Internationale groepsreis Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast - Premium Adventure

Start in Porto. The day is free for you to settle into your accommodation or explore the city, before enjoying a welcome dinner with the group.Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage city and a real historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. Continuously inhabited since the 4th century, the hilly city is a melting pot of architectural styles.Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel, Porto (4 star)

Porto is renowned all over the world for its delicious, fortified wine, and no trip to the city would be complete without taking part in a Port wine cellar tour. Port wine is specific to the region, and refers to grapes that have been cultivated and harvested on the designated banks of the Douro River valley, and transformed into this delicious nectar at one of the area’s many Port wine estates.Embark on a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Porto, ending with a wine tasting in a Port wine cellar. Then take a scenic boat ride on the Douro River in a traditional 'rabelo' boat, a vessel once used to carry Port wine barrels from the heart of the Douro Valley to Gaia. Afterwards, we will have lunch together at a local restaurant and the remainder of the day is free for extra sightseeing.Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel, Porto (4 star)

This morning, we leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse ourselves in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting from Porto, we will ride along the Douro River until we meet the estuary. We then follow the coast south, mostly on cycling paths, while enjoying some inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride, there will be opportunities to stop for drinks or local snacks such as pão com chouriço (pork sausage and bread rolls) or pastel de feijão (a sweet pastry tart filled with white beans and ground almonds) in traditional Portuguese cafés, right by the Atlantic Ocean. At Miramar, we will be able to see a small and intriguing little chapel built on the top of a rock, situated right on the shoreline. This chapel has amazing views both out to sea and to the white sandy beach stretching in front of it. The chapel has a distinctive hexagonal design and is known as "Senhor da Pedra" (Lord of the Rock). It was built in 1686 and restored in 1996.At Espinho, a cosmopolitan holiday resort with beaches and a casino, we continue on a cycling path through a pine tree forest to Furadouro beach, cycling the final 21 km.Premium accommodation: Furadouro Boutique Hotel, Furadouro (4 star)

Today's ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of Sao Jacinto, one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshlands and habitat of numerous bird species, including the diving duck and crested tit. We pedal through a scenery of sandy beaches, marshland and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants. After a short transfer by ferry, we leave the lagoon and continue cycling to the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, known for its infinitely long beach and rated as one of the best in Portugal. Premium accommodation: Maçarico Beach Hotel, Mira (4 star)

Today's ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat or undulating and the roads quiet and peaceful making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem for panoramic views from the Miradouro da Vela, before descending to the lighthouse of Cape Mondego. On arrival in Figueira da Foz, we will take part in a local wine tasting, then there is free time to enjoy this lively seaside town.Premium accommodation: Universal Boutique Hotel, Figueira da Foz (4 star)

This morning, we take a transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the picturesque beaches of São Pedro de Moel and Praia da Vieira. Backed by dunes covered in pine forests, São Pedro de Moel's large beach is sheltered from the wind, making it ideal for watersports including diving and windsurfing.Getting back in the saddle, we will continue the journey south to Nazaré, a traditional fishing village and perfect spot to try fresh seafood. The cycle path to Nazaré hugs the Atlantic coastline and takes in some of Portugal's most impressive beaches. It is also along this stretch of water that Garrett McNamara broke the record for the largest wave ever surfed (30 metres/100 feet) in 2013. While in Nazaré, there will be time to visit the lighthouse, which offers the best views of the waves crashing to shore, and the interesting surf museum to learn about the underwater Nazaré Canyon, which produces such dramatic waves.Premium accommodation: Hotel Praia, Nazaré (4 star)

Today we ride to Foz do Arelho, on the confluence between the Óbidos Lagoon and the sea. After free time to enjoy the beach, we take a transfer to the charming medieval town of Óbidos that seems to have been frozen in time. It has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants who take real pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village and is characterised by narrow winding streets, white-washed houses and trailing bougainvillea and honeysuckle. This evening, we will share a farewell dinner then stay at the quirky and characterful hotel, The Literary Man, located next to Óbidos Castle. This premium accommodation was once a former convent and is now one of the biggest literary hotels in the world. According to the owner, the hotel currently holds more than 45,000 books!Premium accommodation: The Literary Man, Óbidos (4 star)

A morning private transfer (approx. 1 hour) takes us to the great capital city of Lisbon, our final stop on this tour of Portugal's Atlantic coast. A guided city tour will take you to some of the city's most recognisable locations and monuments, while you will have free time in the afternoon for individual exploration. Please note that your leader will depart after the guided tour and the remainder of the trip will be self-guided, but you will be provided with plenty of tips, maps and directions to make the most of your time in Lisbon.Premium accommodation: Marquês de Pombal, Lisbon (4 star)

The tour ends in Lisbon.