Spain & Portugal

One Trip, Two Countries

We just couldn’t decide. Both Spain and Portugal are amazing destinations. For our first tour on the Iberian Peninsula, which one should we choose? The solution? Both! Galicia in northwestern Spain snuggles up to Portugal allowing us to showcase two distinct regions within a compact area. What is even more fun, is that on the day we transition between the two, we will launch our boats in Spain, and end the row in Portugal. The tour is bookended by two iconic destinations. Consider arriving early to explore Santiago de Compostela and extending your travel with a stay in Porto at the end. In between, enjoy great rowing and experience beautiful green landscapes, fascinating culture and superb accommodation and gastronomy.

Distinctive Rowing

In Galicia we will explore the estuary called Ria de Arousa with three very different rows. The first is an out and back, potentially circumnavigating an island. We will then venture further, ultimately crossing the bay to leave the boats in a fishing community. If conditions permit, the final row will take us almost to the open Atlantic ending at one of the most fascinating villages in Galicia. Within this one estuary, there are big tidal differentials exposing vast mudflats and shellfish beds, contrasting with some of the most perfect white sand beaches you have ever seen. In this region most rowing and clubs use the traditional fixed boats called trainera. We hope to give that a little try too. In Portugal we will row on rivers, although still using the coastal boats. Our final row in Viana do Castelo may see us head out onto the open Atlantic to play in some swells – weather and water conditions permitting. We have rated this trip as challenging for two reasons. Most of the rowing will be under coastal conditions, sometimes on fairly open water. Some distances are long, at least 25 km or more. This is also a test trip with potential unknowns. A higher level of fitness and adaptability will be required.

Traditions, Gastronomy and Comfort

Exceptional accommodations are booked for this trip. In Spain both of our hotels are paradors. These are luxury hotels located in converted historical properties. Cambados is in the heart of the Albariño wine region plus a renowned fishing port. We will visit a wine museum and enjoy these famous white wines with seafood. Tui is best known for its cathedral, but it also boasts a renowned wine, D.O. Rías Baixas. Our final hotel in Viana do Castello Portugal is equally gorgeous but totally different. Modern, spacious and poised on the dunes leading to gorgeous beaches on wild Atlantic. It is a sport hotel, attracting cyclists, surfers, wind surfers – we will feel right at home here. And while the rowing is the focus and will fill the days, there are plenty of traditions and cultures to learn about in both countries, ranging from the grey granite house, distinctive stone granaries, a multitude of crosses and miradors, colourful costumes and delicate gold and silver jewelry.

Trip Details

!IMPORTANT! – This is mostly a coastal rowing trip requiring a higher level of rowing skills and fitness. We may require a more detailed evaluation of a potential guest and we retain the right to refuse their registrations at our own discretion. In that case a full refund of the deposit will be provided.

Included

• Six nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels
• All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners
• Five days of rowing
• Guide services and tour support. Trip Leader is Ruth Marr supported by a team of guides and boat managers in both Spain and Portugal
• Cultural visits and alternate activities for poor weather days

Note that tides, weather and water conditions may mean deviations from the itinerary described below.