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 well-worn tourist pathways, which makes this region ideally suited for a cycling tour in the Ciclismo style!
Ride though fabulous landscapes and far-reaching history starting from Spain and crossing the border with Portugal, to enter Lima and Douro River valleys with experienced leaders pointing out the “local’s Portugal” that you’d otherwise miss. And throughout your itinerary, you can look forward to sampling the wines of this beautiful land, from vinho verde, to the nation’s signature tipple, port.
You can also indulge on the locally-harvested cod, sardines, octopus, and seafood cooked following traditional and simple recipes that emphasize the freshness of the ingredients or savor the numerous dishes featuring different types of meats: lamb, goat, quail, beef, chicken, and game like venison or wild boar.
On our way to Porto we’ll explore the town of Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Porto is one of the highlights of the tour and the best place to end our unforgettable discovery of Portugal. It’s located along the Douro River estuary and was an outpost of the Roman Empire, It was also registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It represents the Portuguese spirit that will surprise you with its colors, art, nightlife and modern infrastructures: 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 Marão
- Sample the different varieties of Portuguese wines and learn importance from a local grower
- Learn about an archaeological site with settlements extending from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages
- 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: 40 miles Total: 240 miles (without extra loops)Elevation
Average Daily: 3,411 ft Total: 20,469 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 the mount above Guimarães and visit of the town with a local guide
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 Porto tasting
What’s Included
- Use of a carbon road bike equipped with a Garmin Edge Touring GPS
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Two water bottle holders
- Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge GPS
- Handlebar bag
- Tire pump
- Combination bike lock
- Gel-padded saddle
- Choice of pedals
- Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone numbers
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
- Toe cage pedals
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless 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, to enter Lima and Douro River valleys with experienced leaders pointing out the “local’s Portugal” that you’d otherwise miss. And throughout your itinerary, you can look forward to sampling the wines of this beautiful land, from vinho verde, to the nation’s signature tipple, port.
You can also indulge on the locally-harvested cod, sardines, octopus, and seafood cooked following traditional and simple recipes that emphasize the freshness of the ingredients or savor the numerous dishes featuring different types of meats: lamb, goat, quail, beef, chicken, and game like venison or wild boar.
On our way to Porto we’ll explore the town of Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Porto is one of the highlights of the tour and the best place to end our unforgettable discovery of Portugal. It’s located along the Douro River estuary and was an outpost of the Roman Empire, It was also registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It represents the Portuguese spirit that will surprise you with its colors, art, nightlife and modern infrastructures: Bem-vindo a Portugal!
2022
Start Location
Baiona, SpainFly Into
Vigo AirportEnd Location
Porto, PortugalFly Out Of
Porto AirportBaiona, Spain warm-up ride
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
7.45 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
This 4-star hotel 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 ft / 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
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 a tennis court. Rooms are set into refurbished monk cells, fitted with modern amenities.
Monçao to Canicada
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
33/71 milesElevation Gain
3,513/8,625 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with a few climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Pousada do Gerês
The Pousada do Gerês is located right in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, and is just a short distance away from Guimarães.
Canicada to Guimarães
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
46/49 milesElevation Gain
4,658 ft / 5,387Riding Terrain
Downhill then flat and rolling, gradual climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Pousada de Guimarães Santa Marinha
The Pousada is a result of the restoration of the Monastery dos Agostinhos from the 12th century. It’s very close to the historical center of the city and is a fantastic escape. Rooms feature many modern amenities.
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
Pousada de Guimarães Santa Marinha
The Pousada is a result of the restoration of the Monastery dos Agostinhos from the 12th century. It’s very close to the historical center of the city and is a fantastic escape. Rooms feature many modern amenities.
Guimarães to Amarante
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
44/53 milesElevation Gain
3,973/4,796 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with some climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Casa da Calcada
Casa da Calcada is a furnished 4-star hotel that’s very close to the center of the picturesque town of Amarante near the Dour Valley. The river in Amarante is lined with old houses with wooden balconies, which jute out over the water. Many are now small restaurants or cafes. The hotel also overlooks the Tamega River and is near the old bridge, which crosses the river to the town.
Porto and Douro Valley
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 milesElevation Gain
3,412 ftRiding Terrain
Mostly flat and rolling hillsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Pestana
Hotel Pestana is Porto’s leading boutique hotel, a true icon of sophisticated design, located in the city’s historical district. It’s a short distance away from the UNESCO World Heritage area and the art district. The hotel is part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” an unsurpassed collection of over 440 hotels spanning more than 70 countries.
