Nestled in central Portugal, Coimbra seamlessly blends history and modernity. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, its medieval charm resonates through cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. The Mondego River gracefully winds around this cultural hub, inviting exploration of centuries-old architecture and vibrant local traditions.

It would be worth having at least a day extra in Coimbra if you can fit it in to your trip.

Coimbra is easy to reach from Lisbon by train in under 2 hours. Arrive during the course of the day at our starting hotel. The tour officially starts with a group meeting at 6pm followed by an included group dinner.

We start out on our tour along the Mondego River which guides us out of Coimbra. Gravel roads take you through villages and towns all the way to the beautiful Atlantic coast in Praia de Miro. This picturesque town, adorned with sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages, is the perfect start to our coastal bike ride. Our accommodation this evening is set on a beautiful lagoon surrounded by pine forests. The seafront is 2km away, a short ride for anyone wanting some beach action.

elevation +500m

Pedal through picturesque landscapes, passing by small fields and vegetable gardens, immersing in the tranquil charm of the Ria region. As you approach Barra Village, cross the main bridge, and witness the harbor's old codfish boats. Navigate through a scenic bicycle path, avoiding open roads, and continue towards Aveiro, experiencing the evolution from coastal beauty to the traditional salt ponds that dot the landscape. Averio is considered the Venice of Portugal.

elevation +200m

Begin the day with a ferry ride, a fitting way to leave Aveiro. Ride on to the dune system of São Jacinto, an incredible natural reserve home to many valuable species and the perfect place to watch some wildlife! The Ria de Aveiro, a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Its unique mesotidal wetland area has several branches forming islands and is an absolute pleasure to ride along. Magnificent pine tree forests lead you to Ovar and our stop for the night.

elevation +200m

A final ride before a rest day in beautiful Porto. On today’s ride, you will cross several small beaches including Miramar, Francelos, and Valadares by cycling on a path near the coastline. Although the water might be too cold for some, these beaches are a great spot to swim and enjoy the sun (if the weather conditions allow it!). Miramar Beach is worth a stop to visit a small and intriguing little chapel sitting on the top of a boulder by the shore - the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra. Enter old Porto, crossing the Dom Luís Bridge, which has a spectacular view over the Douro River.

We stay outside the historic centre at the mouth of the Douro River, minutes walk from the nearest beach.

elevation +400m

Porto is an amazing city filled with something mystical and difficult to describe. Enjoy a day off the bike to experience the city, taste the food, explore the sightseeing spots, and interact with the lovely people. There is a bus stop near the hotel that takes you easily into the historic centre of Porto or walk a few hundred metres to to use Porto’s historic tram service.

Leave Porto and explore Portugal's beautiful coastline. Enjoy the sight of the Atlantic waves crashing on lovely beaches. Take a break to breathe in the fresh air. Discover quaint villages, with Vila do Conde being a standout. It has a historic center, a nice river area, great beaches, and monuments such as the Mosteiro de Santa Clara and the surviving segments of a long-legged medieval aqueduct makes this village into the special gem that it is.

elevation +300m

Your last day in Portugal. Halfway through the day, you will have the privilege of encountering yet another gem of this tour. As you cross the charming Lima River on a bridge, you will be able to see Viana do Castelo from above. This is a blessed town with an appealing medieval center filled with churches, monasteries, palaces decorated with coats of arms, and monumental fountains with interesting water features. At the end of the day, you will arrive at Caminha, a lovely town that sits at the mouth of the Minho River, which creates the natural northern border with Spain.

elevation +300m

Today you will enter Galicia by crossing the magnificent Minho River by ferry. Welcome to Spain!

In Guarda go to the top of its hill to visit the Iron Settlement of Santa Tegra. Today you can also visit the medieval monastery of Oia, which is located right on the coast. Finally, arrive at Vigo, a historical city and one of the biggest fishing ports of Europe. We enjoy a night of special accommodation staying in a beautiful converted Galician country house close to the beach.

elevation +900m

After leaving Vigo, you will start to enter the more common roads to Santiago, that go along the Ria de Vigo. Pontevedra is a small charming city with a great atmosphere around its plazas and cafés.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is a destination in itself, Parador de Pontevedra, the 16th century palace of Count Maceda.

elevation +700m

Time for another rest day. Pontevedra enchants with its historic charm and lively Galician spirit. Stroll through well-preserved medieval streets, where centuries-old buildings reveal the town's rich heritage. The picturesque Pontevedra River adds to the allure, inviting you to explore this gem known for its cultural treasures and warm hospitality.

When not out exploring, relax in our amazing hotel, the Parador de Pontevedra which has been masterfully renovated to retain its past glory. Built of robust, local stone, the palace is surrounded by pretty landscaped gardens and a large sun terrace.

After leaving Pontevedra, admire the big wetlands where you can find hundreds of plants and bird species. Throughout the route, you will find beautiful river crossings which are highlighted by the waterfalls of the Barosa River. A gorgeous place, perfect to stop and have lunch. Continuing, you will pass by Caldas de Reis, a natural spa town that has existed since Roman times. Rivers and lush vegetation will take you to your destination, the medieval city of Padrón, famous for its green, small, and tasty peppers.

elevation +800m

Today's trail will be the easiest one. As you start to see the top of the cathedral in the distance, it will give you the strength to do the final kilometers. Here you are, finally in Compostela. The old town of Santiago, together with the outlying Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery, constitutes an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments. The squares and narrow streets of the old town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicist buildings. This town is not only a harmonious and very well preserved historical city but also a place deeply imbued with faith.

We commemorate the end of the trip with a night in the historic Parador de Santiago - Hostal Reis Catolicos, set in a beautiful 15th-century building next to Santiago’s famous cathedral. Once a lodging for pilgrims, the Parador maintains many of the building’s original features including vaulted ceilings, stone archways and tapestries.

A celebratory group dinner will make for a fitting end to the trip.

elevation +600ml

The Camino may end in Santiago but there are many things here to discover. Stay on and enjoy the city or explore further through Spain and Europe. The tour ends after breakfast.