Others

Local bike hire

Transport

Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with assistance or if you choose to ‘sit out’ a section of the ride (seats are limited). A guide cycles with the group.

Flights

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Optional

Single accommodation (available on request) E-bike hire available on request

Guide

The group is generally between six and 16 people. There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle. For groups of 12 or more, a second cycling guide will join.

Meals

All breakfasts and one wine tasting included. A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam, or honey, cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt. Eggs are usually available and there are frequently other cooked options; the breakfasts on this trip are always plentiful and perfect to set us up for a day of cycling. Portuguese people are very proud of their cuisine, and the deliciously fresh seafood is a real highlight. You will find fresh fish on most menus, usually sardines, sea bream, hake, sea bass and sole, cooked in a variety of ways. Bacalhau (cured codfish) is a national dish although it can vary depending on the region – there are up to 365 recipes to cook it. Caldo verde (green soup) is made with potatoes, olive oil and salt, sometimes with garlic and onion, and is typical in the northern region of Portugal. For meat lovers, the barrosã meat (steak) is often served grilled and roasted just to its naturally delicious flavour. Francesinha is an iconic dish originating from Porto and involves layers of different meats (usually beef, ham, grilled pork, linguiça [smoke-cured pork sausage] and sausage), between two slices of bread, covered by melted cheese and immersed in a spicy beer and tomato sauce, often topped with a fried egg and surrounded by chips. It is not for the faint-hearted. To drink you will find plenty of the local Sagres and Superbock beer. Vinho verde is available from the supermarket and directly from the producers. It is a young, medium-strength white wine with an almost carbonated quality. Port needs no introduction and a glass (or two) of the fortified wine will generally follow a hearty Portuguese meal. There are an incredible amount of different desserts available and if you have a sweet tooth it will be possible to try a different one each day! Local favourites include bolo de bolacha (cookie cake), leite creme (cream eggs and sugar), pao de lo (sponge cake made with lots of eggs), arroz doce (a traditional rice pudding) and of course, pastel de nata, which you will find at most cafes on your route.

Accommodation

We use a selection of four-star hotels, chosen for their location, comfort and character. Some have a swimming pool or are directly on the coast with exceptional sea views. The hotels typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Porto: Neya Hotel (night 1) Begin this cycling adventure in a converted convent on the banks of the Douro River. Many of the original features were preserved during the restoration, plus there are plenty of modern conveniences, including a day spa and restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Gather the group and raise a glass together at the Último rooftop bar with a view of the Douro. Figueira da Foz: Universal Boutique Hotel (night 4) Stay just one block from the beach at this stylish four-star hotel in the trendy Bairro Novo area of Figueira da Foz. There are 29 themed rooms and each floor of the hotel showcases a different aspect of a city once called the Queen of the Beaches of Portugal. When it’s time to relax, head to the sophisticated lounge bar or there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to try nearby. São Pedro do Moel: Mar & Sol Hotel (night 5) Enjoy a spot right by the North Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star hotel. Some of the best sea views are found at the restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic vistas. The hotel also has a spa offering plenty of treatments and massages, plus a rooftop deck with sun loungers and more sea views.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas and vaccinations — Local city taxes (approximately €10) — E-bike hire

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Porto; Afternoon Orientation Tour And Guided Wine Tasting At A Port Wine Cellar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Porto; Afternoon Orientation Tour And Guided Wine Tasting At A Port Wine Cellar

Welcome meeting at 3.30pm in the reception of the start hotel before your guide leads the group on an orientation walk through the historic centre of the city. Porto is an Unesco World Heritage city and a real historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. There is plenty to see and for this reason we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring more of the vibrant centre. Before dinner, we will enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting at a traditional port wine cellar. Overnight in Porto. Accommodation: Neya Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Gentle Coastal Ride To Historic Ovar Via The Lively Seaside Town Of Furadouro (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Gentle Coastal Ride To Historic Ovar Via The Lively Seaside Town Of Furadouro (Breakfast)

This morning we leave the city bustle behind and immerse ourselves in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting from Porto, we ride along the Douro River until its estuary. We then follow the coast, mostly on cycling paths, enjoying inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride there will be opportunities to stop for drinks or snacks in traditional Portuguese cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean. After following a cycling path that crosses a pine tree forest, we reach lively Furadouro, a seaside town renowned for excellent fish. Enjoy free time for a swim (seasonal), before riding to historic Ovar. The pretty town is best-known for the glazed tiles known as azulejos, which adorn many of the local houses in the old part of the town. Route: After leaving Porto, mostly flat riding along cycle paths until Furadouro region, then short ride to Ovar with slight climb. Terrain: 80% paved cycle paths, 20% paved roads. Accommodation: Aqua Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Cycle To Mira Via The Protected Natural Reserve Of The São Jacinto Dunes; En Route Visit To The Pretty Coastal Town Of Costa Nova (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cycle To Mira Via The Protected Natural Reserve Of The São Jacinto Dunes; En Route Visit To The Pretty Coastal Town Of Costa Nova (Breakfast)

Today’s ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of São Jacinto, one of Europe’s last remaining untouched coastal marshland and habitat of numerous bird species. We pedal through a scenery of sandy beaches, marshland and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants. After a short transfer by ferry, we leave the lagoon and continue cycling to the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, known for its long beach rated as one of the best in Portugal. Overnight in Mira. Route: Flat day starting with cycling to São Jacinto, ferry crossing from São Jacinto to Aveiro. Slight climb for bridge crossing, continue flat to Mira. Terrain: 65% paved cycle paths, including 0.6mi (1km) of dirt road, 35% paved roads. Accommodation: Maçarico Beach Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Follow The Portuguese Silver Coast And Ride To Figueira Da Foz (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Follow The Portuguese Silver Coast And Ride To Figueira Da Foz (Breakfast)

