ITINERARY

Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Porto - Esposende, 37 mi.
Day 3: Esposende - Caminha, 31 mi.
Day 4: Caminha - Baiona, 25 mi.
Day 5: Baiona - Pontevedra, 40 mi.
Day 6: Pontevedra - Caldas Dos Reis, 16 mi.
Day 7: Caldas Dos Reis - Santiago de Compostela, 25 mi.
Day 8: Departure

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Day 1: Porto
Your first day will be spent in Porto, an ancient port city, once an outpost of the Roman Empire, steeped in history and tradition. Located along the Douro River Valley in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European cities and its historical center was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1996. Once you settle into your tour hotel, you can make your way to our partner's bike shop for a bike fitting followed by an included guided walking tour of this beautiful city. Three tours are offered daily. 10 am, 3 pm, or 4 pm. This will lead you through the art and tradition, such as the blue and white tiled churches, and contemporary highlights, including the bookstore that influenced J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the magnificent Stock Exchange Market. It also includes a visit to a wine cellar.

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Day 2: Porto - Esposende, 37 mi.
You will enjoy the seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese Rivieras” such as Póvoa de Varzim. This is one of the oldest fishing villages in Portugal with an ancient center, old fishermen's district,  beach districts, and an emerging contemporary east district. Póvoa is a hotspot for nightlife as well! The town of Vila do Conde became important in the 15th century as a shipyard and played a role in the era of Portuguese discoveries, known as El Dorado. It has always had an ancient connection to the sea, as do all the coastal cities. The journey ends in Esposende, a seaside city located in the North.

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Day 3: Esposende – Caminha, 31 mi.
Today's agenda includes Viana do Castelo, another seaside city that was very strategic during the era of the  Discoveries. During the XIV-XVth Centuries, it was here that the ships were built to sail to Brazil, India, Africa, and other Portuguese colonies. The final destination today will be Caminha, on the delta of the river Minho which became an important trading port early in the 14C, shipping wine to Britain and importing products from Africa, India, and Brazil. Today, Caminha is known for its green rural landscape and pine forests clinging to the slopes of the granite mountains, which provide good hiking. The river estuary is good for boating and the beaches are popular in the summer. 

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Day 4: Caminha - Baiona, 25 mi.
Your route leads into Spanish territory, ending in Baiona. In the days of the famous voyages of Christopher Columbus, this was the first port to hear about the discovery of America. Today, a replica of the Pinta is permanently moored in the harbor. Apart from the sea landscape, you can get lost in the old city center, a tangle of inviting lanes, with a handful of 16th and 17th-century houses and chapels. There are quite a few churches and other small buildings of architectural and historical interest. Still, Baiona's most prominent building is the Castelo de Monterreal, a castle on the edge of the town, providing excellent views of the town and the surrounding coastline from its elevated position.

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Day 5: Baiona - Pontevedra,  40 mi.
The fifth day will follow the route of the Vigo and pass by San Simon’s Bay. Following the coastline, Pontevedra will be the destination, with its abundance of natural beauty. It is a city built on a hill with some streets sloping down to the Lérez River. The old city center is well-preserved and contains numerous historic buildings and monuments. Pontevedra is proud of its cultural and natural heritage.

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Day 6: Pontevedra - Caldas Dos Reis, 16 mi.
According to historical archives, the first inhabitants of Caldas Dos Reis were a pre-Roman community that lived from the hot springs of this territory. Since the Middle Ages, it has been part of the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela. Besides the rich cultural heritage, like Arcade, Caldas de Reis is known for its “empanadas” of lamprey and the traditional Spanish bread. Even today, the hot springs are a unique tourist attraction.

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Day 7: Caldas Dos Reis - Santiago de Compostela, 25 mi.
Your final destination is in sight and will end in Santiago de Compostela and the end of your cycling pilgrimage. It does not matter whether or not you believe in the legend of St. James and the value of the "pilgrimage," Santiago is one of Spain's finest cities. The cathedral of Santiago dominates the golden granite square with its Baroque towers, covered everywhere with ornamentation. The city is surrounded by the hilly, lush terrain of Galicia, dramatic coastal scenery, delicious seafood, fine local wines, and an easygoing ambiance. 
 

Day 8: Departure or extension of stay. 
A train ticket back to Porto is included in your tour price.

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Accommodations

Hotels in this category are typically lovely 4-star establishments, such as Porto Trindade Hotel in Porto. Located in the heart of the city of Porto, the Porto Trindade Hotel guarantees a unique stay.

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Adventure Includes:

• Accommodation for 7 nights in in the chosen hotel category

• Breakfast

• Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)

• Departure transfer (only on official tour end date) to Compostela Airport or hotel or to Porto Airport or hotel. Transfers on any other day will incur a supplement.

• Electric bike rental (equipped with helmet, water bottle, a tool kit for quick repairs, rear rack, & pannier bag)

• Tour presentation, bike fitting, & walking tour of Porto (offered at 10 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm and includes a wine cave visit)

• Luggage transfer

• Cycling guide

• Support vehicle will be added for groups of 8 or more at no extra charge

• Cycling jersey

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​Adventure does NOT include:

• Meals other than breakfast

• GPS

• Support vehicle (will be added for no additional cost with minimum of 8 participants)

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