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Highlights
Cycle through the mountains, vineyards, and coastlines of northern Portugal.
Cycle diverse landscapes, including a part of the famous Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela.
Soak up the atmosphere of Portugal by staying in hand-picked boutique properties with great locations and local charm
Visit ancient historic sites, such as Valença Fort, the 13th century Mother Church and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto.
Enjoy fresh regional produce including seafood, olive oil, and Vinho Verde wine.
Mountains, coastline, ancient pilgrimage routes, rows upon rows of vineyards- the self-guided Minho and Porto Biking Adventure showcases all the best that Northern Portugal has to offer.
The Minho and Porto Biking Adventure begins by descending a mountain range in the lush Gerês National Park, where you’ll observe wildlife and stunning mountain views. Throughout the tour, you’ll bike down to lower farmlands and vineyards as you gradually follow the rivers to the spectacular Atlantic coastline. Here you’ll be exploring the fishing villages, forts, and ancient towns that line the golden beaches. While the stunning scenery and riding is the main draw on this bike tour, you’ll also be enjoying a bounty of local produce. Fuel your bike ride with fresh seafood, local wines, and other regional delicacies.
Northern Portugal awaits, so get on the bike and get out there!
Mountains, coastline, ancient pilgrimage routes, rows upon rows of vineyards- the self-guided Minho and Porto Biking Adventure showcases all the best that Northern Portugal has to offer.
The Minho and Porto Biking Adventure begins by descending a mountain range in the lush Gerês National Park, where you’ll observe wildlife and stunning mountain views. Throughout the tour, you’ll bike down to lower farmlands and vineyards as you gradually follow the rivers to the spectacular Atlantic coastline. Here you’ll be exploring the fishing villages, forts, and ancient towns that line the golden beaches. While the stunning scenery and riding is the main draw on this bike tour, you’ll also be enjoying a bounty of local produce. Fuel your bike ride with fresh seafood, local wines, and other regional delicacies.
Northern Portugal awaits, so get on the bike and get out there!
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Minho and Porto Biking Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Castro Laboreiro
Arrive at Castro Laboreiro where your adventure will begin.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castro Laboreiro
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle through Gerés National Park
Your first day of biking begins in the stunning Gerés National Park and continues into the Serra de Peneda Mountain range. This area is home to wolves and golden eagles, but you’re more likely to see a deer or wild boar along your route.
You’ll cycle through quiet villages and will notice the unique granite maize stores that are still somewhat in use. Your trail ends today in the fortified town of Monção, nestled on the banks of the Minho River.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Monção
Distance: Easy option: 3 hours, 45.4km, 320m of ascent
Medium option: 4 hours, 53.6km, 422m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 River and Vineyard Riding
Today, you will travel eastwards, along the River Minho to the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey will take you through the demarcated Vinho Verde winemaking region and the vineyards that produce the dry white wine for which it is famous. Enjoy the elegant Brejoeira Palace which is still inhabited by the family, a leading producer of top-quality Vinho Verde, and pick up a bottle of this wine for dinner. Along the route, you will cycle past landmarks of the battles between Portugal and Spain, especially the impressive 17th century stronghold at Valença and the Vila Nova de Cerveira fort. That evening, you will stay in Vila Praia de Âncora, a traditional fishing town by the river and the sea.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora
Distance: 3 hours, 58.2km, 210m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to to Ponte de Lima
Cycling along the mighty Atlantic Ocean is an extraordinary experience, especially when the ocean is showing its friendliest face as you ride past fishing villages that appear unchanged for centuries. As you arrive in Viana do Castelo the peace and quiet is replaced by the buzz of this lively city at the estuary of the river Lima. A must-see is the 19th century byzantine Santa Luzia Church on the hilltop overlooking the city.
From here you will cycle inland again, following the river Lima until you arrive in Ponte de Lima. The oldest village in Portugal, it is famous for its beautiful 24-arch Roman bridge famous and its importance to medieval pilgrims as they made their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Ponte de Lima
Distance: 4 hours, 46.5km, 201m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Ride the Camino de Santiago
You’ll have a nice easy ride today, but it will certainly be meaningful! You will be cycling on the centuries-old Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Many have sought answers along this historic route that the devout still walk today, believing their sins will be forgiven upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela.
The city of Barcelos is your stopping point today. Here, you can learn about the local pottery trade or visit the 13th century Mother Church.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Barcelos
Distance: 2 hours, 32.5 km, 300m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Enjoy the Bounty of the Atlantic Coast and Ride to Vila do Conde
You’ll enjoy the fresh ocean breezes as you return to the coast during your ride today. At lunch, take the time to enjoy the bountiful fresh seafood that the region is known for.
