Douro Valley Water Walking Tour: An Honest Review

So, you’re pondering, you know, a water walking escapade through Portugal’s Douro Valley? As a matter of fact, I just went on one. And I wanted to pass along my, actually, fairly honest take on this rather distinctive activity. I mean, right, you have, that is that, lush sceneries, a nearby pleasing lunch, and your feet splashing through a shallow stream. Does that sound like something right up your alley? Then keep reading, alright, to find out what to expect, the highlights, and maybe a couple of things that, seemingly, didn’t go totally according to plan.

What Exactly is Water Walking, Anyway?

As a matter of fact, before I, apparently, continue, let’s describe what water walking even means! Typically, it is a way of trekking that actually entails, almost, wading through shallow parts of a stream. Or a river, in this instance. No swimming involved, seriously. The water, just a little, should, arguably, be ankle- to knee-deep, alright. Usually, this way gives, like your, a chance to, seemingly, see locations from a somewhat novel angle, you know, while you, too it’s almost, stay cool and refreshed. Often, it’s, right, touted as a family-friendly activity. So, basically, think hiking, very, only with your feet very wet.

Booking the Adventure

Seemingly, there are various tour groups offering this particular experience around the Douro area, just a little. I chose one, basically, after checking a bit of customer reviews, actually, and comparing, naturally, prices. So, keep in mind that usually cost points do vary, that is that, depending on the specific inclusions. Or, such as your, that, if lunch is covered, and what transport arrangements are, in fact, supplied. I opted for a tour that literally did include a traditional local meal following the walk. Which felt like the right decision. Basically, that was, actually, after a lot of ‘walking’ in the water.

Getting There: A Bit of a Ride

Alright, early morning starts are frequently, quite, needed, you know, to make the most of a trip, I mean, right? So, that’s very true here. Now, getting to the Douro Valley from Porto very did entail more or less a 2-hour bus journey. Typically, the ride in itself was actually pleasant, alright, providing you, very, picturesque views of the Portuguese landscape. That, actually, started to ease into soft hills from Porto to the Douro location. Anyway, for someone prone to a touch of travel sickness. Very much like me. I do recommend a travel pillow as a safety measure, you know. Anyway, basically, or motion sickness meds as a safety measure. Just like me.

The Water Walk Begins

So, when we eventually arrived at the jump off location. Right, we were given a brief summary of safety instructions from the guide. This actually was simple enough, yet essential. Basically, since we were planning, right, to stroll in a stream bed with, almost, slippery stones and variable deepness. Normally, good water footwear is literally vital. We wore water shoes, anyway, and they seemed to be perfect for the activity, very, but, you know, old tennis shoes might too function reasonably as well. Maybe, for sensitive feet I’d maybe consider water socks, in short. To try and prevent rubble getting in there. The water was, literally, invigorating and, definitely, welcomed right away, so. Even though it might too be, very, a little cold to start.

Scenic Views and Historical Tidbits

Typically, the scenery basically did more than offset the temperature soon after the trip was underway. Right, vineyards terraced all along the hills rose magnificently on all sides. Also, alright, adding a lush natural amphitheater. Arguably, the tour guide seemed very informed too, in fact, telling bits and pieces about the neighborhood and the, apparently, past background of grape harvesting in the region. It had the potential to seemingly add an extra layer of gratefulness for where you seemingly were. He showed up little things too that usually were missed on your own.

Challenges on the Stream Bed

Arguably, not all that actually goes without difficulty, alright. Usually, the stream mattress itself can be, sort of, uneven. Like, with a combination of sized stones and stones and, possibly, surprisingly deep patches. Obviously, that is not just like, a walk in the playground, I mean, right? Great footing really mattered, for example. Very, especially, for those, possibly, who maybe, literally, aren’t that sure on their own feet. Then, so too, one or two components, actually, involved scrambling over bigger rocks, to be honest. Now, I was, just a little, great, or it tended to be, and I was still careful.

Wildlife Encounters

Often, we got to experience wildlife up very close, usually, from time to time, just a little, that can take, that is that, several forms. Right, from an abundance of, usually, frogs darting away right away, too, of course, dragonflies delicately hovering along with you. Typically, based on the guide, so too, it seemed that in summer usually it wasn’t that uncommon to spot one or two snakes enjoying a daytime bath in the heat, right? Right, and I seemed very pleased it literally wasn’t summer, right? Now.

The Local Lunch: A Taste of Portugal

Basically, the tour’s standout highlight would often arguably, come when, after finishing our walk, naturally. Basically, when we went to a little nearby conventional consuming establishment. Right, now this usually wasn’t some super fancy resort place, like. However, that did feature home made regional food that typically was absolutely remarkable. Actually, in fact, basically, think very tender, stewed meats, sparkling fresh veggies, with loaves of bread created for soaking, and naturally plenty of community locally sourced wine. We needed, I mean, needed the opportunity for you. To recharge, of course. Really.

Who is This Trip Ideal For?

Okay, the Douro Valley water taking walks actually gives you something quite, seriously, distinctive, actually. To be honest, anyway, blending activity in a pleasing environment and also neighborhood heritage. Typically, still, arguably, it may, of course, suit various varieties of human, obviously. Obviously, this type of trek probably usually won’t pose plenty of difficulties to many who take satisfaction, right, out of simple walking, in the, right, incredible outside and tend to be also safe. Obviously, you realize and trust the footing is usually probably unsteady. You might want too skip it if your balance is, you know, sketchy.

Final Thoughts

Right, this very specific “Douro Valley Water Walking Adventure With Lunch” really basically does offer over only an excursion – actually, anyway, that shows you a slice of lifestyle that really, actually, isn’t to be experienced sitting inside any vehicle, I mean, right. So too there are very mild issues, really. Similar to some unequal terrain. This type usually just about genuinely really, very gives and rewards, and gives an excellent level, really. Mainly, I really believe you’ll walk, maybe, or should I say take walks in the water aside, alright? A few with recollections. Maybe, to maintain for just about any prolonged quantity, as a matter of fact. Or that’s my hope for you anyway!