Cycling the Portuguese Camino: Coimbra to Santiago de Compostela
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the historic and picturesque landscapes of Portugal and Spain. This multi-day tour will take you from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Coimbra, Portugal to the spiritual heart of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Along the way, you'll explore charming towns, sample local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these two countries. Whether you're cycling along the Mondego River, strolling through the streets of Porto, or exploring the salt flats of Aveiro, each day offers a unique adventure. This tour is perfect for those who love history, culture, and the great outdoors.
Included
meals as noted in itinerary
Bicycle
12 days
11 nights accommodation
Quinta das Lagrimas
Hotel Moliceiro
Furadouro Hotel
Boeira Garden Hotel
Hotel Bagoeira
Hotel Inlima
Hotel Parador de Baiona
Parador de Pontevedra
Pazo Le Lestrove
Hotel San Francisco
hotel: 11 night(s);
guided city tours as described in itinerary
visit to Salt Factory
Porto wine tasting
Map
Attractions
Porch of the Glory
Aveiro Museum
Aveiro Lighthouse
Lugar dos Afetos
Cathedral Museum
Moinhos de Gavinhos
Turismo da Universidade de CoimbraDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Coimbra
- Coimbra - Arrival day
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- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
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Start your journey in the historic city of Coimbra, Portugal. Explore the streets once walked by Afonso I, the king of Portugal, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. Our hotel, located slightly out of town, is set in a historic country estate with beautiful grounds. Here, we'll meet for our bike fitting and first dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Coimbra to Aveiro
- Coimbra
- Aveiro
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- Aveiro Museum
- Moinhos de Gavinhos
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Leave Coimbra behind as you cycle along the Mondego River, passing through small towns on your way to Aveiro. Once in Aveiro, take a stroll along the riverfront or enjoy a canal cruise. Don't forget to try the famous Fios de Ovos de Ovar pastries.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Aveiro
- Aveiro
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- Aveiro Lighthouse
- Lugar dos Afetos
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Spend the day exploring Aveiro. Visit a local salt factory to learn about the region's salt production history and current products. Pedal through the salt flats and take a short ferry ride along the Ria de Aveiro, an estuary teeming with wildlife. In the evening, join the group for an aperitif at a local hangout.
Day 4 – Day 4: Aveiro to Porto
- Porto
- Aveiro
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Today's ride is part of the Camino de Santiago, so keep an eye out for fellow pilgrims. Cycle from a fisherman's village along the Atlantic coast to the heart of downtown Porto. Before reaching Porto, you'll pass through its sister city, Vila Nova de Gaia, known for its famous Porto wineries. As you cross the Douro River, the colorful city of Porto will come alive before your eyes.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Porto
- Porto
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Spend the day exploring Porto at your own pace. Take a scenic tram ride, explore the city streets, or visit the spectacular Lello Library. For lunch, try a unique Francesinha sandwich or a bowl of Tripas à moda do Porto. In the evening, join the group for a tour and tasting of the famous Porto wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Porto to Barcelos
- Porto
- Barcelos
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Say goodbye to bustling Porto as we ride out into the peaceful wine country. Enjoy the lush green vistas and fun hills as we make our way to Barcelos, the origin of Portugal's unofficial mascot, the colorful rooster.
Day 7 – Day 7: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima
- Ponte de Lima
- Barcelos
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Today's ride is short, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful country roads leading to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal. Often considered the postcard village of Portugal, Ponte de Lima is situated on the banks of the Rio Lima and is the heart of the green wine region. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and along an old bridge where you'll likely spot pilgrims walking along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
Day 8 – Day 8: Ponte de Lima to Baiona
- Baiona
- Ponte de Lima
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Today's ride follows the coast and Minho river as we pedal north towards the historic port of Baiona, crossing into one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Celebrate your arrival in Spain with a glass of Albarino or by relaxing on the beach.
Day 9 – Day 9: Baiona to Pontevedra
- Vigo
- Pontevedra
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Start the day by cycling along the Galician coast, flanking a Ría, a unique geographical feature of the region. Take a ferry to cross the Ría de Vigo and continue to pedal north to reach Pontevedra, our home for the night. Take some time to explore the medieval heart of the city with its old granite houses and spacious squares.
Day 10 – Day 10: Pontevedra to Padrón
- Pontevedra
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Leave the water behind today as you climb a mountain spine, rewarded with glorious views. It's a perfect day for a picnic. Make sure to seek out some of Padrón's infamous peppers, a local delicacy first brought from South America 400 years ago by monks.
Day 11 – Day 11: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Cathedral Museum
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A short ride through the countryside brings us to Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important religious and spiritual sites. Once we arrive, you'll have ample time to discover the famous Cathedral of St. James, the heart of Santiago. Tonight, we'll celebrate our journey's end with a special farewell dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela - Departure day
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- Porch of the Glory
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Spend the morning exploring Santiago de Compostela. You might want to stick around for the Pilgrim's Mass at noon at the Cathedral. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m. Safe travels!
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