Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea
Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea
Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea
8 Days Starting in Moncao, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Porto, Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Barcelos, Vila do Conde
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C07MI
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
14-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through Portugal, journeying from the majestic mountains to the serene sea. This self-guided tour offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, charming mountain villages, and the stunning Atlantic coastline. Delight in fresh seafood and savor the local Vinho Verde directly from the vineyards. Relax on golden sandy beaches and enjoy stays in handpicked accommodations, including eco-friendly and boutique hotels. Your journey begins in Moncao, with a scenic ride along the River Minho, through historic towns and lush vineyards, to the vibrant city of Porto. Along the way, explore ancient fortresses, picturesque fishing villages, and the rich cultural heritage of Portugal. With luggage transfers, high-quality bikes, and included breakfasts and wine tastings, this tour promises an enriching and leisurely exploration of Portugal's diverse landscapes and culinary delights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Transfer From Porto To Moncao
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
Day 2 : Moncao To Caminha
Location: Caminha
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Caminha To Ponte De Lima
Location: Viana do Castelo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Ponte De Lima - Ponte Da Barca - Arcos De Valdevez Loop
Location: Ponte de Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Ponte De Lima To Barcelos
Location: Barcelos
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Barcelos To Vila Do Conde
Location: Vila do Conde
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Vila Do Conde To Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : End Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast in Porto.
What's Included
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
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High Quality Bikes
High quality bikes are provided for the cycling tour.
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All breakfasts and 2 wine tastings
All breakfasts and two wine tastings are included in the tour.
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Accommodation
7 nights spent in an array of diverse and comfortable accommodations, chosen for their character and/or location.
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Airport transfer
An airport transfer is included to pick you up from Porto airport.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
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Solo traveller supplement
A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is travelling on a departure date.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included in the tour package.
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Flights from London
Flights from London are available on request and are not included in the tour package.
Food
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, linguica (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!
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in diverse and comfortable accommodations, including an eco-friendly design hotel, a traditional seafront hotel in Porto with stunning rooftop views, and an ultra-modern boutique hotel with a rustic-style restaurant featuring local produce.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport transfers from Porto to Moncao and luggage transfers between hotels, ensuring a seamless travel experience. High-quality bikes are provided for the cycling journey, allowing you to explore the scenic routes at your own pace.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of diverse and comfortable accommodations, chosen for their character and location. Highlights include an eco-friendly design hotel, a traditional seafront hotel in Porto with great views from the rooftop pool terrace, and an ultra-modern design boutique hotel with a rustic-style restaurant featuring local produce.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package, along with two wine tastings. Other meals are not included, allowing you to explore local dining options.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Moncao, where you will be transferred from Porto airport.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour concludes in Porto, where you will end your journey after breakfast on the last day.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
High-quality bikes are provided for the duration of the tour.
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Are there any wine tasting experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes two wine tastings, allowing you to sample local wines such as Vinho Verde.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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