Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

Suitable for intermediate riders who are comfortable with hilly terrain.
And riding along river valleys and across some mountains with some longer climbs.

Traveller 

Looking to explore remote locations, surrounded by untouched nature and also value rural settings.
For those who appreciate the countryside simple ways of being and the cultural heritage of smaller undeveloped towns.

Terrain

Mostly paved, forest roads, hard packed gravel and rails to trails bike lanes.
Some rolling valleys and mountain areas with climbs.

Day by Day

Day 1
Explore Guimarães Historical and Medieval center, the birthplace of Portugal!

Day 2
Guimaraes to Canicada: 43 kms – 27 miles > Gain: 850 m – 2789 ft

Day 3
Canicada to Lobios: 32 kms – 20 miles > Gain: 940 m – 3084 ft

Day 4
Lobios to Melgaco: 54 kms – 34 miles > Gain: 1250 m – 3853 ft

Day 5
Melgaco to Valenca: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 340 m – 1115 ft

Day 6
Valenca to Baiona: 34 kms – 21 miles > Gain: 600m – 1956 ft

Day 7
Baiona to Viana do Castelo: 59 kms – 37 miles > Gain: 330m – 984 ft
Optional Loop St Tegra: 6 kms – 4 miles > Gain: 215m – 705 ft
Optional Loop Sta Luzia: 6 kms – 4 miles > Gain: 315m – 1033 ft

Day 8
Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima: 25 kms – 16 miles > Gain: 200m – 656 ft

Access

This tour starts in Guimarães a historical but bigger town in northern Portugal.
And finishes in the medieval village of Ponte de Lima, nearby Viana do Castelo an important harbor town.
The closest international airport is Porto.

Public Transport:

From Porto, Guimarães can be reached by train or bus, with several connections throughout the day.
Urban Train from Porto takes around 1h > more info on www.cp.pt
Bus Lines from Porto takes around 1h > more info on www.rede-expressos.pt
Bus Lines from Ponte de Lima  to Porto take between 1h30 to 2h > more info on www.rede-expressos.pt

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 Minho-Galiza region varies throughout the year,
With warm sun-shining days in summer and with higher chances of cold winter rainy days.
Weather will also vary depending on altitude.

Spring:

Temperatures start to warm up, especially toward the end of spring.
By then, life returns to the forest with trees turning green and flowers blossoming.

Summer:

It can be warm and nice for cycling and it is usually dry.
Most traditional local festivities take place during summer,
Thus a great opportunity to experience the region’s heritage and gastronomy.

Autumn:

Mild temperatures, with warm days and cooler nights.
The villages are busy with the Wine Harvest, surely a lively time, great to connect with the locals.

Winter:

There’s a higher probability of cold and rainy days, still, nothing that winter gear can’t handle.
The end of the day may include roasted chestnuts and relaxing by the fireplace with some new wine!

Eat & Drink

The Minho River, that gives the name to the region, brings lamprey and Arroz de Lampreia a rice and fish stew, where the lamprey is cooked aside and still alive when put in boiling water!

In Galiza, try the Pulpo a la Gallega, sliced octopus over potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and paprika traditionally served on a wooden plate.
Cabrito Assado, roasted lamb or goat kid, traditionally cooked in a wooden oven is also a popular choice.

For Petiscos, or tapas, smoked meat and various cheeses.
On the Spanish side also Pimientos de Padron, small mild green peppers, sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.

Try the Aletria, a pasta pudding or Arroz Doce, a rice pudding
Both are sweet puddings flavored with lemon and cinnamon.

Minho brings the Vinhos Verdes, often translated as green wines, refering to its young age rather than its color!
Don’t forget to taste 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 10am.

On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.