Today’s ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat or rolling and the roads are peaceful making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem before reaching the lively town of Figueira da Foz. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Figueira da Foz and its extensive beach nicknamed Rainha das Praias (Queen of Beaches). There are lots of lovely cafes and bars in which you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and some excellent restaurants. Overnight in Figueira da Foz. Route: Mostly flat ride along cycle paths and secondary roads to Quiaios, short, steep climb to Serra da Boa Viagem. Descent and flat ride to Figueira da Foz. Terrain: 55% paved cycle paths, including 2mi (3km) of dirt road, 45% paved roads. Accommodation: Universal Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Forest And Coastal Ride To The Village Of São Pedro De Moel; Free Time To Relax By The Beach Or Explore The Town (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Forest And Coastal Ride To The Village Of São Pedro De Moel; Free Time To Relax By The Beach Or Explore The Town (Breakfast)

Today we enter the Portuguese Silver Coast and ride a cycleway that follows the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road). We’ll be riding mainly through pastoral land and the remains of vast pine forest, the Pinhal de Leiria (Leiria Pine Forest), which was originally planted in the 15th century to provide timber for the construction of the Portuguese shipbuilding industry during the Portuguese Discoveries. Unfortunately, vast areas of the forest were destroyed in 2017 by one of the fiercest forest fires in a century. Little more than 3,700 acres (1,500ha) remain from a total of 27,200 acres (11,000ha). Although maritime pine is considered a fast-growing tree, it will take many more years for the forest to regenerate. Exodus is supporting the regeneration of the forests, working with local schools and communities to replant trees. On our exit from the forest, we take a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque town of São Pedro de Moel and enjoy time to relax at the beach or at the hotel with a sea view. Overnight in São Pedro do Moel. Route: Undulating ride on backroads to the Atlantic Road Cyclepath. Continue along the undulating route to São Pedro de Moel on the cycle path. Terrain: 70% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads. Accommodation: Mar & Sol Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Cycle To Nazaré, Where Some Of The Highest Waves In The World Are Recorded Annually; Pedal To Óbidos, A Stunning Fortified Medieval Village (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cycle To Nazaré, Where Some Of The Highest Waves In The World Are Recorded Annually; Pedal To Óbidos, A Stunning Fortified Medieval Village (Breakfast)

This morning you can opt to either transfer or cycle (reducing approximately 12mi/20km to today’s ride if taking the transfer) to Nazaré, one of the most famous fishing towns in Portugal. Here fisherwomen still wear seven colourful layers of skirts, as well as wooden clogs and a traditional black headscarf. There will be the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular ocean views from the popular panoramic terrace. It was in Nazaré’s Praia Norte that the world record for the largest wave ever surfed was set, an estimated 86ft (26.2m) high. From Nazaré we ride all the way to Óbidos, a small fortified town, which resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants who take real pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village characterised by narrow winding streets and white-washed houses. Overnight in Óbidos. Route: Undulating ride to Sítio da Nazaré followed by a descent to Nazaré beach; after lunch a series of short, steep climbs followed by similar descents before arriving at Óbidos. Terrain: 60% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads. Accommodation: Josefa D’Óbidos Hotel or The Literary Man (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Morning In Óbidos; Private Transfer To Lisbon And Orientation Walk Of Historic Centre (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Morning In Óbidos; Private Transfer To Lisbon And Orientation Walk Of Historic Centre (Breakfast)

The morning is free for further exploration of Óbidos and try not to leave town without trying the famous drink from the region, ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small edible chocolate cup. Late morning we transfer (approximately one hour) to the great capital city of Lisbon. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and later we have an orientation walk through the historic centre, observing beautiful architecture. Why not find a location after dinner to sample the traditional Fado music made famous from Lisbon? Overnight in Lisbon. Accommodation: Marquês de Pombal (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: End Lisbon (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: End Lisbon (Breakfast)

This morning marks the final breakfast of the adventure; an excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the many wonderful experiences you’ve enjoyed during this cycling holiday in Portugal. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Lisbon hotel and discover this culturally rich capital a little more.

8 days tour

Porto To Lisbon Atlantic Ride

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Porto To Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Day 1: Start Porto; Afternoon Orientation Tour And Guided Wine Tasting At A Port Wine Cellar

Day 2: Gentle Coastal Ride To Historic Ovar Via The Lively Seaside Town Of Furadouro (Breakfast)

Day 3: Cycle To Mira Via The Protected Natural Reserve Of The São Jacinto Dunes; En Route Visit To The Pretty Coastal Town Of Costa Nova (Breakfast)

Day 4: Follow The Portuguese Silver Coast And Ride To Figueira Da Foz (Breakfast)

Day 5: Forest And Coastal Ride To The Village Of São Pedro De Moel; Free Time To Relax By The Beach Or Explore The Town (Breakfast)

Day 6: Cycle To Nazaré, Where Some Of The Highest Waves In The World Are Recorded Annually; Pedal To Óbidos, A Stunning Fortified Medieval Village (Breakfast)

Day 7: Morning In Óbidos; Private Transfer To Lisbon And Orientation Walk Of Historic Centre (Breakfast)

Day 8: End Lisbon (Breakfast)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania