Cycling the Portuguese Camino: Coimbra to Santiago de Compostela

Highlights: Stay in a renovated 18th century palace, UNESCO World Heritage Town

Meet the group in Coimbra, Portugal – an easy train ride from Lisbon, and explore the streets that Afonso I, king of Portugal once walked. It is rumored that he was born in Coimbra and it is certain he was buried here in 1185. Arrive early to explore the historic center of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel in Coimbra is located slightly out of town but its a perfect setting to begin a tour steeped in history and mythology. This historic country estate features beautiful grounds and was the site of a tragic 14th century love story between lady-in-waiting Inês de Castro and Prince Pedro. This is where we meet for our bike fitting and first dinner.

Highlights: Ride along the Mondego River, Explore the Aveiro canals

Exiting Coimbra you’ll follow the bike path along the Mondego River this morning. Our route takes you through the small towns of the interior as you head north to Aveiro on the shore of Aveiro Lagoon, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a stroll along the riverfront or explore the city’s famous network of waterways with a canal cruise. Don’t miss out on trying the famed Fios de Ovos de Ovar pastries.

Highlights: The history of salt, beachfront hotel

Visit a local salt factory to learn about salt’s integral history in the economy of this region as well as to learn about products that are made today. You’ll have a close-up view of the source as we pedal the salt flats before taking a short ferry ride along the Ria de Aveiro, an estuary teeming with wildlife. (Keep your eye’s peeled for flamingos.) It’s easy to see how water conquered land and shaped the towns in this area. The numerous oxygenated lagoons provide the seaweed that is sold to pharmaceutical companies, and is another important income source for the local economy. This evening, we’ll walk to a local hang-out for an aperitif together. There will be plenty of time for a dip in the ocean which is only a short distance from our hotel.

Highlights: Explore the interior, Porto

Today’s ride is a part of the Camino de Santiago so look for fellow pilgrims along the way. Our ride take us from a fisherman’s village along the Atlantic coast, to green pine woods, and a quiet bike path that will lead you directly to the heart of downtown Porto, or Ribeira do Porto as it is known locally. Before crossing the iconic metal bridge into Porto you’ll pedal through its sister city on the south bank, Vila Nova de Gaia, featuring docks lined with famous Porto wineries. Locals will tell you it is the best place to admire Porto from a far! As you make your way across the famous Douro River the colorful city of Porto will come alive before your eyes. Welcome to the home of proud happy people with a quick smile.

Highlights: Explore Porto, Pilgrim’s passport, wine tasting

Today you decide – explore the Douro by boat, take a scenic tram ride, or explore the intricate historic city streets of Porto. If you stay in town, don’t miss a visit to the spectacular Lello Library. For lunch, seek out a unique Francesinha sandwich with chips and sauce or – if you’re feeling especially brave – a bowl of Tripas á moda do Porto. This evening we’ll meet for a group tour and taste of the famous Porto wine in Gaia and a walking tour of Porto. You can pick up your pilgrim’s passport today so you can track your progress along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago which ends at Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights: Ride in Portugal’s Wine Country

Have you spotted the colorful rooster that is Portugal’s unofficial mascot? If not, keep your eye out; the rooster is said to embody the Portuguese love of life and it originates in Barcelos. But, before we get there, we must say goodbye to bustling Porto. We ride out on a bike path that eases us into the peaceful wine country. Expect fun hills and green lush vistas along the way along with plenty of other cyclists with whom to share an “OLÁ.”

Highlights: Explore historic Ponte de Lima

Today’s ride is short so you can take full advantage of beautiful country roads that lead to the oldest village in Portugal, Ponte de Lima. Often considered the postcard village of Portugal, Ponte de Lima is situated on the banks of Rio Lima and is the heart of the green wine region. It is also home to a very old tradition dating back to Roman or even Phoenician times: Vaca Das Cordas, or “playing with wild cows”. Vaca Das Cordas is a type of bull-running through town, followed the next day – generally in July, by the Festa do Corpo de Deus (Corpus Christi), when flowers carpet the streets. Stroll through the picturesque historic center and along an old bridge where you’ll likely spot pilgrims walking along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Highlights: Pedal to Spain, the beaches of Baiona, Columbus’s first port

On March 1, 1493 the first of Columbus’s ships touched shore in Baiona. The news of his “discovery” of America soon spread to the rest of Europe. Today’s ride follows the coast and Minho river as we pedal north towards this historic port and cross into one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Toast your arrival into Spain with a glass of Albarino or by relaxing on the beach in Baiona.

Highlights: Explore Ria de Vigo, Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Today’s ride starts out flanking one of the geographical features that characterizes the Galician coast – a Ría, or a drowned river valley that is open to the sea. Though a Ría is the opposite of a lagoon, they look the same. The ride skirts the city of Vigo and you’ll jump on a ferry to cross the Ría de Vigo. In 1702 a landmark naval battle (Battle of Rande) took place outside Vigo, the largest Galician city. The battle between Anglo-Dutch and French-Spanish fleet was over the arrival of Spanish galleons laden with an immense treasure of gold, silver and jewels. Though the story of what happened next varies a treasure hunt for the gold ensued and included Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We’ll continue to pedal north to reach Pontevedra, our home for the night. It’s worth your time to explore the medieval heart with its old granite houses and spacious squares.

Highlights: Scenic views of the Galician Mountains, Padrón Peppers

Leave the water behind today with a short climb to a mountain spine providing glorious views as a reward. It’s a perfect day for a picnic. Make sure to seek out some of Padrón’s infamous peppers. First brought from South America 400 years ago by monks and then grown in the gardens of a convent in the tiny village of Hébron, Padrón peppers became a quick favorite on local dinner tables – and are now famous throughout Spain. The monks traded the peppers for necessary items and 400 years later, they are still in demand. The peppers are no longer grown by monks but by generations of locals who have adopted both traditional methods and modern technology to offer their product to Spanish and UK markets. Watch out, these peppers are as addictive as popcorn but can catch you by surprise if you find a spicy one!

Highlights: Santiago, St James Cathedral and the end of the camino.

A short ride through the country side brings us to the larger metropolis of Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most important religious and spiritual sites thanks to St. James and his shrine. Popular since the Middle Ages as a religious pilgrimage to visit the remains of the martyr St. James, the town and its associated pilgrimage routes continue to attract travelers of all types. Once we arrive, you’ll have ample time to discover the famous Cathedral of St. James, the heart of Santiago. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our journey’s end with a special farewell dinner.

Highlights: Pilgrim’s Mass at Noon

We’ll offer a tour in Santiago this morning. You might also want to stick around for the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon at the Cathedral. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m. Buen viaje!