Duration
8 days/7 nights/6 stages
Trip type
Biking
Accomodation
Selected
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Moderate
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
256 km/159 mi to 287 km/178 mi
Recommended airport
Porto Airport
Recommended season
March to November
Overview
Get ready for the ride of a lifetime! Experience the contrast between the top of the mountains and ride down to the Atlantic Ocean. This land is also blessed by the Minho, Lima and Douro rivers, each of which will accompany you at different points on your ride. This region has a rich maritime history and fascinating fortifications that helped keep Spain in its borders. This is the land of fine mountain cuisine and, along the coast, a wealth of fish and seafood dishes that you'll absolutely love! Enjoy them with a glass of Vinho Verde wine. And the best part is that you'll get to meet some of the nicest Europeans on this journey! Meet the fishermen and their wives, the farmers, and the lovely lady at the local shop. And don't forget to chat with the owners of your accommodation – they'll have some fascinating stories to tell. Choose your route—shorter for ease or longer for a challenge. Feeling strong on your calves? Take the longer path and uncover more of this extraordinary region. After all, it’s your way!
Itinerary & tour plan
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Your adventure begins as you arrive at Porto airport and transfer to Castro Laboreiro. Get ready for an incredible journey through rolling hills and mountains, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see and picturesque villages dotting the landscape. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for the tranquillity of this region. Climbing up to Serra do Laboreiro, silence and the scent of pine trees accompany every pedal stroke. The village, welcoming and full of history, invites you to explore its water and windmills, and to visit the small shops in the centre, the heart of local life. A night here is synonymous with absolute tranquillity.
For the first stage of your holiday, we have reserved an unforgettable descent, crossing the Spanish border. The scenery is absolutely stunning, as you pedal through the northern regions of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and enter the incredible lands of the Serra da Peneda. Spanning an impressive 72,000 hectares, this natural refuge is home to wolves, eagles, deer and wild boar. You'll be amazed by the traditional villages, which still have their old community ovens and granite granaries, which are cultural landmarks. And now for the grand finale! Your cycle ride ends in Monção, where Alvarinho Vinho Verde was born. Every sip and every view here tells incredible stories, rooted in the very soul of Portugal!
Ride along the River Minho towards the Atlantic, through the famous Vinho Verde wine region. Visit the elegant Palácio da Brejoeira, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. It is home to one of Portugal's finest Alvarinhos. Don't miss out on the chance to bring a bottle of this unique wine to savour at dinner! 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 the sea. It's the perfect combination of tradition and coastal landscapes to round off a memorable stage.
Find a truly special experience along the Atlantic coast, where the beauty of the sea and timeless fishing villages create a unique experience. Arriving in Viana do Castelo, the tranquillity gives way to the energy of this vibrant city on the banks of the Lima River. With Roman roots, Viana was a strategic port on the Iberian Peninsula and played a crucial role in exploration and fishing. Don't miss a visit to the sanctuary of Santa Luzia for great views. The day ends in Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest town. Here, the famous Roman bridge over the River Lima is a living testimony to history and tradition.
Cycle along the medieval routes of the Portuguese Way of St James, an experience that transcends religion. This route, trodden by pilgrims for centuries, is an inspiring journey through history, filled with tales of challenges overcome and life-changing discoveries. The route takes you through cornfields and vineyards to Barcelos, a vibrant town on the banks of the Cávado River. Recognised as the cradle of Minho ceramics, Barcelos offers a wealth of local handicrafts and cultural heritage. In the historic centre, the imposing 13th-century Mother Church is an unmissable landmark. As you explore, you'll hear the unique sound of the bells from the countless parishes that bring the city to life.
Return to the Atlantic and delight in the proximity of the sea! Take the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable lunch with a variety of dishes that celebrate the richness of Portuguese gastronomy and the passion for what the country has to offer. When you arrive in Vila do Conde, get ready to discover the maritime heritage of this city, famous for its role in the discoveries! You'll love visiting the replica of a locally built ship and admire the historic centre's mansions and palaces. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner and end the day with a peaceful stroll along the beach, breathing in the invigorating sea air before a well-earned rest.
