| Day 1 - Transfer to Ponte Lima |
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Private transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima
Reception, briefing and bikes delivery
The name Ponte de Lima is due to the lovely low multi-arched stone bridge that is the main symbol of the town. This beautiful bridge is, in fact, made of two bridges together, a medieval bridge and a roman bridge built by the Romans as they advanced through the Iberian Peninsula.
The centre of the town welcomes you with its medieval architecture, old mansions in a variety of styles, culture and beautiful gardens. It sits on one of the main routes of the Way of St. James, being a mandatory stop for those on pilgrimage.
Accommodation in Ponte de Lima - Hotel Império do Norte or equivalent
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Day 2 - Loop tour in Ponte de Lima 22 KM
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LEVEL: EASY
DISTANCE: 22 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 110 M
Mixed dirt road and asphalt cycle path “ecovia”
Your adventure will start in the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima. With its charter dating to 1125, Ponte de Lima is the oldest village in Portugal. Owing its name to the gorgeous Roman and Medieval bridge crossing the Lima River, being the homeland of the delicious Loureiro white wine and many traditional Portuguese dishes Ponte de Lima is one of the best places to eat in Portugal.
On your first day you will have the opportunity to explore the village and its wonderful surroundings. The route we have prepared for you will have you crossing the old bridge, and riding along the Lima River on the Loureiro Ecopath.
On your way you will come across the Manor of Bertiandos, with its construction dating back to the 15th century, when a medieval tower was built. Later two manors baroque manors were constructed surrounding the older building which give it its unique frontage. The Manor is one of the best examples of northern and rural baroque architectural style.
Riding forward you will enter the Bertiandos and São Pedro de Arcos Lagoons Protected Landscape where the beaty of the Minho nature is sure to amaze you. You can stop at the Environmental Interpretative Centre so you can learn all about the unique species of fauna and flora in the Bertiandos Lagoon.
To top it all of you will visit the magnificent Estorãos River Beach, with a picturesque view of the medieval bridge and the old watermill, you can take in all the charm of the rural north.
Back in Ponte de Lima, take some time to enjoy the old architecture around the village, from the 12th century church to the towers from the old walls. To end your day, you may also enjoy the amazing food and wine that make Ponte de Lima Famous.
Accommodation in Ponte de Lima - Hotel Império do Norte or equivalent
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Day 3 - From Ponte de Lima to Viana do Castelo 28 KM
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LEVEL: EASY
DISTANCE: 28 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 70 M
Mixed dirt road and asphalt ecovia
On the second day your route will take to Viana do Castelo, the district capital. Viana is a city where the mountains meet the sea, where the Sanctuary on the Santa Luzia Mountain overlooks the city and the Atlantic. It is a city full of Renascence, Manueline and Baroque architecture, where the amazing fish and seafood is sure to please.
From Ponte de Lima you will ride on the Veigas Ecopath, along the Lima River surrounded by beautiful forests and fields. On the way you will come across the historical site of “Passagem”, where in older times pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela would cross the river by boat.
To get to Viana you will cross the river on the iconic Eiffel Bridge, design by Gustave Eiffel, with a view of the city and the Santa Luzia Sanctuary welcoming you. In the city you can visit the landmarks of the 15th century Viana Cathedral, the Gil Eanes Hospital-Ship Museum, the Republica Square, the Santiago da Barra Fort and the city ex libris, the Santa Luzia Sanctuary. Take the elevator to the top of the mountain and enjoy the staggering view from the sanctuary.
To finish your day, enjoy some of the amazing fish, seafood an “Verde” wines typical of the region.
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo - Casa Melo Alvim or equivalent
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Day 4 - From Viana do Castelo to Caminha 30 KM
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LEVEL: EASY
DISTANCE: 30 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 100 M
Mixed dirt road and asphalt cycle path “ecovia”
Leaving Viana Behind, we set our sights to Caminha. You will make your way along the Atlántico Ecopath. Riding along the sea you will be surprised by the windmills, old fortifications and lighthouses that dot the landscape. Along your way you will also cross the pre-historic rock engravings of Carreço.
Continuing to make your way you will arrive at Vila Praia de Ancora, a fishing village with a beautiful beach still dotted with old fortifications, such as the Lagarteira Fort, built after the Restoration War to Protect Portuguese independence from Spain, and typical fisherman neighbourhoods. Right past Ancora, you will find the St Isidoro Chapel, a small chapel on the rocky coast, right on the sea and your path. It paints a picturesque picture of the northern Iberian coast.
Keep riding along the ocean and you will reach the village of Moledo, another fishing village with beautiful beaches where you will enter the Camarido Pine Forest. A Protected National Forest, planted in the 13th century by order of King Denis of Portugal, to prevent the advance of the ocean, it stands as a refuge for the vast biodiversity of the northern Portuguese coast. Exiting the forest, you will be amazed by the view of the mouth of the river Minho, with the St Trega Mount on the other bank.
