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Cyclist in front of a typical stone house with colourful windows and doors

Portugal Bike & Quintas

The green heart around Coimbra

8 Days / 7 Nights
Challenging
Cyclist in front of a typical stone house with colourful windows and doors

Inland Portugal is defined by its rolling hills, verdant moors, and untamed, picturesque rivers. Along your journey, you'll traverse quaint farms and villages, indulging in typical local delicacies. From the scenic viewpoints known as miradouros, you'll revel in breathtaking vistas, while an excursion to the coast unveils stunning panoramas of the Atlantic. Completing the eight-day cycling excursion is a visit to Coimbra, the vibrant and renowned university city.

From Vila Nova de Poiares, you start a loop tour on the first day, passing Penacova, the mills at Gavinhos and Lorvao with its impressive monastery. The following day you cycle along the Rio Ceira to Cairo dos Vales and on to Lousã. You spend the night again in an authentic “Quinta” and are spoiled for choice for your next loop tour. A shorter option leads to a natural swimming pool and the longer one to the Serra da Lousã.

Starting from Lousã, the journey proceeds to Laurenco de Bairro, meandering through olive groves, pine forests, and the vineyards of Bairrada. A day visit to the seaside unveils several attractions, including the pile dwellings of Palheiros de Miro. On the last day, the picturesque university city of Coimbra awaits - take delight in a guided exploration of its historic alleys before bidding farewell to your tour.

  • Historic flair and bustling lanes: Coimbra is famous for its renowned university, one of the oldest in Europe. Visit the impressive university library, explore the historic center with its narrow streets and enjoy the traditional fado music in the city's cozy bars.
  • Bathing fun and history on the Portuguese coast: Indulge in a day of seaside relaxation at Praia de Mira. The pristine white sand sets a stunning backdrop, while the quaint old wooden fishermen's houses offer a glimpse into the region's rich history.
  • The Serra da Lousã impresses with its breathtaking landscape of dense forests, deep valleys and impressive rock formations. You can enjoy spectacular views not only of the surrounding landscape, but even as far as the sea. The peaceful atmosphere and the diverse flora and fauna make the Serra da Lousã a wonderful destination for nature lovers.

This tour offers varying stage lengths and a mix of flat and hilly sections, making it particularly diverse - we suggest having a good base level of fitness. On certain days, the route can be individually shortened if necessary. In addition to a hearty breakfast, you'll also receive a packed lunch on stage days.

A cycling vacation in Portugal offers abundant sunshine, Mediterranean flair, and diverse landscapes. You'll explore bustling cities and picturesque coastal stretches—on our pages, you'll find plenty of valuable information about this charming country.

Itinerary at a glance

You will be welcomed in „Quinta no Pinhal“. This Quinta is located on the brink of the forest and a little bit outside of village Vila Nova de Poiares. Possibility to try your bike and to talk to your hosts.

Today you get to know the landscape of Beira Litoral: slightly hilly terrain, a lot of green and a lot of water. You cycle along Barrier Lake “Barragem das Fronhas”, one of many barrier lakes in Portugal. At the end of this tour you can try your climbing skills in Moura Morta. Overnight stay in “Quinta no Pinhal”.

You cycle from Vila Nova de Poiares to Ceiro dos Vales. Mostly you follow Rio Ceiro. Along the route possibility to take a bath in the river in Casal de Ermio/Praia Fluvial. You continue to Lousã which is located at the foothills of Serra de Lousã. This area offers green mountain landscapes, many trees, a lot of water and a palace from 10th century which is surrounded by small chapels. When you enter the villages you can visit “Casa de Cima” and “Casa de Quinto do Cano”, two luxury manor houses from 17th and 18th century. Overnight stay in “Além do Ribeiro”.

Today you can choose between two routes. You can go along a short route of 15 to 20 km to a nature bath in the near of a fortress. Or you make a longer tour of 60 km into Serra da Lousã up to an elevation of 1.200 m, where you can enjoy pure silence and a clear view onto Central Portugal, from the Atlantic Sea to Serra da Estrela. A tour which leads along lonesome mountain villages with old houses and offers beautiful views. The descent leads along unpaved roads back onto the road of Goís-Lousã. Overnight stay in “Além do Ribeiro”.

This tour leads from Ceira dos Vales to São Laurenco de Bairro. You pass village Penacova, which is located high above Rio Mondego and continue to national park Buçaco. Along your way see numerous springs, many villages, olive groves, fruit orchards and stone pines. In Serra do Buçaco you will find Mata do Buçaco, a forest with a size of 105 hectare. It is fenced by a wall with a length of 5 km and 11 gates. From Luso, a health-resort which is well-known for its sanative water you cycle through the wine region of “Bairrada”. Goal of today is Quinta de São Lourenço.

