Camino Zamorano Português
An adventurous ride through “forgotten” regions where time often seems to have stopped
Camino Zamorano Português
An adventurous ride through “forgotten” regions where time often seems to have stopped
Highlights:
> A Less Traveled Camino, Remote areas
> Tras-os-Montes Region, Montesinho Nature Reserve and Small Mountain Villages
> Awe Inspiring Mountain Tops and Deep Valleys, Being in Close Touch with Nature
> Zamora and Bragança Medieval Heritage and Ourense Lively Pace
> Hearty Food, Cured Meats and Fresh Produce
Road Self-Guided Bike Tour
Premium
€ 2,250
Start / End
Zamora / Santiago
Group Size
Minimum
2 participants
Length
34-73 kms day
406 kms total
(miles)
Casual
€ 1,350
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Tour Dates
Choose what best suits yours plans
Challenge
Moderate to Adventurous
Challenging Climbs
Explore less known regions, often overlooked not because of their lack of interest or beauty, but mostly because of their underdevelopment and remoteness. Intact nature, deserted villages, small towns filled with warm and welcoming people.
Day 1 Welcome Zamora
This fortified town still features vestiges of the Roman presence and of its Medieval importance. Being that Zamora even saw the signature of the Treaty that recognised Portugal as an independent country. With such a rich history and cultural legacy its beauty is further enhanced by the Douro River flowing by.
Day 2 Enjoy vast plains and views over water reservoirs
Spin across farmlands and past tiny hamlets. Once there, check the churches guarding old remainders of the Camino. Alcanices also celebrates the shared Portuguese & Spain history. Over there, Portugal’s borders were defined more than 700 years ago. (72km/45m)
Day 3 Discover a “forgotten” Portugal
Old stone houses with wooden balconies are abundant and a reminder of time rushing by. Many have been left abandoned. Wander up and down quiet back roads with faraway hills in sight. The old Roman bridge is a testimony of long gone times and so is Bragança with its imposing castle and medieval buildings. (60km/37m)
Day 4 Riding on the Edge of Montesinho Nature Reserve
Montesinho (standing for small mountain), an often overlooked Reserve, full of natural and cultural richness. During your ride, take time to cool down under an oak tree or go for swim in a river stream. Once in Vinhais, discover a quiet town perched on a slope overlooking the “small mountains”. (34km/21m)
Day 5 Deep into Tras-os-Montes, “behind the mountain” Region
In the heart of Montesinho highlands, winding roads follow along mountainsides. During the ride, the soundtrack will be singing birds and burbling rivers! Then, villages tucked in distant valleys and awe-inspiring views. You won’t even realize you’ve crossed the border into Spain. Finally in Verin discover the colorful and loud Cigarrons. (56km/35m)
Day 6 Entering Evergreen Galicia
Follow the Tamega River and fertile valley zigzagging up the mountains past its spring. Later, visit the Ricon del Peregrino small bar, covered with scallop shells with messages from past pilgrims. Ourense, best known for its thermal baths, is certainly a lively break from the countryside. (73km/45m)
Day 7 Enjoy the countryside fresh air
An ancient Roman bridge still takes passerby’s away from the bustling city. Once you reach the 100km mark to Santiago, you feel closer to your destination. Ride past the Medieval Ponte de Madras and once in Cea, try the famous Bread. In Lalin artsy pig statues uniquely adorn the town. (58km/36m)
Day 8 Santiago awaits you
As you get closer to Santiago, your path is lined with even more symbols of the Camino. Anticipation grows as you ride through farmlands and cattle grazing fields before reaching your final destination. Santiago’s Cathedral in all its glory will surely be a rewarding and well-deserved sight. (53km/33m)
Day 9 See You Soon Santiago
Take some time to admire and explore the beauty of Santiago de Compostela’s old town, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Time to say goodbye, certainly not for too long!
Please contact us for custom-made itineraries and other available options!
Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]
Rider
Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, comfortable with road and unpaved tracks.
Comfortable with hilly terrain and occasional steady hills.
Traveller
For those seeking to be far-flung and feel comfortable with riding in remote area.
