Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Those arriving on the group flight will be met by the tour leader at the
airport and transferred to the start hotel by private minibus. Time
permitting, your leader will arrange a short orientiation tour in the
historic centre. Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage city and a real historic
jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. There is plenty to see and for
this reason we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in
exploring more of its vibrant centre. Before dinner, we will enjoy a guided
visit and wine tasting at a traditional Port wine cellar. Overnight at Hotel
Vila Gale or Hotel Cristal. 

Day 2

This morning we leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse
ourselves in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting
from Porto, we will ride along the Douro River until its estuary. We then
follow the coast, mostly on cycling paths, enjoying some inspiring views of
beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride there will be plenty
of opportunities to stop for drinks or snacks in traditional Portuguese
cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean! After following a cycling path which
crosses a pine tree forest, we reach lively Furadouro, a seaside town
renowned for its excellent fish. Free time for a swim (seasonal), relax in
the hotel's spa or enjoy a deserved drink in one of the several cafes and
restaurants in town. Overnight at Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & Spa or
similar.

Day 3

Today's ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of Sao Jacinto,
one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshland and habitat of
numerous bird species. We pedal through a scenery of sandy beaches, marshland
and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a
plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants.
After a short transfer by ferry, we leave the lagoon and continue cycling to
the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by
multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira,
known for its infinitely long beach rated as one of the best in Portugal.
Overnight at Macarico Beach Hotel or similar.

Day 4

Today's ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area
covered in pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat or undulating and the
roads quiet and peaceful making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final
short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem before
reaching the lively town of Figuera da Foz. The rest of the day is free to
explore the town of Figuera da Foz and its extensive beach (nicknamed 'Rainha
das Praias' - Queen of beaches) - there are lots of lovely cafes and bars to
enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and some excellent restaurants. Overnight at
Universal Boutique Hotel or similar.

Day 5

Today we enter the Portuguese Silver Coast and ride a cycleway that follows
the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road). We’ll be riding mainly through the
remains of vast pine forest, the Leiria Pine Forest or Pinhal de Leiria,
which was originally planted in the 15th Century with to provide timber for
the construction o the Portuguese shipbuilding industry during the Portuguese
Discoveries. Unfortunately, vast areas of the forest were destroyed in 2017
by one of the fiercest forest fires of the past 100 years. Little more than
1,500 hectares remain, out of a total of 11 thousand. Although maritime pine
is considered a fast-growing tree, it will take many more years for the
forest to regenerate. Exodus is supporting the regeneration of the forests,
working with local schools and communities to replant trees. We reach the
picturesque town of São Pedro de Moel in the afternoon and enjoy some time
to relax at the beach or at the comfortable hotel with sea-view. Overnight at
Mar & Sol Hotel or similar.

 

Day 6

This morning you can opt to either transfer or cycle (adding approx. 20km to
today's ride) to Nazaré, one of the most famous fishing towns in Portugal.
Here fisherwomen still wear seven colourful layers of skirts, as well as
wooden clogs and a traditional black headscarf. There will be the opportunity
to enjoy some spectacular ocean views from the popular panoramic terrace. It
was in Nazaré's Praia Norte that the world record for the largest wave ever
surfed was set, an estimated 30m high! From Nazare' we ride all the way to
Obidos, a charming small fortified town which resembles a medieval film set.
It has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants who take real pride in
maintaining the architectural image of the village characterised by narrow
winding streets and white-washed houses. 

Day 7

A morning private transfer (approx. 1hr) takes us to the great capital city
of Lisbon; here we enjoy a full free day of independent sightseeing. Please
note that your leader will leave the group after breakfast and the remainder
of the trip will be self-guided, but you will be provided with plenty of
tips, maps and directions to make the most of your time in Lisbon. An
optional guided city tour can also be booked for a fee. Begin with the two
landmark monuments, the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jerónimos, both
of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage status. For some great
views, head to the old Alfama district and walk from the iconic Praca do
Comercio, in the heart of Lisbon, to the elegant neighbourhood of Chiado and
trendy Barrio Alto. You may also decide to end the trip with a traditional
dinner accompanied by traditional Fado music. Overnight at Turim Europa Hotel
or similar.

Day 8

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