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Scenic cycling through small villages and along stunning coastline
An airport transfer is included to pick you up from Porto airport (please ensure you arrive before 2.10pm). By the time you reach Moncao, the fortified town on the River Minho, you will come to understand why the Portuguese are so proud of the fact that the Spanish were never able to conquer them. Upon arrival there is time to sample some of the local wine.
On this stage you pedal westwards, along the River Minho to the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey takes you through extensive vineyards dedicated to the production of Vinho Verde (translates as young wine) which is a slightly carbonated, lower-alcohol wine; the perfect drink for a warm afternoon! You can pick up a bottle at the elegant Brejoeira Palace, which is a leading producer of top quality Vinho Verde. Along today's route you will cycle past landmarks of the battles between Portugal and Spain, such as the 17th Century stronghold at Valenca and the Vila Nova de Cerveira fort. That evening arrive in the elegant town of Caminha, located on the estuary of the River Minho, with a history dating back to pre-Roman times.
Distance in Km: 48
Distance in Miles: 30
Today you spend the morning cycling along the dramatic Atlantic Ocean coastline, through fishing villages that appear unchanged for centuries. Arriving in Viana do Castelo the peace and quiet is replaced by the buzz of this lively city, situated on the estuary of the River Lima. Viana has an impressive maritime history and the wealth created by this is demonstrated in the narrow lanes, crowded with Manueline manors and Rococo palaces. A must-see is the 19th Century Byzantine Santa Lucia Church on the hilltop overlooking the city, worth the steep climb for the breathtaking view. From here you cycle inland until you arrive in Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal. Your accommodation tonight is in a delightfully rural setting, and there is time to taste some of the wine and honey made on the estate itself.
Distance in Km: 53
Distance in Miles: 33
Cycle along the Lima river to Ponte da Barca. The town's historical centre has a number of manor houses (some of which have been adapted to provide accommodation for tourists), as well as some beautiful monuments dating from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. The route continues to Arcos de Valdevez, a town is situated in the valley of the River Vez and still retains much of the typical charm of the Alto Minho province - luxuriant green landscapes and the traditional architecture of its buildings, amongst which the most impressive are the manor houses. The municipality of Arcos de Valdevez is located inside the boundaries of the Peneda Geres National Park, where nature still conserves all of its original charm.
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28
The ride today follows the ancient Portuguese route towards Santiago de Compostela, and whether you are religious or not, is a really special experience. It is a route that those who have walked it for centuries, do so knowing they will meet challenges, experience great joy, and learn the lesson of life. The pleasant route today is through cornfields and vineyards to the pretty town of Barcelos on the River Cavado. Barcelos is the centre of the pottery industry in Portugal. There are markets held in the town on most days and a visit to one of these is highly recommended.
Distance in Km: 33
Distance in Miles: 20
The ride back to the Atlantic today is a short stage, so why not take some extra time to enjoy a great lunch the Portuguese way: a leisurely, several course meal that reminds you again why the Portuguese people are so proud of their cuisine. You arrive in Vila do Conde where you can enjoy a walk around the manors and palaces within the town centre, and take a leisurely stroll along the beach before dinner.
Distance in Km: 36
Distance in Miles: 22
The last stage of your holiday takes you on quiet cycle paths along the coast; along sand dunes, and passing through fishing villages and a seabird reserve. You approach Porto, and enter via the estuary of the River Douro. A UNESCO World Heritage City and best European City destination for 2013, 2014, and again for 2017, Porto is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The old centre boasts more than 1500 listed monuments, and the history of the traditional Port Wine can be explored by visiting many of the Port cellars which are open to the public and can be appreciated during the included Port tasting.
