Portugal: Porto & Aveiro Bike Tour
Six nights, six days exploring northern-central Portugal, experiencing historic cities, vibrant local flavors, long pristine beaches and charming small towns.
"Thanks for a wonderful experience - this was my first solo vacation ever but your tour guides made me feel very comfortable and not the odd person out." - Beth S.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto and its charming riverside streets.
- Enjoy easy coastal rides along scenic bike paths, quiet roads, and the Douro Estuary.
- Explore Aveiro, the 'Venice of Portugal,' with its picturesque canals and colorful barcos moliceiros.
- Savor local delights, including the famous Pão de Ló de Ovar and fresh regional cuisine.
- Ride through serene maritime forests, beautiful beaches, and peaceful farmland.
- Marvel at dramatic ocean views along a cliffside road before descending into Figueira da Foz, the 'Queen of Beaches.'
- Immerse yourself in Coimbra’s rich history, from Roman ruins to Baroque architecture, overlooking the scenic Mondego River.
- Relax in 4-star accommodations and enjoy delicious local meals at every stop.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
A relaxed ride on primarily level terrain, with some hilly sections and one longer day. Expect stretches of bike paths through coastal forest and the constant presence of westerly wind coming off the vast expanse of the Atlantic. The route is approximately 80% on separated bike paths, quiet secondary roads, and boardwalks with sections of dirt and gravel.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions to Porto.
- 2: Porto to Furadouro ~45km (+300m / -300m).
- 3: Furadouro to Aveiro ~57km (+215m / -215m).
- 4: Aveiro Loop; or independent walks from Aveiro ~34km (+250m / -250m).
- 5: Aveiro to Figueira da Foz ~42km (+370m / -350m), or ~78km (+530m / -510m).
- 6: Figueira da Foz to Coimbra ~46km (+185m / -185m).
- 7: Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Porto, 15:00, day one.
Finish: Coimbra Train Station, 10:00, day seven.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions to Porto.
After checking in to your accommodation, enjoy an independent walk around Porto. Explore the city center on foot before heading back to your inn to meet your tour mates and guides or support staff over dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Condes de Azevedo Palace; or Pestana Porto; or Porto River; or Exmo. Hotel, Porto.DAY 2:
Porto to Furadouro ~45km (+300m / -300m).
Today's ride takes you back across the Don Luis I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll connect with the bidirectional coastal bikeway along the south side of the Douro estuary. Learn about the natural history of this great river mouth at the Douro Estuary Nature Reserve site. Further along, you'll encounter the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra, a picturesque chapel perched on a large rock outcropping extending into the ocean at Miramar Beach. If interested, visit the Espinho Municipal Museum , housed in the former Brandão & Co. Cannery, where you'll learn about the sardine fishery and canning process that once provided livelihoods for over 400 local residents, many of them the daughters of fishermen and farmers. An additional 10km (round trip) ride brings you to the charming town of Ovar, where you can savor the fluffy, decadent dessert that made this town famous – Pão de Ló de Ovar.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Furadouro Boutique Hotel; or Tijosa Eco-House Camp, Ovar.DAY 3:
Furadouro to Aveiro ~57km (+215m / -215m).
Ride south along the Aveiro Lagoon, passing several small fishing villages before crossing the Ponte da Varela to the east side of the estuary. Far from the beach traffic on the Atlantic side, this region is primarily agricultural and has sustained families for generations. They have long taken advantage of the nutrient-rich marshland soil and harvested molicero, a type of seaweed, using double-ended wooden boats aptly called barcos moliceiros. Meander along canals and hedgerow-lined fields as you approach Aveiro—known as the 'Venice of Portugal' for its network of interconnected canals running through the town center. Here, you will see more colorful barcos moliceiros, which were traditionally used to transport seaweed and salt but are now often hired for canal cruises.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Moliceiro; or Hotel Historias Por Metro Quadrado, Aveiro. DAY 4:
Aveiro Loop; or independent walks from Aveiro ~34km (+250m / -250m).
A relaxing loop ride begins at your hotel, taking you through farmland, charming small villages, and wooded areas along the Boco River. Take time to visit the Vista Alegre Museum, where you can explore the 200-year history of porcelain production in this region. On your return, stop by the Maritime Museum to delve into the maritime culture and heritage of the area, which saw many residents embark on a diaspora in search of codfish in the distant fishing grounds off Greenland and Newfoundland.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Same Lodging.DAY 5:
Aveiro to Figueira da Foz ~42km (+370m / -350m), or ~78km (+530m / -510m).
