Activity and Adventure Holidays

"Forget swimming with dolphins - kayak with wild boar!"

"Rock and River" is situated in the heart of rural Central Portugal offering group activity experiences specialising in rock climbing and river kayaking. We give you the opportunity to enjoy the mountains, rivers, fluvial beaches, wildlife and traditional villages of the unspoilt and unexploited 'real' Portugal. You can climb in Portugal's highest mountain range, the 'Serra da Estrela', and paddle the wild rivers content in the knowledge that all activities have been tailor-made in full liaison with your requirements, and personally planned and supervised by Matt, a British qualified instructor with over 10 years experience of training instructors and groups in the UK.

Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the wilderness arround us. A craft truly in touch with its surroundings and used for hundreds of years. We use individual watercrafts, propelled with a double paddle. Our kayaking takes place on the area's magnificent rivers and the splendor of our secluded lakes. Our experienced instructors will teach you safety procedures on a relaxing trip exploring the river. This quiet approach to watersport will ensure that you enjoy the tranquil magnificence and the full range of our local wildlife.

We've teamed up with Rock and River to offer you some exciting holiday packages:

Kayak Dawn Patrol

Two nights in either the Mongolian or Woodland Yurt with a "dawn patrol" on the river Mondego. Rock and River will pick you up from the quinta and take you for 2-3 hrs paddle watching the sun rise - great opportunity to see wildlife and miss the heat of the day! Return to the quinta for a hearty breakfast.

Mongolian Yurt - 2 people: 140 euros / 3 people: 190 euros / 4 people: 240 euros
Woodland Yurt - 2 people: 120 euros
Price includes 2 nights yurt accommodation, transfers between the quinta and the river, one morning Kayak Dawn Patrol followed by breakfast.

Kayak Safari

Stay in the Mongolian Yurt and take a one day "Kayak Safari" on the river Mondego. Rock and River will pick you up from the quinta and take you for a day's kayak safari, with a free optional extra - the "Abseil Challenge": A 60m abseil with pre-training on shorter wall before taking THE BIG DROP! Return to the quinta for an evening meal.

SAMPLE PROGRAMME: 09:00 pick up. Arrive at river. Land drill. Morning of paddle skills, swimming, rock jumping. Lunch on the banks of the river. Observe local wildlife, advanced paddle skills. Optional 60m abseil challenge. 17:30 Depart.

Special Family Deal (4 px) - 2 nights: 240 euros / 4 nights: 340 euros / 7 nights: 490 euros
Price includes yurt accommodation, transfers between the quinta and the river, one day Kayak Safari (with optional free Abseil Challenge), one evening meal for 4 people.

The best part was that you taught us fun things and that you were really nice!

- Jesse (aged 10), UK

Tailor-made Holiday Packages

We'll be happy to help you design your own holiday package from the variety of "extras" we offer, or to help you book them seperately once you are here. Please just ask!

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing offers the unique opportunity to explore the hidden Portugal. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of deserted crags and hidden forests. Rock climbing's special combination of mental and physical challenges make it an unforgettable experience. Once you've tried it, you're hooked. With a knowledge of the 'secret spots' of Central Portugal and the experience and specialist training to ensure your satety we are able offer a once in a lifetime experience.

SAMPLE PROGRAMME: 09:00 pick up. Arrive Serra da Estrela national park. Kit up. Climbing technique, rope control, equipment use. Lunch by the crag. Challenge yourself with more climbing, refine technique, abseil. 17:00 depart. Price: 40 euros per person per day / 100 euros for family of 4.

More info and bookings (if not included in package): www.rockandriver.com.pt

A wonderfull day. Nothing was too much trouble. Everyone achieved beyond their dreams - especially on the abseil. For someone afraid of heights Rock and River made it possible. Thank you.

- Christine and family, UK