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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Tour Profile: Hard. Terrain is 40% asphalt and 60% dirt roads or unpaved roads, some narrow at times. We recommend cycling the Camino only if you have some cycling experience and essential bike maintenance knowledge.
Distance: 244 km
Travel Season: Daily departures from March 1 to October 31, 2023
Low Season: March 1 to June 30 and September 16 to October 31
High Season: July 1 – September 15
Accommodation:
3* hotels with private washrooms
Cycling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago allows you to appreciate the beauty of Portugal’s Minho region and Galicia in Spain. The scenery is a glorious blend of greenery with woodland, rivers, valleys, vineyards, fields and traditional villages with their architecture and age-old rural farming practices. Sections of the Portuguese Camino share the ancient Roman road and you’ll cross many a Roman bridge on your journey. You’ll also discover attractive towns and cities with stunning ancient architecture and fascinating histories. To keep your energy levels up along the Way, tuck into Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, traditional cured meats, the freshest of fish and seafood and vinho verde wines. Begin your incredible journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Learn how St. James and a cockerel saved a pilgrim’s life in Barcelos, why Roman soldiers were terrified of crossing the river at Ponte de Lima and appreciate the significant part Valença’s fortress played in defending Portugal’s borders. One the other side of the River Minho the stunning Tui Cathedral awaits, as do Redondela’s viaducts and the medieval center of Pontevedra. Riverside Caldas de Reis is famous for its soothing thermal waters while Padrón lays claim to St. James’ first burial spot. His remains have since been relocated to what is now a monumental cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival to Porto
A member of our team will meet you at the hotel to welcome you and provide a full briefing, deliver the bikes and all the documentation you will need.
Day 2
Porto - Barcelos 54 km
Depart from Porto and cycle along cobbled lanes and dirt tracks through a series of villages, surrounded by fields and patches of forest. You will go over several impressive Romanesque bridges today, including the one in Barcelinhos, where pilgrims used to bathe before entering historical Barcelos. Spend some time exploring the medieval streets and squares of this charming small city.
Day 3
Barcelos – Ponte de Lima 33 km
Leave Barcelos to enter a more rural and picturesque landscape, punctuated with small villages that allow you to observe traditional agricultural practices. The 12th century Ponte das Tabuas offers an attractive rest spot, although you have plenty of lovely places to choose from as you make your way through the vineyards, forests, orchards and fields of the Minho. On the approach to the exceedingly pretty town of Ponte de Lima, you’ll see the Padela, Nora and d’Arga Mountains as well as the more distant Corno do Bico.
Day 4
Ponte de Lima - Valença 35 km
Today’s ride is filled with yet more beautiful countryside with ancient bridges, hamlets and woodland waterfalls. You do have a steep mountain to negotiate but the views are ample reward. See the Romanesque church and Roman milestones at Rubaies then cross the ancient stone bridge over the River Pedreira before heading to Cossourado. From here, it’s downhill, through several small villages and a path of attractive forest, to the fortress town of Valenca.
Day 5
Valença – Pontevedra 56 km
The International Bridge takes you across the River Minho into Spain to the atmospheric town of Tui with its fortified cathedral. Once past the rather industrial town on O Porrino, cycle through a series of villages and the Chan das Pipas pine forest. The downhill approach to Redondela offers glimpses of the Ria de Vigo estuary. Merge with the Central Camino de Santiago in the center of Redondela and head through the riverside town of Arcade, stopping for fresh oysters. An ancient stone road takes you up through the forest before you hit tarmac again as you ride into the center of Pontevedra. Choose from the many bustling squares and tuck into tasty tapas and local wines.
Day 6
Pontevedra – Padron 41 km
The ride to Caldas to Reis is mostly through attractive countryside including a pleasant patch of forest. Follow the pilgrim tradition of bathing your feet in the hot springs at Caldas de Reis. Continue gently uphill through a string of tiny villages and the forest at Valga. Take some time to explore Padron’s strong connection with St. James and its medieval center before cycling the last few kilometers to your hotel.
Day 7
Padron - Santiago 25 km
Your last ride is relatively short and surprisingly scenic with welcome shade in the pretty woodland area. Once you reach Milladoiro, you’ll be able to see Santiago on the opposite hill. Head downhill through more villages, cross the river then up through the city into its historical heart and your journey’s end, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
Day 8
Departure
After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, explore the old city of Santiago de Compostela before you leave.
Prices
Included:
- 7 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- 6 Days MTB bike rental - 20 gears bike with from suspension, disc brakes, 29' wheels and pannier bags
- Luggage transfers between hotels (1 bag per person – Max. 15 kg/bag)
- 24 hour emergency support
- Pilgrim Kit: passport (Credencial) and shell (Vieira)
- Journey documentation
- In-person welcome briefing
- Road book of the way with tips and information (in English)
Not Included:
- International flights
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Meals (where not listed as included in the itinerary)
- Optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Tips and items of a personal nature
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