Shadow & Light, Ocean & Rivers, Warmth & Hospitality
The People and Places of Portugal - The Green Coast
Breathe in the scents of the sea in one of our favorite places, the Green Coast of Portugal. Just north of Porto, it has a relatively low “tourist level” which is a condition we’ll all be ready to savor. Porto has a grittier feel than Portugal’s larger city, Lisboa, and is a bit more authentic in respect to the local history and culture. This is a region that is often overlooked but not to be missed....Our base will be a magical wellness retreat offering everything from massage and yoga to surfing and paragliding.
This is an outdoor lover’s paradise with spacious rooms and impeccable service. Culinary delights abound from unique local delicacies to traditional Portugese fare, there is something for everyone to savor. Less than an hour’s drive is perhaps the country’s most hidden gem, Geres National Park, where we will discover ruins of times past and wonderful trekking opportunities. A place not yet discovered by the influx of tourists...so we’ve been told.
As we journey east high in the mountains overlooking the Duoro River valley, our most recent discovery is a small village nestled among the hills offering panoramic views of the valley and the river below. We will be welcomed with a “special dinner in the wild” by our hosts, which is only the preface to the story you will be able to tell about your visit here among the mountain folk. There will be a great opportunity to view some ancient Paleolithic carvings, with our host serving as local guide. Enjoy a multitude of hikes, some even supported by the resident burros (why carry a heavy pack when you have help)! And there is no better way to experience the subtleties of Portugese food than to discover how to do a little cookin’ yourself. We’ll have the chance to participate in a magnificent slow food cooking class and really learn the process from the ground up. Our accommodations are selectively located throughout the village so all of us will get a sense of living like a local.
No discussion of Portugal is complete without a reference to the most singular trait of its people, at once humorous and helpful, while offering a friendly curiosity about who we are and where we come from. Wonderful conversations await... a visit to Portugal is a fitting conclusion to our invitational because it is a place we enjoy personally and we would like to share that with you.
Sept. 30 - Oct. 12, 2023
$7495 per person double occupancy
$8300 single occupancy
Price includes: 12 nights lodging in four unique establishments, breakfast, dinners, and most lunches, fees for activities included on final itinerary, in-country transportation during the trip, and leadership with senior H2O staff..
