Cycling the Portuguese Camino: Coimbra to Santiago de Compostela
Cycling the Portuguese Camino: Coimbra to Santiago de Compostela
Pedal along the rivers, coasts and valleys of Northern Portugal and learn about the cast of characters that founded the country we now know as Portugal in the 12th century. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Coimbra, Porto, Ponte de Lima and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Cruise along the Douro, Minho and Lima rivers - on your bike. Take the time to taste and savor the gastronomic specialties of the area and enjoy the changes that come with crossing a border as we cycle into Galicia, Spain. With 3 wine regions along our route and a blend of fresh seafood, hearty stews and modern day gourmet there is something for all tastes.
Our route crisscrosses the Portuguese Camino as we follow in the footsteps of royalty such as Queen Isabel of Portugal who did this pilgrimage in the 13th century. We’ll touch on two versions of the Camino -- one along the coast, and the traditional interior route to reach the enthralling towns of Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Baiona and then Pontevedra, Padron and Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. A generous dose of Southern European hospitality and lifestyle makes this a unique and wonderful bicycle tour.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
UNESCO Towns: Coimbra, Porto, Ponte da Lima and Santiago, Minho and Dour River Valleys, Vinho Verde, Douro and Porto Wines, Baiona's Historic Port, Pimientos del Padrón - in Padrón Spain, Galician Countryside Cycling, Cycling Portugal's Northern Coast
Includes
12 days, 11 nights accommodation, meals as noted in itinerary, visit to Salt Factory, Porto wine tasting, guided city tours as described in itinerary, and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Highlights: Stay in a renovated 18th century palace, UNESCO World Heritage Town
Meet the group in Coimbra, Portugal - an easy train ride from Lisbon, and explore the streets that Afonso I, king of Portugal once walked. It is rumored that he was born in Coimbra and it is certain he was buried here in 1185. Arrive early to explore the historic center of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel in Coimbra is located slightly out of town but its a perfect setting to begin a tour steeped in history and mythology. This historic country estate features beautiful grounds and was the site of a tragic 14th century love story between lady-in-waiting Inês de Castro and Prince Pedro. This is where we meet for our bike fitting and first dinner.
Highlights: Ride along the Mondego River, Explore the Aveiro canals
Exiting Coimbra you'll follow the bike path along the Mondego River this morning. Our route takes you through the small towns of the interior as you head north to Aveiro on the shore of Aveiro Lagoon, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a stroll along the riverfront or explore the city's famous network of waterways with a canal cruise. Don't miss out on trying the famed Fios de Ovos de Ovar pastries.
Visit a local salt factory to learn about salt's integral history in the economy of this region as well as to learn about products that are made today. You'll have a close-up view of the source as we pedal the salt flats before taking a short ferry ride along the Ria de Aveiro, an estuary teeming with wildlife. (Keep your eye's peeled for flamingos.) It's easy to see how water conquered land and shaped the towns in this area. The numerous oxygenated lagoons provide the seaweed that is sold to pharmaceutical companies, and is another important income source for the local economy. This evening, we'll walk to a local hang-out for an aperitif together. There will be plenty of time for a dip in the ocean which is only a short distance from our hotel.
Today’s ride is a part of the Camino de Santiago so look for fellow pilgrims along the way. Our ride take us from a fisherman’s village along the Atlantic coast, to green pine woods, and a quiet bike path that will lead you directly to the heart of downtown Porto, or Ribeira do Porto as it is known locally. Before crossing the iconic metal bridge into Porto you’ll pedal through its sister city on the south bank, Vila Nova de Gaia, featuring docks lined with famous Porto wineries. Locals will tell you it is the best place to admire Porto from a far! As you make your way across the famous Douro River the colorful city of Porto will come alive before your eyes. Welcome to the home of proud happy people with a quick smile.
Today you decide - explore the Douro by boat, take a scenic tram ride, or explore the intricate historic city streets of Porto. If you stay in town, don't miss a visit to the spectacular Lello Library. For lunch, seek out a unique Francesinha sandwich with chips and sauce or - if you're feeling especially brave - a bowl of Tripas á moda do Porto. This evening we'll meet for a group tour and taste of the famous Porto wine in Gaia.
You can pick up your pilgrim's passport today so you can track your progress along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago which ends at Santiago de Compostela.
Have you spotted the colorful rooster that is Portugal's unofficial mascot? If not, keep your eye out; the rooster is said to embody the Portuguese love of life and it originates in Barcelos. But, before we get there, we must say goodbye to bustling Porto. We ride out on a bike path that eases us into the peaceful wine country. Expect fun hills and green lush vistas along the way along with plenty of other cyclists with whom to share an "OLÁ."
