Northern Portugal
Uncork this little-seen side of Portugal
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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Portugal’s northernmost reaches lie well off the beaten tourist pathways, making it an ideal location for a cycling tour in the Ciclismo style! The tour takes you through beautiful landscapes and rich history, starting from Spain and crossing the border into Portugal. Experienced guides will point out the hidden gems of “local Portugal” that you might miss otherwise as you ride through the Lima and Douro River valleys. Along the way, you can sample the wines of the region, including the famous Vinho Verde and the signature drink of Portugal, Port. You can also indulge in locally harvested seafood, including cod, sardines, and octopus, or try different meats like lamb, goat, quail, beef, chicken, venison, and wild boar. On our way to Porto we explore the town of Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is one of the tour’s highlights and the best place to end our unforgettable discovery of Portugal. Located along the Douro River estuary and an outpost of the Roman Empire, it has been a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996. Bem-vindo a Portugal!
Tour Essence
- Explore towns and villages where centuries-old traditions endure
- Spend a day exploring the national park in the mountains of Serra
do Gerês
-
Sample the different varieties of Portuguese wines and learn their cultural importance from a local grower
- Discover hidden corners of Portugal with your knowledgeable guides
- Visit Porto and Guimarães, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Savor the best seafood and meat with locally-sourced fresh vegetables
What to Expect
Terrain
RollingStart Location
Baiona, SpainEnd Location
Porto, PortugalMileage
Average Daily: 33/37 miles Total: 232/258 milesElevation
Average Daily: 2,914 ft Total: 20,401 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Hike to Penha (the mount above Guimarães) and visit of the town with a local guide
- Guided walking tour of Guimarães
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 Porto tasting
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 6 dinners
Ride though fabulous landscapes and far-reaching history starting from Spain and crossing the border with Portugal. Experienced guides will point out the hidden gems of “local Portugal” that you might miss otherwise as you ride through the Lima and Douro River valleys. Along the way, you can sample the wines of the region, including the famous Vinho Verde and the signature drink of Portugal, Port. You can also indulge in locally harvested seafood, including cod, sardines, and octopus, or try different meats like lamb, goat, quail, beef, chicken, venison, and wild boar. On our way to Porto we explore the town of Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is one of the tour’s highlights and the best place to end our unforgettable discovery of Portugal. Located along the Douro River estuary and an outpost of the Roman Empire, it has been a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996. Bem-vindo a Portugal!
2025
Start Location
Baiona, SpainFly Into
Vigo AirportEnd Location
Porto, PortugalFly Out Of
Porto AirportBaiona, Spain warm-up ride
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
8 milesElevation Gain
191 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling road and flat along the Atlantic coast, one short and steep climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Parador de Baiona
The 4-star hotel Parador de Baiona is located by the lovely bay of Monterreal Peninsula. The fortress is a place to relax and enjoy a beverage by the sea. Elegance is a key feature of every room of the Parador, and all rooms are spacious with sea views and exquisite decor.
Baiona to Monçao
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
49 / 54 milesElevation Gain
2,928 / 3,763 ftRiding Terrain
Start on a rolling road along the Ocean, then a major climb of 3 km on main ride and 5 on the long, then quite flatMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Convento dos Capuchos
Located next to the Minho River, Convento dos Capuchos is a former monastery and mansion that now offers boutique accommodation. This 4-star accommodation includes a spa, pool, and tennis court. Rooms are set into refurbished monk cells fitted with modern amenities.
Monçao to Canicada
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
42 / 51 milesElevation Gain
4,990 / 6,125 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with a few climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Pousada Caniçada-Gerês
The 4-star hotel Pousada Caniçada-Gerês is located near the incredible Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only area in Portugal classified as a National Park. The Pousada is a gorgeous mountain chalet amidst forests, waterfalls, and unforgettable scenery. You can relax in the common rooms or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
Canicada to Guimarães
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
46 / 49 milesElevation Gain
4,658 / 5,387Riding Terrain
Downhill then flat and rolling, gradual climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel da Oliveira
The 4-star Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of Guimarães, welcoming guests to a sophisticated and refined atmosphere. Each room represents a historical figure or tradition of the city.
Guimarães loop to Penha
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
10 miles (optional)Elevation Gain
1,391 ftRiding Terrain
A good climb to a very panoramic spot, good roadsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Hotel da Oliveira
The 4-star Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of Guimarães, welcoming guests to a sophisticated and refined atmosphere. Each room represents a historical figure or tradition of the city.
Guimarães to Amarante
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
44 / 53 milesElevation Gain
3,973 / 4,796 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with some climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Monteverde Wine Experience Hotel
The 4-star Monteverde Wine Experience Hotel is on a beautiful property surrounded by vineyards. The rooms are spacious and charming, where contemporary aesthetics prioritize comfort, relaxation, and an intimate environment. Relax your senses in an oasis of well-being and revitalize yourself with the ancient wisdom of wine therapy at the Wine Experience Spa and wellness center or lounge by the swimming pool.
Porto and Douro Valley
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
33 milesElevation Gain
2,270 ftRiding Terrain
Mostly flat and rolling hillsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
The Lodge
The Lodge Porto Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the centuries-old Port wine cellars. It was designed by the renowned designer Nini Andrade Silva, who was inspired by the culture of wine and vineyards. From the stunning design of the interior spaces to the exclusive and excellent services, everything at The Lodge combines to honor the cultural heritage and identity of Porto and the Douro wine region. The hotel has many amenities, such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a terrace.
