Porto & The Green Coast Self-Guided Ride, 7 days

Cycle through nature and discover the coast! Porto & The Green Coast is a self-guided cycling vacation that follows the shores of the Minho and Lima Rivers and the ocean of northern Portugal, where you can discover some cultural and natural beauties of this wonderful region.

The first part of this trip is along the natural northern border of Portugal, following the water of the Minho River to the ocean while traversing the green Minho countryside. Cycle on bicycle paths and admire the historical places, medieval fortresses and churches that dot the countryside as you pedal along the waters of the rivers. Cross protected areas of sand dunes, bird habitats and old fishing ports known for their caravel shipyards from the 15th and 16th Century. The trip concludes at Porto as you enter by through the Douro River.

Expect daily average cycling distance of approximately 32 KM – 66 KM. Route consists of dedicated bike lanes, paved roads, gravel roads, and double tracks, wooden walkways by the beaches and sections on cobblestone roads, some quite rough.

This is a self-guided cycling trip.

Duration: 7 days

Season: Daily departures from January to December

You need to have a spirit for adventure, independence and self-management on this self-guided trip.

Activity	Cycling, Self-Guided
Cycling Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus, Grade 3 – Intermediate
Season	01 – January, 02 – February, 03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November, 12 – December
Country	Portugal

Itinerary

Highlights

~ Beautiful costal areas of Northern Portugal;

~ Northern Littoral Natural Park;

~ Portugal’s unique wine region – Vinho Verde (The Green Wine);

~ Valença do Minho’s fortress and old town;

~ Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Douro River;

Day 1 Arrive Porto

Upon arrival at Porto airport, you will be met and transferred to Valença do Minho. After you complete your check-in, a comprehensive information pack and the bikes will be handed to you (with final adjustments tailored for your preferences). Melgaço town is waiting to be discovered so if you still have time, take a stroll into the castle and old centre. Also, don’t forget to try the famous Alvarinho wine!

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel

Day 2 Bike from Melgaço to Valença do Minho

Start the tour in the centre, cycling through charming narrow streets.

From Melgaço follow along Minho River until Valença do Minho. The cycling will follow one low traffic lane that passes through villages and an evergreen landscape, covered with vines and other patches of forest. History will be a constant companion throughout the way, from old medieval bridges to the centuries old Manors’ granite colored white walls. Monção Town is a great place where you can explore its fortress, streets and have a meal; notice the central square, which is imbued with typical Minho architecture. If you have time in your schedule to make a detour go and visit the Palace of Brejoeira and its wine estate which is about 3km from the Monção town center.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel

Cycling Distance: 46 KM or 55 KM. Accumulated Elevation: +500 M or +600 M.

Day 3 Bike from Valença do Minho to Caminha

When descending from the fortress, the road will meet the river shore until Vila Nova de Cerveira.

The views over the river are calm and peaceful and it will mostly be a relaxed bike ride until Cerveira. Vila Nova de Cerveira is an important art center in the north of Portugal. Every two years there is a very important art festival that takes place in the town. Apart from this interesting event, there is an enticing town center, a castle and the surrounding narrow streets. To arrive at Caminha town you will have to ride on a path that goes by the Minho River outside Cerveira. After a while, pass by through villages and other rural areas. As you arrive at Caminha, the path goes over the Coura River to enter the town. Once again, a beautiful typical Minho town center and its buildings from another era.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel

Cycling Distance: 31 KM. Accumulated Elevation: +200 M.

Day 4 Bike from Caminha to Ponte de Lima

Prepare for a long day following the coastline until Viana do Castelo.

All along the way from Vila Praia de Ancora to Viana do Castelo, you will find small fields that are not far from the beach meaning that at some point you can jump in and take a dive. After that comes Viana do Castelo the most characteristic city of Minho region. At the top there is Santa Lucia Church can be reached via road (bike) or Funicular; part of every postcard. It is a vibrant place full of cafés and restaurants. The pedestrian streets are still full of life and small little shops. When you leave Viana do Castelo, by the northern margin of the Lima River you will encounter a cycling path that leads you to Ponte de Lima, but first you will traverse the natural land of Lagos de Bretiandes; a lagoon well known to bird-lovers.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel

Cycling Distance: 58 KM. Accumulated Elevation: +300 M.

Day 5 Bike from Ponte de Lima to Esposende

This day will take you back to the Atlantic Coast.

As you make your way back to the ocean, ride along the southern margin of the Lima River and arrive at the Gustave Eiffel bridge near Viana do Castelo. As you follow part of the Santiago alternative path, you will pass several villages and arrive that the Neiva river. A river that you will cross like a pilgrim, on none other but a Spartan bridge! An absolute delight. By the bottom of the hill and after passing through two villages, you will arrive at Esposende – a nice beautiful town at the river mouth of the Cávado. Nowadays, it is a beach town with a beautiful coastline front, lighthouse and a fort from the 17th century. A good place to enjoy a sunny afternoon or relaxation.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel

Cycling Distance: 54 KM. Accumulated Elevation: +400m

Day 6 Bike from Esposende to Porto

The longest day of cycling awaits you! Leave Esposende by a bridge to Fão, entering the Northern Littoral Natural Park.

While following the dunes, you will be delighted by the peace, tranquility and beauty of these lands. Once you get to the beach front you will cross to Póvoa do Varzim and Vila do Conde. The fishing port of Póvoa is the busiest in the north of Portugal. In contrast to this, Vila do Conde has a smaller port but carries the historical legacy of being the place where vessels were once built during the era of the discoveries in the 14th and 15th century. Continue cycling on the lane and you will reach the mighty Douro River that is classified as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel

Cycling Distance: 66 KM. Accumulated Elevation: +600 M

Day 7 Depart Porto

Time goes by incredibly fast when you are having fun. Your trip ends with a transfer back to Porto airport.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: nil

Inclusions

~ return airport transfer from/to Porto airport;

~ 6 nights accommodation;

~ 6 breakfasts;

~ digital trip information;

~ digital cycling routes maps;

~ welcome briefing & bike fitting;

~ bicycle rental;

~ daily luggage transfers;

~ Transfers during the tour as described in the itinerary;

~ emergency support hotline during cycling hours.

Exclusions

~ air/land travel to Porto, Portugal;

~ visa arrangement;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tourist tax at each accommodation;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary.

Important Notes

~ A deposit of 20% if required at the time of booking. Balance payment will be collected 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip is self-guided and requires just minimum 1 traveller to depart.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Portugal, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Portugal when you have been informed to do so.

~ Because cycling requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for members with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Members must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. There are no trips that are not suitable for anybody if you prepare for it. As is always the case, engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. Often it is a journey of self-discovery. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries if you have any.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclist. Therefore, the route and inclusion may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, accommodation book out, local conditions, and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond control. Travel Wander and its Operator reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip or event.

~ There is no refund should you wish not to take part in any of the included experiences as per illustrated in the itinerary.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Porto & The Green Coast Self-Guided Ride, 7 days