Iberian Bicycle Odyssey

Northern Portugal & Spanish Galicia

The charm of present day Iberia is firmly rooted in its past. Cobbled streets wind through the old town centers and azulejos (hand painted tiles) decorate everything from the grandest palace to the tiniest roadside shrine. Portugal’s Minho valley is one of the world's last concentrations of small family-owned vineyards. Its emerald valleys extend to the Atlantic, earning it the nickname "Costa Verde."

Our bike route takes us through timeless villages along the banks of the Rio Lima, Rio Vez and Rio Minho. We'll spin through Peneda-Gerês National Park to the rustic mountain village of Soajo, whose picturesque granaries have been declared a national monument. Stepped terraces strung with climbing grapevines line the Vez valley en route to Monção, where our manor house produces its own award-winning vinho verde. Crossing the Rio Minho into Spain, we'll pedal to the Galician coast and enjoy an authentic paella dinner in seaside Baiona.

Accommodations in historic Portuguese manor houses and castles will surround you with reminders of Iberia’s glorious past. Our Spanish parador will provide every comfort and luxury at the end of the biking day.

Robust olive oil, garlic, coriander and saffron flavor the local cuisine. Portuguese specialties include espadas (marinated skewers of seafood, meats, and vegetables) and açorda de mariscos (a rich cilantro-seasoned bread and shellfish soup). In Spain, you'll sample a cornucopia of regional tapas, including pimientos de Padron (miniature peppers with sea salt) and gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic). Our evening meals are perfectly complemented by local wines: crisp vinho verde from the Minho and velvety reds from the Douro and Dão Valleys. It won't be long before you're toasting like the locals: Saúde! Salud!

Plan to arrive in Porto no later than Friday. If you would like more time to explore Porto you may wish to arrive a day before the tour begins.

Friday, Porto. This morning, Gerhard will meet you at the airport or train station for transfer to our hotel. An afternoon walking tour explores this capital of Port wine and Portugal’s second largest city. The art treasures, medieval cathedrals, famous museums and a fine library showcase the city’s rich legacy. Prior to the evening’s welcome dinner, we’ll visit one of the nearby port cellars and sample some of the hundreds of varieties.

Saturday, Viana do Castelo. A short transfer to the most folkloric city in northern Portugal. We'll adjust the bikes and enjoy a ride in the nearby countryside. Tonight's dinner in Viana's Old Quarter features specialties of the region. Various riding options for the day.

Sunday & Monday, Arcos de Valdevez. We cycle through pastoral countryside and across ancient Roman bridges to historic Ponte de Lima. After lunch, we'll follow the Rio Lima to our hotel, a lovely 18th-century manor house. A two-night stay will allow lots of time to relax, ride, swim in the pool or stroll along the Rio Vez. 38, 42, or 54 mile options on Sunday. Monday’s ride is a spectacular loop through pine and eucalyptus forests, remote mountain villages and the granite peaks of Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only national park. Before dinner, a local folk group will entertain us with colorful dances and traditional songs. 0, 30, 36, or 48 miles for Monday.

Tuesday, Monção. Rewarding vistas of terraced valleys and distant mountains, before descending to the town of Monção on the Rio Minho and the Spanish border. The main square is dedicated to local heroine Deu-la-Deu Martins, whose baking skills saved the besieged town from the Spanish in 1368. Winery tour and dinner at our country estate. 31, 37, or 54 miles.

Wednesday & Thursday, Baiona. Bike to the walled medieval town of Valença with its colorful street market before crossing the Eiffel-designed bridge over the Rio Minho to Spain. Stop for tapas in Tui and visit the Gothic cathedral. Our afternoon ride passes through the Mount Aloia Nature Reserve with bird's-eye views of the Atlantic before descending to the coast for a paella feast. We enjoy a two-night stay in Baiona, where our luxurious parador looks out to sea from high above the walls of Monterreal Fortress. 33 mile ride. Thursday is free to explore Baiona's harbor and beaches or bike the Atlantic coast. A seaside cycling loop visits the mystical stone ruins of Monte Santa Tecla, a 2500-year-old Celtic settlement. 0, 21, 35, or 52 miles.

Friday, Porto. This morning we pedal through some of Spain’s most beautiful coastal scenery before crossing the border back into Portugal. After lunch we’ll drive to Porto, arriving in time for last minute shopping and a little more sightseeing. Farewell dinner with more varieties of the famous port wines to toast our memories of Portugal. Various riding distances.

Saturday. Breakfast at leisure. Transfer to the Porto airport or train station for your flight home or to other parts of Europe.

Daily biking distances: Most days we’ll have three cycling options as noted in the itinerary.
Tour price: $3,495 per person -- $545 single supplement
Tour dates: September 1st to 9th, 2006 (9 days/8 nights) – SOLD OUT!
Tour leaders: Local Portuguese (Gerhard & Darlene will be available for additional help)

Tour price includes all breakfasts, two picnic lunches and eight dinners with wine.
What else is included in the tour cost?

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