Following your arrival into Porto airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your first accommodation in the city of Porto.

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, and is located in the estuary of the river Douro. Porto is well known for being the home of Port wine (it’s in the name!) so be sure to have a glass to salute the journey ahead.

Once settled into your home for the night, your representative will help you set up your hire bikes, should you be hiring, and talk you through your maps, trip notes and GPS routes to make sure everything is clear for the week ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 325 Metres Approx.

For the first half of today, you will be riding along cycle paths alongside the river Douro, along the south bank, allowing for marvellous views of the city, its bridges and the ocean.

After going through Gaia, Porto’s neighbouring city, the route continues along bike lanes that stretch right the way south, towards the seashore. Around half way you will have the chance to stop and explore the bustling sea side town of Espinho.

Towards the end of today’s cycling, the route goes through less populated areas along the shore, towards your home for the evening in a small hotel on the beach, in the typical fishing village of Furadouro.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 110 Metres Approx.

Today’s route leads you to Ria de Aveiro, a natural lagoon of sea water that extends inland, parallel to the coast, for approximately 40 kms. The route follows the road, nestled in between the lagoon and the ocean offering up marvellous views. Sticking close to the lagoon, you’ll have water, wildlife and tranquility to the left, and villages, beach-resorts and Hollywood style villas to the right!

Once you’ve reached the end of the lagoon where it meets the sea, it’s time to rest your legs for a few minutes whilst you cross over to the other side on a ferry (Approx. 2.40€ per person, not included in tour cost)... then it’s back on the bikes to continue along flat terrain through the many fishing villages along the south shore of Aveiro.

Your destination tonight is Ilhavo, in a hotel by a lagoon. The area is well-known for its glorious beaches and cod!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 520 Metres Approx.

Today sees you cycling along flat terrain as you make your way first through the village of Praia da Mira, with its beautiful beach. You’ll make your way along narrow roads, making for a relaxing morning ride.

The final part of the day needs a little more energy! You’ll pass through the village of Quiaios, a charming village situated on the foothill of the “Serra de Boa Viagem” mountain range. From here there’s a cheeky climb to the top, with some steep sections. The climb is smooth and progressive and the ocean views from the top make the ride well worth it.

Down the other side, you’ll find the city of Figueira da Foz and the largest and most famous beach along the west coast. Your hotel for the evening is located on the sea front right on the beach and is the tallest building in town.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 440 Metres Approx.

To reach the more relaxing cycle lanes, you’ll first travel across the river Mondego over the main road bridge (using a side path alongside the road, away from the traffic). After following the road for a couple of kms you will once again be cycling along narrow country roads that will take you all the way to the shoreline.

Along the way, you’ll find yourself going through Praia de Vieira. If you have time, head over to the far end of the beach, and if timed right you will be able to help the fishermen pull their nets from the ocean full of the day’s catch, ready to be sold at the local fish markets … can’t get fresher than that!

The hotel tonight boasts a cliff top location, overlooking the beach.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 975 Metres Approx.

This morning’s ride will take you along bike lanes following the coast line, with magnificent views of the ocean. The most amazing views will come once you reach the village of Sitio. The viewpoint in the centre of the village is a must visit. The frame is composed of the town of Nazaré in the foreground, and the miles and miles of stunning shoreline with the deep blue ocean and crashing waves in the background. Really something not to be missed!

You’ll then descend to Nazaré, one of the most famous fishing villages along the western shoreline, with one of the most beautiful beaches. If you need another glimpse of the amazing view, you can always take the cable car from Nazaré back up to Sitio.

Moving south the flat terrain gives way to more undulating landscape, with a few hills to climb. Your reward…? The most amazing views! If you’d prefer, there is a gentler option this afternoon, with less climbing. Today’s ride finishes in Óbidos, a village surrounded by castle walls, bursting with history and medieval culture.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 588 or 680 Metres Approx.

Today you can decide if you want a longer route or a shorter one. The longer route will take you in a westerly direction towards the coast to visit the town of Peniche. Here you do a loop around the coast line of the peninsula of Carvoeiro with magnificent views to the high cliffs and the far distant isolated islands of Berlengas. The route then proceeds south through neighbouring coastal villages, where you will find yourself meandering along a narrow road next to the shore, heading to the beach of Areia Branca.

The ride to the hotel is varied, and the latter part takes you through a canyon which ends at the beach of Porto Novo. Tonight you will stay in a hotel on the beach, with breathtaking views of the ocean.

There is a shorter route available for those who need to rest their legs today. For those opting for the shorter route, it does mean missing out on the visit to Peniche and the Carvoeiro Peninsula, but it does allow more time for exploring Vimeiro!

• Meals: Breakfast

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, your representative will meet you and transfer you from Vimeiro to Lisbon to meet your return flight home.