Portuguese Way of St. James Part 1 Lisbon-Porto
Part 1: From Lisbon to Porto
Travel region
Spain & Portugal
Duration and distance
8 days / 267 kilometer
Our electric bike tour explores the western region of the European continent, where the Atlantic Ocean's long, unspoiled and enchanting beaches unfold. Our journey begins in Lisbon, the starting point of the "Caminho Central," the renowned Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela. Portugal has an incredible historical and natural heritage: Templar sites, medieval churches, prestigious monasteries, not to mention beautiful cities, unique architecture and miles of sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast. Our electric bikes also take us on a tour of the famous Douro and Dão wine regions - a highlight from a gastronomic and scenic point of view, before we are captivated by Porto, the capital of Port Wine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Want to see more? Book the second stage from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on your next cycling vacation!
Travel informations
Day 1 : Lisbon
You will meet your guide in Lisbon around noon. Our hotel is conveniently located in the historical center. In the afternoon, we will visit the Belém district with its Hieronymites monastery and the Torre de Belém - the whole being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - as well as the Santa Maria de Belém church. After dinner, we enjoy the magnificent view from the roof terrace of our hotel.
Day 2: In the footsteps of the Templars - approx. 58 km
After a bus transfer to Santarém, located on the way to Santiago de Compostela, we cycle through the peaceful Ribatejo, an old historical province. We enjoy the idyllic pastoral landscape until we reach Golegã where a picnic of regional specialties awaits us. We proceed through a diverse terrain towards Tomar, a city associated with the enigmatic Templar Order.
Day 3: Between monasteries and castles - approx. 57 km
The day begins with a guided tour through the Tomar Castle. This fortified monastery illustrates in a striking way the religious and warlike aspects of the Templars. We drive to the magnificent Pegões aqueduct in Tomar and discover a landscape alternating between scrubland, vineyards, olive groves and small villages before arriving in Ourém. The remnants of Castelo de Ourém welcome us from atop a mountainous ridge. After a visit, we will enjoy a picnic in the shadow of this monument. We then drive through fragrant eucalyptus forests and the foothills of the Sierras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park to Batalha. Our hotel is located in front of the gigantic monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stone testimony of the Portuguese Golden Age! In the evening, there's an optional visit to the pilgrimage site of Fátima which requires additional payment on site.
Day 4: Fado in Coimbra - approx. 17 km
After admiring the monumental monastery at our own pace in the morning, with its flamboyant exterior and richly decorated interior, we cycle the small roads to Leiria, passing through an idyllic valley adorned with villages and fields. After a break on the market square, we take the bus to Coimbra, home to the oldest university in Europe. Our hotel is ideally located to discover the lively old town on foot, crowned by the Alma Mater founded in the 12th century. In the evening, you are invited to a typical fado restaurant.
Day 5: A breath of sea air - approx. 40 km
We will be transferred by bus to the charming fishing village of Praia de Mira, where the lush greenery gradually fades away and reveals the stunning and seemingly endless sandy beach. The freshwater lagoon of Barrinha is nearby. The sun and the sparkling water invite us to linger but after having regained our strength, we continue in the direction of Aveiro, the "Portuguese Venice".
Day 6: Valleys and vineyards - the jewels of the Dão and Douro ca. 48 km
We will be transferred by bus to Santa Comba Dão, located in the forested hinterland. While the area is hilly, we will cycle with ease on the flat, paved route along an old railway line, which largely follows the scenic and picturesque Dão valley. The bike path runs steadily along the banks of the river, so that every turn offers a new spectacular view. After a picnic lunch, we reach the lively mountain town of Viseu, an important stop on the Way of St. James. Here we visit the imposing cathedral before being driven into the Douro Valley. Our hotel Quinta da Pacheca is part of an 18th century wine estate. In the evening, we are guided through the vineyard and then test the quality of the local wines.
Day 7: Douro Valley and Porto - approx. 47 km
Following a brief transfer to a hilltop with stunning vistas of the terraced vineyards, we descend into the Douro Valley and arrive in Pinhão, the heart of the Port wine region. Here, we are treated to a delightful picnic by the water. Back on the saddle, we ride through the river valley on a beautiful bike path to Peso da Régua, then the bus takes us back to Porto. Our gaze lingers one last time on the terraced vineyards and the Douro. The day ends with an exploring walk and dinner in Porto.
Day 8: Departure or extension
We begin the day with a guided tour of Porto, a significant port city known for its rich history and global connections. Departure can be individual or arranged by us (please contact us for more information).






E-Bike travel

It advises you
José Manuel Cerrud
The hotels
Please note that other hotels of the same category may also be booked in individual cases.
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Here is the request for our trip
Part 1: From Lisbon to Porto