PORTUGAL´S GREEN COAST

Self-Guided

5 Days Cycling tour

LENGTH

7 Days

DIFICULTY

Easy

START & END

Melgaço -Porto

DISTANCE

252 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.240€ / per person

 4.5/5

LENGTH

7 Days

DIFICULTY

Easy

START & END

Melgaço - Porto

DISTANCE

252 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.240€ / per person

 4.5/5

OVERVIEW

Porto & the Green Coast is an Hybrid Cycling route program who links two very different towns, one which is by the boarder of Portugal and Spanish Galicia with another who is a major City near the Sea. Along the beautiful Border of Portugal and Spain first longing the River Minho and by the coast line of northern Portugal Minho Region you will get to Porto. You’ll discover and admire the natural beauty of the different scenery, offering stunning river and coastal views along the way, and crossing of natural Reserves and other like places. Going along little medieval Towns by the River, and getting near beatifull coastal areas of the north of Portugal You will discover Charming towns of Minho Region: Monção, Valença Caminha, Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima, their medieval centers are unique and remind old legacies. Other like Esposende offer superb place for a rest and leisure. Porto will end like the cherry on top of the cake. Vibrant and scenic, Unesco old town center and full of activity. Time to relax with a famous Porto Wine cup in one esplanade by the Douro River.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

HIGHLIGHTS

Minho area, Green Portugal
UNESCO Porto city
Easy Cycling Lanes
Atlantic scenery
Melgaço, Monção, Valença do Minho old Town centers.

Caminha, Viana do Castelo & Ponte de Lima Medieval Towns.
Portuguese Wines and Gastronomy
Fishing Towns.
Some coincidences with the Coastal Portuguese Camino.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - TRANSFER TO MELGAÇO & BRIEFING

Welcome to Portugal!

The day start with your Meeting at the Airport or other place previously arranged. It follows a 2h transfer to Melgaço Town and your Hotel. After Check-in a comprehensive information pack will be handled to you. Bike will be handle to you and we also help you for the final adjustments.

Melgaço Town is waiting if you still have time, take a stroll or cycle to the castle and old centre.Take sometime and taste the famous Vinho Alvarinho, Alvarinho wine a green wine…

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 2 - CYCLE MELGAÇO TO VALENÇA DO MINHO (49km)

Today start going to Melgaço old centre where the cycling tour really starts. If you couldn’t find time yesterday, this is a good way to start visiting the narrow street of the old town. Make a stop at Solar do Alvarinho and have a glimpse of the famous Alvarinho Wine, one Green Wine!!

From Melgaço you will follow the river Minho to its river mouth, but today is only to Valença do Minho. The cycling will follow one low traffic lane that passes thru villages and one always green landscape. The scenery is of vineyards and patches of forest. The history is always by the way, from old medieval bridges and towers.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 3 - CYCLE VALENÇA DO MINHO TO VIANA DO CASTELO (59km)

The way will meet the river shore and follow it until Vila nova de Cerveira. Views over the river are calm and peaceful, it’s a relaxed bike ride. The town is one important art centre in North Portugal; every two year there is one very important art festival. To get to Caminha follow the river outside Cerveira. Across the river Coura you’ll get into Caminha beautiful typical Minho town center from another era. You are at the mouth of the river Minho into the Atlantic and follow now the coast line until Viana de Castelo. Viana is a bigger city; the center is characteristic of the Minho and reminds its ancient past. At hilltop the Zimborio, that can be reach via road (bike) or Funicular. Viana is a vibrant place, cafés and restaurants, the pedestrian streets are still full of life and small shops.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 4 - CYCLE TO PONTE DE LIMA & BACK TO VIANA (56km)

Out of Viana do Castelo by the margin of river Lima you’ll encounter a cycling path. Path that takes you to Ponte de Lima, and traverse the natural reserve of Lagoas de Bretiandes. Portugal most ancient town: Ponte de Lima is a passage over the river since the roman time.

More recently the most important passage to Santiago de Compostela this in medieval times. The town itself have a wonderful historical center to be explored. The path return to Viana do Castelo via the south marging. The cycling trail is of a smooth dirt lane along rural minho landscape. To enter back into Viana do Castelo take the crossing by the Eiffel Bridge.

Relax by one esplanade or visit the hiltop Basilica, this is Viana!!

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 5 - CYCLE VIANA DO CASTELO TO VILA DO CONDE (53km)

This day will take you back to the Atlantic coast.

