Discover a nature lover’s paradise just 30 minutes from Porto. This full-day excursion whisks you through lush landscapes, showcasing breathtaking waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. After a rewarding 4.5-hour trek, savor a delightful picnic amid the tranquil surroundings. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this adventure offers an unforgettable experience for all.
Key Points
- Scenic 40-minute drive from Henrique Silva to Rio Mau hiking trails, allowing exploration of natural wonders near Porto.
- 4.5-hour hike featuring riverbanks, eucalyptus groves, and canyon views, with tranquil streams and picturesque waterfalls.
- Picnic break with a 40-minute meal cooked on a portable stove, offering vegan and vegetarian options.
- Trekking poles provided for stability and comfort on the trails.
- Single customer review rating of 1/5, suggesting potential issues, but flexible booking options and free cancellation are available.
Activity Overview
This excursion offers a full-day adventure, lasting approximately 9 hours.
Priced from €90.00 per person, it’s limited to 7 participants and available in English and Russian.
Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The booking process is flexible, allowing them to reserve now and pay later with no upfront payment required.
Transportation to the hiking trail takes 40 minutes by car.
The hike itself lasts 4.5 hours, followed by a 40-minute picnic.
The hike lasts 4.5 hours, followed by a 40-minute picnic.
Dietary options include vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with trekking snacks, water, and poles provided.
Looking for more options in Vila Nova De Gaia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Details
The excursion starts at Henrique Silva, where participants board the car for a 40-minute drive to the Rio Mau hiking trails.
The hike lasts 4.5 hours and explores:
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Riverbanks and lush green ferns
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Eucalyptus groves
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Stunning canyon views from lookout points
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Tranquil flowing streams
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Picturesque waterfalls
After the hike, a 40-minute picnic break is spent enjoying a delicious meal cooked on a portable stove, in a beautiful spot overlooking the river.
Dietary options include vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Hiking Experience
Participants embark on a scenic drive to the Rio Mau hiking trails, where they’ll explore the area’s natural wonders.
They’ll traverse riverbanks, lush green ferns, and eucalyptus groves, taking in stunning canyon views from designated lookout points. The tranquility of flowing streams and picturesque waterfalls provides a serene backdrop for the hiking experience.
Along the way, participants can use provided trekking poles to enhance their stability and comfort on the trails.
Provided trekking poles allow participants to maintain stability and comfort while navigating the scenic hiking trails.
This immersive outdoor adventure offers a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the Portuguese countryside.
Meal Experience
After exploring the natural wonders along the hiking trails, participants can look forward to a delicious meal cooked on a portable stove in a beautiful spot overlooking the river.
The meal experience includes:
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A variety of dietary options, including vegan and vegetarian cuisine
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Trekking snacks and water bottles to fuel the adventure
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Trekking poles provided for added stability during the hike
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A picnic duration of 40 minutes to savor the scenery and refuel
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A tranquil location with stunning views of the flowing river.
Transportation
A 40-minute car ride transports participants from the starting location at Henrique Silva to the Rio Mau hiking trails, setting the stage for the day’s outdoor adventure.
The included private car service ensures a comfortable and efficient journey, allowing guests to relax before embarking on the scenic hike. Amenities like Wi-Fi in the car keep guests connected during the short drive.
This convenient transportation arrangement allows the activity to focus on the hiking, canyon views, and picnic experience, without the hassle of navigating or finding one’s own way to the trailhead.
Meeting Point and Amenities
The meeting point for this excursion is marked by the giant colored letters "GAIA", providing a convenient and easily identifiable location for participants to gather.
The excursion’s meeting point is easily recognizable, marked by the prominent "GAIA" letters, making it a convenient gathering spot for participants.
Complementing the scenic hiking experience, the tour offers several amenities:
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Wi-Fi connectivity available in the transportation vehicle
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Trekking poles provided for added stability and support during the hike
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Snacks, water bottles, and a delicious meal cooked on a portable stove to refuel participants
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Dietary options including vegan and vegetarian cuisine to accommodate various dietary preferences
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Flexible booking options, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later without any upfront payment required.
Customer Reviews
Despite the intriguing nature of the excursion’s activities and amenities, the overall customer review rating paints a concerning picture.
With a dismal 1/5 rating based on a single review, it’s clear that the experience has left much to be desired for at least one customer.
Prospective participants should exercise caution and thoroughly consider the feedback provided before booking this activity.
While the itinerary and offerings may seem enticing, the lone review suggests there’s room for improvement in the actual delivery of the experience.
Careful consideration of the feedback is warranted before committing to this excursion.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking this excursion is a flexible process, as the provider offers the option to reserve now and pay later without any upfront payment required.
The activity is also subject to free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund for those who need to change their plans.
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Flexible booking options
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No upfront payment necessary
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Free cancellation available 24 hours prior
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Full refund for cancelled bookings
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Easy to reserve and modify plans as needed
Since You Asked
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
The activity overview does not specify a minimum age requirement for participants. The group size is limited to 7 participants, indicating the tour is suitable for a range of ages.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the hike. However, a delicious meal cooked on a portable stove is included in the activity, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Is There an Option to Extend the Hike Duration?
Yes, the activity allows participants to extend the hike duration. According to the itinerary details, the hiking portion lasts 4.5 hours, but the duration can be adjusted to accommodate the group’s preferences.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Hiking Gear?
The activity doesn’t require any special hiking gear. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small backpack should suffice. The tour provider will supply trekking poles, snacks, and water bottles to ensure a comfortable hiking experience.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Hike?
The activity details do not mention any restroom facilities along the hiking trail. Hikers should plan accordingly and ensure they have any necessary supplies before embarking on the 4.5-hour hike.
The Sum Up
This nature-filled adventure just 30 minutes from Porto promises a day of stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking, and a picnic in a tranquil setting. With a 4.5-hour hike through the Rio Mau trails, travelers can enjoy the lush landscapes and panoramic canyon views before indulging in a delicious homemade meal. An ideal escape for those seeking an outdoor experience in the heart of Portugal’s natural beauty.
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