You begin in UNESCO-recognised Porto, a beautiful mix of winding, medieval streets, impressive architecture and the serene Douro River, packed with brightly coloured rabelo sailing boats - it's also home to some world-famous wine cellars. From here you'll head south, past sandy bays and beaches, to your luxury hotel in Furadouro right on the beachfront, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, to 'Portugal's Venice', Aveiro. Here, the latticework canals are overlooked by grand buildings and inviting restaurants, while pretty moliceiro boats sail leisurely along the water. Returning to the ocean you'll pass high sand dunes and fragrant pine and acacia forest, on your way to Praia de Mira, before heading inland to the Spa town of Curia in the Bairrada wine region, the home of Portugal's best Champagne-style wine - be sure to stop for a tasting! From Curia your final stretch takes you to Coimbra, Portugal's former capital and now a cosmopolitan university city. Explore its charming cobbled alleyways, bustling markets and wonderful architecture such as the 16th century aqueduct and the university's sublime Baroque library, perhaps rounding off with a traditional fado evening in one of the local bars.
Your holiday starts in Porto, where shuttered townhouses tumble downhill to colourful rabelo sailing boats cruising the Douro River and passing world-famous wine cellars. From here, you'll beach and bay hop south to your luxury beachfront hotel in Furadouro, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, home to pink flamingo and colourful birdlife, to Aveiro for two nights in a waterside mansion. Known as 'Portugal's Venice', this is where colourful moliceiro boats cruise along canals beneath tall palm trees, while alleyways are filled with tempting restaurants. Your final cycling stretch takes you back to the ocean to high sand dunes, meandering through pine and acacia forest, to Praia de Mira.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Portugal for anyone using an e-bike.
