Porto To Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Guide

The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.

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.

Others

Local bike hire

Flights

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Optional

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

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.

Accommodation

We use a selection of comfortable four-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. Some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view. Examples of hotels used: Porto: Neya Hotel, a four-star hotel located on the banks of the Douro River. The hotel used to be a convent and many original features have been preserved. The hotel's Skybar provides wonderful views over the river and city. Ovar: Aqua Hotel, a four-star, centrally located in the historic town Praia de Mira: Maçarico Beach Hotel, a four-star property with a contemporary design and excellent rooftop pool. Figueira da Foz: Universal Boutique Hotel, a four-star hotel that’s just one block from the beach, or EXE Wellington, a four-star hotel that reflects the town’s maritime heritage throughout. São Pedro do Moel: Mar & Sol Hotel, a four-star hotel with a seafront location, modern style, spa, and rooftop deck. Obidos: The Literary Man, a four-star, unique literary hotel and the biggest in the world of its kind. A former convent converted into a hotel in 1965 with traditional decoration and an eco and modern style. It has a gin bar and a lounge with an antique fireplace. Lisbon: Marquês de Pombal, a four-star hotel with an unrivalled location on the city’s central Avenida da Liberdade with gym and spa facilities, or Olissippo Saldanha, a four-star hotel with an excellent central location, spacious rooms, and facilities including a bar and restaurant. Please note, some hotels might change on certain departures. For more up-to-date information about the hotels used, please contact our Customer Operations Team closer to your travel date. Bookings within 30 days are subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Others

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

Insurance

Insurance is not included