Day 1 Guimarães – The Cradle of Portugal

Guimarães, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, is considered the cradle of Portugal as it is the birthplace of Portugal’s very first King. Take time to explore and wander around the well preserved medieval city center, in addition to exploring the Castle and Royal Palace. Relax by the town plazas while absorbing the distinctive atmosphere.

Day 2 Rio Caldo – Terras de Bouro

A variety of small villages takes you into the quiet and lush countryside area of Terras de Bouro. Then, the landscape dominated by high green hills, will make its way down to the blue dam. Once in Caniçada reservoir, wind down by the water or go for a refreshing swim at the end of the day.
Guimarães – Caniçada: 43 kms – 27 miles | 850 m – 2789 ft

Day 3 Entering Peneda-Geres Lakes

Ride alongside glistening large bodies of water and eucalyptus scented forests. The remains of an old Roman Road takes you on a less traveled path and later across the Spanish border. Once in the thermal town of Lobios, enjoy the warm waters of the Rio Caldo. This is a mostly intact National Park, and so, you may come across some wild life, like some horses!
Caniçada – Lobios: 32 kms – 20 miles | 940 m – 3084 ft

Day 4 Peneda-Geres Mountain Range

This remote mountain range dominated by granitic outcrops, filled with colorful altitude vegetation, surely, contrasts with the characteristic stone house villages. Back in Portugal, while in the hilltop village of Castro Laboreiro, look for the Portuguese watchdog, named after the village. Then, ride down into the Minho River Valley and the Medieval town of Melgaço, overlooking the Spanish mountains.
Lobios – Melgaço: 54 kms – 24 miles | 1250 m – 3853 ft

Day 5 Minho River Valley

The fertile Minho Valley is well known for its “Vinho Alvarinho” (Young Wine), still today, the hills are covered by small family farmlands and vineyards. Monção, even though, a small medieval walled town, it played an important role in the Portuguese borders defence. With views over the River, enjoy the ride along a “Rails to Trails” Bike Lane, soon reaching the Vauban style Fortress-Town of Valença.
Melgaço – Valença: 40 kms – 25 miles | 340 m – 1115 ft

Day 6 Galicia and the Atlantic Islands

The century old bridge, designed by the Eiffel Studio still takes us to Tui in Spain. Once there, visit its castle-like Cathedral with impressive battlements. Riding on undulating terrain, the Ocean will soon be in sight. The treasured Cies Islands Nature Reserve are nearly deserted and with a mysterious past of shipwrecks and pirates. Accessible only by ferry, surely are perfect for a nature walk! Baiona is a scenic fishing port surrounded by hills and forests, once there explore the quiet bay and medieval historical center.
Valença – Baiona: 34 kms – 21 miles | 600 m – 1956 ft

Day 7 Portuguese Coast

Ride along a scenic cliffside road and past fishing towns, then you can opt for a ride to the hilltop archeological site of Santa Trega, an ancient Celtic settlement. Ferry back to Portugal once again and cycle across farm fields into Viana do Castelo. Later, explore the historical center or ride up to Santa Luzia Sanctuary for some more breathtaking views.
Baiona – Viana do Castelo: 59 kms – 37 miles | 330 m – 984 ft
Optional Sta Tegra Loop: 6 kms – 4 miles | 215 m – 705 ft
Optional Sta Luzia Loop: 6 kms – 4 miles | 315 m – 1033 ft

Day 8 Lima River Marshlands

Riding away from the coast and while along the Lima River valley, the small agricultural fields and vineyards make a great scenic background. A short ride allows for more time to explore Ponte de Lima, the oldest Portuguese Town (Vila)! Once there, discover its well preserved Roman Bridge, medieval atmosphere, grandiose manor houses, churches and charming squares.
Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima: 25 kms – 16 miles | 200 m – 656 ft

Day 9 See you Soon

Take some time to further explore the town center or to enjoy the serenity of the Lima River banks.

Self-Guided Tours are private and available year-round, thus allowing you to select any dates you prefer.

Contact us for custom itineraries and tour options tailored to your needs!

Guimarães – Pousada Mosteiro
Housed in an enchanting 12th century monastery, features a cloister with a granite fountain and Portuguese glazed tiles.

Rio Caldo – Pousada Caniçada
This Mountain Chalet is set in an impressive location, surrounded by nature and with vast views over the Canicada Dam

Lobios – Caldaria Hotel Balneário
A Thermal Hotel in a peaceful and remote valley, well-known for its healing thermal waters, its spa offers massages and aromatic showers

Melgaço – Monte Prado Spa
A Spa Hotel featuring floor to ceiling windows throughout for one of a kind views over the River Valley and Galician mountains

Valença – Pousada de Valença
This Historic hilltop Hotel built on the fortress walls with endless views and gardens overlooking the surrounding hills and the Minho River

Baiona – Parador de Baiona
The definition of European old-world charm. A Historical Hotel with a blend of medieval fortress style and Galicia’s seigniorial architecture, overlooking the Atlantic

Viana do Castelo – Casa Melo Alvim
A true Solar Minhoto, this 16th century Manor House has been fully restored to its original splendour, not forgetting the modern comforts of life

Ponte de Lima – InLima Hotel & Spa
A Contemporary Hotel & Spa located on the waterfront overlooking the river and the Roman bridge and within walking distance from the historical center

Guimarães – Hotel Emaj
Set in a historical 19th century building, this former bank is now a Charm Hotel within in the city center. Spacious and renovated while maintaining its vintage appeal

Rio Caldo – Pontes do Rio Caldo
A modern building surrounded by Nature, next to the Canicada Dam. Enjoy a swim in the pool or go natural and dive in the dam

Lobios – Caldaria Hotel Balneário
A Thermal Hotel in a peaceful and remote valley, well-known for its healing thermal waters, its spa offers massages and aromatic showers

Melgaço – Monte Prado Spa
A Spa Hotel featuring floor to ceiling windows throughout for one of a kind views over the River Valley and Galician mountains

Valença – Casa do Poço
This manor house origins date back to the 17th century. Its top floor living room is a great place to relax and enjoy the views over the Minho River

Baiona – Hotel Bahía Baiona
Set within walking distance from the historical center, this ocean front hotel, overlooks the Atlantic Galician Islands

Viana do Castelo – Hotel Jardim
This cozy hotel, set in an 18th century Pombaline building, located in the town center next to the river front, offers modern comforts

Ponte de Lima – InLima Hotel & Spa
A Contemporary Hotel & Spa located on the waterfront overlooking the river and the Roman bridge and within walking distance from the historical center

We carefully select each hotel to ensure an exceptional stay – from Historic Pousadas and unique Boutique Hotels to Charming Inns or Farm-Style Stays. These properties showcase the finest of the Portuguese hospitality.

If a listed hotel is unavailable,alternative accommodations of equivalent quality and amenities will be arranged.

“Think water elements just about every day were GREAT. It felt so great to be in the water after or in the middle of a day of riding. I thought the hotels were a great mix of luxurious, local, interesting, historic, comfortable.

David Wilson – UK