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8 day Hiking and Yoga in Peneda Gerês National Park
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Activities
Yoga
Hiking & trekking
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Minimum no. of participants
1
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Suitable for
All levels
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Accommodation
Retreat resort / centre, Eco-resort / property
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Length of retreat
7 - 8 nights
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Meals included
Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
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Capacity
up to 10 persons
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Main instructor language
English
Instructors also speak
Portuguese
An eight-day holiday to energise yourself with daily yoga and to hike in a preserved nature and discover the most inspiring landscapes of the Peneda mountain, the ancient habitat of the Iberian wolf and the wild Garrano horse. Pleasant walks through oak forests full of streams and ancient Roman bridges, over high peaks where wild goats live or through mountain plateaus where herds of wild horses graze peacefully.
Enjoy this mountainous landscape that inspires and enchants you with every step you take.
8 days in Serra da Peneda, in the northwest of Peneda-Gerês National Park. A dramatic landscape of magnificent mountains where you’ll find valleys carved by mountain rivers with magnificent waterfalls and inspiring pools of pure water. Trails around towering granite crags, forests worthy of Elves and Druids, ancient hamlets nestled in the mountain and mountain plateaus where herds of wild horses graze peacefully
On these holidays you'll also have the opportunity to climb up to the medieval castle of Castro Laboreiro, cross Roman bridges, admire medieval churches, and charming watermills. And along the trails you'll meet the Castro Laboreiro dog, a native working dog that guards the flocks in the mountains and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the Iberian Peninsula.
Overnight stays are made in Ecotura Nature Resort, an ancient stone hamlet converted in several beautiful and comfortable guest houses. The quiet and peacefulness of the rural hamlet of João Alvo invites us to slow down and follow the calm rhythm of nature. The daily walks surrounded by the breathtaking nature of Peneda Mountain induce stillness. It awakens our feelings towards the surrounding landscape while allowing us to quiet the mind and body. The daily yoga sessions help us to feel stronger and healthy, rejuvenating the mind and body, and making us feel recharged after every class.
There will be some free time for you to dive into the river nearby or to relax on the grounds
Our retreat is geared towards any level of yoga. The postures will be modified and adapted to the various levels of the participants. Plus, with small groups, you’ll receive the attention you need while making new friends.
You will experience:
- energise yourself, improve flexibility and balance with daily yoga
- Discover the wild landscape diversity of the Serra da Peneda. The contrast of dramatic granite scenery with the green and well-preserved oak woods.
- Follow the path of mountain streams into lush valleys and inspiring mountain scenery.
- The mountain hamlets with the small stone houses, rich in ancient rituals and rural traditions
- the opportunity to climb up to the medieval castle of Castro Laboreiro, cross Roman bridges, admire medieval churches, and charming watermills
- Find the herds of wild horses and discover an abundance of rare wild flowers, small birds, eagles and other wild animals.
- Walking in Serra da Peneda, inside National Park, with all the advantages and comfort of a base stay tour - No packing and unpacking every day; One select accommodation with a high level of comfort; Minimum car trips
- A careful selection of walks, developed and perfected by ours experienced group leaders. For more than 20 years they travelled these mountains almost daily. With them you will discover these treasures of the mountain environment that make the difference in this unforgettable trip.
Daily Schedule:
Day 1 (Saturday)
We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you to the charming village of Castro Laboreiro. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the serene Ecotura Nature Resort.
Day 2 (Sunday)
8:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:30 - Half-day walk
13:00 - Lunch
14:30 - A visit to the reception center of the National Park for better knowledge about the region and the biodiversity of this natural area
20:00 - Dinner in Ecotura Nature Resort.
Day 3 (Monday)
08:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - Full-day walk
20:00 - Dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort
Day 4 (Tuesday)
08:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - Full-day walk
20:00 - Dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort
Day 5 (Wednesday)
08:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:30 - half-day walk
(If the weather permits, you can dive in the crystalline waters of the Laboreiro river before lunch)
13:30 - Lunch
15:00 - Afternoon free to relax and do whatever you feel like or just do nothing
20:00 - Dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.
Day 6 (Thursday)
08:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - Full-day walk
20:00 - Dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.
Día 7 (Friday)
08:00 - Coffee/Tea time
08:30 - Yoga session
09:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - Full-day walk
20:00 - Farewell dinner at Ecotura Nature Resort.
Dia 8 (Saturday)
Transfer to the airport
Peneda Gerês National Park in Portugal is a beautiful region in the top north of the country at the border with Galicia in Spain. World's leading destination in 2017, Portugal offers an outstanding country to travel to, offering tourism of excellence.
The national park is the “jewel of the crown” when you speak about nature or wild or stunning landscapes. Due to its unique characteristics and the value that nature conservation contains, this region has won from UNESCO the highest award that a green area can receive biosphere reserve.
