Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto to Castro Laboreiro
Your journey starts with a car transfer from Porto airport to Castro Laboreiro. You'll travel through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and pass through small villages as you head inland. As you get closer to Serra do Laboreiro, the landscape shifts and you'll climb through stone pine forests. Castro Laboreiro itself is a quiet mountain village where traditional mills and local shops give you a sense of how life moves at a different pace up here.
- Start point
- Rua De Pedras Rubras, 4470-639 Moreira, Porto, Portugal (Transfer from Oporto to Castro Laboreiro standard day Sunday at 2pm (other day/time has a fee), 14:00 - 14:15)
Landmarks/POIs Serra do Laboreiro - Day 2
Castro Laboreiro to Moncao
This morning you'll get on your bike and cycle through Gerês National Park and Serra da Peneda. The route takes you down through granite outcrops and forested areas, and along the way you'll spot traditional community ovens and old granite granaries that have been around for generations. Later you'll head toward Monção, which is the heart of Vinho Verde wine production in Portugal. The region's wine heritage runs deep here, and you'll get a real feel for where these wines come from.
Included Activities
- Cycle through Gerês National Park and Serra da Peneda
- View traditional community ovens and granite granaries
Landmarks/POIs Gerês National Park Serra da Peneda - Day 3
Moncao to Vila Praia de Ancora
You'll cycle eastward today along the River Minho toward the Atlantic, moving through the Vinho Verde wine region. The route takes you past the Brejoeira Palace, an elegant structure worth seeing. After that, you'll pass historic battle landmarks and the 17th century fortress at Valença, which marks the old border between Portugal and Spain. By the end of the day, you'll reach Vila Praia de Âncora, a traditional fishing town where the river meets the sea.
Included Activities
- Cycle through Vinho Verde wine region
- Visit Brejoeira Palace
Optional Activities
- Purchase bottle of Vinho Verde wine
Landmarks/POIs Brejoeira Palace Valença Fort River Minho - Day 4
Vila Praia de Ancora to Ponte de Lima
Today's ride follows the Atlantic coast, passing fishing villages that have been here for centuries. You'll arrive in Viana do Castelo, a lively city at the mouth of the River Lima with Roman history and a key role in Portugal's Age of Exploration. If you're interested, there's an option to climb up to the Santa Luzia church built in the 19th century, and the views from up there are really worth it. From there, you'll continue to Ponte de Lima, which is Portugal's oldest town. The ancient bridge that spans the River Lima here is what the town is known for.
Included Activities
- Cycle along Atlantic coast
Optional Activities
- Visit Santa Luzia church for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Viana do Castelo Santa Luzia Church Ponte de Lima River Lima - Day 5
Ponte de Lima to Barcelos
This leg follows the medieval route that leads toward Santiago de Compostela. You'll cycle through cornfields and vineyards on a ride that's pleasant and not technically difficult. Your destination is Barcelos, situated on the River Cavado. The city has serious historical weight and is the center of Portugal's pottery industry. It also holds religious importance with the 13th century Mother Church, whose bells ring every hour and remind you of the town's long history.
Included Activities
- Cycle the medieval Santiago de Compostela route
Optional Activities
- Visit the 13th century Mother Church
Landmarks/POIs Barcelos Mother Church River Cavado - Day 6
Barcelos to Vila do Conde
You're heading back to the Atlantic coast today toward Vila do Conde. This city made its mark during the Age of Discoveries because of its shipbuilding heritage, and you can actually see a replica ship that was built here. The city center has gracious manors and small palaces scattered throughout, and there's a working fishing harbor where you can watch the daily activity. Plan to take your time over lunch here and try some local Portuguese dishes that showcase what the region has to offer.
Included Activities
- Cycle to the Atlantic coast
Optional Activities
- Leisurely multi-course lunch at local restaurant
- Seafood dinner in town (not included)
- Stroll along the beach
Landmarks/POIs Vila do Conde Shipbuilding Museum/Replica Ship - Day 7
Vila do Conde to Porto
Your last cycling day takes you along quiet coastal paths and through a sea bird reserve. You'll pass sand dunes and small fishing villages as you make your way to Porto. The route follows the Douro River estuary as you enter the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 150 listed monuments in its historic center. Porto is famous worldwide for Port Wine, and the city itself is full of character and history.
Included Activities
- Cycle along coast through sea bird reserve
Landmarks/POIs Porto Historic Center River Douro - Day 8
Porto Departure
You'll transfer to Porto airport with your bags packed and plenty of memories from the tour. That marks the end of your trip.