Distance in Km: 34
Distance in Miles: 21
7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses6 days cycling with luggage
transfers86% paved, 14% unpaved (including some cobbled sections)Mainly flat
or downhill roads with some gentle hills
A typical hotel breakfast consists of: toast/bread with jam,or honey, cheese
and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and
yoghurt.Portuguese people are very proud of their cuisine, and the
deliciously fresh seafood is a real highlight. You will find fresh fish on
most menus, usually sardines, sea bream, hake, sea bass and sole, cooked in a
variety of ways. Bacalhau (cured codfish) is a national dish although it can
vary depending on the region - there are up to 365 recipes to cook it! Caldo
Verde (green soup) is made with potatoes, olive oil and salt, sometimes with
garlic and onion, and is typical in the northern region of Portugal. For meat
lovers the barrosã meat (steak) is often served grilled and roasted just to
it's naturally delicious flavour. There are also several stew dishes to
sample, delicacies being Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe & white bean stew)
and Rojões à Minhota (chunks of pork usually cooked with potatoes).
'Francesinha' is an iconic dish originating from Porto and involves layers of
different meats (usually beef, ham, grilled pork, linguiça (smoke cured pork
sausage) and sausage), between two slices of bread, covered by melted cheese
and immersed in a spicy beer & tomato sauce, often topped with a fried egg
and surrounded by chips. It is not for the faint hearted!To drink you will
find plenty of the local Sagres and Superbock beer. Vinho Verde is available
from the supermarket and directly from the producers. It is a young, medium
alcohol white wine with an almost carbonated quality. Port needs no
introduction and a glass (or two) of the fortified wine will generally follow
a hearty Portuguese meal!
7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses6 days cycling with luggage
transfers86% paved, 14% unpaved (including some cobbled sections)Mainly flat
or downhill roads with some gentle hills
Cycling conditionsThis is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to
cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning.
We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so
that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one
hotel to the next.Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Please see the
introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more
important information on classification and grading.Average daily ride: 42km
(26 miles). No. of days cycling: 6Terrain & route: Mostly on cycle paths or
roads. Whilst the majority of the cycling is on paved roads there will also
be times you are cycling on cycle paths - these can be of mixed terrain and
are sometimes affected by adverse weather conditions (i.e. they can get
muddy). You will be warned at the introductory briefing if there are any
sections of the route where you need to take extra care because of this. We
would also like to point out that cobbled roads are included in our
description of 'paved roads'; something you should take into consideration
when booking.The route is mainly flat or downhill with the occasional small
climb.Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure
the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you
need.It is very common to keep pet dogs in Northern Portugal for guarding
rural properties. Whilst on the cycle route, you may encounter dogs barking
or running alongside your bike. In most cases, dogs are confined to
properties for this trip.It is important that you are happy reading maps and
following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are
regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to
make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to
use busier routes.As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no
leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will
not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance
telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local
representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves.
They may wish to charge for this service.FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays
are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take
your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at
the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest
you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this
trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we
will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all
published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so
you have a good idea of what to expect. On this trip, children should be
expected to ride on roads with traffic. If you have any further questions
please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is
that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support
but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Hotels and guesthouses7 nights spent in an array of diverse and comfortable accommodations, chosen
for their character and/or location. Highlights includean eco-friendly design
hotel, a traditional seafront hotel in Porto with great views from the
roof-top pool terrace and an ultra-modern design boutique hotel with a
rustic-style restaurant featuring local produce.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes
contain a 24hr emergency assistance telephone number. In emergency, the local
representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves.
They may wish to charge for this service.
A typical hotel breakfast consists of: toast/bread with jam,or honey, cheese
and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and
yoghurt.Portuguese people are very proud of their cuisine, and the
deliciously fresh seafood is a real highlight. You will find fresh fish on
most menus, usually sardines, sea bream, hake, sea bass and sole, cooked in a
variety of ways. Bacalhau (cured codfish) is a national dish although it can
vary depending on the region - there are up to 365 recipes to cook it! Caldo
Verde (green soup) is made with potatoes, olive oil and salt, sometimes with
garlic and onion, and is typical in the northern region of Portugal. For meat
lovers the barrosã meat (steak) is often served grilled and roasted just to
it's naturally delicious flavour. There are also several stew dishes to
sample, delicacies being Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe & white bean stew)
and Rojões à Minhota (chunks of pork usually cooked with potatoes).