Today's ride is short so you can take full advantage of beautiful country roads that lead to the oldest village in Portugal, Ponte de Lima. Often considered the postcard village of Portugal, Ponte de Lima is situated on the banks of Rio Lima and is the heart of the green wine region. It is also home to a very old tradition dating back to Roman or even Phoenician times: Vaca Das Cordas, or "playing with wild cows". Vaca Das Cordas is a type of bull-running through town, followed the next day - generally in July, by the Festa do Corpo de Deus (Corpus Christi), when flowers carpet the streets. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and along an old bridge where you'll likely spot pilgrims walking along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
Highlights: Pedal to Spain, the beaches of Baiona, Columbus’s first port
On March 1, 1493 the first of Columbus's ships touched shore in Baiona. The news of his "discovery" of America soon spread to the rest of Europe. Today's ride follows the coast and Minho river as we pedal north towards this historic port and cross into one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Toast your arrival into Spain with a glass of Albarino or by relaxing on the beach in Baiona.
Highlights: Explore Ria de Vigo, Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Today's ride starts out flanking one of the geographical features that characterizes the Galician coast - a Ría, or a drowned river valley that is open to the sea. Though a Ría is the opposite of a lagoon, they look the same. The ride skirts the city of Vigo and you'll jump on a ferry to cross the Ría de Vigo. In 1702 a landmark naval battle (Battle of Rande) took place outside Vigo, the largest Galician city. The battle between Anglo-Dutch and French-Spanish fleet was over the arrival of Spanish galleons laden with an immense treasure of gold, silver and jewels. Though the story of what happened next varies a treasure hunt for the gold ensued and included Jules Verne's Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We'll continue to pedal north to reach Pontevedra, our home for the night. It's worth your time to explore the medieval heart with its old granite houses and spacious squares.
Highlights: Scenic views of the Galician Mountains, Padrón Peppers
Leave the water behind today with a short climb to a mountain spine providing glorious views as a reward. It's a perfect day for a picnic. Make sure to seek out some of Padrón's infamous peppers. First brought from South America 400 years ago by monks and then grown in the gardens of a convent in the tiny village of Hébron, Padrón peppers became a quick favorite on local dinner tables - and are now famous throughout Spain. The monks traded the peppers for necessary items and 400 years later, they are still in demand. The peppers are no longer grown by monks but by generations of locals who have adopted both traditional methods and modern technology to offer their product to Spanish and UK markets. Watch out, these peppers are as addictive as popcorn but can catch you by surprise if you find a spicy one!
Highlights: Santiago, St James Cathedral and the end of the camino.
A short ride through the country side brings us to the larger metropolis of Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important religious and spiritual sites thanks to St. James and his shrine. Popular since the Middle Ages as a religious pilgrimage to visit the remains of the martyr St. James, the town and its associated pilgrimage routes continue to attract travelers of all types. 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: Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Highlights: Pilgrim's Mass at Noon
We'll offer a tour in Santiago this morning. You might also 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. Buen viaje!
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make travel arrangements,
check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like
Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Lisbon Airport (LIS):
Taxi to the Lisboa Oriente Train Station (30 min/EUR 20)
Train from Lisboa Oriente Train station to *Coimbra B station (2 hours/fares vary)
Taxi from *Coimbra A to Day 1 Hotel (15 min/EUR 10)
*Note: Long distance trains only serve Coimbra B station (away from city center) but all tickets include a 5-min train ride to Coimbra A (center of Coimbra/Baixa de Coimbra). Purchase your train ticket at the train station, no pre-booking necessary.
Look up Portuguese train schedules at
CP.pt. Most Portuguese train tickets do not need to be booked in advance. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe
here or
ask us.
Day 12: Departure Information
Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The tour ends on the final day after a tour of Santiago this morning. You may also want to stick around for the Pilgrim's Mass at noon. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ).
A train or bus to Madrid or Barcelona is at least a 9-hour trip.
Iberia airlines provides one-way flights to numerous destinations from Santiago.
Flying out of SQL
Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the airport (20 min/EUR 21)
Look up Spanish train schedules at Renfe.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Magnificient way to discover Nothern Portugal. This country is friendly and it is warm and beautiful.
Isabel M., Granby, Quebec, Canada - July 2019
Lovely, ever-changing route: Portuguese coast, inland countryside, Galician hills, roads, bike paths. Something to enjoy in each town we stayed in, beyond the wine and pastry.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Mountainous
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