Whether you are religious or not, following the St. James Way feels special. Possibly because you are so aware that this has been a pilgrim’s route for centuries. So many have travelled along these tracks, spurred by a great devotion. It is a route that impresses all who follow it with it challenges, delights, and lifelong lessons. It is a pleasant bike ride, starting from Porto where you will spend the night after your arrival. You will cycle around 60 kilometres per day, following the medieval pilgrims’ way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. You will go past famous Camino de Santiago landmarks such as Barcelos, on the Cavado River, and Ponte de Lima with its world-famous arched bridge. In Valença, you will cross the river Minho on the remarkable bridge built in 1885 by Eiffel, to Tui in Spain. All along the way you will have a chance to speak to the friendly local inhabitants who are always ready to welcome all who come to visit their region. Sense the excitement that all pilgrims feel as they approach Santiago de Compostela. The air thrills with their enthusiasm and this is one of Christianity’s greatest holy cities, a beautiful city to which so many people throughout the ages travelled. Do visit the cathedral to Saint James. It is a place of history, devotion, and hope. A lovely town to end your biking journey
Highlights
- Two countries in one trip
- Accommodation in traditional estates
- Lodging on traditional estates and in elegant manor houses
- A world heritage pilgrims’ way, with centuries-old history
- Markets and traditional fairs
- Wine and food experiences shared with welcoming estate owners
- Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important holy cities in Christianity
- Porto, a world heritage site, home of Port Wine, considered the best European destiny in 2012, 2014 and 2017, and one of the
- most beautiful cities in Europe
- Rural landscapes and natural countryside
- Great churches, convents and monasteries, cathedrals, and many other historic monuments
- Transfer from the airport to the first accommodation and from the last accommodation to the airport, included
- Possibility of choosing between two distances in multiple cycling stages
Itinerary
- Day 1: UNESCO World Heritage city, world-famous for Port Wine
- Day 2: Porto to Barcelos | An ancient city and one of the most emblematic cities of popular Minho art (70km by bike)
- Day 3: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima | The charm of the most ancient village in Portugal (34km by bike)
- Day 4: Ponte de Lima to Valença | A fortified town with a delightful historic centre, standing on the border with Spain and overlooking the river Minho (35km by bike)
- Day 5: Valença to Pontevedra | Historic center, emblematic streets and squares, history and culture at the city known as the “Boa Vila” (54km by bike)
- Day 6: Pontevedra to Padrón | Countryside, gastronomy, and historic heritage in one town (40km by bike)
- Day 7: Pádron to Santiago de Compostela | UNESCO World Heritage old town center, graceful monasteries, impressive churches, and historic palaces (25km)
- Day 8: Departure or Extension
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork. In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Itinerary:
Day 1: UNESCO World Heritage city, world-famous for Port Wine
Porto, a World Heritage City, has a historic centre with over 150 listed monuments. Biking alongside the Douro River is sufficient to make you aware of what this beautiful, lively city has to offer visitors: the Bolsa Palace housing the Stock Exchange, the monumental Clérigos church and tower and the Cathedral are just some of the highlights. The historic Lello bookshop, considered a pearl of Art Nouveau neogothic architecture, is also not to be missed as it may well contain the most beautiful staircase in Europe
This stage will start on quiet cycle paths along the coast, through a sea bird reserve, along dunes and across fishing villages, before going inland and following the medieval Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela, which makes it a special experience. Possibly because you will be so aware that this has been a pilgrims’ way for centuries and that so many have trod these paths with such fervour and dedication. Barcelos, on the River Cavado, is known for its pottery industry, and is also of religious importance. You should visit the 13th century Mother Church. Every hour on the hour, you will hear the pealing of the church bells of the many parishes for which the city is famous.
Day 3: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima | The charm of the most ancient village in Portugal
Queen Isabel of Portugal (1271 - 1336) followed the medieval pilgrims’ way you will follow, as she made at least one pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. On this second stage, you will arrive in Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, famous for its beautiful 24-arch Roman bridge of immense. In the morning, you might be able to spread your toast with the finest honey from the bees on the estate. Take your time enjoying a delightful breakfast.
Note: This is the original path, therefore, there might be parts where you have to take the bicycle by hand.
Day 4: Ponte de Lima to Valença | A fortified town with a delightful historic centre, standing on the border with Spain and overlooking the river Minho
Leaving Ponte de Lima, you will enter a magical landscape of mountains, forest, and valleys. A land of flowers and silence. Valença, the fortified town you will spend the night in, rises from the banks of the river Minho, on
the Spanish border. An awe-inspiring location, partly due to the 17th century double-moated fortifications that surround it, it offers breath-taking views over the river Minho and the cathedral town of Tui, in Spain.
Day 5: Valença to Pontevedra | Historic center, emblematic streets and squares, history and culture at the city known as the “Boa Vila”
After crossing the border to Spain over the bridge built by Eiffel in 1885, you will cycle northwards along the
valley of the river Louro, through thick pine forests and enjoy the magical landscapes of the valleys of Galicia. At Redondela, as you cycle further north towards Vilaboa, you will have captivating views of an Atlantic waterway where the ocean streams inland. You are back to the land of fishermen. Pontevedra, picturesquely located on the river Lerez, deserves some time spent in the well-preserved ancient city centre. Be sure to visit the farmers’ market and buy some of the delicious local cheese.
Day 6: Pontevedra to Padrón | Countryside, gastronomy, and historic heritage in one town
Today you leave the Atlantic Ocean, travelling inland through majestic forests and across the picturesque Valley of the River Gandra to Caldas de Reis, a nice little town and a welcoming place for a coffee or lunch stop. The approximately 15 kilometres ride to Padrón takes you past the church of Santa Maria de Carracedo, again through a fascinating landscape, gently cycling with views of the banks of the river Valga. Legend has it that Saint James often preached in the mountains above Padrón, at a place called Santiaguino del Monte. Another legend is that the saint, striking a rock with his staff, released a spring of fresh water that still flows to this day.
Day 7: Pádron to Santiago de Compostela | UNESCO World Heritage old town center, graceful monasteries, impressive churches, and historic palaces
The last stage is a little exciting for most people, as today you will indeed reach Santiago de Compostela. As you arrive in Compostela, you will sense the thrill in the air that all pilgrims feel as they approach the medieval sanctuary to Saint James. Clearly, that this is one of Christianity’s greatest holy cities, a beautiful destination for
so many people throughout the ages. By all means, do visit the cathedral. It is a place of history, devotion, and hope. A lovely town in which to end your biking journey.
Day 8: Departure or Extension
Total Distance: 258km (160 miles)
Daily Distance: 25-70km (15-43 miles)
This tour is available between March 1st and November 30
Starts every Monday
