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Bike Tour in Minho: The Green Cradle of Portugal
Porto
/
Start location:
Arcos de Valdevez
/
Price from:
1550€ per guest
Explore Northern Portugal's culture from the 12th century onwards, cycling by dedicated cycle paths alongside the Lima and Vez rivers, towards the sea.
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Altimetry
350 m, daily average
Distance
28 › 35 km, daily average
Bike type
Touring bike, E-bike
Level
Beginner, Intermediate

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

A 7 day bike tour designed for beginner and intermediate bike touring enthusiasts, in the cradle of Portugal: the Minho region. Ride by marked, easy macadam trails alongside luscious green landscape, from the Lima and Vez Rivers to the Atlantic Ocean, rediscovering the traces of early Portuguese history, from the 12th century on.

Relaxing in former Manor Houses, now refurbished as charming hotels, you’ll ride along the Vez and Lima Rivers, in Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez, nearby the Peneda Geres National park, towards the sea, discovering the historical centres of Viana do Castelo, Caminha and Valença, while tasting the trademark green wines, gastronomy and millennial old history of this region.

Riding by the Lima river, you’ll reach Ponte de Lima, the oldest “vila” or village, in Portugal, founded in the 12th century and best known by its Roman and Medieval bridge – a small town, which has much to offer in terms of culture, gastronomy and local wines, as this region is renowned by its typical Green wine.

Arriving to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to visit Viana do Castelo, with the ever present Santa Luzia Sanctuary overlooking this piscatorial city – explore it’s historical Centre by the sea and enjoy the fresh fish and seafood of the region. From Viana, you’ll start riding by the Atlantic Ecopista, which is also a marked trail that is part of the Camino de Santiago, so you get to ride by the “Camino Português”, a pilgrimage route that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James.

Reaching Caminha you’ll get to see the Minho river, that serves as a natural border between Portugal and Galiza, in Northern Spain. Riding alongside the Minho river, by the Ecopista, you’ll reach Valença, where you’ll get to visit and stay for the night inside this 17th century fortress overlooking Spain, where you should try the local “Alvarinho” wines.

Hear from our guests

Amazing Bike Tour

Live Love Ride - Portugal Bike Tours exceeded every expectation of our Trip to the the Alentejo and the Algarve region. ...

Nicole C., USA

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Bike tour in Minho - cycling by Arcos de Valdevez
Ride by dedicated, smooth cycle paths alongside the Vez and Lima rivers
Experience the local traditions of the Minho region
Experience the charm of Ponte de Lima - Portugal's oldest village
Taste the richness of rorthern Portugal's local cuisine
Enjoy the local "Alvarinho" wines, a local full-bodied, subtly fragrant white wine.
Share parts of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago route, cycling by the Atlantic Ocean.
Relax in refurbished manor houses, that fully embody the local culture.
Cycling by Arcos de Valdevez, "onde Portugal se fez"
Ride by dedicated, smooth cycle paths alongside the Vez and Lima rivers
Experience the local traditions of the Minho region
Experience the charm of Ponte de Lima - Portugal's oldest village
Taste the richness of rorthern Portugal's local cuisine
Enjoy the local "Alvarinho" wines, a local full-bodied, subtly fragrant white wine.
Share parts of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago route, cycling by the Atlantic Ocean.
Relax in refurbished manor houses, that fully embody the local culture.
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Cycling by Arcos de Valdevez, "onde Portugal se fez"
Ride by dedicated, smooth cycle paths alongside the Vez and Lima rivers
Experience the local traditions of the Minho region
Experience the charm of Ponte de Lima - Portugal's oldest village
Taste the richness of rorthern Portugal's local cuisine
Enjoy the local "Alvarinho" wines, a local full-bodied, subtly fragrant white wine.
Share parts of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago route, cycling by the Atlantic Ocean.
Relax in refurbished manor houses, that fully embody the local culture.
previous arrow
next arrow

Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1 – Minho Bike Tour – Transfer from Porto to Arcos de Valdevez. Option for a loop from Arcos de Valdevez to Jolda – south loop (24km, 397 meters of elevation gain)

At the scheduled time, pick-up at Porto airport and transfer to Arcos de Valdevez. Check-in at your hotel, where you'll stay for two nights, exploring the regions of Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez. If you arrive early, we suggest taking a 24 km loop ride, cycling through a bucolic and rural landscape on the right bank of the Vez and Lima rivers, riding on gravel paths and boardwalks before returning to your hotel. Night in Arcos de Valdevez at Ribeira Collection Hotel & Spa (upgrade to a superior room in the premium option)

Day 2 – Minho Bike Tour – Arcos de Valdevez to Vilela – north loop (23km, 451 meters elevation gain)

