Vinho Verde Wine and Food Lovers self-guided bike tour

We will meet you at Porto airport and take you through rolling hills, vineyards and picturesque villages to Castro Laboreiro. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for the tranquillity of this region. The welcoming village where you will be staying is rich in history and invites you to explore its water and windmills and visit its small central shops, the heart of local life.  

 

Before dinner, you can enjoy the outdoors making the most of the fresh mountain air, and taste Alvarinho wine accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses. Dine at a scenic restaurant in Castro Laboreiro, overlooking the Peneda Mountains. Famous for its Minho gastronomy, it offers dishes such as roast kid, Portuguese stew or river trout. Deeply rooted in the history of the village, it's the perfect place for an authentic and welcoming culinary experience. 

The first stage of your holiday is an unforgettable descent over the Spanish border. Cycle through the northern Peneda-Gerês National Park and the stunning Serra da Peneda, a 72,000-hectare nature reserve home to wolves, eagles, deer and wild boar. Explore traditional villages with cultural landmarks such as communal ovens and granite granaries. And now for the grand finale! Your journey ends in Monção, the birthplace of Alvarinho Vinho Verde.  

Known as the queen of Portuguese white varieties, Alvarinho thrives in this region, producing wines that are crisp, elegant and fresh, with a refined structure and tropical aromas. You’ll be greeted by a special behind-the-scenes experience at a local winery, tasting Alvarinho wine directly from the vat, with the producer. 

Late in the afternoon, you will be amazed visiting a majestic 18th century neoclassic and baroque palace, surrounded by English style gardens, lakes, camellias, statues and mazes. Explore the palace and its stunning grounds, ending with a tasting of its acclaimed Vinho Verde Alvarinho wine.

Along the way, you'll get to witness the history of the battles between Portugal and Spain, with highlights including the imposing 17th-century fortress at Valença and the fort at Vila Nova de Cerveira.  

The day ends in Vila Praia de Âncora, a charming fishing village by the river and sea, where you'll enjoy a traditional three-course menu dinner, we've arranged for you. The town's main gastronomic attraction is undoubtedly its fresh fish and seafood, especially cod, seabass, octopus and grilled sardines, prepared in simple but delicious ways.  

Pair it with the fresh and aromatic Vinho Verde white wine, based on the local varieties Alvarinho or Loureiro, the perfect accompaniment. These wines balance well with the saltiness and delicacy of the seafood, making this moment even more enjoyable. 

With the sea as your guide, cycle south along the coast along the Vinho Verde wine region. Pass through fishing villages and meet elegant windmills, reminders of the agricultural traditions linked to the maize brought from South America by early sailors.  

At Viana do Castelo, cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge to the villages of Anha and Chafé. Here, a local Vinho Verde organic producer, family managed, welcomes you for an informal lunch amidst lush vineyards, with a selection of tapas-style dishes, paired with two Vinho Verde wines organically farmed.  

Return to Viana do Castelo, a city with Roman roots and a maritime heritage from the Age of Discovery to the era of cod fishing. Admire its rich cultural heritage, reflected in intricate embroidery, traditional jewellery and folklore. 

End the day with dinner at a local restaurant, where the highlight is santola, a delicate and flavourful spider crab dish, celebrating the fresh seafood traditions of this Atlantic coast.

Feel the allure of Northern Portugal as you cycle along the tranquil River Lima, surrounded by lush countryside. Today’s journey unfolds along green riverside paths, winding through cornfields, vineyards, and villages. As you near Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest town, cross its iconic bridge—an enduring masterpiece of Roman and medieval architecture. Enter a town steeped in history, where medieval streets and squares tell stories of centuries past. Spend the afternoon by the river, raising a glass of refreshing Vinho Verde as the sun sets over this setting.  

At dinner, take advantage of your visit to discover the celebrated local cuisine, especially the famous rojões and arroz de sarrabulho, a pork and savoury rice dish that goes ever so well with red Vinho Verde from the region. 

Spend the night at a farmhouse nestled among vineyards, where you will taste a locally crafted Vinho Verde wine. 

The final stage takes you to the historic town of Ponte da Barca, a gateway to the World Biosphere Reserve. Cycle along rural paths, crossing bridges over the gravel tributaries of the River Lima. Follow riverside trails and wooden walkways offering views of nature at every turn. This route follows paths that can be very slippery in wet or rainy weather. 

At Ponte da Barca, pause for lunch at a cozy restaurant, where tradition meets creativity. Here, classic Minho flavours are reimagined with a touch of modernity, offering dishes that appeal to every palate while staying true to the region’s culinary roots. 

In the late afternoon, visit a pioneering biodynamic vineyard and winery, where a deep respect for nature shapes every step of the winemaking process. Explore the vineyard, tour the winery, and step into the sala das ânforas for a guided tasting of three exceptional wines, each reflecting the unique character of this land. 

Bid farewell to Minho, as you transfer to Porto, one of Europe's most breathtaking cities, a fitting finale to your adventure. With over 150 stories to be unearthed, every street in Porto is a chapter of history. The city's authenticity is reflected in its people, whose friendly smiles will make you feel right at home. 

No visit to Porto is complete without experiencing its most iconic treasure—Port wine. Step into one of the city’s most renowned historic Port wine cellar for a guided visit and tasting, where the deep ruby hues and complex aromas of this world-famous fortified wine come to life. 

As evening falls, dine at a contemporary wine bar and restaurant in the heart of the city, owning an unparalleled selection of over 600 wines and fine spirits. Guided by an expert sommelier, indulge in carefully curated food and wine pairings that highlight the essence of Portuguese flavours. 

At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.