Shepherd For a Day

family friendly
scenic views
history and culture
adrenaline

Duration and  availability

Full-day | 09:00 – 20:00

Includes

Private Tour
Lunch + snacks
Insurance
Conservation support
120% CO2 Compensation

Price per person

185€  | 4 people or more
200€  | 3 people
255€  | 2 people
430€  | 1 person

Pick-up / drop-off (price per tour)

free  | Braga, Gerês
150€  | Guimarães
185€ | Ponte de Lima
210€  | Viana do Castelo
255€  | Porto
Ask a quote for pick-up and drop-off at different locations

Shepherd For a Day

Explore the mountains with some furry and bouncy companions: a herd of goats or sheep.
Although not obvious on a first glimpse, these fellow inhabitants have a very important role in managing the landscape, helping to preserve habitats and preventing wild fires, for example.

Understand why shepherds and goatherds choose this hard life, learn about their difficult relationship with the wolves and how they adapted their practices. We select shepherds that adopt good practices of shepherding regarding the wolf (a protected species) and are willing to improve.

We’ll start the day with the herd routine: separating the animals that will go to the mountain and taking care of the ones that stay, feeding and providing them water. Then, the herder and his dogs will determine the itinerary for the day – both for the us and the herd. The hike among the herd will allow us time to enjoy and understand the landscape, talk to the shepherd and observe the animals’ behaviour.

According to your fitness level and how hard you want the hike to be, select the type of herd you prefer to join: the relaxed sheep or the restless goats.

After a full lunch with locally sourced produce and local made delicacies, we’ll enjoy the surroundings areas, exploring the forest and refresh ourselves on the crystal-clear waters of the creeks or warm up on open-air hot springs.

This tour is perfect if you want to learn about the history of Gerês and its traditions and you’re interested in conservation and sustainability: increase your awareness and directly contribute to improve the economic condition of the herders.

“More unusual, and more memorable, are Keen’s walks with local herders as they graze their sheep and goats. It’s a window onto a world that few tourists get to see—one that’s surprisingly untouched by time—but also a way to preserve tradition while also encouraging farmers to diversify their revenue streams and improve their quality of life.”

Ann Abel, 2023 at Forbes

Specifics
  • 2 to 4 easy small hikes (approx. 30min each)
  • Suitable for everyone from 2 to 75 years old
  • Private tour
  • Available all year round
  • Duration: full day – 9:00 to 20:00
Recommendations
  • Wear weather and hiking appropriate clothes and shoes
  • Bring swimwear – to dress up and take off on location (to avoid returning wet) –, a towel (you can rent one for 3€) and flip-flops (not essential)
  • Bring sunscreen (if relevant)
Background
All the tours include:
  • Pick-up and Drop-off at accommodation (Braga/Gerês)
  • SUV with all seats facing forward
  • Toddler/child car seats available (9 to 36 kg)
  • Lunch, snacks and water
  • Photos and videos
  • Specialized local guide with first aid training and carrying a first aid kit
  • A contribution for a conservation project
  • Local compensation of 120% of the CO2 produced during the tour
  • Private tour
  • All equipment necessary for the activities
  • Insurance, both personal and liability
The tours do not include:
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Swimwear
  • Towels (you can rent one for 3€)
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