The Charming Pousadas in the North Guided

Hybrid Bike | Guided | Historic
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This is a gorgeous Hybrid Bike Tour in Portugal which takes you to several Manor Houses, Palaces and Monasteries; these magnificent places were once inhabited by the clergy or the Queens and Kings of Portugal and now are converted into exquisite lodgings, which we call POUSADAS.

The overall difficulty level of this tour is 3, Intermediate (more precisely, level 2.7 between 1~5). It is recommended for “bikers” and “cyclists”. It is supposed that you are in good shape.

This Bicycle Tour in Portugal starts in Valença do Minho which is a historic village in Northern Portugal located near the Spanish border; the borderline is the beautiful river Minho and the village is surrounded by walls. There is a fortress with two towers and double walls, several manor houses and small palaces and several churches too. Then we will ride to Viana do Castelo, a town founded in the 13th century and whose port was one of the main ports from which the Portuguese explorers set sail, due to the Discoveries in the 16th century.

We will cycle along the river Lima to Ponte de Lima, admiring an astonishing view and luxuriant vegetation. Ponte de Lima is a beautiful small town whose name derives from the bridge (ponte) which was the only safe way to cross the Lima river.

We will cross the hills in Gerês and will stay in a 12th century Monastery converted into a charming hotel. Next stop will be in a Nature hotel located in the heart of Peneda/Gerês National Park with a breathtaking view over the river and the peaceful Caniçada dam.

On our last day we will cycle to Guimarães which is traditionally known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. You can visit the medieval historic center, the castle and the palace nearby and feel the medieval atmosphere around you. We will stay in a Convent dated of the 12 century.

From
Euro 2920
Guided
Tour

7
Days 

Level 3 (2.7)
Intermediate

Distance
204km/127mi
Average
41km/25mi day
Trails
66% asphalt+34% dirt-roads+bike lanes
Start | End
Valença | Guimarães
Dates

Start-End

Availability

Booking

Price

Per Person

29 Apr – 05 May, 2018

Available

Euro 3140

20 May – 26 May, 2018

Available

Euro 3150

01 Jul – 07 Jul, 2018

Available

Euro 3050

16 Sep – 22 Sep, 2018

Available

Euro 3280

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Minimum number of people: 2
Location: Porto and the North
Price per person:
Single room supplement:
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Price includes:
7-day Road Bike Tour with a Guide | Superior quality bicycle rental | Transfers from and to Porto or Lisbon Airport | Accommodations (6 nights): 5 nights in Pousadas – luxury Historic Hotels): one 12th century Monastery, one 17th century Fortress, one early 20th century Palace, one typical House in the mountains, one 12th century Convent) and one B&B. | Double bedroom occupancy | 6 Breakfasts | 2 nourishing and energetic picnics | 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts) | Daily energy-bars and water | Luggage transport from Hotel to Hotel | Documentation about PortugalBike Tour  | Personal Accident Insurance and Liability Insurance | First-Aid assistance on location | Techno-Mechanical Assistance | Permanent Backup Vehicle.

Please note:

Longer tour: You can join two PortugalBike Tours and have a 2-week program (10% discount on the second tour) | Groups: Discount for Groups of 4 or more people | E-Bike rental: + Euro 100 | If you wish a different date, ask us for prices and availability.

DAY BY DAY 

Day

1

Arrival   

Welcome at Porto airport. 1-hour drive to Valença, briefing about the tour. Lodging in a Pousada which is set on the highest place of the old fortified area of Valença, with a great view to the Spanish border.

Day

2

Cycling along the coast

62km (39mi), level 4 (3.5), total climbing 750m (2460ft).
After breakfast we leave Valença and ride towards a city that was founded in the 13th century and whose port was one of the main ports of sailing during the Portuguese Discovery Journeys in the 16th century. Lodging in a Pousada set on a hill, overlooking the city and the beautiful estuary of the river Lima.

Day

3

Along the Lima river banks

37km (23mi), level 2 (2.0), total climbing 390m (1280ft).
After breakfast we ride towards the oldest small town in Portugal with its amazing bridge which was the only safe way to cross the Lima river until the end of the Middle Ages. Lodging in a B&B.

Day

4

The most typical views in Minho region

50km (31mi), level 4 (3.6), total climbing 1080m (3540ft).
After breakfast we ride on the green and luxuriant Gerês Hills and here and there we can find some houses. Lodging in a Pousada that is the result of the restoration of a former Cistercian Monastery of the 12th century.

Day

5

Climbing the green luxuriant hills

18km (11mi), level 2 (1.9), total climbing 550m (1800m).
After breakfast we leave the 12th century Monastery and we ride up the green Gerês Hills. Our ride is short but very steep until we get to our next Pousada; however the dazzling views make the effort worth. Lodging in a nature Pousada with a unique location, right in the heart of Peneda/Gerês National Park.

Day

6

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal

37km (23mi), level 3 (2.7), total climbing 710m (2330ft).
After breakfast we ride towards Guimarães, the birthplace of Portuguese nationality. We leave the Peneda Gerês National Park and we start to ride down to this historic city. Visit the medieval historic center, the castle and palace where you can feel the medieval atmosphere around you. Lodging in a Pousada which is the result of the restoration of a former Augustine Monastery of the 12th century.

