North Portugal
Portugal Bike Tours
Bike Portugal’s Minho River Trail, one of the best bike trails in Europe
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1310 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Cycle Trail of the Minho River was ranked as the fourth-best bike trail in Europe in 2009 and showcases amazing Portuguese landscapes, rivers, and breathtaking seaside views. You will explore the trails and the Unesco World Heritage Portuguese villages along the Minho River.
World-renowned gastronomy and wines combined with such a rich landscape and cultural, historical, and architectural heritage make North Portugal a must visit.Highlights
- Minho River Bike Trail
- Unique accommodations
- Viana do Castelo, beautiful seaside village
- Ponte de Lima
- Porto
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Itinerary
Variation 1: Easy-Moderate Version
Day 1: Melgaço
Day 2: Melgaço - Valença, 27 mi. (43 km ) plus extra track to Tui
Day 3: Valença – Viana do Castelo, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, (25 km)
Day 5: Ponte de Lima – Esposende, (55 km)
Day 6: Esposende – Porto, (60 km)
Day 7: DepartureVariation 2: Easy Version
Day 1: Melgaço
Day 2: Melgaço – Valença, 27 mi. (43 km). Option short extension to Tui, 4 mi. (6 km)
Day 3: Valença – Caminha,19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Caminha – Viana do Castel,16 mi.(25 km)
Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 6: Ponte de Lima – Ponte da Barca, 11 mi. (18 km). Option for extension to Arcos de Valdevez, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 7: DepartureNote: All distances are approximate.
Variation 1: Easy-Moderate Version
Day 1: Melgaço
Day 2: Melgaço - Valença, 27 mi. (43 km ) plus extra track to Tui
Day 3: Valença – Viana do Castelo, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, (25 km)
Day 5: Ponte de Lima – Esposende, (55 km)
Day 6: Esposende – Porto, (60 km)
Day 7: DepartureAll distances are approximate.
Day 1: Melgaço
This amazing cycling trip starts in Melgaço, a city in the north of Portugal, on the banks of the Minho River. It is a small town, very beautiful and historic, overseen by the tower of Homage, located high up in the old medieval town. It overviews the beautiful Minho valley, filled with vineyards, that surrounds Melgaço and the nearby Peneda Geres park. Included is an introductory meeting with our local partner including tour presentation and explanation.Day 2: Melgaço – Valença, 27 mi. (43 km) plus extra track to Tui, 4 mi. (6 km)
Your route follows several bicycle paths along the Minho River, always with Spain on the other side. The Minho River Valley is famous for its beautiful landscapes, history, gastronomy, and the well-known, and much appreciated green wine, Alvarinho. The sloping valleys here are conducive to the practice of agriculture and viticulture. Several archaeological sites testify to the passage of different people and cultures through these lands. Your destination today is Valença, a historic town in the north of Portugal, located on the border with Spain and separated by the beautiful Minho River. The village sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by ramparts. During the Middle Ages, Valença’s hilltop position and privileged view over the River Minho were vital to protecting Portugal from invasion by its northern neighbors.Elevation:
Min: 17 m Max 167 m
488 m ascent / 601 m descentDay 3: Valença – Viana do Castelo, 37 mi. (60 km)
Leaving Valença but continuing along with the Minho river that marks the border with Spain, one of the destinations today is Caminha, a fortified border town where several battles were fought between Portugal and Spain. Standing on a tiny island in the middle of the estuary are the ruins of the fort of Ínsua, built as a defensive measure concerning the entrance in the river during the XVth century. Nowadays there is a daily ferry-boat linking the two banks of the river between the countries. This
city is also very well-known for its natural and green heritage: the sightseeing areas, waterfalls, beaches, camping parks and the Modelo beach (a favorite destination of famous people in Portugal). The middle stop of this day is Vila Nova de Cerveira, the 'Village of the Arts'. An internationally recognized 'cognomen', resulting from the pioneering of the “InternationalArt Biennials”, which began in 1978. The city then became the meeting point of artists from all over the world.Today's destination is Viana do Castelo. One of the most beautiful seaside cities in the north of Portugal. Viana was critical to Portugal in the Age of the Discoveries. This city has a deep connection with the sea showcased during the great festivity of “Nossa Senhora da Agonia”. It was also here that the ships were built and later deployed to Brazil, India, Africa, and other Portuguese colonies (14th and 15th centuries).
