Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Printed route
directions
Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, colourful fishing villages, and scenic routes, the Atlantic coast of Portugal offers fantastic cycling holiday opportunities. This tour starts in Porto, a Unesco World Heritage city, and the itinerary follows relatively easy flat or rolling cycling trails through a variety of landscapes and along the stunning coastline, with stops in different villages and towns for a full immersion in the relaxed Portuguese way of life. Highlights include a scenic ride through the dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight stay in the picture-perfect fortified village of Óbidos. After a week of cycling along some of the best coastline in Portugal, enjoy the delights of Lisbon, one of the most charming capital cities in the world. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Welcome meeting at 3.30pm in the reception of the start hotel before your guide leads the group on an orientation walk through the historic centre of the city. Porto is an Unesco World Heritage city and a real historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. There is plenty to see and for this reason we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring more of the vibrant centre. Before dinner, we will enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting at a traditional port wine cellar. Overnight in Porto. Accommodation: Neya Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Cristal Hotel.
We use a selection of comfortable 4-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. All rooms are en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view. Please note some hotels might change on certain departures
This morning we leave the city bustle behind and immerse ourselves in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting from Porto, we ride along the Douro River until its estuary. We then follow the coast, mostly on cycling paths, enjoying inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride there will be opportunities to stop for drinks or snacks in traditional Portuguese cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean. After following a cycling path that crosses a pine tree forest, we reach lively Furadouro, a seaside town renowned for excellent fish. Enjoy free time for a swim (seasonal), before riding to historic Ovar. The pretty town is best-known for the glazed tiles known as azulejos, which adorn many of the local houses in the old part of the town. Route: After leaving Porto, mostly flat riding along cycle paths until Furadouro region, then short ride to Ovar with slight climb. Terrain: 80% paved cycle paths, 20% paved roads. Accommodation: Aqua Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Furadouro Boutique Hotel.
Facing the beach just a 5km ride from the inland town of Ovar, the Furadouro Hotel is a chic and classy waterfront property with cutting edge design throughout. The spa facility is a nice way to reward yourself after a day on the bike, as is a good walk along the endless beach.
Today's ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of São Jacinto, one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshland and habitat of numerous bird species. We pedal through a scenery of sandy beaches, marshland and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants. After a short transfer by ferry, we leave the lagoon and continue cycling to the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, known for its long beach rated as one of the best in Portugal. Overnight in Mira. Route: Flat day starting with cycling to São Jacinto, ferry crossing from São Jacinto to Aveiro. Slight climb for bridge crossing, continue flat to Mira. Terrain: 65% paved cycle paths, including 0.6mi (1km) of dirt road, 35% paved roads. Accommodation: Maçarico Beach Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Macarico Beach Hotel.
The Macarico Beach Hotel mixes nautical themes with contemporary design and is located on the beachfront of Praia de Mira.
There is a rooftop swimming pool with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Today's ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat or rolling and the roads are peaceful making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem before reaching the lively town of Figueira da Foz. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Figueira da Foz and its extensive beach nicknamed Rainha das Praias (Queen of Beaches). There are lots of lovely cafes and bars in which you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and some excellent restaurants. Overnight in Figueira da Foz. Route: Mostly flat ride along cycle paths and secondary roads to Quiaios, short, steep climb to Serra da Boa Viagem. Descent and flat ride to Figueira da Foz. Terrain: 55% paved cycle paths, including 2mi (3km) of dirt road, 45% paved roads. Accommodation: Universal Boutique Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Universal Boutique Hotel.
We use a selection of comfortable 4-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. All rooms are en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view.Please note some hotels might change on certain departures
Today we enter the Portuguese Silver Coast and ride a cycleway that follows the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road). We’ll be riding mainly through pastoral land and the remains of vast pine forest, the Pinhal de Leiria (Leiria Pine Forest), which was originally planted in the 15th century to provide timber for the construction of the Portuguese shipbuilding industry during the Portuguese Discoveries. Unfortunately, vast areas of the forest were destroyed in 2017 by one of the fiercest forest fires in a century. Little more than 3,700 acres (1,500ha) remain from a total of 27,200 acres (11,000ha). Although maritime pine is considered a fast-growing tree, it will take many more years for the forest to regenerate. Exodus is supporting the regeneration of the forests, working with local schools and communities to replant trees. On our exit from the forest, we take a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque town of São Pedro de Moel and enjoy time to relax at the beach or at the hotel with a sea view. Overnight in São Pedro do Moel. Route: Undulating ride on backroads to the Atlantic Road Cyclepath. Continue along the undulating route to São Pedro de Moel on the cycle path. Terrain: 70% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads. Accommodation: Mar & Sol Hotel (or similar)
You stay at Mar & Sol Hotel.
We use a selection of comfortable 4-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. All rooms are en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view.Please note some hotels might change on certain departures.
This morning you can opt to either transfer or cycle (reducing approximately 12mi/20km to today's ride if taking the transfer) to Nazaré, one of the most famous fishing towns in Portugal. Here fisherwomen still wear seven colourful layers of skirts, as well as wooden clogs and a traditional black headscarf. There will be the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular ocean views from the popular panoramic terrace. It was in Nazaré's Praia Norte that the world record for the largest wave ever surfed was set, an estimated 86ft (26.2m) high. From Nazaré we ride all the way to Óbidos, a small fortified town, which resembles a medieval film set. It has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants who take real pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village characterised by narrow winding streets and white-washed houses. Overnight in Óbidos. Route: Undulating ride to Sítio da Nazaré followed by a descent to Nazaré beach; after lunch a series of short, steep climbs followed by similar descents before arriving at Óbidos. Terrain: 60% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads. Accommodation: Josefa D’Óbidos Hotel or The Literary Man (or similar)
You stay at Josefa d’Obidos Hotel.
We use a selection of comfortable 4-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. All rooms are en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view.Please note some hotels might change on certain departures.
The morning is free for further exploration of Óbidos and try not to leave town without trying the famous drink from the region, ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small edible chocolate cup. Late morning we transfer (approximately one hour) to the great capital city of Lisbon. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and later we have an orientation walk through the historic centre, observing beautiful architecture. Why not find a location after dinner to sample the traditional Fado music made famous from Lisbon? Overnight in Lisbon. Accommodation: Marquês de Pombal (or similar)
You stay at Sana Malhoa.
We use a selection of comfortable 4-star hotels. All hotels are high quality and individual and have been selected for their location, comfort and character. All rooms are en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool or a sea view. Please note some hotels might change on certain departures.
This morning marks the final breakfast of the adventure; an excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the many wonderful experiences you’ve enjoyed during this cycling holiday in Portugal. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Lisbon hotel and discover this culturally rich capital a little more.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$718.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Printed route
directions