Compare Minho Bike Tour: The true portugal North by Fold N’ Visit vs Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia by Intrepid Travel

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

Day 1 Santiago de Compostela

Hola! Welcome to Santiago de Compostela – the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. If you arrive early, maybe walk the streets of the Old Town, known for its distinctive Romanesque, gothic and Baroque buildings. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe get to know your fellow travellers with an optional dinner of traditional Galician favourites. For seafood lovers, try the pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).

Day 2 Porto

This morning, you’ll head to a local market in Santiago de Compostela – one of the city’s most popular attractions (alongside the cathedral). Follow your leader as they share tastes of local delicacies around the market. If you like, you can grab some extras for the public bus journey this afternoon, travelling over the border into Portugal. Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the late afternoon – known for its medieval riverside district with colourful houses bordering the Douro River, this is one of the country’s most romantic cities. Tonight, you’ll head out for an included dinner of a plant-based version of Porto's favourite dish, the francesinha.

Day 3 Porto

Taste your way around Porto this morning, exploring its majestic bridges, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. From the grand fountain in Praca dos Leoes, head to a local café for coffee and pastel de nata (the famed Portuguese custard tart). Walk through the Clerigos, S. Bento and Se quarters before popping into a bar for a cachorrinho (a spicy bread and sausage mouthful) accompanied by a cold beer. Continue through the Ribeira District, sampling local specialties like bacalhau (dried, salted cod) and a glass of rosé. Round out your explorations with a sip of the city's namesake drop (port) and a selection of petiscos (Portuguese tapas). The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Maybe pull up a chair in one of Porto's atmospheric tavernas and order another glass of port.

Day 4 Douro Valley - Coa Valley

Take a scenic drive by private vehicle this morning to the Douro Valley. Arrive at Quinta da Pacheca (winegrowers since 1738) for a picnic and wine tasting. Over a couple of glasses of local wine (and a port, of course), you’ll share an assortment of olives, sausages, dried fruits, traditional salads, regional cheeses, apple tartlets and more. Travel on to the Coa Valley – known for the combined efforts of passionate locals to rewild the area, starting with the reintroduction of ancient cow breeds. Here, you’ll stay in an historic guesthouse atop a hill, overlooking the village and surrounding fields. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked dinner of the best local produce.

Day 5 Alentejo Farmstay

Relax into the day with no plans until a late morning departure. You might like to explore Castelo Rodrigo (the surrounding village) or go for a hike in the countryside. Then hit the road for the Alentejo region – surrounded by wheat fields dotted with grazing cows. Stop at Castelo Branco to stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the historic town. Maybe grab some lunch and people-watch or walk around the Jardim do Paco Episcopal (a popular baroque garden). Continue to your farm stay in Alentejo – this area is renowned for its cork plantations, vineyards and the coveted Azaruja sausage made from black Alentejo pigs. You’ll be greeted with a local tipple and a tour of the farm, which has been in the family for the last six generations. You’ll see what’s it like to live at the farm, before some free time to settle in, take a swim in the pool or amble around the property, enjoying the peace and quiet. Then, guided by your host, prepare a meal of regional specialties from the best fresh produce. On the menu might be pork with clams, baked goats cheese, soup with cod or cheesecake flavoured with local honey and lemons.

Day 6 Lisbon

Say goodbye to the farm and head to a local olive oil producer for a tasting (a bottle of this locally produced oil makes an excellent souvenir!). Continue to Lisbon, popular for its pastel-coloured buildings and the Sao Jorge Castle. Enjoy some free time when you arrive to find some lunch, then head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and see the city’s highlights. As you make your way, take a moment to try some ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur that originated in Lisbon. Afterwards, make a detour to Loja das Conservas, a quirky deco store selling canned fish from 17 different national canned fish outlets for you to taste and explore! Tonight, you’re free to explore the city’s nightlife or find a great spot for dinner – your leader will have some great recommendations for local restaurants or where to find the best live fado show (a genre of Portuguese soul music that originated in Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon).

Day 7 Lisbon

This morning, visit the local market Mercado da Ribeira, a vibrant food market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods. This afternoon, after some free time for lunch, you’ll visit one of the city's iconic eateries, Pasteis de Belem, for pastel de nata – established in 1837, these are arguably the country's best! First made in the 16th century by nuns, this mixture of crispy pastry and creamy filling is Portugal’s best-known dessert, so why not take every opportunity to treat yourself (and maybe some extras for later?). Tonight, maybe head out for an optional farewell dinner with your group.

Day 8 Lisbon

Today, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in this gorgeous city, just speak to your booking agent.