Discover two of the most iconic cities in Portugal: Porto & Lisbon
Along this magnificent, yet accessible, journey, we cycle to connect the two most important Portuguese cities. Porto, one of the oldest tourist destinations in Europe, is where the adventure starts. The richness of its artistic heritage, the Port Wine, the leisure options and its cultural life are just some of the reasons that invite you to visit the city. The route is mostly along the coast, favouring secondary roads and wooden paths what ensures scenic, architectural and cultural diversity.The city of Coimbra is also part of this trip, called “the city of knowledge” as it has the oldest Portuguese university and several impeccably preserved national monuments. The final stop is Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, city of the 7 hills overlooking the Tagus River and the omnipresent Atlantic Ocean.
Stage 1
Route: Porto – Cais de Gaia - Valadares - Granja - Espinho - Esmoriz - Furadouro
Distance: 45km
Elevation gain: +200 meters
Leaving from Porto, the tour includes crossing the Douro River over one of the most famous bridges in Portugal, the Ponte D. Luís, built by Gustave Eiffel. In Vila Nova de Gaia the tour includes cycling along the world-famous Port Wine cellars. In Valadares, starts the route along the Atlantic shoreline and the beaches. In Miramar, from the chapel of Senhor da Pedra, a monument built on top of a rock located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the view of the sea and the white-sand beach is breathtaking.
If you choose to stop for lunch, Espinho is a well-known destination for a taste of the best fresh fish. The path that leads to the hotel (Ecovia) goes through the magnificent forest of Furadouro.
Stage 2
Route: Furadouro - Carregal - Torreira - São Jacinto (transfer by Ferry Boat) - Barra - Vagueira - Mira
Distance: 50km
Elevation gain: +100 mt
We cycle along the coast towards the south, along secondary roads for most of the route, passing by several fishing villages, including Torreira, with its long and fantastic beach. You will also cross the famous São Jacinto Dunes nature reserve, covering approximately 6.7 square kilometres, with trails and bird watching areas. In São Jacinto we cross the ria via ferry boat. In the final kilometres, enjoy the fantastic landscape of the famous Costa Nova do Prado, where the beaches interconnect with the rural environment and the landscape is unique.
Stage 3
Route: Mira - Barracão - Cantanhede - Ança - Coimbra
Distance: 65km
Elevation gain: +250 meters
On the 3rd day we head towards Cantanhede and its large extensions of vineyards, part of the Bairrada Wine region. This region is well known for its high-quality wines and sparkling wines, mainly from the indigenous Baga variety. The route is mostly flat, providing good averages. The goal is to reach Coimbra, a city with rich cultural heritage. It was the first capital of the Kingdom of Portugal and its University dates back to 1537. It also has several gardens, mainly on the riverside along the Mondego River, which is the largest Portuguese River running entirely within Portuguese territory.
Stage 4
Route: Coimbra - Montemor - Maiorca - Figueira da Foz
Distancia: 50km
Elevation gain: +110 mt
We set off along the banks of the Mondego River, crossing vast rice fields towards the city of Montemor-o-Velho, with its imposing castle that served as the stage for several struggles to reconquer the territory, the sacrifice of national heroes and the forbidden loves of D. Pedro and D. Inês. Figueira da Foz is the day's destination. It is here that the beautiful River Mondego joins the Ocean and where we will have the well-deserved rest.
Stage 5
Route: Figueira da Foz - Guarda do Norte - Praia de Pedrogão - São Pedro de Moel
Distancia: 60km
Elevation gain: +300 mt
This route starts by the Ocean, in Figueira da Foz and heading towards the Pedrogão beach, a small village with by the sea, and a beach stretching for around 1400 meters and where its inhabitants, with a strong connection to agriculture and fishing, created the legacy of the Xávega Art (a traditional form of fishing). To get to São Pedro de Moel we cross a pine forest, called Mata Nacional de Leiria, which was planted in the 12th century. Upon arrival in São Pedro de Moel, a stop in the Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse is mandatory.
Stage 6
Route: São Pedro de Moel - Polvoeira - Vale Furado - Nazaré - São Martinho do Porto - Foz do Arelho - Caldas da Rainha - Óbidos
Distance: 60km
Elevation gain: +650 mt
On this route we will cycle next to some of the most iconic beaches for surfers. In Nazaré, perfect giant waves are formed thanks to the Nazaré canyon, a geomorphological underwater phenomenon. The route proceeds towards the Foz do Arelho and São Martinho do Porto lagoons, considered by many the best beaches on the west coast. Finally, we arrive at the medieval town of Óbidos, of Roman origin, with small alleys and corners surrounded by a wall and filled with history.
Stage 7
Route: Lourinhã - Ribamar - Maceira - Sta.Cruz - Ericeira - Azenhas do Mar - Sintra
Distance: 65km
Elevation gain: +970 mt
From Óbidos a transfer will take us to Lourinhã. On the way, in Peniche, we can spot the Berlengas Islands. From Lourinhã and until Ericeira, the route goes up and down by the sea, passing by several clear water and white sand beaches. In the last few kilometers, the route goes inland and the route ends in the city of Sintra, known for its the many monuments and that have awarded it the World Heritage Site title by UNESCO.
6 nigths - from 1406€ per person in double room or 1563€ in a single room
Includes
Minimum number of participants: 4
Extras
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