Portuguese Camino Cycle - Lisbon to Porto
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Porto. This self-guided tour invites you to explore Portugal's rich cultural tapestry, from the historic streets of Lisbon to the vibrant city of Porto. Pedal through charming villages, lush vineyards, and scenic orchards, visiting iconic sites like the UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem and the picturesque Old Town of Tomar. Experience the lively atmosphere of Coimbra and its renowned library, and savor the local flavors of Porto's famous Port wines. With comfortable accommodations in 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs, luggage transfers, and a digital information pack, this tour offers a perfect blend of active exploration and cultural immersion. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a passionate traveler, this journey promises a unique and enriching experience through the heart of Portugal. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lisbon
Location: Lisbon, Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Alfama, Lisbon Cathedral
Accommodation Name: hotel
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the world’s oldest cities: known as Olispio by the Romans, settled by the Visigoths and the Arabs before becoming the base for the “Discoveries’ – Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama all set sail from here. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed many buildings and dramatically brought an end to this powerful empire. The UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Tower of Belem still stands and worth a visit, as is the Alfama district for ‘fado’ (music) – or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets of this beautiful city. You will find the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino at the Cathedral. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle to Azambuja (55km/34.5mi)
Location: Lisbon, Azambuja
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be transferred from the hotel to the bike shop at around 10am to collect your bike.Today you will cycle along the River Tejo, following mostly flat paths. Before long you will be in the countryside and will be surprised by the stark contrast from the cityscape of Lisbon. Your destination for today is Azambuja, known for its historic charm and picturesque surroundings.Cumulative elevation +550m, -590mThere is an option to take an afternoon transfer from Lisbon to Azambuja, to allow you to spend more time in Lisbon - an additional cost applies, speak to our staff for details including price. In this case the rental bikes may differ from the usual models shown and will be available at the hotel there (no bike shop visit this morning).
Day 3 : On to Santarem (34km/21mi)
Location: Santarem
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will continue to follow the river. The route will take you through fields, vineyards and orchards. You will need to climb a steep hill into Santarem, where you will stay overnight.Cumulative elevation +280m, -190m
Day 4 : Continue to Tomar (64km/40mi)
Location: Santarem, Tomar, Convent of Christ
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The cycle route between Santarem and Tomar is mainly flat, which will allow you to enjoy the scenery en route. You will cycle along tranquil country lanes, passing through farmland and little villages. On arrival in Tomar, be sure to visit the historic and picturesque Old Town and the unique Convent of Christ, a World Heritage Site.Cumulative elevation +260m, -340m
Day 5 : To Alvorge (56km/35mi)
Location: Tomar, Alvorge
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s cycle is the most challenging of this section. This morning you will head off uphill out of Tomar. The cycle for today is undulating and will take you through woods and forested areas as you pedal towards Alvorge.Cumulative elevation +1050m, -830m
Day 6 : Cycle to the lively town of Coimbra (38km/23.5mi)
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will again pedal over undulating hills, passing lots of trees including eucalyptus and pine. The final section of today takes you over the climb of Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, which sits at a height of 190m, before dropping down into Coimbra. Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina.Cumulative elevation +450m, -705m
Day 7 : Continue to Agueda (48km/30mi)
Location: Coimbra, Agueda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will travel through river valleys and urban areas along a relatively flat trail which becomes more challenging towards the end of the day. There is also a climb as you leave Coimbra. Your destination for today is Agueda, situated on the banks of the Certima river. The colours, the sound of the river and its bohemian culture permeate every corner of this charming city.Cumulative elevation +490m, -510m
Day 8 : To Oliveira de Azemeis (60km/37.5mi)
Location: Oliveira de Azeméis, Matriz de Sao Miguel Church
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will follow the Camino through the Portuguese interior, but this time you will travel along cobbled secondary roads, discovering the charms of the beautiful villages to reach Oliveira de Azaméis. The last few kilometres into Olveira de Azemeis are uphill, but you will be rewarded once you arrive. Be sure to visit one of the town’s main attractions: the Matriz de Sao Miguel Church, and replenish your energy with a plate of delicious "bacalhau à portuguesa".Cumulative elevation +580m, -390m
Day 9 : Cycle into Porto (43km/26.5mi)
Location: Porto, Ponte de Don Luis I, Douro River, Porto Cathedral
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s cycle will take you over rolling hills as you cycle into Porto, reaching the city by crossing its iconic Ponte de Don Luis I. The Douro River will greet you as you cycle to your hotel. After checking in, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites and sample the local Port wines. From its beautiful Cathedral in Terreui da Sé you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city and wander its maze of streets. Cumulative elevation +710m, -850m
Day 10 : Trip concludes
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast. There is much to see and do in Porto, we recommend staying an extra night or more to enjoy and explore the city and surrounds. You can also continue along the next stage of the Portuguese Camino - on foot or by bike, along the Coastal Camino or the central (main) Camino towards Santiago.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in hotels and guesthouses -
Mountain Bike Rental
Travel includes mountain bike rental with repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is provided, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing 20kg.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack with route notes and GPX
avigational app is included. -
Pilgrim's Passport
A Pilgrim's Passport is provided for the journey.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Lisbon and from Porto
Travel to Lisbon and from Porto is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, and a guide is not included.
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Solo Traveller Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Bike Upgrades
Bike upgrade models and helmet purchase are available at an additional cost.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are not covered.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are not covered.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed 20kg is not included.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
A handlebar phone holder is recommended but not included.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
GRADE 4 - with daily cycling distances from 30 to 60km / 18.5 to 37mi over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. There will be some dirt roads as well as the occasional rocky path used during this tour. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
CYCLING THE CAMINO - All Camino cycling routes have some demanding parts requiring some technical skills and physical preparation. Some have signposted detours for cyclists but in the main cyclists continue along the Camino, having to get off bikes to avoid obstacles and walkers. The Portuguese 'Central' route is more demanding than the Portuguese Coastal route and in Spain - mainly due to signposting (it's not as well prepared for cyclists as in Spain) and the terrain is more marked.
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What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes mountain bike rental with repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. Luggage transfer is provided, and optional transfers are available between Lisbon and Villa Franca de Xira.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing comfort and local charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing comfort and local charm throughout the journey.
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What is included with the mountain bike rental?
The mountain bike rental includes a repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece weighing 20kg.
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What support is available during the tour in case of emergencies?
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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Is a guide included in the tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, and a guide is not included.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as level 4, with daily cycling distances from 30 to 60km over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to hilly. It is suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness.
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Are there any technical skills required for the cycling routes?
Yes, all Camino cycling routes have some demanding parts requiring technical skills and physical preparation. Some routes have signposted detours for cyclists, but cyclists may need to get off bikes to avoid obstacles and walkers.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Portuguese Camino Cycle - Lisbon to Porto
10 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Lisbon, Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Alfama, Lisbon Cathedral, Azambuja, Santarem, Tomar, Convent of Christ, Alvorge, Coimbra, Agueda, Oliveira de Azeméis, Matriz de Sao Miguel Church, Porto, Ponte de Don Luis I, Douro River, Porto Cathedral ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ULP
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