'Francesinha' is an iconic dish originating from Porto and involves layers of
different meats (usually beef, ham, grilled pork, linguiça (smoke cured pork
sausage) and sausage), between two slices of bread, covered by melted cheese
and immersed in a spicy beer & tomato sauce, often topped with a fried egg
and surrounded by chips. It is not for the faint hearted!To drink you will
find plenty of the local Sagres and Superbock beer. Vinho Verde is available
from the supermarket and directly from the producers. It is a young, medium
alcohol white wine with an almost carbonated quality. Port needs no
introduction and a glass (or two) of the fortified wine will generally follow
a hearty Portuguese meal!
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Airport transfer
will either be in a minibus or taxi.
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Moncao and ending in PortoYour trip
normally starts at our hotel in Moncao on the afternoon of Day 1 of the
itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final
Joining Instructions.Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel
list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our
Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week
before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your
travel agent.
A shared airport transfer (arrival and departure) is included in the trip
cost. Please book a flight that arrives in Porto airport before 2.20pm in
order to take advantage of this transfer. (Please meet at the 'meeting point'
area in the airport). If you arrive at the airport earlier than the shared
transfer time, Porto airport has luggage storage facilities if you need to
use these. If you arrive after 2.20pm (or if you would prefer not to wait) we
can offer a private transfer to take you to the start accommodation at a
supplement. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must
provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
Unless specified otherwise, the return transfer will be from the end hotel at
3pm (transfers from other hotels in the same city may attract an extra
charge).
Porto has a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence.
The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain
falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are
marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the
autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures occasionally. Summers are warmer
and drier in the interior and moderated by the sea, as winters are cooler
inland and mild by the sea. At Porto, the average maximum temperatures in
August –the hottest month - is 25 degrees Celsius, and the average maximum
temperatures in January –the coolest month - is 14 degrees Celsius. May and
October have an average midday temperatures of 20 Celsius, and even April and
November have an average midday temperatures around 17 and 18 Celsius.
Porto has a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence.
The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain
falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are
marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the
autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures occasionally. Summers are warmer
and drier in the interior and moderated by the sea, as winters are cooler
inland and mild by the sea. At Porto, the average maximum temperatures in
August –the hottest month - is 25 degrees Celsius, and the average maximum
temperatures in January –the coolest month - is 14 degrees Celsius. May and
October have an average midday temperatures of 20 Celsius, and even April and
November have an average midday temperatures around 17 and 18 Celsius.
Self-Guided Hire BikesAll bikes (Specialised hybrid bikes) are supplied
with:- 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and maps -
1 every 2 people (if you are travelling together)- 1 set of rear panniers per
person- 1 bike lock every 2 people- 1 repair kit every 2 people, which
includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump, plus a lockSeat and handlebar heights
will have been set up in advance from the heights you have given us on
booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to
test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for this trip, please
request one as early as possible as they are subject to availability. Helmets
can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we can never guarantee the
quality of these so we do recommend bringing your own. We recommend you
bring the following items: Normal daily clothes Padded cycling
shorts Cycling gloves Water bottles Breathable cycling top Cycling helmet
(compulsory on this trip) A couple of warm layersSunglasses, sun cream and
sunhatStiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling Waterproofs and long cycling
trousersFor earlier departures you may need some warmer layersMobile phone
with roaming capabilitiesBike RepairsAs you are riding unaccompanied, it is
wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting
off on your bike! Please visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s for a comprehensive guide on
fixing a puncture.The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there
should be no problems - however, there are emergency numbers provided in the
Route Notes for more complex problems.
A Specialized hybrid bike (with suspension) is included in the trip price. It
is also possible to upgrade to an E-bike (for an additional supplement).
Please speak to your sales consultant for more details.
Allow €10-15 for each lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants), excluding
alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice
creams in cafés or bars during the day. Typically a beer or coffee will cost
around €1.5 and a reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €8.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (compulsory supplement)Solo traveller
supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)Visas or
vaccinationsFlights from London (available on request)Lunches and dinners
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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