In the ancient region of Minho up to Porto

Day 1: Castro Laboreiro
Transfer by car from Porto Airport to Castro Laboreiro, located within Gerês National Park. As you traverse the countryside, beyond the vast vineyards, you'll spot small villages dotted here and there like pieces of a mosaic, nestled on distant hills. Once you reach the Laboreiro Mountain Range, where you'll spend the night before starting your cycling holiday, a silence will fall over everything, as you slowly ascend towards the village through spiky pine forests. This small village comes with a nice breeze, water mills, and a single old store at the center — the hub of town life — where we purchase some goods.

Day 2: Castro Laboreiro – Monção (44 km; + 250 m)
The first cycling stage of your holiday is exceptionally beautiful: a pleasant downhill route beyond the border with Spain, crossing a granite landscape with few trees, the northern regions of Gerês National Park and Peneda Mountain Range. The 72,000 acres of Gerês National Park offer one of the last natural refuges for wolves and golden eagles. You'll continue cycling through timeless villages, where you'll always find a kind person to help you find your way when necessary. The communal ovens, where villagers used to gather and bake bread, are very charming with some still in use. Particularly striking are the traditional espigueiros (granaries built on stilts). Upon reaching Monção, a fortified city on the Minho River, you'll understand why the Portuguese are so proud of the fact that the Spanish have never been able to conquer them.

Day 3: Monção – Vila Praia de Âncora (48 km; +134 m)
Today you’ll cycle eastward, alongside the Minho river, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The route will lead you through the Vinho Verde wine region and vineyards producing the dry white wine for which it is famous. Admire the elegant Brejoeira Palace, still inhabited by the family, one of the major producers of high-quality Vinho Verde and give a try to at least one of their wines. Along the way, you'll cross the sites of battles between Portugal and Spain, notably the imposing 17th-century fortress in Valença and the fort in Vila Nova de Cerveira. Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora, a traditional fishing village near the river and the sea.

Day 4: Vila Praia de Âncora – Ponte de Lima (53 km; +97 m)
Cycling alongside the powerful Atlantic Ocean is an extraordinary experience, especially while passing through the picturesque, timeless fishing villages. Upon arriving at Viana do Castelo, the peace and tranquility is replaced by the hubbub of this vibrant city on the Lima River. Dating back to Roman times, when it was the principal port in northern Iberia, Viana's impressive history includes its merchants who supplied the naval provisions for the ships that took part in the Portuguese discoveries during the 16th century, and later built the ships that sailed to Newfoundland for cod. With their wealth, they built many grand houses, the architectural beauty of which is a distinctive sign of the city. Worth a visit is the 19th-century Byzantine church of Santa Lucia standing atop the hill overlooking the city: it's a brief climb, but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. From here, you cycle back inland, following the Lima river until you reach Ponte de Lima. Portugal's oldest village is renowned for its beautiful 24-arch Roman bridge, famous for its importance to medieval pilgrims en route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. We recommend a nice walk through the picturesque town. The next morning, you can sweeten your breakfast with the best honey from the estate's bees.

Day 5: Ponte de Lima – Barcelos (33 km; +300 m)
Whether you’re religious or not, following the medieval Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela is a special experience. This is a leisurely and uncomplicated stage of cycling through wheat fields and vineyards up to the city of Barcelos on the Cávado River. The centerpiece of the ceramics industry and also a religiously significant site. The 13th-century mother church is worth a visit.

Day 6: Barcelos – Vila do Conde (36 km; +246 m)
Today you’ll return to the Atlantic to reach Vila do Conde, famous for its ship-building past, as evidenced by the replica of a ship used during the Discoveries and built here. The city center is dominated by quaint manor houses and small palaces. The importance of its fishing port isn't just strategic: tonight, you can enjoy a wonderful seafood dinner in town and a pleasant stroll along the beach before going to bed, refreshed by the sea air.

Day 7: Vila do Conde – Porto (34 km; +232 m)
The final leg of this tour will guide you along quiet cycling lanes along the coast, through a marine bird reserve, along the dunes, and through fishing villages. It's remarkable how hard these fishermen (and their wives) work and even more so their good humor. You'll soon reach Porto via the estuary of the Douro River. This city, famous for Porto wine, is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. A UNESCO world heritage city, whose historic center boasts over 1500 listed monuments.

Day 8: Porto
After breakfast, transfer to Porto Airport and the end of services.