The Full Portuguese Way Cycle

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the world’s oldest cities: known as Olispio by the Romans, settled by the Visigoths and the Arabs before becoming the base for the “Discoveries’ – Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama all set sail from here. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed many buildings and dramatically brought an end to this powerful empire. The UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem still stands and is definitely worth a visit, as is the Alfama district for ‘fado’ (music) – or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets of this beautiful city. You will find the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino at the Cathedral.

This morning you will be transferred from the hotel to the bike shop at around 10am to collect your bike.
Today you will cycle along the River Tejo, following mostly flat paths. Before long you will be in the countryside and will be surprised by the stark contrast from the cityscape of Lisbon. Your destination for today is Azumbuja, known for its historic charm and picturesque surroundings.
There is an option to take an afternoon transfer from Lisbon to Azumbuja, to allow you to spend more time in Lisbon (an additional cost applies, speak to our staff for details including price).

Today you will continue to follow the river. The route will take you through fields, vineyards and orchards. You will need to climb a steep hill into Santarem, where you will stay overnight.

The cycle route between Santarem and Tomar is mainly flat, which will allow you to enjoy the scenery en route. You will cycle along tranquil country lanes, passing through farmland and little villages. On arrival in Tomar, be sure to visit the historic and picturesque Old Town.

Today’s cycle is the most challenging of this section. This morning you will head off, uphill out of Tomar. The cycle for today is undulating and will take you through woods and forested areas as you pedal towards Alvorge.

Today you will again pedal over undulating hills, passing lots of trees including eucalyptus and pine. The final section of today takes you over the climb of Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, which sits at a height of 190m, before dropping down into Coimbra. Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina

Today you will travel through river valleys and urban areas along a relatively flat trail which becomes more challenging towards the end of the day. There is also a climb as you leave Coimbra. Your destination for today, Agueda, is situated on the banks of the Certima river.

Today you will cycle through lots of fields and little villages as you head towards Olveira de Amzemeis. The last few kilometres into Olveira de Amzemeis are up a steep hill, but you will be rewarded once you arrive. Be sure to visit one of the town’s main attractions: the Matriz de Sao Miguel Church.

Today’s cycle will take you over rolling hills as you cycle into Porto. Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River, is a city full of maritime legacies. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites and sample the local Port wines. Dinner is at leisure.

Today you will cycle along quiet country roads, passing a mixture of churches and historic sites. Even from the first day of cycling you will get a taste of this history of this ancient pilgrimage. You will cycle through eucalyptus and pine forests before arriving in Arcos this afternoon.
If you prefer to spend more time in Porto today, we can arrange an afternoon transfer from Porto to Arcos. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details, including price).

Today you will cycle across rolling hills and through woodlands and little villages. You will pass through the market town of Barcelos. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel) and is a fantastic place to stop for lunch. You will continue to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Once you have checked in to your hotel, the cobble stoned streets of Ponte de Lima are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prision tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes, to explore. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.

Today will be a harder day on the bike, with lots of hills to conquer. However the distance is quite short, so you will have time to soak in the scenery en route. You will see small churches, cycle over green hills, and finally cross the international bridge from Valença do Minho in Portugal, to Tui in Spain.

You will start today by following the Camino de Barca first before reaching the Túnel das Monxas. A sharp climb to the San Telmo bridge will follow. After this, the terrain becomes a little easier as you continue towards O Porriño. Later in the day a short climb leads to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas, from where you cycle through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. Enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you will stay overnight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to explore including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled lane-ways brimming with tapas bars and cafes.

Today you will pedal through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forest. You will pass through the hamlet of Tivo and the village of Caldas de Reis, before crossing the River Umia and gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina. Your destination for today is Padron, where the body of St James is said to have first landed, when brought to Santiago.
As of mid July the O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra is closed, there is a temporary diversion of the Camino via the As Correntes bridge before returning to the usual route in A Santiña. The diversion is signed and local businesses and accommodation are aware, if you need to ask for directions.

The final day takes you again through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing to reach Santiago. You will pass a number of small villages en route, before spotting the spires of Santiago’s Cathedral in the distance. If you time your arrival well you will be able to attend the midday Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago. This afternoon you are free to discover the many interesting sites of Santiago’s charming old town.

Trip concludes after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.