The Peneda mountain, located in the Northwest of the National Park, is surrounded by granitic landscapes and characterized by green meadows, oak forests and mountain rivers filled with waterfalls. In this mountain territory, you can travel from the old oak forests in the valleys, full of creeks and old Roman bridges, to the high pics where the mountain landscape reveals the wild horse herds grazing peacefully in the natural pastures. In this tour, you will connect these two areas of the mountain, from the valley to the summit, traveling by ancient paths used for centuries by smugglers and shepherds, when they move the cattle between the winter and the summer
Castro Laboreiro is a charming Portuguese village located on the north-eastern side of the Serra da Peneda, near the border with Spain. Nestled in the untouched natural beauty of the Castro Laboreiro plateau, it offers a unique blend of tradition, culture, and nature experiences. Castro Laboreiro has a rich millenary historical and archaeological heritage, including megalithic monuments, a medieval castle, Roman and medieval bridges, and churches. Castro Laboreiro is also famous for its dog breed, which is a reference to the most traditional breeds in Portugal. The Castro Laboreiro Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds on the Iberian Peninsula. Its specimens are long-distance trotters, endurance gallopers and are distinguished from other national breeds of livestock dogs by being able to accompany herds all day long, protecting them from wolf attacks
How to get there
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). The organizer will pick you up from the airport. The pick-up is included in the price. The pick-up is always on Saturdays at 15:00.
Airport
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPORTO) - 150 km - 0 km
Retreat resort / centre, Eco-resort / property
In the valley of the river Laboreiro, the village of João Alvo is our base during the retreat. Ecotura Nature Resort is a small cluster of traditional stone houses surrounded by oak forests overlooking the sunrise over the mountains. It has been remodeled for a comfortable atmosphere and furnished with unique pieces of handicraft and art. In the tranquil and intimate atmosphere, you can cultivate a connection with nature and your inner self.
Whilst retaining the essence of its original features, Ecotura Nature Resort is equipped with all the modern comforts that allow visitors to enjoy pleasant moments of leisure.
The yoga studio, on the edge of the village, is close to the forest and has a panoramic view overlooking the mountains. Doing Yoga during the Spring and Summer, witnessing the sunrise and listening to the birds singing, or during the Winter, listening to the sound of the waterfall, is a unique experience.
- Yoga studio
- Garden
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Parking
- Fireplace
- Free wifi
- Tours and daytrips
- Retreat planning services
- Bike rental
- Airport transfer
- Outdoor terrace
- Outdoor exercise possibilities
- Linen & towels provided
- Cooking
- Meditation room
- Outdoor yoga deck
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Anabela believes that “we are what we eat” so the meals are an important part of our programs. Delicious and healthy vegetarian-friendly meals are cooked according to the Mediterranean and Ayurveda diet. All the meals are made with fresh and organic ingredients and seasonal vegetables. Most of the vegetables are produced in your biological vegetable garden. Drinks made with pro-biotic sodas and sugar-free ingredients are available. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies that we should be aware of and should cater for.
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Coffee
- Water
- Juice
- Tea
- Wine
- Vegetarian
- Organic
- Glutan free
- Vegan
- Dairy free
- 6 yoga lessons
- 2 half-day walks
- 4 full-day walks
- 1 visit to the reception center of the National Park for better knowledge about the region and the biodiversity of this natural area
- 1 visit to the Castro Laboreiro Museum
- certified, experienced local guides/instructors
- 7 nights accommodation (single, double, triple occupancy) ,(linens and towels provided)
- breakfast lunch and dinner each day (vegetarian, vega, gluten-free, dairy-free, organic and nutritious, with other dietary needs available upon request)
- coffee, tea and fruit are always available in the kitchen
- transfers from/to the Oporto airport
- Airplane tickets
- Items of a private nature
- Drinks or snacks outside meals
Free cancelation 30 days before check in
Guests will incur a fee 50% if they cancel their booking 15 days before check-in
Guests will incur a fee 100% if they cancel their booking 7 days before check-in
Anabela
Instructor
Anabela is a yoga teacher and a journalist with a passion for Yoga, well-being, nutrition, environment, nature conservation, botany, and horses. About 20 years ago she fell in love with Peneda Gerês and decided to create Ecotura which provides nature holidays and retreats with yoga, hiking, running, and horseback riding in the Peneda Gerês National Park.
Anabela is also a certified yoga teacher with advanced certifications in Vinyasa, Yoga for Athletes, and Meditation & Mindfulness and nutrition. Additionally, Anabela is a certified Stretching Coach, Women's Circle Facilitator, and Perimenopause Yoga Facilitator. Her training as a yoga teacher perfectly complements her work as a Hiking and riding guide. Anabela is enthusiastic about nature and nature sports. Throughout her adult life, she has practiced horseback riding, trail mountain, biking, and canoeing. Hiking, horseback riding, and running in the mountains are part of her routine.
Anabela is also an excellent cook and a skilled craftswoman. She built a lot of the furniture in the beautiful, very personally designed guest house herself.
Yoga
Anabela is also a certified yoga teacher with advanced certifications in Vinyasa, Yoga for Athletes, and Meditation & Mindfulness and nutrition. Additionally, Anabela is a certified Stretching Couch, Women's Circle Facilitator and Perimenopause Yoga Facilitator