Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Valenca
Arrive at Oporto airport. There will then be a 1hr drive to Valença and a short briefing about the tour. Tonight, you will stay in a pousada which is siuated in the old fortified area of Valença with a fantastic view to the Spanish border. You will have time to prepare for your leisure cycling trip in Portugal, and look forward to exploring what Northern Portugal has to offer.
Day 2: Valenca - Santa Luzia (62 km / 38 miles)
This morning we depart Valença and cycle towards Viana do Castlo, a city dating back to the 13th century. It was once one of the main ports of sailing during the Portuguese Discovery Journeys in the 16th century. Tonight, we stay in a pousada located on a hill in Santa Luzia, overseeing the city and the magnificent estury of the river Lima.
Day 3: Santa Luzia - Ponte de Lima (32 km / 20 miles)
We start today by cycling towards Ponte de Lima, the oldest small town in Portugal. Here you can find a wonderful bridge which was the only safe way to cross the River Lima until the end of the Middle Age. This evening we stay in a new, modern 4* hotel.
Day 4: Ponte de Lima - Gerês Hills (51 km / 32 miles)
After breakfast we cycle on the wonderful GerêsHills and here we can enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds us. Our lodging tonight is in a pousada that was once a Cistercian Monastery from the 12th century.
Day 5: Gerês Hills - Peneda/Gerês (18 km / 11 miles)
This morning we leave the fabulous 12th century monastery and cycle up the Gerês Hills. Today’s journey is short but very steep, however it offers the most magnificent views. We will then reach our next pousada, set in the heart of Peneda/Gerês National Park.
Day 6: Peneda/Gerês - Guimarães (37 km / 22 miles)
After breakfast we cycle in the direction of Guimarães, which is said to be where the Portuguese nationality was born. We depart the Peneda Gerês National Park and journey towards the historic city. We will have the chance to visit the medieval historical centre, castle and the palace. Tonight, we stay in a beautiful pousada which was originally an Augustine Monastery dating back to the 12th century.
Day 7: Guimarães
Departure after breakfast.
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.
What's Included
24 hour emergency back up support
6 nights in Pousadas
Bed & Breakfast
Luggage transfers between hotels
Airport Transfers
Trip planner with route notes and maps
Bike Hire
What's Not Included
Flights
Insurance
Lunch & evening meals
Drinks
Admissions to attractions