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Enjoy historical villages, the River Douro and some of the world's finest wine
Pick up a shared transfer from Porto airport (included at 14:20) to the easternmost point of your holiday; Castelo Rodrigo. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and scenery that unfolds along the way, entering the fascinating landscape of the Douro River Canyon and its 200 metre high cliffs. The historical village of Castelo Rodrigo deserves an exploratory walk, with its cobbled streets, palace ruins, old walls and ogival arched gates, 16th century pillory and medieval church. Your hotel is located in Castelo Rodrigo with great views over the surrounding plains, mountains and all the way to the border with Spain.
The first day of cycling takes you across high plains to the historical village of Almeida, one of the most important strongholds in Portugal's history. Although it had been occupied by humans since the Palaeolithic era, it was only during the Arabic period that the name of the village came about - Al Meda meaning "the table". There is an ancient tale that a sumptuous table embedded with precious stones once stood in this spot. However, Almeida's military importance was yet to come...taken and re-taken many times during battles between the Portuguese and the Castilians, in 1296 a new castle was built by the Portuguese, then in 1640 an enormous star-shaped fortress was built around the town to defend against Spanish and French attacks. Eventually falling to Napoleon's armies it was later used by the Portuguese as a political prison. Also visit the village of Vilar Torpim, with it's chapel and manor house, and Escarigo, right on the Spanish border. Return to Castelo Rodrigo for your overnight.
Distance in Km: 53
Distance in Miles: 33
Altitude Gain: 684
Altitude Loss: 681
At the beginning of the day, cycle around the Serra da Marofa mountain range. Experience stunning views over the Iberian Plateau and from the top you can also see the Douro river system (which, beyond this river, includes Côa and Águeda rivers), to the East. Continue on to Aldeia do Juizo, a rural village with 2 chapels, several wineries and a community oven that is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and almond orchards. On the banks of the river, there are vegetable-gardens, where the locals produce a wide variety of agricultural products. Stay in a delightful village house, part of a rural tourism complex of restored houses, all with private bathroom facilities.
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 19
Altitude Gain: 416
Altitude Loss: 739
On the ride today you cycle through two historical villages, Marialva and Meda before your approach to Penedono, with views of its almost hexagon castle, perched on an outcrop. After the first 10 km you will be able to see the Castle of Marialva. When you reach the village, explore the streets, lined with buildings that have stood the test of time and which lead to the citadel surrounded by ancient walls. The next highlight is Meda - in medieval times this village was essentially a border town and the setting for hard-fought skirmishes between Christians and Muslims. The watchtower was one of the most important strategic defence points in the region and combined with the castles of Marialva and Longroiva. Today the village is quiet and the main activity is farming and wine-making. Continue on to Penedono and its medieval castle, a unique example of military architecture that dominates the surrounding countryside.
Distance in Km: 39
Distance in Miles: 24
Altitude Gain: 934
Altitude Loss: 497
The Alto Douro winemaking region is most famous for its Port wine, but the region also produces world-famous wines from the Touriga grape. The terraced vineyards are so typical of the region that they are listed a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a delight to behold. The neatly-kept wine estates rise proudly amidst the vineyards, their names clearly visible to everyone who passes. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on a 'Rabelo', a traditional 'gondola-shaped' boat that in earlier days transported up to 50 barrels of wine at a time, downriver, to Porto. The Port wine town of Pinhao is your next stop, with its exquisite train station, the ceiling covered in azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue ceramic tiles). You spend the night in Pinhao.
Distance in Km: 40
Distance in Miles: 25
Altitude Gain: 590
Altitude Loss: 1361
The route today takes you along the magnificent and enchanting Douro Valley. The views are nothing less than breathtaking, as if the Douro Valley is ensuring that you will never forget its magical beauty! Head along the riverside and enjoy a guided visit of an 18th century wine estate, at the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers, and a wine tasting at Quinta do Tedo. At the end of today's cycle you will arrive back in Pinhao.
Distance in Km: 40.5
Distance in Miles: 25
Altitude Gain: 842
Altitude Loss: 919
This morning you check out from your hotel and are transferred back to Porto at 10am; here you can choose to spend some time in this cosmopolitan city, or go straight back to the airport for your flight home. Extra nights in Porto can be requested at the time of booking.
* 6 nights spent in unique, sometimes rural accommodation
* 5 days cycling with luggage transfers
* 85% paved, 15% unpaved
* Undulating terrain
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
A typical hotel breakfast consists of: cake, toast/bread with jam,or honey,
cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and
yoghurt.
The Douro region is well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, which
include the famous roasted baby goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew,
posta mirandesa (veal steak), cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and
cabbages), partridge on a skewer, arroz de cabidela (chicken or rabbit with
rice) and feijoada à trasmontana (bean stew).
The region’s fish is caught in the Douro river and its tributaries, and is
served fried or marinated. The codfish is also a famous alternative to meat
dishes. The typical desserts include traditional pastries such as the
peixinhos de chila or the biscoito da Teixeira are famous in the region. The
region is also known for the delicious pão-de-ló (sponge cake) and the
bolo-rei (fruit cake), manly eaten during local celebrations. The rice
pudding and the aletria (vermicelli with cinnamon) are also some of the
region’s specialties.
Most of the time, meals in Portugal are served with bread. If you visit the
Douro region, you must try the traditional breads made with meat or olive
oil. Normal bread can be savoured with regional honey or home-made jams.
Regional cheeses and smoked sausages can also be eaten at any time of the
day, either by themselves or with a piece of bread.
There is also a wide variety of fruit in the region, which are picked in
different seasons. Cherries, almonds and apples are the most abundant fruits.