Elevation:
Min. 0 m Max 21 m
304 m ascent / 309 m descent
Day 4: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, 16 mi. (25 km)
Leaving Viana, today the cycling will lead inland, with the beautiful Lima River as your companion. The destination is Ponte de Lima, one of the most charming towns of northern Portugal. It is also one of the oldest, with a charter from 1125. Its bridge over the Lima River, built by the Romans in the first century, has always been a place of passage for the pilgrims who are going to Santiago.Elevation:
Min. 11 m
Max. 114 m
300 m ascent / 270 m descentDay 5: Ponte de Lima - Esposende, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today is the day to know the south bank of the river Lima for about 25 km and then you will begin your journey heading to Esposende, a seaside city
located in the North. During the first day, you will be overwhelmed with seaside landscapes and small“Portuguese rivieras” until you reach Esposende, a city from the Middle Ages. Neiva river and its clear waters, green pine forest of Ofir and the stunning views that offer different viewpoints about Esposende, are just some of the interesting features of the county in which the richness of the natural landscape and heritage built by human hand as is the case of windmills, fields in the trough, the forts, and mills, are combined in a unique harmony, forming landscapes of high scenic and environmental value and confirms Esposende as one of the most beautiful counties in the North region.Elevation:
Min. 0 m
Max. 78 m
347 m ascent / 334 descentDay 6: Esponsende - Porto, 41 mi. (65 km)
During this last day, you will be overwhelmed with seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese rivieras” until you reach Porto. During your last day, a huge variety of fishing villages (Póvoa de Varzim) will be met by us, where we can experience ancient traditions linked to the fish exploration as well taste this famous gastronomy. In Vila do Conde, you’ll know why these Portuguese coastal cities were so important during the “el dorado” of the Portuguese Discoveries.Elevation:
Min. 4 m
Max. 83 m
496 m ascent / 575 descentDay 7: Porto
Day 1: Melgaço
Day 2: Melgaço – Valença, 27 mi. (43 km). Option short extension to Tui, 4 mi. (6 km)
Day 3: Valença – Caminha,19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Caminha – Viana do Castel,16 mi.(25 km)
Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 6: Ponte de Lima – Ponte da Barca, 11 mi. (18 km). Option for extension to Arcos de Valdevez, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 7: DepartureAll distances are approximate.
Day 1: Melgaço
This amazing cycling trip starts in Melgaço, a city in the north of Portugal, on the banks of the Minho River. It is a small town, very beautiful and historic, overseen by the tower of Homage, located high up in the old medieval town. It overviews the beautiful Minho valley, filled with vineyards, that surrounds Melgaço and the nearby Peneda Geres park. Included is an introductory meeting with our local partner including tour presentation and explanation.Day 2: Melgaço – Valença, 27 mi. (43 km)
Your route follows several bicycle paths along the Minho River, always with Spain on the other side. The Minho River Valley is famous for its beautiful landscapes, history, gastronomy, and the well-known, and much appreciated green wine, Alvarinho. The sloping valleys here are conducive to the practice of agriculture and viticulture. Several archaeological sites testify to the passage of different people and cultures through these lands. Your destination today is Valença, a historic town in the north of Portugal, located on the border with Spain and separated by the beautiful Minho River. The village sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by ramparts. During the Middle Ages, Valença’s hilltop position and privileged view over the River Minho were vital to protecting Portugal from invasion by its northern neighbors.Elevation:
Min: 17 m Max 167 m
488 m ascent / 601 m descentDay 3: Valença – Caminha, 19 mi. (30 km)
Leaving Valença, but continuing along the Minho River that marks the border with Spain, today's destination is Caminha, a fortified border town where several battles were fought between Portugal and Spain. Standing on a tiny island in the middle of the estuary are the ruins of the fort of Ínsua, built as a defensive measure during the 15th century. Nowadays there is a daily ferry linking the two banks of the river between the countries. This city is also very well-known for its natural and green heritage, waterfalls, beaches, camping parks, and Modelo beach. During the day, you will pass through Vila Nova de Cerveira, the 'Village of the Arts'. Since 1978, Vila Nova de Cerveira has been famous for its biennial exhibition of visual arts, a prestigious national event whose fame has now spread to other countries and has begun to attract many international artists.Elevation:
Min: 0 m
Max 21 m
308 m ascent / 313 m descentDay 4: Caminha – Viana do Castelo, 16 mi.(25 km)
Along the coast, you cycle overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, passing through Vila Praia de Âncora. Located at the end of the Âncora river, this beautiful little city is nested in a valley protected from the winds by the Serra d'Arga hills on the north and the Monte de Santa Luzia in the south. With its enchanting landscapes, magnificent views from the Mount of Calvary, and excellent regional gastronomy, this village will surely amaze you. Today's destination is Viana do Castelo. One of the most beautiful seaside cities in the north of Portugal. Viana was critical to Portugal in the Age of the Discoveries. This city has a deep connection with the sea showcased during the great festivity of “Nossa Senhora da Agonia”. It was also here that the ships were built and later deployed to Brazil, India, Africa, and other Portuguese colonies (14th and 15th centuries).Elevation:
