Porto Coastal Cycling

Porto Coastal Cycling

165 Views
8 Days
From

$3050

Porto Coastal Cycling

8 Days Starting and ending in Porto

Visiting: Porto, Furadouro, Aveiro, Praia de Mira

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

C07OP

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low, Leisurely

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$3050 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Your holiday starts in Porto, where shuttered townhouses tumble downhill to colourful rabelo sailing boats cruising the Douro River and passing world-famous wine cellars. From here, you'll beach and bay hop south to your luxury beachfront hotel in Furadouro, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, home to pink flamingo and colourful birdlife, to Aveiro for two nights in a waterside mansion. Known as 'Portugal's Venice', this is where colourful moliceiro boats cruise along canals beneath tall palm trees, while alleyways are filled with tempting restaurants. Your final cycling stretch takes you back to the ocean to high sand dunes, meandering through pine and acacia forest, to Praia de Mira.



Highlights

  • Porto's famous wine cellars with wine tasting included; Aveiro's Venetian canals

  • Coastal cycling routes: beaches, sand dunes, lighthouses, colourful marinas and charming cities

  • Coastal and lagoon wildlife: pink flamingo, purple heron, kingfisher and sandpiper

  • 4-star hotels throughout in beachfront and city locations

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Arrive In Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vincci Porto
Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at your hotel where our agent will kit you out with your bike and run

through the routes with you before a traditional dinner on the Douro

riverfront.

Day 2 : At Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vincci Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast

An optional, return cycle route takes you north of Porto following cycle

paths, first along the river and then the ocean. You'll pass beaches,

restaurants, the C16 castle of Sao Joao da Foz, the fishing village of

Matosinhos and the Boa Nova Tea House of the famous Portuguese architect Siza

Vieira, which belongs to Chef Rui Paula (from the Portuguese Masterchef).

Alternatively, relax in Porto for the day, strolling along the narrow alleys

and along the riverfront. A port wine tasting and cellar visit across the

Douro River is included in the afternoon, while your evening meal has been

left free so you can choose from one of the many restaurants on offer.



Day 3 : Porto To Furadouro
Location: Porto, Furadouro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Furadouro Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take your time this morning, cycling along the south bank of the Douro River,

where the rabelo boats line up along the quay. Perhaps stop for a tasting in

one of the famous cellars before a glorious waterfront cycle path leads you

from the Natural Reserve of the Douro Estuary, with its birdwatching hides,

to the Atlantic coast. You exchange bays for beaches for the rest of the day,

with many seafront restaurants to stop at for lunch. Relax on the sands at

Espinho before hopping on the train (13 mins) to Ovar. For the longer route,

continue cycling from Espinho to Ovar, making sure to visit the Parque de

Bucaquinho. It's then flat cycling to your beachfront hotel at nearby

Furadouro where you'll dine in the hotel restaurant.

Day 4 : Furadouro To Aveiro (Estarreja) 34Km/21.5Mi Or 44Km/27.5Mi
Location: Furadouro, Aveiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Moliceiro
Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Furadouro, pedal south along the protected Aveiro Lagoon past rickety

pontoons, where plover and sandpiper tiptoe amid golden wattle and parrot

feather in search of lunch. Hop on the train from Estarreja (14 mins, pay

locally) or Salreu (another nearly 10km further on for those looking for a

longer cycle) to the heart of Aveiro and your luxury mansion hotel. For

dinner tonight you're free to choose from one of the many famous fish

restaurants nearby.

Day 5 : At Aveiro
Location: Aveiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Moliceiro
Meals Included: Breakfast

Aveiro is known as 'Portugal's Venice'. Alleyways are lined with

churrasquerias for lunch, and gondola-style boats cruise below swaying palms

on the latticework canals. The noisy fish market is a daily event, and the

excellent museum is set in a beautifully preserved Augustinian convent. A

short bus trip (30 mins) leads to neighbouring Costa Nova; streets of wooden

houses are squeezed between the beach and the lagoon, painted in candy floss

pink, summer yellow and sailor-blue stripes.

Day 6 : Aveiro To Praia De Mira 33Km/21Mi Or 45Km/28.5Mi
Location: Aveiro, Praia de Mira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Macarico Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The Aveiro Lagoon narrows as you cycle south today. Vista Alegre is

Portugal's oldest fine porcelain producer and has a fascinating museum and

factory in Ilhavo. Head for lunch in Costa Nova (extends the day's route by a

round-trip cycle of 12km) if you wish. Next, cross the lagoon to meet the

ocean again in Vagueira where oxen were once used to pull fishing nets up the

beach. You then turn inland, pedalling past pears, lemon orchards and

strawberry fields to your beachfront hotel at Praia de Mira with its inviting

rooftop pool.

Day 7 : At Praia De Mira
Location: Praia de Mira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Macarico Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A leafy trail leads east into lagoons and acacia forest this morning, and

sun-dappled routes cross timber, New England-style, covered bridges spanning

clear-water canals. Kingfisher and blue heron are common here, and bright

cistus and iris splash colour along the route leading past several perfect

picnic spots. Have lunch by the sea and enjoy a final paddle before dinner

back at your hotel.

Day 8 : Leave Praia De Mira
Location: Praia de Mira
Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Praia de Mira

What's Included

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Port wine-tasting

  • GPS device

  • All accomodation

  • All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals

  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

  • Route directions and maps

  • High quality bikes

  • All accommodation

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 4 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Supplement for single traveller (includes single accommodation supplement)

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (compulsory supplement)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

Food

Portuguese cuisine is wholesome, hearty, and rarely fancy and relies heavily
on the use of different herbs and spices due to its Moorish influence. Fish
dishes are more predominant in the south, although northern regions often
offer delicious freshwater fish dishes.The region is also famous for sticky
desserts that use egg yolk. During the Golden Age (15C and 16C), the area was
very rich because of all the treasures that were brought back from the
discoveries of the New World. These riches paid for many convents. The nuns
needed egg whites to starch their habits so they used the egg yolks in many
gooey desserts that have curious names like monk’s breast and nun’s
stomach.The Alentejo is also a highly respected wine region. The Romans were
the first to start cultivating vines here. You’ll find a whole range of
different vintages to try en route, the best known ones include Roupeiro,
Rabo do Ovelha and Antão Vaz (white) and Periquita, Trincadeira and Aragonez
(reds), although many small family run vineyards produce their own versions
as well. The majority of the wines served in Portugal come from this region.
If you enjoy a very young wine, try Vinho Verde from the North. Calcos do
Tanha from the Douro region is a good red wine as are Cozinha Velha, Esporão
and Ma Partilha from Terra do Sado. Try one of the many excellent ports as a
digestif.

Accommodation

We've picked some rather special accommodation for you including luxury 4-star hotels in historic buildings in Porto and Aveiro; a design hotel in Praia de Mira with a rooftop pool boasting fabulous ocean views, and a stylish spa hotel in Furadouro. We've included three evening meals for you on this holiday and you're free to choose from some great local restaurants in Porto (night two), Furadouro and also in Aveiro.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4-star hotels

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 30, 2024 - May 07, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 14, 2024 - May 21, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 21, 2024 - May 28, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 28, 2024 - Jun 04, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 04, 2024 - Jun 11, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 11, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
$3705 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Monday - Monday

Jun 17, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024
$3705 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 18, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 25, 2024 - Jul 02, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$3320 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
$3050 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 20, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$3545 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$3260 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$3260 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Similar Tours