Roasted chestnuts, nuts, diospyros kaki (persimmon) and tangerines are
typical of the colder months. Olives and grapes are the main fruits in the
region, even though they are used more to make olive oil and wine than for
direct consumption.
Olive oil is used in most dishes, whether to cook the dish or as seasoning.
Every dish is seasoned with salt, or it can be replaced by herbs, which are
plentiful in the region. Rosemary, parsley and bay leaves are some of the
most commonly used herbs, mainly to cook meat.
There is nothing better than starting a meal by drinking a glass of Port wine
to open your appetite. The Favaios wine is also served as an aperitif, while
the Douro wines are served with the main course. The liqueurs produced in the
region, which are the result of the mixture of spirits and fruits, such as
the arbutus, blackberries or cherries, are served as digestifs, replacing the
international scotch. For those who do not appreciate alcoholic beverages,
fruit juices and herbal teas are always a treat, especially because these
juices and teas are made with fresh and crystalline water from the several
springs in the Douro region.
* 6 nights spent in unique, sometimes rural accommodation
* 5 days cycling with luggage transfers
* 85% paved, 15% unpaved
* Undulating terrain
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
*Cycling conditions*
This 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 and provide you with route notes so that you can cycle at
your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our
website for more important information on classification and grading.
*Average daily ride*: 41km (25 miles).
*No. of days cycling*: 5
*Terrain & 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. The route is mainly undulating. Please
bear in mind that towns and cities in Portugal frequently have cobbled
surfaces and you will encounter these at times on this route.
*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 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.
*Families*
Self-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 & Guesthouses
The accommodation on this trip is chosen with the greatest care and varies
from one stop to the next. You stay in guesthouses, rural village houses,
giving you a feel for the local community and 3 and 4 star hotels. Some of
the properties have swimming pools for you to relax in after a day of
cycling.
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 or hotelier 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: cake, toast/bread with jam,or honey,
cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and
yoghurt.
The Douro region is well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, which
include the famous roasted baby goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew,
posta mirandesa (veal steak), cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and
cabbages), partridge on a skewer, arroz de cabidela (chicken or rabbit with
rice) and feijoada à trasmontana (bean stew).
The region’s fish is caught in the Douro river and its tributaries, and is
served fried or marinated. The codfish is also a famous alternative to meat
dishes. The typical desserts include traditional pastries such as the
peixinhos de chila or the biscoito da Teixeira are famous in the region. The
region is also known for the delicious pão-de-ló (sponge cake) and the
bolo-rei (fruit cake), manly eaten during local celebrations. The rice
pudding and the aletria (vermicelli with cinnamon) are also some of the
region’s specialties.
Most of the time, meals in Portugal are served with bread. If you visit the
Douro region, you must try the traditional breads made with meat or olive
oil. Normal bread can be savoured with regional honey or home-made jams.
Regional cheeses and smoked sausages can also be eaten at any time of the
day, either by themselves or with a piece of bread.
There is also a wide variety of fruit in the region, which are picked in
different seasons. Cherries, almonds and apples are the most abundant fruits.
Roasted chestnuts, nuts, diospyros kaki (persimmon) and tangerines are
typical of the colder months. Olives and grapes are the main fruits in the
region, even though they are used more to make olive oil and wine than for
direct consumption.
Olive oil is used in most dishes, whether to cook the dish or as seasoning.
Every dish is seasoned with salt, or it can be replaced by herbs, which are
plentiful in the region. Rosemary, parsley and bay leaves are some of the
most commonly used herbs, mainly to cook meat.
There is nothing better than starting a meal by drinking a glass of Port wine
to open your appetite. The Favaios wine is also served as an aperitif, while
the Douro wines are served with the main course. The liqueurs produced in the
region, which are the result of the mixture of spirits and fruits, such as
the arbutus, blackberries or cherries, are served as digestifs, replacing the
international scotch. For those who do not appreciate alcoholic beverages,
fruit juices and herbal teas are always a treat, especially because these
juices and teas are made with fresh and crystalline water from the several
springs in the Douro region.
Transfers are made using a private minibus or taxi. Your luggage is
transported from hotel to hotel for you.
*Travelling land only: 7 days starting in Castelo Rodrigo and ending in
Porto*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Castelo Rodrigo 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 hotel list 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. Route notes, GPS device and
maps will be provided by our local agent on arrival.
*Flights from London*
The Flight Inclusive package includes flights with TAP from London Gatwick to
Porto.
A shared airport transfer (arrival and departure) is included in the trip
cost. As the transfer to Castelo Rodrigo is 3 hours long, please book a
flight that arrives in Porto airport before 14:20 so that you will arrive at
your start point in time for dinner.
All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full
flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
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. Generally the temperatures in July and August can
approach 30 degrees C, so we strongly recommend avoiding these months unless
you are happy cycling in very hot weather. 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. Generally the temperatures in July and August can
exceed 30 degrees Celcius, so we strongly recommend avoiding these months
unless you are happy cycling in very hot weather. 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.
*Bikes*
All bikes (hybrid bikes) are supplied with:
- either a front bar bag or set of panniers (and pannier rack)
- 1 bike lock per person
- 1 puncture repair kit, 1 tool kit, 1 first aid kit, 1 spare inner tube and
a pump (1 between 2, travelling togeher)
- a GPS device (1 per party) loaded with tracks and a road book
Seat 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. Electric 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 layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities
*Bike Repairs*
As 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 [1] 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.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s
There is a hybrid bike (with suspension) included in the trip price. E-bikes
are available to request for an additional supplement, please speak to your
sales consultant for more information.
Allow €10-15 for each lunch and around €20-€25 for 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.
* Electric bikes (available at a supplement)
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (compulsory supplement applicable)
* Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a
departure date)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Flights from London (available on request)
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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