Glide along the southern stretches of the Aveiro estuary to the small beach town of Praia de Mira, nestled between the Atlantic and Barrinha lagoon where you can linger for lunch. Leaving the coast, enjoy peaceful riding through the maritime pine forests that cling to the sandy soil. This back dune ecosystem supports a wide variety of birdlife and offers a shady respite for many animals. Rejoin the coast in the village of Murtinheira before a final climb on a spectacular road clinging to the edge of an ocean-side cliff. You will end your day descending into “the queen of beaches”, Figueira da Foz.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Marina Charming House; or Exe Wellington, Figueira da Foz.DAY 6:
Figueira da Foz to Coimbra ~46km (+185m / -185m).
On your final day, you will turn inland and ride along the banks of the Mondego River to Coimbra. This exceptionally clear and beautiful river originates high in the Serra da Estrela and is the only river that flows entirely within Portugal. Overlooking the Mondego, Coimbra has long been one of Portugal's most significant crossroads. Originally established as the Roman settlement of Aeminium, the city changed hands multiple times during the Middle Ages and showcases a wealth of Roman, Gothic, and later Baroque architecture. The recapture of the region by King Ferdinand I solidified Coimbra’s status as a center of Portuguese identity.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Mondego; or Sapienta Boutique Hotel, Coimbra. DAY 7:
Farewells.
Your tour concludes after breakfast. You will transfer to the train station in Coimbra, where direct service to Porto or Lisbon is available. The train ride to Lisbon takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, while the journey to Porto is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Guided: C 5295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, guide and vehicle support, route instructions, maps, luggage handling, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4795 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, route instructions, maps, on-call emergency support, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 945
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid Fitness: Included
Flat bars. Kalkhoff Durban Pro, or similar.
Change to Gravel Bike: C 150
Drop bars. Genesis Croix de Fer 20, or similar.
Change to E-bike: C 300
Flat bars. Beeq E800 Motion or similar.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-September to mid-June.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 15 to 25 °C (60 to 75 °F) by mid June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 18 to 28 °C (65 to 83 °F).
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, 15 to 20 °C range (60 to 70 °F).
GET TO THE START
Fly to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro airport (OPO) a day before your tour starts. The Purple (E) line of the Porto metro leaves the airport every 20-30 minutes with service to the downtown core.
Another option is to fly to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) one day before the trip begins. An easy three-hour train ride north from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia Station will bring you to downtown Porto.
AFTER THE FINISH
Riding finishes in the evening of the sixth day at the inn in Coimbra.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Spend time exploring the historic core of Lisbon, one of the oldest capital cities in Europe and the only one on the Atlantic coast. Lisbon was voted Best Metropolitan Destination by the Sea for the World Travel Awards 2022. The historic centre – the Baixa Pombalina, with its traditional shops and museums, and the lively streets of Chiado, with their eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional stores – are some of the city’s main places of interest. For more information about Portugal’s capital city, visit www.visitlisboa.com
If you are looking to cover more ground in a fun, carbon-neutral way, Lisbon is easily traversed using the city’s bike-share network, Gira.
If you have several days:
Consider spending extra time in Porto before your tour to explore the city in-depth or catch a train into the Douro Valley – a wine-producing region of exceptional beauty that has been registered as a UNESCO heritage landscape. Tour wineries or simply enjoy the scenery from a historic steam train or traditional wooden flatboat.
Have even more time on the Iberian Peninsula? Join us on one of our other walks or rides in Spain.
Post-trip lodging:
We recommend the following accommodations in Lisbon for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
MORE READING
Suggested Reading List:
Non-fiction
The Book of Disquiet (Fernando Pessoa, 1982). This collection of unpublished poetry and thoughts from the great Portuguese writer, Fernando Pessoa, was compiled after they were found in a trunk following his death.
The First Global Village (Martin Page, 2002). Page explores Portugal's profound influence on the rest of the world.
The Last Day: Wrath, Ruin, and Reason in the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 (Nicholas Shrady, 2008). The earthquake that leveled Lisbon not only destroyed one of the leading European cities of the time, but also had a lasting effect on the world at large.
Fiction
Baltasar and Blimunda (José Saramago, 1998). Saramago's love story offers a surrealistic reflection on life in 18th century Portugal.
The Crime of Father Amaro (Jose Maria Eça De Queirós, 1875). Set in a provincial Portuguese town, this book by the great 19th-century Portuguese novelist highlights the dangers of fanaticism
The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon (Richard Zimler, 1996). The author illuminates the persecution of the Jews in Portugal in the early 1500s.
The Lusiads (Luís de Camões, 1572). Considered a national treasure, Camões' great epic poems of the Renaissance immortalize Portugal's voyages of discovery.
A Small Death in Lisbon (Robert Wilson, 2002). In this award-winning thriller, a contemporary police procedural is woven with an espionage story set during World War II, with Portugal's 20th-century history as a backdrop.