Portuguese Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto's historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. There is much to see here, we can assist with booking pre-tour nights on request.

This morning you go to the bike shop to collect your bike. Three Caminos depart from Porto - the Central (inland), the Coastal (original coastal) and the Coastal Path (Senda Litoral). Recommended for cycling is the Senda Litoral. Setting out from Porto's Se (cathedral) you head to the coast and Matosinhos (or you can take the Metro with your bike) and follow the coastal path to Vila do Conde. From here you will cycle inland and through eucalyptus and pine forests to arrive in Arcos this afternoon. There are options to transfer from Porto to Arcos if you prefer to avoid the largely urban cycle. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details and prices). option 1 - transfer to the bike shop as usual after breakfast to collect the bike then transfer to Arcos option 2 - collect the bike independently from the bike shop and transfer to Arcos from your hotel at your preferred time (eg later in the day, allowing you to spend more time in Porto) option 3 - transfer directly to the Arcos hotel, with bikes available at the accommodation there. In this case you do not meet the bike technician and bike models may differ from those shown. With the transfer, you will still qualify for the Compostela Certificate as you will have ridden just over 200km from Arcos to Santiago which is the minimum requirement for cyclists.

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. Continue to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Once you have checked in at 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 prison tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals also 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. Cumulative elevation +444m, -318m

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 pass small churches, cycle over green hills, and finally cross the bridge from Valença do Minho, in Portugal, to arrive in Tui in Spain. Cumulative elevation +780m, -752m

Another challenging day on the trail. Today starts out following the Camino de Barca first before reaching the Túnel das Monxas. A sharp climb up to the San Telmo bridge will follow. After this, the terrain will become a little easier as you continue towards O Porriño. Later in the day a short climb leads up to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas, and you will then cycle through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. You will enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you will overnight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to be explored including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Cumulative elevation +948m, -952m

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. Cumulative elevation +463m, -487m

The final day takes you again through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing up 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. Cumulative elevation +463m, -193m