on the Minho River on the boundary between Portugal and Spain, followed by Praia de Âncora on the Atlantic coast

Heading further north, our destination is the small town of Melgaço, situated on the border between Portugal and Spain. We'll meet our rafting guides just outside town and get changed into wetsuits. Changing rooms and showers are available, and we recommend bringing a towel, swimming costume, and wet shoes (or old trainers). There are secure facilities to leave personal items on-site.

We'll transfer into a 4x4 vehicle for a short drive to the launch point. After a safety briefing, we'll climb into our raft and float downstream. The waters and currents of the Minho are perfect for water sports, especially rafting. The trip covers between 10 to 14 kilometres, depending on river conditions, with rapids and calmer stretches, allowing us to appreciate the surrounding nature. Look out for the local fishing traps designed for eels and other freshwater species, a tradition that dates back centuries. The difficulty of this descent is rated as 'low' and graded two to three.

After the rafting trip, we'll enjoy a light snack before returning to base in our 4x4.

After lunch (not included), we'll continue on to Vila Praia de \'c2ncora on the Atlantic coast, where we'll check in to the family-run Meira Hotel, located just one road back from the beachfront. The hotel features a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and is just a short walk from the beach.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free day in Vila Praia de Âncora

Today is free to spend as you wish in the town. Vila Praia de \'c2ncora is a charming coastal village, known for its expansive sandy beach and rich history. It has also played a role in coastal defence, with the fort of Lagarteira close by. The town offers a more authentic view of seaside Portugal and excellent fresh seafood. Wander the quaint streets, enjoy an ice cream by the beach, or relax by the hotel pool.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Surfing lesson on Praia de Âncora and free afternoon on the beach

After breakfast, head to the beach for a two-hour surfing lesson. Praia de \'c2ncora is an ideal spot to learn to surf. This stretch of Portugal's Atlantic coast is famous for offering some of the best surfing conditions in Europe, with a sheltered section of beach protected by harbour walls\emdash a safe environment for beginners. For more experienced surfers, the conditions further along the beach offer more challenging waves.

Our instructors know the conditions intimately\emdash Fabio, who runs the surf school, has lived in Praia de \'c2ncora all his life and is a beach lifeguard in his spare time.

After the lesson, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or return to the hotel pool. There are several dining options in town, or for the more active, there's a beautiful coastal walk to the nearby village of Afife, with a famous tavern-style restaurant. Continuing to the village of Carreço, visit the ancient lighthouse of Montedor, and the old windmills and fortress at Paço are well worth a look.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Praia de Âncora

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Praia de \'c2ncora.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Praia de \'c2ncora at any time. If your flight is later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), about a one-hour drive away. The transfer will arrive at the airport by 10am.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Portugal

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Portuguese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Kayaking is available from €25 per person on the Minho river on the free day.


Clothing

July and August are the hottest months, but early and late in the season go prepared with clothing to suit drops in temperature and the showers. You'll need your swimming gear, light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights.

Footwear

Comfortable walking boots, trainers and sandals. We also recommend wet shoes or an old pair of trainers for the canyoning day.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece and a daysack.

Equipment

A water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential. You will need a towel for the rafting day and surfing day.

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.

Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£25.00 - 30.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more expensive.
Water price
£2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are accepted.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD

Accommodation notes

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.

Family swimming

The Ribeira Collection Hotel (Arcos de Valdevez) features an indoor swimming pool with sliding doors leading out to an extensive sun terrace. The health suite also has a steam room, sauna and hot tub. It is advisable to book at reception to use the health cub facilities.

There is the opportunity for wild river swimming on day 2 and swimming on day 6 after the rafting.

The Hotel Meira in Praia de Ancora has an outdoor swimming pool with sun lounges and a terrace. The hotel is situated less than ten minutes walk from the beach.

Portugal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

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.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

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 Polar 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.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

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.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


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 the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

A water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential. You will need a towel for the canyoning day and surfing day. Specialist activity equipment such as wetsuits and helmets are provided locally.

Portugal

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. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Sunset on Praia de Ancora
Average Age: As a guide we have estimated the average age of the children who have travelled on similar trips over the the last 5 years, to help you decide whether it's the right one for your family. The projected average age on this trip is 13 years old, this trip is suitable for children of all ages.

Minimum age: This trip is suitable for active children of all ages from 7 upwards. Please note age restrictions apply to some activities in Pena Adventure park, alternative activities are available for younger children, please ask for details. 
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!