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 and ending in Porto
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C07MI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 9
Age range:
14-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
In the far north of Portugal, on the border with Spain, lies the Minho region: a wild, rugged area of historical and cultural significance. You cycle through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape. You will stay in authentic accommodation offering friendly Portuguese hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. There is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden stretches of beach you cycle past, maybe accompanied by a glass of the local Vinho Verde (white wine) for which the region is well known. The ride finishes in Porto, named best European City Destination in 2013, 2014, and again for 2017.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Transfer From Porto To Moncao
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast in Porto.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners.
* 7 nights 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses (see accommodation section)
* Luggage transfers
* Local bike hire
* All breakfasts and 3 wine tastings
What's Not Included
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Lunches and dinners
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Flights from London (available on request)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (compulsory supplement)
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Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
7 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.
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!
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
comfortable
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 13 Years old people can go on this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
This tour is self-guided; there is no tour leader.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International Flights are not included with this tour.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No (available on request)
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A compulsory single supplement will apply on this tour.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.