Tour The Full Portuguese Way Cycle | Visit Portugal, Spain

Meals

15 breakfasts - Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.

Others

Digital information pack with route notes & GPX Mountain bike rental (standard model) with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle & pump (gel saddle, toe clips, SPD pedals; bike upgrade options available: Advanced MTB or electric bikes: e-touring, e-MTB - supplement applies). A standard trekking bike is also available on request. Please specify your preferred bike type when booking Emergency hotline Mountain bike rental (MTB) is included, equipped with panniers, repair kit, lock and pump. On request it’s possible to have a hybrid bike instead of a mountain bike. A handlebar bag is included (except for e-bikes). Helmet rental is included. A high quality standard model MTB or standard hybrid bike is provided, or you can choose to upgrade to an Advanced MTB with higher specs. E-bikes are available on request (e-MTB or e-touring). See Trip Notes for more details about the available bikes. Upgraded MTBs and e-bikes must be pre-booked and a supplement aplies. Locks will be provided. Please use them to secure your cycles every time they are left unattended (particularly overnight). The front wheel and frame should be securely locked to a fixed support. Rentals have no insurance coverage. The user will be liable for the good keeping and use of the bike and its accessories. If you have any problems regarding the bike, please call the emergency number in the first instance. Gel saddle and toe clips (recommended for the uphill sections) are available - supplement applies - must be requested in advance and pre-paid. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Accommodation

15 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Transport

Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

Not included:

Guide

This is a self-guided tour.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago Meals not listed as included, drinks A 4 night dinner package is available on request, supplement applies. Dinners in Arcos, Ponte de Lima, Tui & Padron. These will usually consist of 3 courses, starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes Travel insurance - mandatory Helmets are available for purchase (please request if required. Rental is included) Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room Transfers (optional transfers are available between Lisbon and Villa Franca de Xira, and Porto to Arcos - additional costs apply) Entrance fees not listed as included Transfers not listed as included Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage Excess luggage Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the GPX files Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel Items of a personal nature Bike helmet* (supplied, or available for purchase locally - request at time of booking), mobile phone holder, wet weather gear, daypack, water bottle and sun protection. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the world’s oldest cities: known as Olispio by the Romans, settled by the Visigoths and the Arabs before becoming the base for the “Discoveries’ – Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama all set sail from here. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed many buildings and dramatically brought an end to this powerful empire. The UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem still stands and is definitely worth a visit, as is the Alfama district for ‘fado’ (music) – or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets of this beautiful city. You will find the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino at the Cathedral.
Day 2 Day 2: Cycle To Azumbuja (61Km/38Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cycle To Azumbuja (61Km/38Mi)

This morning you will be transferred from the hotel to the bike shop at around 10am to collect your bike. Today you will cycle along the River Tejo, following mostly flat paths. Before long you will be in the countryside and will be surprised by the stark contrast from the cityscape of Lisbon. Your destination for today is Azumbuja, known for its historic charm and picturesque surroundings. There is an option to take an afternoon transfer from Lisbon to Azumbuja, to allow you to spend more time in Lisbon (an additional cost applies, speak to our staff for details including price).
Day 3 Day 3: On To Santarem (34Km/21Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: On To Santarem (34Km/21Mi)

Today you will continue to follow the river. The route will take you through fields, vineyards and orchards. You will need to climb a steep hill into Santarem, where you will stay overnight.
Day 4 Day 4: Continue To Tomar (64Km/40Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Continue To Tomar (64Km/40Mi)

The cycle route between Santarem and Tomar is mainly flat, which will allow you to enjoy the scenery en route. You will cycle along tranquil country lanes, passing through farmland and little villages. On arrival in Tomar, be sure to visit the historic and picturesque Old Town.
Day 5 Day 5: To Alvorge (56Km/35Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: To Alvorge (56Km/35Mi)

Today’s cycle is the most challenging of this section. This morning you will head off, uphill out of Tomar. The cycle for today is undulating and will take you through woods and forested areas as you pedal towards Alvorge.
Day 6 Day 6: Cycle To The Lively Town Of Coimbra (38Km/23.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cycle To The Lively Town Of Coimbra (38Km/23.5Mi)

Today you will again pedal over undulating hills, passing lots of trees including eucalyptus and pine. The final section of today takes you over the climb of Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, which sits at a height of 190m, before dropping down into Coimbra. Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina
Day 7 Day 7: Continue To Agueda (48Km/30Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Continue To Agueda (48Km/30Mi)