Today you will cycle through pine forests via Mira to Praia de Mira, broad and sandy beaches await you. The village was called Palheiros de Mira before, due to the typical houses built on piles. Some of the fishing-men still carry out the traditional fishing with nets. In summer it is a popular beach resort. Overnight stay in Quinta de São Lourenço.

You go by bicycle or take the train to the ancient University City Coimbra and then contione on the bike past old villages, some of them are already deserted, and along paddy fields at Gandara through the valley of Mondego to Quinta no Pinhal.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

On the Atlantic coast, you will pass through the picturesque Aveiro with its canals and enjoy grilled fish in Furadouro. The Portuguese are known for their warmth and hospitality, and you'll be staying in particularly authentic hotels along the way.

You will be welcomed in „Quinta no Pinhal“. This Quinta is located on the brink of the forest and a little bit outside of village Vila Nova de Poiares. Possibility to try your bike and to talk to your hosts.

Today you get to know the landscape of Beira Litoral: slightly hilly terrain, a lot of green and a lot of water. You cycle along Barrier Lake “Barragem das Fronhas”, one of many barrier lakes in Portugal. At the end of this tour you can try your climbing skills in Moura Morta. Overnight stay in “Quinta no Pinhal”.

You cycle from Vila Nova de Poiares to Ceiro dos Vales. Mostly you follow Rio Ceiro. Along the route possibility to take a bath in the river in Casal de Ermio/Praia Fluvial. You continue to Lousã which is located at the foothills of Serra de Lousã. This area offers green mountain landscapes, many trees, a lot of water and a palace from 10th century which is surrounded by small chapels. When you enter the villages you can visit “Casa de Cima” and “Casa de Quinto do Cano”, two luxury manor houses from 17th and 18th century. Overnight stay in “Além do Ribeiro”.

Today you can choose between two routes. You can go along a short route of 15 to 20 km to a nature bath in the near of a fortress. Or you make a longer tour of 60 km into Serra da Lousã up to an elevation of 1.200 m, where you can enjoy pure silence and a clear view onto Central Portugal, from the Atlantic Sea to Serra da Estrela. A tour which leads along lonesome mountain villages with old houses and offers beautiful views. The descent leads along unpaved roads back onto the road of Goís-Lousã. Overnight stay in “Além do Ribeiro”.

This tour leads from Ceira dos Vales to São Laurenco de Bairro. You pass village Penacova, which is located high above Rio Mondego and continue to national park Buçaco. Along your way see numerous springs, many villages, olive groves, fruit orchards and stone pines. In Serra do Buçaco you will find Mata do Buçaco, a forest with a size of 105 hectare. It is fenced by a wall with a length of 5 km and 11 gates. From Luso, a health-resort which is well-known for its sanative water you cycle through the wine region of “Bairrada”. Goal of today is Quinta de São Lourenço.

Today you will cycle through pine forests via Mira to Praia de Mira, broad and sandy beaches await you. The village was called Palheiros de Mira before, due to the typical houses built on piles. Some of the fishing-men still carry out the traditional fishing with nets. In summer it is a popular beach resort. Overnight stay in Quinta de São Lourenço.

You go by bicycle or take the train to the ancient University City Coimbra and then continue on the bike past old villages, some of them are already deserted, and along paddy fields at Gandara through the valley of Mondego to Quinta no Pinhal.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route Information

Challenging

Flat coastal roads and hilly sections. Also climbs, but easier alternatives are available. Asphalted roads. Sometimes a little bit exhausting, but it is worth it!

Prices & Dates

Category: Quintas (lovely restored former country houses and estates) with pool

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accomodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch package for the route (6x)
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer between the Quintas
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (GER,EN)
  • GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Half board evening meal (multi-course), in Caniço and Funchal incl. drinks (house wine, beer, soft drinks and water)
  • Transfer possible upon request – per ride approximately     
  • Airport Porto (until 4 Persons) EUR 154
  • Airport Lisaboa (until 4 Persons) EUR 209
  • More than 4 Persons on request

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Coimbra train station
  • Porto or Lisboa airport
  • Free parking at the Quinta, reservation is necessary
  • Good bus connections from Coimbra to Vila Nova de Poiares EUR 4, Taxi approx. EUR 30 or transfer EUR 29 per person

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch package (6x)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, Dutch, French, Spanish)
  • GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Half-board evening meal (mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
  • Airport transfer possible, reservation required, payable on site, Porto airport EUR 159 per trip (up to 4 persons), Lisbon airport EUR 214 per trip (up to 4 persons), from 5 persons on request

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Coimbra train station
  • Porto or Lisboa airport
  • Free parking at the Quinta, reservation is necessary
  • Good bus connections from Coimbra to Vila Nova de Poiares EUR 4, Taxi approx. EUR 30, transfer EUR 32 per person

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Detailed information

  • If you book an extra night in Coimbra, we invite you to a Fado concert
Antonia Kreiseder

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Antonia Kreiseder
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