Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 12:48
Porto to Coimbra Cycling Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Portugal
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 10 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 10 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: C09OP
Trip Overview
On this nine-night, self-guided cycling holiday you’ll enjoy wonderful, relaxed cycling along the idyllic coastline south of Porto and the beautiful Aveiro Lagoon, discovering two of Portugal’s most important cities – Porto and Coimbra – and sampling some of the country’s signature wines.
You begin in UNESCO-recognised Porto, a beautiful mix of winding, medieval streets, impressive architecture and the serene Douro River, packed with brightly coloured rabelo sailing boats – it’s also home to some world-famous wine cellars. From here you’ll head south, past sandy bays and beaches, to your luxury hotel in Furadouro right on the beachfront, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, to ‘Portugal’s Venice’, Aveiro. Here, the latticework canals are overlooked by grand buildings and inviting restaurants, while pretty moliceiro boats sail leisurely along the water. Returning to the ocean you’ll pass high sand dunes and fragrant pine and acacia forest, on your way to Praia de Mira, before heading inland to the Spa town of Curia in the Bairrada wine region, the home of Portugal’s best Champagne-style wine – be sure to stop for a tasting! From Curia your final stretch takes you to Coimbra, Portugal’s former capital and now a cosmopolitan university city. Explore its charming cobbled alleyways, bustling markets and wonderful architecture such as the 16th century aqueduct and the university’s sublime Baroque library, perhaps rounding off with a traditional fado evening in one of the local bars.
At a Glance
- 9 nights hotel-to-hotel in 4 star accommodation
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
- GPS Route directions
- Headwater navigation app
Highlights
- Superb varied cycling: riverside and forest routes; beaches and sand dunes; charming cities
- Taste wine in Porto's famous wine cellars and in the superb Bairrada wine region
- Aveiro's Venetian canals; UNESCO-recognised Coimbra
- Coastal and lagoon wildlife: pink flamingo, purple heron, kingfisher and sandpiper
- 4-star hotels throughout in beachfront, town and country locations
- Based on our popular 7 night, Porto Coastal Cycling
Is This Trip for You?
Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self–Guided
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/moderate)
Average daily distance: 31.4km (21miles)
No. of days cycling: 7
Terrain and route: The suggested cycle routes follow a mixture of dedicated cycle paths, which are either beside the road or separate from the road and some tracks.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Porto
- End City: Porto
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Porto
Arrive at your hotel in Porto. After a briefing with our agent you can enjoy dinner on the Douro riverfront.
You stay at the Hotel Vila Gale (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal included in a local restaurant)
At Porto
Today you could opt for a return cycle ride, taking you north of Porto and along both the Douro River and the ocean front, passing glorious beaches, the 16th century castle of Sao Joao da Foz, Matosinhos – with some great seafood restaurants – and the Boa Nova Tea House which belongs to the Portuguese Masterchef’s Rui Paula. If you’d rather spend the day exploring Porto, why not enjoy a stroll along the riverfront, wander the narrow, winding streets or explore the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For dinner this evening you can choose from a number of fine local restaurants.
You stay at the Hotel Vila Gale (breakfast included)
Porto to Furadouro
This morning, enjoy a relaxed ride along the Douro River’s south bank, full of brightly coloured rabelo boats. You could stop for a tasting in one of the famous port wine caves before following an idyllic waterfront path from the Natural Reserve of the Douro Estuary – a great spot for birdwatching – to the Atlantic coast. Heading onwards, you’ll pass some beautiful sandy beaches – perhaps stop for lunch in one of the seafront restaurants and relax on Espinho’s gorgeous golden sands – before following a cycle path through pine forest to your beachfront hotel in Furadouro.
You stay at the Furadouro Boutique Hotel (breakfast included)
Furadouro to Aveiro (Estarreja)
Head south from Furadouro along the protected Aveiro Lagoon, one of Europe’s last pristine coastal marshes and a haven for many bird species including plover and sandpiper – you can discover more about the area by joining the canal and paying a visit to the BioRia Interpretation Centre. It’s then on to Salreu where you’ll take a short train journey (10 mins – pay locally) to Aveiro, your home for the next two nights. There are plenty of good fish restaurants to choose from for dinner, within easy reach of your luxury hotel.