Today you will travel through river valleys and urban areas along a relatively flat trail which becomes more challenging towards the end of the day. There is also a climb as you leave Coimbra. Your destination for today, Agueda, is situated on the banks of the Certima river.
Day 8 Day 8: To Olveira De Azemeis (36Km/22Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: To Olveira De Azemeis (36Km/22Mi)

Today you will cycle through lots of fields and little villages as you head towards Olveira de Amzemeis. The last few kilometres into Olveira de Amzemeis are up a steep hill, but you will be rewarded once you arrive. Be sure to visit one of the town’s main attractions: the Matriz de Sao Miguel Church.
Day 9 Day 9: Cycle Into Porto (43Km/26Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Cycle Into Porto (43Km/26Mi)

Today’s cycle will take you over rolling hills as you cycle into Porto. Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River, is a city full of maritime legacies. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites and sample the local Port wines. Dinner is at leisure.
Day 10 Day 10: Cycle To Arcos (35Km/22Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cycle To Arcos (35Km/22Mi)

Today you will cycle along quiet country roads, passing a mixture of churches and historic sites. Even from the first day of cycling you will get a taste of this history of this ancient pilgrimage. You will cycle through eucalyptus and pine forests before arriving in Arcos this afternoon. If you prefer to spend more time in Porto today, we can arrange an afternoon transfer from Porto to Arcos. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details, including price).
Day 11 Day 11: On To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (54Km/33.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: On To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (54Km/33.5Mi)

Today you will cycle across rolling hills and through woodlands and little villages. You will pass through the market town of Barcelos. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel) and is a fantastic place to stop for lunch. You will continue to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Once you have checked in to your hotel, the cobble stoned streets of Ponte de Lima are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prision tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes, to explore. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.
Day 12 Day 12: Cross The Spanish Border To Tui (39Km/24Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Cross The Spanish Border To Tui (39Km/24Mi)

Today will be a harder day on the bike, with lots of hills to conquer. However the distance is quite short, so you will have time to soak in the scenery en route. You will see small churches, cycle over green hills, and finally cross the international bridge from Valença do Minho in Portugal, to Tui in Spain.
Day 13 Day 13: On To Pontevedra (52Km/32Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: On To Pontevedra (52Km/32Mi)

You will start today by following the Camino de Barca first before reaching the Túnel das Monxas. A sharp climb to the San Telmo bridge will follow. After this, the terrain becomes a little easier as you continue towards O Porriño. Later in the day a short climb leads to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas, from where you cycle through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. Enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you will stay overnight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to explore including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled lane-ways brimming with tapas bars and cafes.
Day 14 Day 14: Cycle To Padron (40Km/25Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Cycle To Padron (40Km/25Mi)

Today you will pedal through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forest. You will pass through the hamlet of Tivo and the village of Caldas de Reis, before crossing the River Umia and gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina. Your destination for today is Padron, where the body of St James is said to have first landed, when brought to Santiago. As of mid July the O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra is closed, there is a temporary diversion of the Camino via the As Correntes bridge before returning to the usual route in A Santiña. The diversion is signed and local businesses and accommodation are aware, if you need to ask for directions.
Day 15 Day 15: To Santiago (26Km/16Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: To Santiago (26Km/16Mi)

The final day takes you again through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing to reach Santiago. You will pass a number of small villages en route, before spotting the spires of Santiago’s Cathedral in the distance. If you time your arrival well you will be able to attend the midday Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago. This afternoon you are free to discover the many interesting sites of Santiago’s charming old town.
Day 16 Day 16: Trip Concludes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Trip Concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast. If you’d like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

+13

16 days tour

The Full Portuguese Way Cycle

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Full Portuguese Way Cycle

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

Day 2: Cycle To Azumbuja (61Km/38Mi)

Day 3: On To Santarem (34Km/21Mi)

Day 4: Continue To Tomar (64Km/40Mi)

Day 5: To Alvorge (56Km/35Mi)

Day 6: Cycle To The Lively Town Of Coimbra (38Km/23.5Mi)

Day 7: Continue To Agueda (48Km/30Mi)

Day 8: To Olveira De Azemeis (36Km/22Mi)

Day 9: Cycle Into Porto (43Km/26Mi)

Day 10: Cycle To Arcos (35Km/22Mi)

Day 11: On To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (54Km/33.5Mi)

Day 12: Cross The Spanish Border To Tui (39Km/24Mi)

Day 13: On To Pontevedra (52Km/32Mi)

Day 14: Cycle To Padron (40Km/25Mi)

Day 15: To Santiago (26Km/16Mi)

Day 16: Trip Concludes

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