The last part of your journey takes you along peaceful coastal paths, past seabird sanctuaries, sand dunes and fishing villages. The dedication of the fishermen and the positive, happy spirit of their families is really inspiring. As you approach Porto, you'll find the entrance at the mouth of the Douro offers an unforgettable first view of the city. Porto is world-famous for its port wine, and it's also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts more than 150 iconic monuments. Cycling along the Douro is an unmissable experience that will immerse you in the heart of Porto. It's a place where you'll find serenity, cultural richness and a deep love of life.
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
What is included?
- Transfers from Porto airport
- Accommodation 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- Daily luggage transfer (one piece per person up to 23kg)
- City taxes
- Daily post-ride messages
- Access to the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Meals and wine tastings (optional)
- Guide and support vehicle (price on request)
- Transfers to Porto airport
- Standard touring bicycle with cargo rack, a pannier bike bag, a handlebar bag and a spare inner tub
- Per reservation: toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, lock (one per two bikes)
- Helmet
- E-Bike supplement (optional)
- GPS with loaded tracks (optional)
- Mechanical bike interventions made on the bikes without Authentic Trails permission
- Personal expenses and other items not mentioned
Special Dates
Essência do Vinho (Wine Event), Porto, 20th to 23rd February 2025
- Join this event and indulge in over 4,000 wines from 400+ producers! Explore 40+ tastings, guided by experts, and discover the Top 10 Portuguese wines. A must-visit for wine lovers!
- https://www.essenciadovinho.com/
Festa das Cruzes, Barcelos, 29th April to 4th May 2025
- Traditional dancing, singing, fireworks, a grand procession to Senhor da Cruz and a lively market selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
Primavera Sound, Porto, 12th to 15th June 2025
- Since 2012, Primavera Sound has transformed Porto into a global music hub, featuring legends, rising stars and cutting-edge sounds. It's an unmissable event!
- https://www.primaverasound.com/pt/porto
Feast of St. John, Porto, 23rd to 24th June 2025
- Savour sardines, caldo verde, and port wine as the streets come alive with laughter, music, playful plastic hammers, fireworks, and balloons to celebrate St. John!
Feira do Alvarinho de Monção: The biggest Portugal Wine Party, Monção, 3rd to 6th July 2025
- Portugal's ultimate wine and food festival - four unforgettable days of Alvarinho, top chefs, live music and pure enjoyment in the stunning Parque das Caldas.
Caminha Medieval, Caminha, end of July
- Step back in time at this medieval fair with artisans, medieval trade, traditional dancing and delicious period food - a true historical experience!
Craft Fair, Vila do Conde, 26th July to 10th August 2025
- A genuine showcase of Portuguese handicrafts, cuisine and music. Celebrating tradition for over four decades.
NEOPOP Festival, Viana do Castelo, 7th to 9th August 2025
- A must for music lovers: three electrifying days of techno, house and cutting-edge electronic beats from top national and international artists.
- https://neopopfestival.com/en
Feast of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, Viana do Castelo, 12th to 20th August 2025
- From parades to dancing and fireworks, there's so much to look forward to. Join the locals in a celebration of culture and heritage!
- https://festasdagonia.com/
Vilar de Mouros Festival, Caminha, 21st to 23rd August 2025
- The oldest music festival in Portugal, it hosts renowned national and international bands and artists, with a focus on rock performances.
- https://www.festivalvilardemouros.pt/
Vinho Verde grape harvest season, Vinho Verde wine region, September
- Join in the timeless rituals of hand-picking, foot-treading and making the 'nectar of the gods' as locals and visitors honour the land and the harvest.
Tour facts
- Explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a sanctuary for unique species such as the Iberian wolf
- Discover mountain villages steeped in tradition and historic centres and fortified towns of remarkable beauty
- Taste the crisp and aromatic Vinho Verde wine from extensive vineyards
- Visit fishing villages frozen in time, preserving a wealth of tradition
- Memorable food and wine experiences with hospitable landowners
- Savor the freshest fish and shellfish, caught daily from the Atlantic Ocean
- Experience Barcelos, a vibrant hub of handicrafts and hand-painted pottery
- Cycle along the coast with its golden sandy beaches
- Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European City of the Year 2020