Day

7

Departure

After breakfast transfer to Porto or Lisbon airport  (40-min drive to Porto or 3-hour and 40-min drive to Lisbon).

Total distance  204km (127mi) | Average 41km/day (25mi/day) | 66% asphalt + 34% dirt-roads and bike lanes

SEE CLIMBING PROFILE

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All our Multi-Day Bike Tours have three versions: Guided, Supported or Self-Guided. If you prefer a different version of the current tour, please select below.

Charming Pousadas in the North Supported - Portugal Bike Tours
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Charming Pousadas in the North Self-Guided - Portugal Bike Tours
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From €1.950

See here the difference between Guided, Self-Guided and Supported tours

TESTIMONIALS

“We had a wonderful time on your Charming Pousadas of the North tour. The landscape was lush, verdant and varied. Jose planned a wonderful route, as far away from traffic as possible – country roads, farm and forest lanes, cobblestone paths through villages, even a segment of a Roman Road. In addition to planning a unique and satisfying route, Jose was a pleasure to ride with, full of cheer and a font of cultural and historical information. Cristina provide solid van support, perfect picnic lunches. The accommodations were wonderful, luxe and filled with history. Cristina and Jose also were perfect dinner hosts, choosing restaurants wisely, and creating a warm flow of conversation. The overall experience was a wonderful introduction to Portugal that only thoughtful and gracious Portuguese hosts could provide. We are veterans of about 20 inn-to-inn bike touring trips with a variety of touring groups, and found Portugal Bike to be at the top in terms of the overall quality of our experience. We’re looking forward to booking another trip with Portugal Bike in the near future.”

David Cass & Karen Saunders, 58 & 59 – Manchester CT, United States

“My wife and I have just completed the ‘Charming Pousadas of the North’ cycling tour with Portugal Bike. This tour was a truly wonderful blend of activity and relaxation. Jose and Cristina have struck a perfect balance of interesting riding through delightful country on mostly quiet roads with time to relax and enjoy the Pousadas and their environs. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensured that the entire tour ran smoothly from start to finish. Cristina kept in touch with us by email and ensured that we were at all times kept informed. Our questions were answered promptly and in detail. The fact that we were able to hire an e-bike for my wife ensured that she was easily able to keep up with Jose and myself. In fact Maree powered past us on the big climbs, much to her delight. The accommodation is first class, the food is plentiful and top quality and the riding varies from easy to challenging. I am happy to recommend PortugalBike to anyone seeking a cycling tour in Portugal.”

Jack Zagorski, 63 – Victoria, Australia

“We just completed the incredible self-guided bike tour “Charming Pousadas of the North” put together by Jose and Cristina and PortugalBike. From the moment we inquired about the tour the responsiveness and friendly personalized attention was clearly beyond the level of what we have experienced with other bike tours and travel services. Everything was thought through from the initial briefing, the very high quality bikes which were equipped exactly as we specified with SPD pedals, correctly sized, extremely well maintained and very comfortable. The documentation and maps provided and the flawless self-guiding Garmin GPS device guided us on the very well-planned route created by Jose. We rode from one beautiful Pousada to the next through vineyards, cobblestone streets, riverside boardwalks, charming village squares, stunning beaches, each time wondering how the next day could be any better – and each day shaking our heads in disbelief at how wonderfully different and amazing it was. Each Pousada was better than the next as well – from 11th century Monasteries to walled fortresses, to spectacular National Park lodges – all providing beyond our expectations for environment, dining, and friendly service. Jose told us at dinner the last night that he starts out every tour with clients and ends it with friends – and we are honored to be 2 more. Thank you Jose, Cristina and Portugal Bike – we will be back with more friends!”

Dan Klitsner, 54 – California, United States

“What an exceptional experience! We had such a wonderful time full of cultural experience, beautiful cycling and accompanied by two amazing individuals. Jose and Ricardo really made the trip over the top wonderful. The north of Portugal is a beautiful place and well worth the time! All logistics were well planned and hassle free to boot. Again, I want to reiterate how amazing the guides are. Truly exceptional people. Not to mention the food! I wasn’t expecting the gastronomy to be so great as well. I highly recommend this or any trip with these folks”

Carter Shaver, 30 – Lakewood CO, United States

See detailed testimonials

TOUR GEAR

On this tour you can ride with one of these bicycles
Hybrid Bike Scott Sportster

SCOTT SPORTSTER

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Sporster 20 Solution emphasises comfort and convenience for touring and transportation. Equipped with a lockout fork and Syncros components, the Sportster is set up perfectly for your excursions with a more vertical and comfortable position.

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e Bike Bosch System

BOSCH SYSTEM 

E-BIKE

Now you don’t have any excuse for not participating on a Portugal Bike Tour! Don’t be afraid of not being able to keep up with the group. Now you can ride an e-bike without feeling too exhausted! The system works as if someone is pushing at your back! The more you pedal, the more electric assistance you have.

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