Cycle from Minho to Porto

Meet your private driver and enjoy the scenic drive to the small town of Monção in the Alto Minho region, with its 14th century fortifications that held off Spansh invasions. After a welcome briefing and bike fitting at the hotel, you'll visit a local winery and taste their Alvarinho wines. A taxi will collect you from your hotel at 4pm. The locals are not only proud of their heritage, but also of the region's Vinho Verde, a crisp white wine made from young grapes. The local square is a lovely spot for a drink and dinner, and the historic walls provide views over to Spain. If you have time, you may wish to sample the healing waters at Termas de Monção spa, or simply settle into your hotel and prepare for your cycling adventure.

Enjoy the views of neighbouring Galicia across the mighty Minho River as you follow it towards the Atlantic Ocean, to its mouth at Caminha. Birdlife is abundant here and you'll see fishing platforms built into the river. Today's ride with have you pedalling through vineyards, passing by the Palácio da Brejoeira - owned by one of the largest producers of Alvarinho wine in the region. Pause here to enjoy a tour of it's stately rooms and a wine tasting if you wish. Continue on your journey to the sea through the town of Valença, and take time to explore its 17th century Vila Nova de Cerveira fort. Continue on and enjoy the art and architecture in the pretty little town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. You'll then arrive in the elegant town of Caminha, with a medieval centre full of charm. Take your pick from a variety of great dining options. What better way to celebrate your arrival at the ocean than sampling some delicious seafood?

Ascent 204m / Descent 220m (670ft / 722ft)

The longest day's ride on the trip, but with a relatively flat profile it makes for an easy-going day in the saddle. From Caminha at the mouth of the River Minho pedal south along the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the city of Viana. Portugal's Costa Verde (Green Coast) is known for its pristine beaches, backed by dunes, forest and the occasional fishing village. Enjoy this coastline for the first part of today's journey and then spend time exploring the historical centre of Viana do Castelo, famous for heart-shaped filigree jewellery and colourful embroidery. The city was the setting off point for ships in the "discoveries" of the 16th century, and later cod fish shipping vessels bound for Newfoundland. The opulent town houses and the impressive 19th century Byzantine Santa Luzia Church overlooking the city from its hilltop are testament of past prosperity. Enjoy a long lunch here before heading inland. Follow the south bank of the Lima River, through forests and farmland, to reach Ponte de Lima, a delightful town with plenty to offer, and Portugal's oldest town.  Ponte de Lima, named after its 1st century 24-arched Roman bridge, is an important stop for pilgrims making their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

Ascent 176m / Descent 193m (577ft / 633ft)

Using the Lima and Vez rivers as your guide, follow the eco-trail upstream through gorgeous countryside to Arcos de Valdevez, another pretty riverside town with an impressive bridge and delicious local cakes called charutos. The return journey to Ponte de Lima follows the opposite banks of the Vez and Lima Rivers, passing through more rural scenery and the village of Ponte da Barca, allegedly the birthplace of the navigator Ferdinand Magellan. When you get back to Ponte de Lima, we will have a chilled vinho verde (regional wine) and Portuguese tapas waiting for you at a typical tasca.

Ascent 129m / Descent 156m (423ft / 512ft)

Hop back into the saddle for a day's pedaling through hillier terrain to Barcelos. Don't be surprised if you see lots of people hiking on today's route - you'll be following sections of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail today, in the opposite direction. This stage brings you up close and personal with tiny villages and their local farming traditions and vineyards, as you cycle through a landscape of rolling hills. It also offers fabulous views of nearby mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Barcelos, make sure to visit the 13th century Mother Church with it's pealing hourly bells. Feira de Barcelos is the famous Thursday market that takes place in the town, but if you miss the market it's worth wandering through the medieval heart of the town, looking out for pottery that the town is known for to take home as a keepsake. In the evening, we recommend a refreshing glass of vinho verde with tapas before a late dinner - you've earned it! 

Ascent 417m / Descent 401m (1368ft / 1315ft)

Make your way through more beautiful countryside as you head back to the ocean once more at the mouth of the Cávado River. After a stretch of lightly rolling terrain enjoy a largely downhill then flat approach to your next overnight stop. You'll be following the coast south to the sandy beaches and riverside town of Vila do Conde, which is famous for bobbin lace-making, embroidered "handkerchiefs of love" and its naval history. With a prosperous ship-building past you'll find grand townhouses, a replica of one of the "discovery" ships in the charming harbour, overlooked by Santa Clara monastery and the impressive aqueduct. For the seafood enthusiast, sampling freshly caught cuisine with a view of the Atlantic is surely the only option for dinner. 

Ascent 156m / Descent 189m (511ft / 620ft)

Today is your final day in the saddle, and you'll follow a mostly flat route along the coast past large dunes. Look out for more birds as you cross the nature reserve south of Vila do Conde. The coastline is varied and beautiful, with windmills on some of the beaches. Stop at the colourful fishing village of Angeiras to see the community at work before making your way through an urban industrial area past the port of Matosinhos and along the Douro River into Porto city centre. After you have freshened up, it's time to find out more about the famous port wine at one of the most prestigious port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. With another tasting, of course. The city's renowned for its vast port export, which is evident from the terracotta roofed storage warehouses on the banks of the Douro.

There are plenty of other sightseeing opportunities in Porto, including Lello Bookstore and the Stock Exchange Palace. Discover the botanical gardens and over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgey street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. Stroll the winding streets in the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos, seeking a rooftop bar with a view, and toast time well spent cycling through northern Portugal. 

Ascent 157m / Descent 162m (515ft / 531ft)

After breakfast prepare to bid farewell to this incredible city. From your accommodation an included private transfer (approx. 20 minutes) to Porto Airport will assist in your onward journey. 

Why not add an extra night or two in Porto? There is so much to discover in this colourful, charismatic city.