You’ll ride to Vila do Conde, where you’ll find this fishing harbour has a famous ship-building legacy. Make sure to take a stroll along the beach after your incredible seafood dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vila do Conde
Distance: Easy option: 2 hours, 35.9km, 246m of ascent
Medium option: 3 hours, 43.7km, 273m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Bike the Coast to Porto
Today you’ll have a quiet cycle through the dunes on the coast. Keep an eye overhead as you pass through a sea bird reserve!
You’ll follow along the Douro River to your final destination, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Explore the historic city and its over 1500 monuments. You may also want to celebrate the final evening of your trip with a glass of the famous local port.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: Easy option: 2 hours, 34.4 km, 232m of ascent
Medium option: 3 hours, 48.9km, 120m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Farewell, Portugal!
This morning, after breakfast your tour will conclude. See you next time!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures The departures are available every Sunday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from EUR1544*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR1138*
Accommodation on the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses. The properties have all been chosen so that you can enjoy the different cultures of the region.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations. The hotel list will be sent to you with your confirmation but will be reconfirmed 31 days prior to your arrival.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included on this tour. There are optional meal or tasting packages that may be added.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transport throughout the tour is included.
Also Included
- Standard touring bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet
- Tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube
- Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotel
- Emergency phone support
- Access to route mobile app
Please note that it is advised that travellers bring their own helmets, however previously used helmets are provided. You may also opt to purchase a new one. Please request this option at the time of booking.
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Porto
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers
Optional Extras
- Upgrade tour to Premium services: (private transfers at the start and end of your tour, full route briefing and 30-minutes bike fitting, on-call roadside assistance, private reception in Portugal, daily post-ride messages)
- Guide or support vehicle
- Wine and Olive Oil experiences
- Wine & Dine Package with 2 dinners
- Picnic lunches
- E-Bike supplement
- Extra transfers between Porto Airport and city center
- Prepaid mobile phone
- Shared transfers to and from the airports.
- How hard is the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure?
- Will I need internet access for the app during my rides on the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
- Are meals included on the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Castro Laboreiro to start this tour?
- Is the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure guided?
- Where does the Minho and Porto Biking Adventure end?
- Is my bike rental included?
- Can I rent a child seat or trailer?
- Is my helmet rental included?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?
- When is the best time to travel to Portugal for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. The rides on this tour are 2 to 4 hours in length on paved paths or easy trails. Most rides give the option to choose between two difficulties, but many of the trails are downhill or mostly flat regardless.
You will need to download the guide app included on this tour before you begin any of your hikes. This way, you will be able to access the maps and route guides on your device when it’s offline.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included. Additional meal packages may be added in advance.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Porto Airport (OPO). An optional private or shared airport transfer to your hotel in Castro Laboreiro is possible for a supplement.
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will have access to a route guide on an included app. If you prefer to book this as a guided tour, let us know.
This tour ends in Porto.
Yes, your cycling equipment is included. This tour includes a hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet. A tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube, and prepaid mobile phone are also included.
Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Yes, you can rent a child seat or bike trailer for children older than 9 months and up to 4 or 5 years old. Please request at time of booking for pricing and availability.
Yes, a previously used helmet will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own helmet if you prefer. You may also opt to purchase a new one for €55 EUR, please request this option at the time of booking if you’d like.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit this region of Portugal is early summer (June) and early fall (September) when the weather is warm but not too hot and it’s not as busy as high summer can be.
Customer Ratings
VINITUR is a full-service tour operator providing fine customized programs about wine, food, and culture in Portugal and Spain. VINITUR has dedicated itself to special groups, corporate travellers, and gourmet and luxury-focused visitors for leisure travel since 1998. VINITUR’s innovative approach and unique services include wine, food, and culinary itineraries, gourmet experiences, meetings, and conferences. The company has provided self-guided bike tours since 2014 alongside other self-guided tours by car since 2005. VINITUR is the Portuguese travelling agency endorsed by the world-famous Great Wine Capitals network.
In 2014, Vinitur launched the Portugal Biking Experiences, a new offering linked to active tourism and nature. This new service was the result of an intense year of exploration of new concepts, selection of the best bicycle routes, new partnerships, and the creation of innovative cycling products. Relying on their many years of experience, Portugal Biking Experiences combines the best that nature has to offer in a beautiful, authentic experience.