Gustave Eiffel bridge near Viana do Castelo will take you south following part of the Santiago alternative path. You will pass some villages and arriving at the river Neiva. A place where you will still cross like a pilgrim, the bridge is one very Spartan, but a delight for travellers. By the foot of the hill and crossing villages and along cobled paved lanes you’ll arrive at Esposende.

A nice town at the river mouth of the Cávado. Nowadays is a beach-town with a beautiful beach front and lighthouse and even a fort from the XVII century. From here is just a few more kms and natural park to cross the litoral norte natural park. Dunes and patches of forest will lead you to Povoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde.

Vila do Conde is a small town in which Caravels were made and nowadays a replica awaits you for a visit…

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 6 - CYCLE VILA DO CONDE TO PORTO (36km)

Vila do Conde port is small but carries the historical site of the building of vessels for the discoveries in the XIV and XV centuries. Now until Porto the path will follow in the opposite direction the variant of Saint James Path, this time to Porto.

Cycling paths will lead you crossing sand dunes, a bird sanctuary and hopping from beach to beach. And even a Iron settlement unique as its the only one by the beach is all Iberian peninsula!! Passing thru Matosinhos and its mobile bridge. Longing the Port and by the front Beach you reach the Fortress of Castelo do Queijo. You are entering Porto. Continue cycling the lane and you’ll reach the mighty Douro river and soon the center UNESCO world heritage site. One marvellous site, and once again history is present. By the river is of medieval times, as you start to climb away from the Douro…

The final pedaling stage is along XIII century town… And some from XIX c. to arrive at your hotel.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: Lunch Box, Dinner

DAY 7 - END OF TOUR

We hope that these days away from the busy life have been unforgettable moments and experiences in a Portugal different from what you knew before…

The tour ends with the Check Out of the Hotel. f you have free time, you can request the luggage storre and return to a walk in Porto, before returning home.

Accommodation: –

Meals: –

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED

Daily breakfast
Private ensuite rooms on a twin share basis
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
Personal guide book and Cycling day sheets
Gps day-by-day tracks for use in Gps device or SmartPhone.
Hybrid/Trekking Bike include in the Price
Helmet, Lock, Repair Kit, Pump and handlebar bag
Transfer from Porto to Melçaço Included
Briefing at Day 1
Travel Insurance
24/7 Phone support assistance

EXCLUDED

Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Porto
Transfer from Hotel in Porto to airport
Gps device.
Any tourist tax payable at Hotels

OPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Porto
Transfer from Hotel in Porto to the Airport
Single Room
E-Bike
Support van during all tour
Extra nights before, after or during the tour
Gps device

BIKE INFORMATION

Hibrid Bike During the the trip you will be provide with the Hybrid/Trekking bike Kross Trans 7 or similar.

Frame	Aluminum
Suspension	Hardtail, 63mm
Wheels	700c Aluminum
Drivetrain	3 × 8
Groupset	Deore, Shimano
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc

DATES & PRICES 2024

Starting

Any day of the week and year

Ending

Avaiability

Available Upon request

Prices from

EUR €1240

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Hotels & Country Houses

Standard hotels offer typical hotel amenities and services. They provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, and room service.

Country houses, also known as "casas rurales" in Spanish, offer a more rustic and traditional experience. They are often found in smaller villages and rural areas along the Camino.

Superior Collection & Historic Hotels

We have selected 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available,

There are several historic hotels and inns along the route that offer travelers a unique and memorable experience. These establishments often have a rich history and character, making them more than just a place to stay.

ON THE TRAIL

Terrain: The terrain is relatively gentle, and you'll pass through scenic countryside, charming villages, and forests. Most will be following cycling lanes, or small roads and forest traks. the terrain is more hilly in Galicia while reaching the Portuguese camino in Redondela and onward.

Food and Cuisine: You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Spanish cuisine, including fresh seafood, pulpo a la gallega (octopus), and other regional dishes. Don't forget to try the local Albariño wine.

Waymarking: The route is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, making it easy to navigate. When avoiding non cycling areas the booklet and gps track given have all the information.

MAP

Elevation

REVIEWS

James Fair

This was a fantastic trip with lots of free time to explore the cities on your own. The local transport used was extremely good and the included activities, particularly the tapas and the Camino walk, were excellent.

14 Oct 2019

Susan and Dave

A great trip, with a wonderful group of fellow travellers. Incredibly well lead by Helder. Enabled an opportunity to get to know a little about Spain and to appreciate the diverse nature and history of the country.

15 Jun 2019