Adventure Travel by Big Earth Adventure

Europe

With each country's diverse history, archeology, culture and languages make it very appealling and rewarding to visit - and visit more than once - many times. You now have the opportunity to experience many different travel styles. Take guided or self-guided trips through Italy, France, Germany. Take the Eurorail from Zurich to Munich, walk the Danube Canal. Whether you want to stay in a villa in France, bike the Loire Valley or take a guided walk through Tuscany.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL DELUXE BIKING

Trip code:

br-sp

Trip length:

8 days

Group size:

Average 18 (max 26 on biking and 20 for walking)

Transportation:

Bicycle

Trip Overview

Culturally diverse, geographically varied, and awash in tradition and history, Spain's quiet Galician countryside and northern Portugal's Minho wine region are perfect for bicycling. Between the medieval pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela and Guimares, the birthplace of Portugal in 1143, we visit historic landmarks, pedal over eucalyptus-covered hills, encounter friendly locals on horse-drawn carts, and explore the region's stunning tableau, ranging from rugged, alpine terrain to the lush misty coastline. Along the way, sample fresh seafood and overnight in grand paradors and pousadas brimming with hospitality.

Itinerary & Departure Dates

Day 1 Santiago de Compostela. Meet in one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval cities. Tour the historic main plaza and cathedral with historian Manuel Ruzo Vázquez.
Day 2 Baiona. From the fishing village of Baiona, pedal through hillside villages and eucalyptus forests to the beach town of Panxon.
Day 3 Tui. Follow the mostly uninhabited coast to A Garda • Indulge in some of the region’s fresh seafood, such as langosta (lobster) or zamburiñas (scallops).
Day 4 Ponte de Lima. Cross the Minho River into rural Portugal, sharing the road with locals delivering milk or returning cows to pasture • Red tile roofs and rows of grapevines punctuate hillsides along our route • Enjoy a performance by traditional Portuguese singers and dancers.
Days 5-6 Cani Áada. A series of hills takes us through a lush landscape to Terras de Boura • Bike to Gerês, known for its herb teas, or simply relax by the pool at our pousada.
Days 7-8 Guimaes. Ride to Guimarães, home to several architectural marvels: a magnificent hilltop castle and a renowned 15th-century manor house, Paço dos Duques de Bragança.
Look below for departure dates.

Accommodations

Inns/Region's Best Blend. Hotel de Los Reyes Católicos, Parador de Baiona, Parador de Tui
Paço de Calheiros , Pousada de São Bento, Pousada Santa Marinha

Meals

All meals except 5 lunches, 1 dinner included.

Departure Dates

07 Sep - 14 Sep
08 Oct - 15 Oct

Please contact us for a detailed trip dossier, free brochure, availability and prices.