Just a bit further you will reach your destination, the city of Caminha. Right on the Mouth of the Minho River, which marks the border between Portugal and the Spanish province of Galicia, Caminha, with its old walls, castle and islet fortifications, stood as a first line of defence against Spanish incursions on the northern Portuguese coast. Take your time to explore the old town and discover landmarks such as its 15th century church and even older medieval towers.
Accommodation in Caminha - Hotel Porta do Sol or equivalent
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Day 5 - From Caminha to Valença 30 KM
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LEVEL: MEDIUM
DISTANCE: 30 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 140 M
Mixed dirt road and asphalt cycle path “ecovia”
Optional – Loop tour in Caminha Ca 15 Km
On the 4th day you´ll make your way inward, along the Minho River, towards Valença.
On the way you will cross the old village of Seixas, documented as far back as 1071. From here, among the 17th century river manors, you will have an amazing view of the city of Caminha, the mouth of the river and the Mountain on Galicia.
From now on you will ride on the old train tracks, along the river, passing through old train stations until you reach Vila Nova de Cerveira. An old walled village, standing right on the border. The name “Cerveira” comes from the legend of the “Rei Cervo”, the Deer King. Who took refuge on this land from human hunters and defended it from any human incursion. On the top of the mountain, and all throughout the city you can see various deer sculptures paying homage to the legends of the deer king.
Riding forward with the river by your side, you will cross a medieval bridge and take the Caminho de Santiago towards Valença, all the while enjoying the breath-taking nature that surrounds you.
Finally, you will reach Valença, a fortified city, on the bank of the Minho River, the border with Spain. Dating from the 12th century and fully reformed in the 17th century, it was one the most important fortifications on the whole country. Taken a retaken in the Restoration Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, it played a monumental role in the historic defence of Portugal.
Accommodation in Valença - Pousada de Valença
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| Day 6 - Valença to Monção 20 KM |
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LEVEL: EASY
DISTANCE: 20 KM
ELEVATION GAIN: 120 M
Mixed dirt road and asphalt cycle path “ecovia”
Optional – Loop tour in Valença Ca 15 Km
Leaving Valença, you will ride along vineyards and the Minho River on your way to Monção. Along the way you will come across old trian stations, through vineyards and small woods, following the old train tracks. This path will lead to the Tower of Lapela, the tower from an old castle, overlooking a small village on the bank of the river, it is called the Balcony of the Minho River. Believed to have been built by order of the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, you can take the opportunity to climb the tower for a magnificent view.
Keep riding with the river and you will reach Monção. You will enter this city through the riverbank and historic thermal spa. With the river and the Spanish Town of Salvaterra do Miño on your left and the imposing walls of Monção on your right. After a small bit of climbing and crossing the wall gates you will enter Monção proper.
Take the opportunity to walk along the walls, taking in the views of the river. The walls and castle date back to the 13th century and were modernized in the 17th century, the fortress played a pivotal role in the wars against Castille. Monção is also famous for its unique wine, the Alvarinho white wine, here you may visit the Alvarinho museum, in one of the beautiful town squares, and learn more about this delicious wine.
To end your adventure on the magical Portuguese region of Minho, enjoy the great Alvarinho Wine of Monção, and the delicious food found all throughout the Region.
Accommodation in Monção - Covento dos Capuchos
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| Day 7 - Back to Porto - Transfer |
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Transfer by bus from Monção to Porto
Porto, a city full of mysticism. Take the rest of the day off to experience the city, taste the food, go to the top of the hills to see the superb view and interact with the lovely people. Your journey starts here. Porto its known for its wines, the many bridges that cross the river, the gastronomy, the old and contemporary architecture, and let's not forget - its World Heritage by UNESCO!
Accommodation in Porto - Hotel Vila Galé Ribeira or equivalent
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Prices
(per person consediring 2 people sharing a double/twin)
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1175€ - with hybrid bikes (bikes included on the price)
1390€ - with e-bikes (e-bikes included on the price)
Single supplement - 550€
July and August price upon request
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Map of the Tour
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- Transfer from Porto to Ponte Lima - Private
- Accommodation 7 nights - 3*/4* Hotels and Charming Lodge
- Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation
- Assistance during the 5 cycling days
- Navigation with RWGPS App
- Personal accident Insurance
- Transfer by Bus From Monção to Porto
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Easy - Very few hills and the existing hills are not steep.
Medium - Some hills that are not steep or only few hills but steep.
Difficult - Several hills of all types.
The participants should take into account the terrain and the km/miles of each route and be sure to check in advance that they are in good physical condition to do it.
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