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Our trip starts in Porto. Portugal’s second city straddles the River Douro and its atmospheric historic centre lies on the northern bank. The Port Wine lodges are located along the river in Gaia on the southern side.
We leave Porto travelling by train to reach Pala where our first ride begins, cycling up the Douro Valley on relatively quiet roads until we reach Peso de Regua right in the heart of the region with terraced vineyards. From here a bus takes us to Viseu for an overnight stay (47km cycling)
We cycle the Ecopista do Dão cycle path, a former, converted railway line. At the end of the ride, depending on our arrival time we travel by train or public bus to Coimbra – once the medieval capital of Portugal and home to the historic University (49km cycling). The Tour Leader will take us on a walk through the backstreets and old quarter. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 49 kilometres (total 150 metres accumulated ascent and 550 metres descent).
First thing today we catch the train to Aveiro – a charming town that is known for its canals, Art Nouveau architecture and colourful Moliceiros boats. We start our ride along the colourfully painted beachfront houses in the Costa Nova neighbourhood. The surrounding area is a shallow coastal lagoon rich in birdlife and our cycle route takes us south, through the plains and marshland close to the sea, to finally reach Praia de Mira where our ride ends. We then drive to Figuera da Foz where we spend the night (49km cyling)
After breakfast we drive to Alcobaça, allowing some time here to explore before starting our cycle ride. The 12th-century UNESCO-listed monastery is considered to be one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in Portugal. Later on the bikes, the route follows the valley down to where it meets the sea at Nazaré. This seaside town has become famous among surfers for the monster waves, created by a trench close to shore, which can reach over 20 metres in height in the winter months when conditions are right. Our cycle route then follows the coast south to Foz de Arelho where we spend the next two nights. Foz de Arelho remains remarkably undeveloped and boasts a vast beach on the estuary, popular for windsurfing, as well as a great seafront beach just 15 minutes walking from town (48km cycling).
Today has been left free to explore or relax. We suggest a visit to nearby Obidos and it is possible to travel there by taxi or by bike. Obidos is considered to be one of the most picturesque and well-preserved medieval towns in Portugal. The town prospered after becoming part of the royal estate from the 13th century and within the walls, you can visit the castle and lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and little squares with fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days (optional 30km cycling).
Our final ride is always close to the sea as we cycle south until Peniche, spectacularly set on a headland surrounded by the sea. The town remains an important fishing port as well as offering great beaches and surf. We will have some time to explore the walled historic centre before driving off to Lisbon. Lisbon offers a good selection of restaurants to celebrate the end of our journey followed by the option to see a live performance of traditional ‘Fado’ music for those interested (43km cycling).
The trip ends after breakfast.
