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8D / 7N / 6 stages
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Hybrid and e-bike
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Easy
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Minimum: 2 pax
The Atlantic Coast biking holiday route represents a week in the freshest, lightly salty air imaginable. A boost to both body and mind. As you cycle southwards from the Galician coastal region in the north, the beauty of continuously changing views over the vast Atlantic will impress itself on your mind and soul. Taste both Galician and Portuguese seafood. Encounter latter-day pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, with whom you share a few kilometres. Meet the nicest fishermen and their wives who will welcome you and enjoy sharing their lifetime experiences and customs. Stroll through the fish markets and watch them as they work.
Visit Porto, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, classified as a Unesco World Heritage. Learn about Port Wine and the unique culinary dimension associated with it. Dance on saltpans and bring back some excellent salt crystals from there. Taste, smell, meet and bask in the sun as you cycle gently along this beautiful coast and allow yourself to daydream. After a great day cycling, the night will cherish you with nothing less than the freshest air conceivable.
Day 1 - Porto to Baiona
Standard starting day: Monday*
From Porto airport (Portugal) where you will arrive, you will be taken to Baiona (in Galicia, Spain), a charming and lively harbour town, where a dish of fresh fish from the sea is an absolute must. Don’t forget to stroll around the harbour or the Monterreal Fort, famous for the Príncipe Tower.
Day 2 - Stage 1 - Baiona to Caminha
The first half of the day on your bike you will cycle in Spain, gently following the flat coastline, along the foothills of the Sierra de la Grova mountains and further south, of the Sierra de Argalo. You may enter Portugal by ferry, across the River Minho into the town of Caminha, or further upriver, by crossing the Vila Nova de Cerveira bridge. In Caminha delight yourself in the stately houses that set the scene as you enter the town, whose history dates as far back as pre-Roman times. Your 40 kilometres stage ends here.
Day 3 - Stage 2 - Caminha to Viana do Castelo
Cycle southwards on excellent asphalted cycle paths along the coast and fields close to the coastline, until you reach Viana do Castelo, where you will spend the night. Seagulls will also enjoy your attention too, especially if you let them taste a few crumbs from your food. Viana do Castelo, located on the river Lima estuary, is a bustling city with an active student population and a good night life. Dating back to Roman times, Viana’s impressive history includes that of the merchants who provisioned the ships that took part in the Portuguese discoveries during the 16th century and later built the ships that sailed to Newfoundland for codfish. It is they who built the numerous stately town houses whose architectural beauty is a hallmark of the city.
Day 4 - Stage 3 - Viana do Castelo to Vila do Conde
The third stage again offers a gentle ride southward, cycling through vineyards and across the Protected Landscape Area of the Esposende coast, a wildlife and flora reserve. Speak with the fishermen and their wives. They are such beautiful people - always warm-hearted and with a friendly word for every passer by. The city centre is dominated by elegant manors and small stately homes. The importance of its harbour is not only evident at sea, as you will discover when you enjoy a wonderful sardine or other fresh fish dinner in town. Afterwards, relax with a leisurely stroll along the beach before you go to bed, refreshed by the sea air.
Day 5 - Stage 4 – Vila do Conde to Porto
On Stage 4 of your holiday, you will cycle to Porto, a short ride of some 34 kilometres. Starting, naturally, at the Atlantic, you will follow cycle paths until you reach the Douro river. Alongside this famous river, you will cycle into one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Porto is a World Heritage city, a historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. Ride gently past the famous Eiffel bridge; see how the proud Port Wine lodges rise uphill from the south bank of the River Douro. An essential stop, of course, will be to admire the Casa da Música auditorium, designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Dutch architect. It will be hard to choose where to dine tonight: Porto is famous for Port Wine and the diversity and quality for its cuisine.
Day 6 - Stage 5 - Porto to Furadouro
This morning you exchange the hustle and bustle of the city for the peace and quiet of the Atlantic shore. Once again, you will have a lovely ride along the coast, partly through a pine woods. The day ends in Furadouro, a hospitable town renowned for its excellent fish. Enjoy your meal!
Day 7 - Stage 6 - Furadouro to Mira
For this last stage, you must not miss visiting the small city of Aveiro, with its picturesque town centre; if you’re lucky, you will catch sight of a Moliceiro, the colourful wooden boats used for gathering seaweed. Visit the saltpans too, if you can, and enjoy a delightful footbath in one of the pans. Once again, this is a beautiful ride of some 55 kms in all today, including through the Protected Natural Reserve of the São Jacinto dunes. Mira, where you will sleep tonight, perhaps to dream, is a small fishing village. You will certainly be inspired by the beautiful multi-coloured striped houses. Visit some of the little shops too; a nice carpet can be bought at affordable prices.
Day 8 - Mira to Porto
Transfer to Porto airport.
End of the programme.
Wine experiences featuring 2 visits and tastings:
Enhance your experience of the Atlantic Coast with a local wine tasting and an exclusive visit and tasting at a historic port wine cellar.
Special Wine & Dine package with 2 dinners. Featuring:
We are delighted to offer you a truly special dining experience! You will have the opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of the region with a 2 course meal accompanied by carefully selected wines. You will also enjoy a delicious dessert and a glass of port wine.
Picnic package. Featuring:
- 6 light lunch meals to carry on bike in riding days
E-Bike for 6 stages (subject to availability due to the limited number of E-Bikes)
Note: All additional activities, including wine tastings, shall be scheduled to take place at the end of the day, after cyclists arrive at their destination.
- Organization of the program
- Accommodation, 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- Luggage transfer daily
- Porto airport transfers to the start and from the ending points of the programs in a car, van, or minibus
- Per person: Standard Touring bicycle, cargo rack, 1 pannier bike bag, handlebar bag, 1 spare inner tube
- Per group/reservation: GPS loaded with the tracks, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, pre-paid mobile phone, lock (one per two bicycles)
- Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotels
Day 1
Included private transfer from Porto Airport to the hotel in Baiona (Spain)
Departure time: 14h00 CET-1
Day 5
Transfer by ferry in the route from São Jacinto to Barra.
Time: Several times along the day. The schedule is available on spot and it is also available in the roadbook. The ticket is not included in the tour package and it has to be paid on spot.
Day 8
Private transfer from the hotel in Mira to Porto Airport. The transfer can be to other location within Porto, instead of the airport.
Departure time: 09h30 CET-1.
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