Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

Suitable for intermediate riders with experience in longer trips.
Some longer days and undulating to hilly terrain.

Traveller 

Either for spiritual, religious or leisure, the Camino is definitely a mystical ride.
For those looking to experience Portugal’s less known interior,
And to be surrounded by Nature, but also to discover the cultural legacy of some iconic towns.

Terrain

Mostly paved and it includes options with hard packed gravel ways.

Day by Day

Day 1
Explore Porto’s historical city center, don’t forget to ride along the Ribeira waterfront and over to Gaia on the south bank.

Day 2
Porto to Barcelos: 64 kms – 40 miles > Gain: 570 m – 1870 ft

Day 3
Barcelos to Ponte de Lima: 33 kms – 21 miles > Gain: 390 m – 1280 ft

Day 4
Ponte de Lima to Valença: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 670 m – 2198 ft

Day 5
Valença to Pontevedra: 57 kms – 35 miles > Gain: 1020 m – 3346 ft

Day 6
Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis: 32 kms – 2o miles > Gain: 500m – 1640 ft

Day 7
Caldas de Reis to Santiago: 47 kms – 29 miles > Gain: 830m – 2723 ft

Access

This tour starts in Porto, Portugal’s second main city and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s region capital.
Porto is served by an international airport, while Santiago Airport, has connecting flights with Madrid Barajas.

Public Transport:

From Santiago to Madrid, trains take around 5h > 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 throughout Portugal and Galicia varies depending on the region and time of the year. Generally, summer bring warm weather, it can be quite hot and dry in inland Portugal. On the other hand, winter brings an higher chance of rain.

Spring:

Usually very pleasant to ride, with lower chance of precipitation, especially in central Portugal.
Moreover, farm fields start to flourish as nature slowly awakes from winter.

Summer:

Temperatures can be warm in Northern Portugal and Spain and with dry heat conditions in southern regions.
Forest areas provide fresh shade, perfect for cooling down as well as the ocean or rivers.

Autumn:

Mild temperatures, generally ideal weather for cycling.
An excellent opportunity for trying “new wine”, in addition to contemplating the landscape changing colors.

Winter:

Temperatures drop and there is higher chance of rain.
It is the best occasion to enjoy some quiet time on the Camino.

Eat & Drink

Portugal & Spain both generally follow a Mediterranean diet,
Still each have distinct gastronomy with different characteristics and touches.
In Portugal try the Leitão Assado, roasted suckling pig in central regions
or also the Cabrito Assado, roasted lamb or goat kid, traditionally cooked in a wooden oven up north.
Caldo Verde, a hearty kale soup with cured meats is available throughout the country.

Along the coastal areas of Portugal and in Galicia, fresh fish and shellfish are common.
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 a quick meal, Empanada Gallega, a savory pie, which can have different fillings, like meat, shellfish, greens, etc.

Smoked meat and various cheese types are always a good option for Petiscos, or tapas.
Once in Spain, try the Pimientos de Padron, small mild green peppers, sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.

Dessert brings conventual sweets, with origins from the convents;
Where there was an excess in eggs, sugar, and milk, like for instance the Pasteis de Belem, custard tart, in Lisbon.
Additionally, try the Aletria, a pasta pudding or Arroz Doce, a rice pudding
Both are sweet puddings flavored with lemon and cinnamon.

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.

Central Portugal brings the delicate, fresh and aromatic Bairrada Wines and sparkling wines.
Minho brings the Vinhos Verdes, often translated as green wines, refering to its young age rather than its color!
Try an Alvarinho, a young light and fresh wine.

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.