Willing to discover a less traveled path, for personal enrichment or for spiritual reasons, this is a distinctive Camino.
Terrain
Mostly paved, forest roads and occasional hard-packed gravel or unpaved paths.
Undulating to mountainous terrain with some rolling valleys.
Day by Day
Day 1
Explore Zamora historic center and the River Douro front
Day 2
Zamora to Alcanices: 72 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 905 m – 2970 ft
Day 3
Alcanices to Bragança: 60 kms – 37 miles > Gain: 900 m – 2953 ft
Day 4
Bragança to Vinhais: 34 kms – 21 miles > Gain: 540 m – 1772 ft
Day 5
Vinhais to Verin: 56 kms – 35 miles > Gain: 1100 m – 3609 ft
Day 6
Verin to Ourense: 73 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 980m – 3215 ft
Day 7
Ourense to Lalin: 58 kms – 36 miles > Gain: 1320m – 4331 ft
Day 8
Lalin to Santiago: 53 kms – 33 miles > Gain: 910m – 2986 ft
Access
You can reach Zamora from Madrid and Santiago has connecting flights with Madrid Barajas.
Public Transport:
From Madrid to Zamora, fast trains take around 3h > more info on www.renfe.com
From Santiago to Madrid, domestic flights take around 1h > more info on www.aena.com
Private Transfer:
We can help you organize a private transfer with a third-party provider.
Weather and what to expect throughout the year
The weather in northeast Portugal and neighboring Spanish Regions are mild in spring and warm in summer and mostly dry throughout the year. Fall and Winter bring cooler weather and temperatures can drop below zero.
Spring:
Mild temperatures during the day, which can be cooler in some areas.
Shrubs and small vegetation with colorful flowers fill the hills.
Summer:
Temperatures can be hot and dry during summer and especially in high altitude.
Nevertheless, forested areas bring some coolness and fresh rivers are a good option to cool down.
Autumn:
A favorite season for many riders, usually temperatures are pleasant.
With golden colors settling in and it’s also the best time of the year to spot deer in the Montesinho Reserve.
Winter:
Colder temperatures with higher chances of rain and occasionally snow in higher altitudes.
The end of winter brings local Carnival Rituals, dating back to the Celtic presence.
Eat & Drink
Northeast Portugal and neighbor Spain bring hearty foods including game meat.
In Galicia there is more fresh seafood available, including shellfish.
Once in Tras-os-Montes, try the Posta à Mirandesa, a thick grilled veal steak or
Feijoada à Transmontana, a red bean pork stew in addition to various meat cuts.
Once in Galicia try the Pulpo a la Gallega, sliced octopus over potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and paprika traditionally served on a wooden plate.
For Tapas, Northeast Portugal and neighbor Spanish region produce tasteful, in some cases handcrafted, cured meats traditionally smoked in oak firewood.
For dessert, chestnuts are the base for jams and pudding.
Finally, for dessert, the Tarta de Santiago, a cake made with almonds, eggs, sugar and a touch of lemon zest, can be found throughout Spain.
In Tras-os-Montes, the white wines are smooth, while the red ones are fruity.
Once in Galicia, Albarino grapes from Rias Bajas produce great young wines.
Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?
A Self-Guided Tour brings you the opportunity of an independent trip,
without having to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to plan a great tour!
Additionally, there is no need to join groups or follow any schedules.
Ride and explore a thoughtfully planned itinerary, researched and tested by our local teams.
Therefore, enjoying the most suitable roads, ways and tracks.
You certainly won’t miss that great spot that so many have never heard of!
We choose hotels that cater for cyclists needs. Being so, we take in consideration their location, comfort and amenities.
You will ride great Bikes, along an amazing itinerary. Ultimately, all you need to do is to enjoy the ride!
Getting Bikes & Gear:
Your Bikes & Gear are delivered ahead to the first hotel and will be waiting for you!
Bikes will be ready to ride straight away, therefore, delivered fully assembled.
Navigating the itinerary:
The Tour tracks are uploaded into the Garmin® GPS unit.
It also includes waypoints along the route as well as the hotels where you will stay.
Being so, all you need to do is follow the tour track line!
To better help those with less experience, we provide instruction on how to use the GPS
You can also check online for some extra tips!
We supply a Region Map and a Tour Booklet with suggestions and info on points of interest along the way.
We do not offer turn by turn directions, GPS navigation is easier and highly effective!
Premium Tour option:
For the Daily Luggage transfer Service, you will need to drop off your luggage at the Front Desk by 08am.
On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.
E-Bikes included on Premium Tours
and available as an Up-Grade on Casual Tours!
We are thankful for everything we explored and experienced during our trip…
Therefore we have already decided that we will comeback back to Santiago again.
HOTELS
Our Premium and Casual Hotels
All the Hotels are carefully chosen and include exquisite Historical Hotels (Pousadas), Charismatic Inns or Agri-Tourism units,
so that you can experience and get to know the best of the Portuguese Hospitality Industry.
Premium Hotels
Zamora
An enchanting historical 15th century building, with an indoor cloister, wooden floors, and stone walls adorned with old tapestries and medieval armor
Alcanices
A cozy, rustic and welcoming family run modest accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere
Bragança
Sitting on top of the hill, its large comfortable rooms open up to the surrounding landscape and to the views over the Castle. Featuring a highly acclaimed restaurant
Vinhais
Located inside a Biological Park offers small independent cabins with an outside terrace that is perfect for direct contact with nature
Verin
A 13th century converted castle perfectly blending old stone walls with modern elements creating an elegant feeling, topped with views of the surrounding hills and valleys
Ourense
With an original façade, stone walls and a “waterfall” in the main hall, this modern and sleek hotel with bright rooms also offers Spa service
Lalin
This converted 16th century Manor House, traditionally built in stone and wood, still keeps its original and antique furniture and is surrounded by nature
Santiago
With the tranquillity of a monastery, the modern amenities of an Hotel, a pool and jacuzzi this hotel offers full relaxation. Wander around and explore this Museum Hotel
Casual Hotels
Zamora
Located in a lively part of town, dating back to the early 19th century this converted modernist mansion, still keeps its Art Deco original style
Alcanices
Cozy, rustic and welcoming family run modest accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere
Bragança
An unpretentious and comfortable hotel with clean lines, in the city center and within walking distance from the medieval hilltop
Vinhais
Located inside a Biological Park offers small independent cabins with an outside terrace that is perfect for direct contact with nature
Verin
A streamlined hotel in the lively town center, with comfortable and spacious rooms with wooden floors and clean lines
Ourense
Dating back to the 1940’s this tastefully renovated small hotel with functional and comfortable rooms is located in the old town
Lalin
With spa services and indoor heated pools, this hotel located outside of town offers large comfortable rooms and views over the mountains
Santiago
A contemporary and elegant city hotel, just outside of the old walls offering modern and comfortable rooms
PRICE & DETAILS
Our Premium and Casual Inclusions
Available throughout the year for a minimum of 2 Participants, both options are carefully thought to ensure
that you will have a memorable tour regardless of your budget!
Please contact us for Single Rider fees
Premium: € 2,250
> 8 Nights in Charming Historical Hotels EXCLUSIVE
> 8 Nourishing Breakfasts
> Top-notch Bikes & Equipment E-Bikes Included
> GPS uploaded with Tour Tracks (1 GPS per group)
> Daily Luggage Shuttling (1 bag per participant) EXCLUSIVE
> Daily Welcome Drink & Snack at Hotels EXCLUSIVE
> 24h Support Line
> Pilgrims Credential
Casual: € 1,350
> 8 Nights in Hotels
> 8 Nourishing Breakfasts
> Top-notch Bikes & Equipment E-Bike Up-Grade for 75EUR
> GPS uploaded with Tour Tracks (1 GPS per group)
> 24h Support Line
> Pilgrims Credential
Notes: Prices are per participant based on double occupancy.
Inclusions marked as EXCLUSIVE are only available for Premium Tour option
Accommodation and prices may vary throughout the year.
Please contact us for Custom-Made Tours
Suggested Bikes
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