Arrive at Porto Airport and be transferred to your first hotel. This vibrant coastal city is a great place to explore on foot, from its UNESCO designated medieval core to its wide, more modern boulevards.

After making your way through Porto’s old town you’ll then cross the Douro River on the famous Don Luís Bridge and start to follow the coastal cycling path past idyllic beaches and coves down to Espinho, your overnight destination. On-route why not stop in Praia de Miramar to admire the pretty little seaside chapel and, if the mood grabs you, this is the perfect beach for a cooling dip.

Continue cycling south along the idyllic Portuguese coast on lanes and cycle paths through pine forests to the River Vouga Delta, a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive at the São Jacinto dunes, here we recommend a walk on the lovely beach which is also a nature reserve to admire the many species of birds that gravitate here. You then take the ferry across the mouth of the River Aveiro to the town of Aveiro, where you’ll spend the night. Take a wander through the historic old town admiring the brightly painted fisher-men’s houses.

Heading out from Aveiro you’ll pass canals and huge dunes close to the River Vouga. Stop to climb the dunes for great sea views if you wish before following a quiet road past a succession of pretty villages and open farmland. Eventually you reach the quaint village of Praia da Mira, with its fabulous beach, where you will spend the night.

Today is all about solitude, beaches and sea views as you cycle south alongside mile after mile of pristine beach. It’s an extremely peaceful landscape where you’ll hardly see anyone else about. In the afternoon you have a climb through shady pine forests up to the Serra da boa Viagem and from here it’s a lovely freewheel down to Cape Mondego, with its distinctive lighthouse. Then it’s not far to Figueira da Foz, with its wide, long sandy beach where you stop for the night.

Your last day’s cycling starts with with a ride across the bridge spanning the River Mondego. You then pick up the Atlantic Way cycling path near Carriço. This spectacular route will take you through the dense Pinhal de Leiria pine forest, once used to provide timber for the Portuguese imperial navy. The forest borders the ocean and you can stop and discover numerous deserted beaches en route as you make your way to the pretty village of São Pedro de Moel, the final stop on your Portuguese cycling holiday.

After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure. A transfer is included to take you to Porto Airport.