36 - 64 km
200 - 1.100 m
7 Days & 6 Nights
National Park of Peneda - Gerês
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PARTNERS, CREDENTIALS AND MORE
- Tour Grade
- Distance
36 – 64 km / day
- Profile
Hilly to mountainous
- Route
A mix of paved, gravel, double-track roads, cobblestone (some quite rough). About 30% of route on dedicated or shared bike lanes
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Itinerary
Arrival in Porto
Welcome to Portugal!
On your first day you will be greeted by our guide at the airport transferred to your first accommodation. Enjoy the marvelous view of the River Cávado and the National Park of Peneda - Gerês and prepare for the riding days to come.
Bike from Gerês to Arcos de Valdevez
Immerse yourself in Gerês beauty!
The best way to start your first day is to truly take advantage of this beautiful National Park. In the morning you’ll have a short transfer to Campo do Gerês village (30min), and right after you’ll start to ride a tiny road that crosses the mountain and passes by several little granitic villages. Close to the end you’ll follow the river Vez to the delightful town of Arcos de Valdevez, a true representative of the Minho region. Green landscapes, crystal clear waters of its river and a charming architecture full of history, this is what you’ll find if you still have time to explore the town.
Bike the Arcos de Valdevez Loop
This loop day will take you to the amazing Soajo Village and once again to the green mountains.
There are only a few roads that pass in the mountains located close to Valdevez, we will take a route that contours this area and follow the River Lima, going upstream. Half way you find the charming town of Soajo, and it will seem like the time stood still. The granite streets and houses, the immaculate nature and the friendly people are part of a closely untouched northern Portugal and it is not hard to imagine how one hundred years ago they lived in a community following their own rules and activities.
Bike from Arcos de Valdevez to Valença do Minho
Meet the River Minho, the natural border between Portugal and Spain.
It is time to roam north following a path that once again will show you some traditional little villages and crossing the maintain that takes you to the border of Portugal and Galicia / Spain. Here you find the river Minho, that gives the name to the region and makes it such a prosperous place. Now you’ll follow a beautiful bike lane by the river till the medieval town of Valença do Minho.
Bike from Valença do Minho to Viana do Castelo
The Atlantic Ocean welcomes you to the coastline.
What a beautiful ride awaits you today. The river is your guide as you follow west on the Portuguese side of the border till the nice town of Caminha. Here is where the river meets the ocean and you’ll see the coast for the first time. The fresh breeze will accompany you as you go south towards Viana do Castelo, known for its maritime and shipbuilding history, and for maintaining like no one its traditions like the typical costumes and jewelry ,as well as architecture and dishes.
Bike from Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima
The last day, always following the River Lima.
If you wandered through Viana do Castelo you’ll probably saw the river Lima by now. Just like yesterday, you are lucky enough to have a gravel cycle lane that pursues the river until it reaches the medieval town of Ponte de Lima. One of the oldest cities of the country and full of character, here you can enjoy your last day and visit the monuments, plazas and parks and of course the famous roman bridge that gives name to the city. Enjoy your last day!
Departure
That's it! The day has come to take back all the incredible memories you have made and new interesting things you discovered.
It has most definitely been a great adventure and we truly want you to come back and discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails.