Compare Minho Bike Tour: The true portugal North by Fold N’ Visit
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 885 |
| Price Per Day | $ 126 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Located in the North of Portugal, Minho borders with Galicia. The region is linked to green landscapes, with water, and a rugged morphology of great beauty. The traditional landscape is marked by small fields, vineyards and cornfields and villages. Various religious expressions date back to the Romanesque and through the Renaissance and the Baroque until de modern times. Religion was, and still is, a strong identity. |
Day 1: Porto – Guimarães (53 km).
We will take the central Portuguese path, from the city of Maia, that will eventually leads to Santiago de Compostela. Guimarães, an incredible historical city, whose role is connected with the construction of Portugal, which in the Middle Ages was called "Vimaranes", a geographical reference to the rider of the IXth Century, Vímara Peres.
A World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, Guimarães became the political and administrative center of the Portucalente County, by Henrique, father of of the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques. The city holds a length of religious architecture, from churches and centurial convents, to outstanding chapels and shrines. Its cuisine, traditionally northern, consists in the famous pies, the buds of heaven and the famous white wine.
Day 2: Guimarães – Vieira do Minho (58 km).
Nearby the Gerês and Serra da Cabreira landscapes, we will cycle throughout the lands where the famous Rally of Portugal took place.
In Vieira do Minho, the most significant feature is the landscape, holding beautiful colors. These are lands are suitable for diverse leisure time, including mountain biking, hiking, paintball, archery and much more.
Day 3: Vieira do Minho – Braga (51 km).
Braga, former Roman toponymy "Bracara Augusta", a city with 2000 years of history, was founded by Romans and nowadays is considered the third largest city in the country. A city filled with culture, tradition and Catholic Church religion, as well as the college student's culture. Once the capital of Galicia, which included some of the peninsular Northwest territories, during the Roman Empire, it became the capital of the Suevos, where religious reforms were promoted during the expansion of the Catholic Church. A Stage of military conflicts during the Middle Ages among Christians and Muslims Asturian, who helped in the geographical configuration of this northern territory.
Regarding its gastronomy, Braga holds the traditional cod fish of Braga, the Minho delicious duck rice, gruel and “Papas de Sarrabulho”, as well as the famous and typical dessert, pudding.
Day 4: Braga – Ponte de Lima (34 km).
Ponte de Lima is a mythical place that leads to Santiago de Compostela. The region holds quite an importance due to its medieval atmosphere, frank fairs, stone bridge’s archways and its gastronomy. From here, we will eyesight the Serra da Labruja.
Day 5: Ponte de Lima – Viana do Castelo (30 km).
Explore one of the major shipbuilding yards in the North of Portugal, with famous beaches for its ecological conditions and water sports. Since you’re here, you must not forget to see the Hill of Santa Luzia.
Day 6: Viana do Castelo – Póvoa de Varzim (61 km).
After we visit the Cabedelo’s beach, we will towards Barcelos and then taking the central Portuguese pathway to Santiago de Compostela. At Rates we take a detour to Póvoa de Varzim, famous city in this region, casino and its windy beaches, but loaded with iodine, very good for your health.
Day 7
Train transfer to Porto
