Self-guided Minho and Porto Bike Tour

We meet at Porto Airport and transfer by car to Castro Laboreiro close to Protugal's northern border with Spain. The transfer takes a little over 2 hours.

Castro Laboreiro is a small hamlet located atop a plateau and overlooking the Minho river which flows down from Spanish Galicia, and forms the border between Spain and Portugal around here.

This rugged region is a part of the Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal's only national park, and a part of the larger UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Geres-Xures.

Once abundant in wildlife, the reserve is one of the last remaining refuges of large animals such as the Iberian Wolf and the Golden Eagle, In ancient times, the constant threat of wild animals led the locals to breed a hardy sheepdog known as the Castro Laboreiro dog or simply the Portuguese sheepdog which helped farmers protect cattle from wild animals.

Laboreiro is a quiet village surrounded by pines and distant hills. The meditative ruins of its ancient castle dating back to Roman times are the prefect metaphor for this quiet, yet ancient village which marks the start of our exciting adventure.

We begin our cycling adventure with a descent through a landscape of granite outcrops and few trees, crossing the northern regions of the Gerês National Park, under the watchful eye of the highest peak in region, Serra da Peneda standing 1,340 m ( 4,396 ft) high. Don't be surprised if you come across a deer or a wild boar as you ride through Portugal's only national park!

As we ride through the region, we get to see several elements of Portuguese rural life, such as the community ovens where villagers used to gather to bake their bread, and the traditional granaries.

We are heading south and west towards Monção, the cradle of Vinho Verde wine, and the landscape begins to change from the rocky granites of Geres National Park to verdant wine valleys.

Our stay for the night is at the Solar de Serrade, a manor house dating back to the 17th century. The family run estate also produces excellent Vinho Verde wines that the owners will gladly invite you to taste

Today, we travel eastwards, along the River Minho to meet the Atlantic Ocean. Our journey takes us 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, we 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.

Our destination today is Vila Praia de Âncora, a traditional fishing town by the river and the sea. We stay for the night in Hotel Meira, a 4-star family-run hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1935.

Road Surface: 95% paved, 5 % trails

Today we continue cycling along the Atlantic Coast, riding past quaint fishing villages that appear unchanged since ancient times.

We are now also on the Portuguese section famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route dating back to the 9th century AD, albeit heading the other way. This network of routes is based around the travels of St. James in western Europe, and culminates in the town of Santiago de Compostela in Spanish Galicia.

A highlight of today's ride is the town of Viana do Castelo, a beautiful town located on the mouths of the river Lima. Viana do Castelo is often called the "Mecca of Portuguese Architecture". One look at its famous Santa Lucia church, and you will understand why this Roman era town has some of the most beautiful monuments in Portugal.

We end the day's riding in Ponte de Lima, the oldest chartered town in Portugal, famous for its bridge over the river Lima dating back to Roman times.

Stay for the night is at the Quinta da Agra Rural Guest House, a charming countryside Manor house with traditional architecture facing the green valley of the Lima river. The Manor house's foundation dates to the 16th century.

Road Surface: 40% paved, 60% trails

We continue heading south along the coast, following the millennium-old Camino de Santiago. Whether you are religious or not, riding along this route is a special experience. Possibly because one is so aware that this has been a pilgrims’ way for centuries and that so many have trod these paths with such fervour and dedication. It is a route that those who walk it still today, do so knowing they will meet challenges, experience great joy and forever learn the lesson of life.

The ride is made even more pleasant by the landscape, consisting of cornfields and vineyards, all the way to the city of Barcelos on the River Cavado.

Barcelos is a centre of Portuguese pottery, known especially for its figurado adobe pottery and clay figures whih depict everyday figures in colorful and lifelike detail. It is recognized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Crafts and Folk Art City

Another must-visit site in Barcelos is the 13th century Mother Church, whose bells peal every hour, ringing out across the parish.

Stay for the night is at the Bagoeira Hotel. The hotel's restaurant goes back 400-years, and is known for serving excellent Caldo Verde soup, one of Portugal's most famous dishes.

Road Surface: 85% paved, 15% trails

Today we get back to cycling along the Atlantic, as we head towards Vila do Conde, a town that played in important part in building the ships that heralded Portugal's golden Age of Discovery.

While the city centre is dominated by gracious manors and small palaces, there are also several beautiful churches in town for visitors to explore, in addition to beautiful beaches.

Vila do Conde is also known for its delicious seafood, which is a must-have when in town.

Stay for the night is in the Hotel Brazão, situated in a historic building dating back to the 17th century.

Road Surface: 90% paved, 10% trails

Our last day of biking takes us on quiet cycling paths along the Atlantic Coast, where we ride through a sea bird reserve, fishing villages, and scenic sand dunes until we approach the estuary of the Douro River. At this point, we are in the vicinity of Porto, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historical center containing more than 150 listed monuments. As we meander along the Douro river, we cannot help but admire the beauty - both natural and man-made - of this historic city.

Road Surface: 70% paved, 30% trails

We depart according to our onward travel plans.