On this day, you can choose to do a longer "loop ride" if you wish. In this case, ask your guide to provide you with the 44 km trail, visiting the picturesque and beautiful village of Sistelo – an ancient medieval village that still retains all its ancestral rural beauty. At approximately kilometer 12 of the ride, continue north towards Sistelo, where you can taste the delicious cachena meat – typical of this region. The additional 21 km (10.5 km to reach the village, returning on the same road) are all covered on a secondary asphalted road: the N202-2. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep the ride short, do the programmed 23 km loop, cycling on the Ecovia from Arcos de Valdevez – where you'll enter shortly after leaving your hotel – riding along the Vez River until you reach Vilela – kilometer 12 of your ride, and the point where you can decide whether to ride to Sistelo or turn south and return to your hotel. From here, follow the trail and continue on the secondary and asphalted roads of the small villages and places surrounding Arcos de Valdevez, for another 11 km until you return to your hotel. Night in Arcos de Valdevez at Ribeira Collection Hotel & Spa (upgrade to a superior room in the premium option)

Day 3 – Minho Bike Tour – Arcos de Valdevez – Ponte da Barca – Ponte de Lima (23 to 29km, 344 to 427 meters of elevation gain)

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Today you’ll start your ride going south to Ponte da Barca, where you should take your time to marvel at the local manor houses, 12th century Portuguese architecture. Then ride westwards, following the marked trails on the left bank of the Lima river. These are soft riverside macadam trails, with no climbs, that’ll lead you to Ponte de Lima, the oldest “vila” in Portugal, founded in the 12th century. With its imposing Medieval bridge marking the landscape, this small town – where we recommend stopping for lunch – has much to offer in terms of culture, gastronomy and local wines. Night in InLima Hotel & Spa or Carmo’s Boutique Hotel (premium option)

Day 4 – Minho Bike Tour – Ponte de Lima – Viana do Castelo (27 to 39km, 151 to 381 meters of elevation gain)

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. If you stayed at Carmo's hotel on the previous night, you will need to cycle 6km (down and flat) until the town of Ponte de Lima. From here, you'll keep riding on the Ecopista by the Lima River, and heading west towards the ocean! As you get closer to the mouth of the Lima River and the Atlantic Ocean, you'll notice a change in the landscape, with the river becoming wider and the vegetation transforming from lush trees of the past days to more maritime fauna. There are no major climbs or technical terrains today. Crossing the river on the Eiffel bridge, the main entry point to Viana do Castelo, you'll be able to see the monumental Sanctuary of Santa Luzia dominating the city. The historic center of Viana is truly worth exploring and offers great options for lunch. Spend the night in the city center or go a bit higher to the Pousada, for a privileged view of the city. Night in Viana do Castelo at Casa Melo Alvim or Pousada de Viana do Castelo (premium option)

Day 5 – Bike tour in Minho – Viana – Caminha (29 to 33km, 265 meters of elevation gain)

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Today you’ll head North, but first you’ll ride by Viana’s beautiful city Centre, discovering its Fort and Nossa Senhora da Agonia church, before reaching the Atlantic Ecopista, which is a part of the “Camino de Santiago” pilgrimage route. This is an ocean side marked trail with no technical difficulties, that’ll lead you to Vila Praia de Âncora and then to Caminha. You’ll ride by macadam trails, backroads and boardwalks by the beautiful beaches of northern Portugal, crossing pine tree forests and some ancient pathways. Once you arrive, take the time to visit the lovely historical centre of Caminha and delight yourself with the local gastronomy, specialised mainly in fresh fish and seafood. Night in Caminha, at Porta do Sol (room upgrade in
premium option) or Palacete Villa Idalina (premium option)

Day 6 – Bike tour in Minho – Caminha – Tui (33km, 332 meters of elevation gain)

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Leaving the ocean behind, you'll follow the left bank of the Minho River, overlooking Spain on the other side of the border, heading east along the Ecopista towards Valença. Without technical difficulties, you'll mainly follow a marked trail along the river towards Vila Nova de Cerveira – its picturesque center is worth a visit and a stop at a local café – and then towards Valença do Minho. Once in Valença, you'll need to climb a small hill around the fortress, which we highly recommend visiting – either now or after checking in at your hotel on the other side of the river, in Tui. Across the river, in addition to being in Spain and now +1 hour ahead of Portugal, it's just another 600 meters to your hotel. Night at Parador de Tui (upgrade to a superior room in the premium option)

Day 7 – Minho Bike Tour – Transfer to Porto hotel/airport

Breakfast and check-out from your hotel. If you feel like riding a bit more, take a short loop to the historic center of Tui before being transferred back to Porto at the scheduled time.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Terrain type:

Where you'll be riding

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Add-ons

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Discounts

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates
Available group dates:
Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Request a Detailed Itinerary

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your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it.
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Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests
from 1550€ per guest
Click to see what's included

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 2190€ per guest
Click to see what's included

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 3540€ per guest
Click to see what's included

Why Live Love Ride?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE
EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS
HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED
Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep your speed on flat sections. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.

/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Portugal!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.

GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE

Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.

EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.

HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR

We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott E-Scale 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.

MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT

RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED

CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Live Love Ride
Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 311
1950-421
Lisbon - Portugal

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT

EUR: (+351) 217 590 365 - Call to the Portuguese national fixed network

US/CAN: +1 (917) 695-3350

Email: ridewithus @ liveloveride.pt

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