Minho and Porto by bike : from the mountains to the sea

Your cycling tour from Minho to Porto:

Day 1 : Arrival in Porto airport - Transfer to Castro Laboreiro

Shared transfer at 2:00 pm from Porto airport to Castro Laboreiro, inside the Gerês National Park. As you are driven across the hills and mountains of the countryside, past extensive vineyards, you will observe small villages dotted here and there, like pieces of mosaic, on the distant hills. This is a tiny hamlet with beautiful wind and watermills.

Day 2 : Castro Laboreiro – Monção | 44 km or 57 km

The first stage is exceptionally beautiful, a pleasant downhill journey past the Spanish border, past a landscape of stark granite outcrops and few trees, across the northern regions of the Gerês National Park and into the land of the Serra de Peneda mountain range.  Then you arrive in Monção, the fortified town on the River Minho, you will understand why the Portuguese are so proud of the fact that the Spanish were never able to conquer them.

Day 3 : Monção - Vila Praia de Ancora | 48 km

Today, you cycle along the river Minho to the Atlantic Ocean. This 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 and also the impressive 17th century stronghold at Valença and the Vila Nova de Cerveira fort. That evening, you will stay in Vila Praia de Ancora, a traditional fishing town by the river and the sea.

Day 4 : Vila Praia de Ancora - Ponte de lima | 52 km

Cycling along the Atlantic Ocean and ride past fishing villages that appear unchanged for centuries. Arrive in Viana do Castelo, a lively city at the estuary of the River Lima. From here you will cycle inland again, following the River Lima until Ponte de Lima. The oldest village in Portugal, it is famous for its beautiful 24-arch Roman bridge.

Day 5 : Ponte de Lima – Barcelos | 33 km

This is a pleasant, not complex, bike ride through cornfields and vineyards to the city of Barcelos on the River Cavado. The center of the pottery industry, it is also of religious importance. You must visit the 13th century Mother Church. Every hour on the hour, you will hear the pealing of the church belles of the many parishes for which the city is famous.

Day 6 : Barcelos – Vila do Conde | 36 km or 44 km

Today you cycle back to the Atlantic until Vila do Conde, famous for its shipbuilding past, as we can see by the replica of a ship used during the Discoveries and built here. The city centre is dominated by gracious manors and small palaces. Enjoy a wonderful sardine or other fresh fish dinner in town.

Day 7 : Vila do Conde – Porto | 34 km or 48 km

This last stage will take you on quiet cycle paths along the coast, through a sea bird reserve, along dunes and across fishing villages. You are approaching Porto and you will soon enter the city via the estuary of the River Douro. This city, famous for Port Wine past and present, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Day 8 : Departure during the day

Private transfer from the hotel in Porto to Porto Airport.

The little extra with RandoVélo

• Wine experiences package featuring 3 visits and tastings including :

. 2 Vinho Verde wine visits and tastings, at wine estates in Monção and Ponte de Lima – Vinho Verde wine region
. 1 Port Wine visit and tasting at a historic Port Wine cellar in Porto

• Special Wine & Dine package with 2 dinners – Barcelos & Porto – including :

. 1 Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, with a 2-dish menu and wine, desert and a glass of port wine– in Barcelos
. 1 Gourmet dinner with four courses & three wines – in Porto