SANTIAGO TO PORTO. CENTRAL & COASTAL CAMINO

Self-Guided

6 Day Cycling tour

LENGTH

8 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Santiago - Porto

DISTANCE

270 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.360€ / per person

 4.5/5

LENGTH

8 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Santiago - Porto

DISTANCE

270 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.360€ / per person

 4.5/5

OVERVIEW

This tour will take you along Galicia and the well known path of Saint James, following the camino. But this time in the opposite Way! Historical towns, people and culture of the Galician will be with you. At all moments revealing you a region where the sea and mountains join to give you unforgettable sceneries of the rias. Places like Caldas de Reis, Pontevedra and Tuy are of immense importance in the way. Once in Portugal, the Minho, cradle of Portugal will receive you. The traditions, the people and atmosphere will be related to the brothers of the north. Historical cen-ters towns and beautiful medieval squares will take your earth. First following the more traditional way until Portugal, then following the coastal path to the south. Valença do Minho, Caminha and Viana do Castelo offering a unique character and placid ambiance. And Porto at the end of the journey with the Douro River as picture. The well known Wine cellars of the Porto Wine and the unique Ribeira quarter UNESCO area. This tour will be a melt of experiences from one part of the Iberian Peninsula.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

HIGHLIGHTS

UNESCO Heritage sites, Santiago, Porto
Galician and Portuguese Central & Coastal Camino
Atlantic scenery
Portugal Minho historical towns

Portuguese & Galician local Wines and Gastronomy
Fishing Towns.
Rural Galicia.
Portuguese Northern Green Coast

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & VISIT SANTIAGO

Welcome to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia!

Transfer from the Airport is taking you to your Hotel in Santiago.

After Check-in a comprehensive information pack will be handled to you with the bike. Will help with the bikes final adjustments to you.

Santiago atmosphere is wonderful, ancient and new are together in hand. The old quarter and its history, the new of the surrounding town and new museums are worth a visit.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 2 - CYCLE SANTIAGO TO PADRON (26km)

This is the smallest day of cycling of your entire cycling trip towards Porto. So, if you want to make that last visit in Santiago de Compostela go for it.

You are now starting the pilgrims way of Saint James, but in the opposite direction. So now instead of looking for the yellow arrow, you will find a Blue one that points in the opposite way. This is the Fatima Way. As you exit Santiago de Compostela you follow some streets and some roads that are taking you away from the centre and the city itself. And as the distance between the city and your goal of today the increases rurality does the same. More and more, fields and woodlands become the scenery of the day.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 3 - CYCLE PADRON TO PONTEVEDRA (42km)

Leaving Saint James Church in Padrón the path follows south to river Ulla, place where the body of the Apostol landed in Galicia this a few hundred years ago. Now following more or less close the N550 you’ll get to Caldas de Reis. Place of thermal bath long used by the romans. Nowadays a perfect spot to rest and enjoy along the camino.

Woodlands, vineyards, farmland are the main scenery along this day from Padrón to Pontevedra. Just before Pontevedra, the protected wetlands offer good opportunities to the birdwatchers. Entering Pontevedra is wonderful as you cross into the historical are via the roman bridge….

Granitic old quarter awaits you for a last stop for visits before your hotel…

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 4 - CYCLING PADRON TO VALENÇA DO MINHO (57km)

The roughest day of all journey to Porto: 3 hilltops to win before rest already in Portugal. Once again the rural Galicia is on is best, Eucalyptus forest, woodlands and little parcels of agriculture punctuate the day. Redondela by the ria, fjord like entrance of the sea inland, make a unique view as you arrive into town from the first hilltop. From here one other going up toward Porriño and Tuy. This later one have one historical centre worth of some time to explore.

The Cathedral and surrounding streets are of great historical value. Valença is just over the river, with its fortress looking forward to you….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 5 - CYCLE VALENÇA TO VIANA DO CASTELO (58km)

Magnificent day of easy cycling along the river Minho Cycling path. We leave Spain on the other side and follow the river to its estuary. The gentle path lead you to several historical towns, of castle, fortress and medieval churches. Vila Nova de Cerveira and Caminha are stunning…

Soon we are longing the Atlantic to reach Viana do Castelo, small beach resorts and towns are along the easy ride and cycle path. Thru agriculture land we arrive at Viana, natural port by the river lima, it offer a wonderful place to stop and enjoy Minho’s cuisine. The historical center is unique among the northern cities and towns. Here river, sea and mountain come together creating this amazing city: Viana do Castelo.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

Included Activities: Visit to Jewish Museum

DAY 6 - CYCLE VIANA TO VILA DO CONDE (52km)

Out of Viana do Castelo over the Eiffel bridge and south, is how the day start. Along the coastline toward Esposende you will be following once the bridge cross at the Neiva river the Saint James Path.

The coastal one, and in the opposite direction. Small towns and villages carry this historical path. Esposende by the cavado river estuary is the perfect place to stop and enjoy the place, by the beach or visiting the little streets of the old quarter. The Litoral Norte natural area is just out of Esposende, a protected area of sandy dunes and pine woods. Thru agricultural land, vegetables , potatoes, onions and lot more are produced here and found their way into the wonderful cuisine of the region.

Povoa de Varzim is near and is a well know beach area in the north of Portugal. Little more and Vila do Conde is reached. Historical place of both the Saint James path and the shipyards of caravels, one still here to be visit….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 7 - CYCLE VILA DO CONDE TO PORTO (36km)

Vila do Conde port is smal 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: –

DAY 8 - END OF TOUR

Hoping that these days away from a modern life have been unforgettable moments and experiences in Galicia and Portugal different from what you knew before… If you have 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
1st Day Briefing
Transfer from Porto to Santiago Included
Travel Insurance
24/7 Phone support assistance

EXCLUDED

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

OPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

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

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 €1360

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