Min: 8 m
Max 52 m
226 m ascent / 238 m descentDay 5: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, 17 mi. (26 km)
Leaving Viana, today the cycling will lead inland, with the beautiful Lima River as your companion. The destination is Ponte de Lima, one of the most charming towns of northern Portugal. It is also one of the oldest, with a charter from 1125. Its bridge over the Lima River, built by the Romans in the first century, has always been a place of passage for the pilgrims who are going to Santiago.Elevation:
Min. 11 m
Max. 114 m
300 m ascent / 270 m descentDay 6: Ponte de Lima – Ponte da Barca, 11 mi. (18 km)
Continuing along the Lima River, the day's destination is Ponte da Barca, a mountainous municipality with the Lima River flowing along the left bank, and half its territory extending into the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It earned the title of Natural Reserve of the Biosphere. Archaeological findings have proved that it was already inhabited since prehistoric times. The bridge is one of the most important medieval bridges in Portugal, dating back to the first half of the 15th century.Elevation:
Min: 7 m
Max: 41 m
416 m ascent / 399 m descentArcos de Valdevez (extended track), 17 mi. (28 km)
This is a lovely hillside town, located on the Rio Vez.Elevation:
Min: 11 m
Max: 114 m
300 m ascent / 270 m descent
Day 7: Departure
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Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in unique 3 and 4-star establishments that include, based on availability, a monastery, a pousada, a restored mansion with over 500 years of history, a more modern spa hotel, and a privately owned manor house. Here is a sample hotel list:
Melgaço • Hotel Convento dos Capuchos
Valença • Pousada Valença
Caminha • Hotel Portas do Sol
Viana do Castelo • Hotel Melo Alvim
Ponte de Lima • InLima Hotel
Ponte da Barca • Casa Nobre do CorreioBicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self Guided:
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from/to Porto Airport
- Bike rental with helmet and water bottle
- GPS
- Route descriptions and maps
- Luggage transfer (leave luggage at hotel reception between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to ensure delivery at 2 pm to the next accommodation)
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from/to Porto
- Bike rental with helmet and water bottle
- Route descriptions and maps
- Luggage transfer (leave luggage at hotel reception between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to ensure delivery at 2 pm to the next accommodation)
- Cycling guide (support vehicle will be added with minimum of 8 people)
- Complimentary jersey from our partner
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from/to Porto
- Bike rental with helmet and water bottle
- Route descriptions and maps
- Luggage transfer
- Support vehicle
- Cycling guide
- 6 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Complimentary jersey from our partner
Guided
All inclusive guided
What’s Not Included
Guided
- Beverages
- GPS
- Gratuities
- Beverages
- Support vehicle
- GPS
- Meals other than breakfast
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Travel Insurance
- Bicycle Protection
- Beverages
- Cycling guide and support vehicle
- Meals other than breakfast
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Travel Insurance
- Bicycle Protection
Supported:
Self Guided
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Departures are possible every day in 2021
Self Guided
Min. 2 particpants requiredGuided*
Min. 4 particpants requiredAll-inclusive Guided
Min. 4 particpants requiredSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 2108 £ 1189 $ 2,071 € 1310 NZ$ 2264 kr 13499 $ 1,627 $ 2638 £ 1488 $ 2,592 € 1639 NZ$ 2833 kr 16890 $ 2,035 $ 3508 £ 1979 $ 3,447 € 2180 NZ$ 3768 kr 22465 $ 2,707 $ 483 £ 272 $ 474 € 300 NZ$ 518 kr 3091 $ 373 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 and September 26 to October 31$ 2221 £ 1253 $ 2,182 € 1380 NZ$ 2385 kr 14221 $ 1,714 $ 2750 £ 1551 $ 2,702 € 1709 NZ$ 2954 kr 17611 $ 2,122 $ 3621 £ 2042 $ 3,558 € 2250 NZ$ 3889 kr 23186 $ 2,794 $ 529 £ 299 $ 520 € 329 NZ$ 569 kr 3390 $ 409 High Season
September 1 to September 25$ 2301 £ 1298 $ 2,261 € 1430 NZ$ 2471 kr 14736 $ 1,776 $ 2831 £ 1597 $ 2,781 € 1759 NZ$ 3040 kr 18126 $ 2,184 $ 3701 £ 2088 $ 3,637 € 2300 NZ$ 3975 kr 23701 $ 2,856 $ 579 £ 327 $ 569 € 360 NZ$ 622 kr 3710 $ 447 Summer Season
June 26 to August 30$ 2414 £ 1361 $ 2,372 € 1500 NZ$ 2592 kr 15457 $ 1,863 $ 2943 £ 1660 $ 2,892 € 1829 NZ$ 3161 kr 18848 $ 2,271 $ 3814 £ 2151 $ 3,748 € 2370 NZ$ 4096 kr 24423 $ 2,943 $ 628 £ 354 $ 617 € 390 NZ$ 674 kr 4019 $ 484 *Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 201 £ 113 $ 198 € 125 NZ$ 216 kr 1288 $ 155
Extra nights upon request
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is offered with two variations. Variation #1 offers 152 km of cycling with 1894 of cumulative climbs. Option #2 offers 238 km of cycling.
Airport Info
Fly to Porto International Airport.
Local Travel
Airport transfers from Porto are included in your tour price. You will be met at the airport by our local representative.
Recommended
We recommend that you request an extra night or nights in Porto either before or after your tour. Porto has something for everyone. History, art, architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and PORT! You can take advantage of an included walking tour of Porto offered by our local partner who is a Porto native.
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
You can request extra nights before or after your tour in Porto, Melgaço, or Ponte da Barca. Just ask.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Top Bike Tours Portugal.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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