You stay at the Hotel Moliceiro (breakfast included)
At Aveiro
Aveiro is known as ‘Portugal’s Venice’, with a picturesque network of canals weaving their way through the city, lined with grand buildings and former fishermen’s houses and filled with gondola-style boats making their way leisurely along the water. Charming alleyways are lined with churrasquerias for lunch, while a bustling fish market takes place every day. Visit the impressive Jesus Monastery and Aveiro Museum, along with the beautiful cathedral which dominates the town square.
You stay at the Hotel Moliceiro (breakfast included)
Aveiro to Praia De Mira
Cycle southwards today and visit the factory and museum of Vista Alegre, Portugal’s oldest fine porcelain producer, based in Ilhavo, before crossing the Aveiro Lagoon to meet the ocean again in Vagueira. From here you head north to Costa Nova, home to a lovely sandy beach lined by colourful candy-striped houses, before cycling back to Vagueira and along the coast. Turning inland, you’ll make your way to your 4 star beachfront hotel at Praia de Mira, passing fields of pears, lemons and strawberries en route.
You stay at the Macarico Beach Hotel (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal in a local restaurant)
At Praia de Mira
Perhaps take it easy today and enjoy a day at a beach, relaxing on Praia de Mira’s silky sands dotted with brightly coloured fishing boats and several beach cafes. Alternatively, follow a trail eastwards into lagoons and acacia forest, crossing the canals over New England-style bridges. This is a lovely route lined by iris and bright cistus and you’re likely to spot kingfisher and blue heron, along with several good picnic spots!
You stay at the Macarico Beach Hotel (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal in a local restaurant)
Praia de Mira to Curia
Leave the coast behind and follow a cycle path inland through acacia forest, before passing farms and small villages on your way to the vineyards of the Bairrada region. Stop for a spot of wine tasting at the Quinta do Encontro before a short ride brings you to Curia and your ‘Palace Hotel’ set in 14 acres of gardens and parkland.
You stay at the Curia Palace (breakfast and evening meal)
Curia to Coimbra
Your final day takes you through vineyards to the Mondego River Valley. You’ll cycle alongside farms and rice fields, following the river, with a final stretch through the Choupal Forest to arrive in Coimbra. There’s so much to discover in this beautiful riverfront city, including the historic university with its spectacular Baroque library, the Museo de Castro, whose art collection in the Bishop’s Palace is one of the finest in Portugal, not to mention the interest-packed streets and leafy plazas just perfect for exploring. We recommend spending extra nights here so you can enjoy the city to the full, including the markets, restaurants and lively fado bars!
You stay at the Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra (breakfast included)
Leave Coimbra
The tour ends after breakfast in Coimbra.
Accommodation
Hotels
We’ve picked some rather special accommodation for you including luxury 4-star hotels in art-deco and historic buildings in Porto and Aveiro respectively; a design hotel in Praia de Mira with a rooftop pool boasting fabulous ocean views, stylish spa hotels in Furadouro and Coimbra and a restored Belle Epoque hotel in Curia, set in 14 acres of private gardens and parkland. We’ve included four 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 and Coimbra.
Single supplement from £ 420
Food & Drink
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.
Weather & Seasonality
Porto has a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence. The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures between mid June and September.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Porto
Location end: Porto
Transfer Details
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
TAP Air Portugal Gatwick to Porto 12:00/14:20 then transfer to hotel 20 mins Return: Taxi to station approx. 6 Euro payable locally then rail Coimbra-B to Porto Campanha 13:32/14:36 and TAP Air Portugal to Gatwick 17:50/20:05.
Standard transfers
Transfers included from Porto airport at 14:10, back to Coimbra station payable locally.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
What To Take
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.
You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
Extra bike accessories
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
E-Bikes Available
Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.
Reading List
Lonely Planet – Portugal
The Rough Guide to Portugal
Practical Information
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Portugal's time zone: Europe/Lisbon (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Portugal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Portugal's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.