Day 3. FURADOURO TO AVEIRO

Ride : 49 km | Elevation Gain : 19 m

This stage would not be complete without a visit to Costa Nova, a small town with its picturesque town centre of multi-coloured candy cane striped houses. If you have time, take a trip on a Moliceiro, the brightly-coloured hand painted wooden boats used for gathering seaweed, along the canals for which Aveiro is named Portuguese Venice. Ashore, tickle your taste buds and join a workshop to make a typical Aveiro pastry. Do not fail to visit the salt pans and enjoy the wonderfully soothing properties of sea salt as you soak your feet in small tubs. Your bike tour for today is a pleasant 49 kms ride through the Protected Natural Reserve of the São Jacinto dunes.

Day 4. AVEIRO TO FIGEIRA DA FOZ

Ride : 75 km | Elevation Gain : 237 m

Leave enchanting Aveiro for Figueira da Foz, cycling along the canal and through green fields until you reach Mira where you will be dazzled by the golden effect of the sunshine on the sand, the sea, the vegetation and the brightly contrasting colours of the landscape. Visit Praia de Mira fishing village with the typical colourful wooden houses they call palheiros. Treat yourself to one of the fresh fish gastronomic specialties for which Mira is famous. At this point, a shared transfer is included to Figueira da Foz, the ideal place to stop for the night.

Day 5. SAO PEDRO DE MOEL

Ride : 75 km | Elevation Gain : 237 m

This stage takes you along the Portuguese silver coast and through the Pinhal de Leiria, the great pine forest planted in the 15th century to supply the wood for the caravels on which the Portuguese discoverers sailed the seven seas. Today it is an immense forest, a favourite of nature lovers and home to many kinds of wildlife. The trail follows a cycling path alongside the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road) to São Pedro de Moel, an elegant beach resort that nestles in a forest clearing. Famous for surfing, the splendid beach is bordered to the north by steep rocks and to the south by a small stream. Try fishing off the rocks near the lighthouse where the cliffs attract several species of tasty fish, especially sea bass and bream.

Day 6. ÓBIDOS

Ride : 57 km | Elevation Gain : 411 m

Today takes you to two towns beloved by visitors to Portugal – Nazaré and Obidos. Nazaré, possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, also famous for its beautiful beach, is unique in many ways. Its atmosphere of times gone by, contentment and long-standing traditions make it a special place to visit. The narrow, gaily-painted wooden fishing boats with their high, curved bows, are reminiscent of the Phoenicians who first visited the area. Another unique tradition are the seven-layered skirts that the fisherwomen still wear, their wooden clogs and predominantly black headscarves. At the top of the high cliff overlooking the beach, a small village marks the birthplace of Nazaré and the legend of a knight saved by the Virgin Mary. The view out to sea is breathtaking. Óbidos, your final destination of the day, is a charming, small fortified town that makes one think of a medieval film set. The town has been carefully preserved and its inhabitants take pride in maintaining the architectural style from ages past, its monuments, narrow winding streets and white-washed houses with windows and terraces full of flowers. The walls covered with 18th century blue tiles inside the southern gate that acts as the main entrance are especially impressive.

Day 7. LISBOA!

After checking-out from your hotel in Óbidos, return your bikes at the hotel. A transfer will take you to your hotel in Lisbon where, after checking in, you will have plenty of free time to explore the city. Lisbon is a romantic city open to the sea that has always shaped its destiny. Start with two landmark monuments near each other on banks of the Tagus: the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites are noted for the beauty of the Manueline architecture. Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, is not to be missed. Sprawling over the southeastern slope of the hill crowned by São Jorge Castle, the picturesque neighbourhood is composed of a maze of narrow streets, winding alleyways, and steep flights of steps. Bairro Alto, a picturesque working-class quarter dating from the 16th century, has traditionally been the bohemian haunt of artists and writers. Its streets are quiet during the day but at night they are transformed by the city’s vibrant nightlife. Behind the colourful and graffiti-covered façades you will find a variety of traditional and international restaurants, tourist-packed Fado Houses, and a multitude of bars and shops that stay open until late at night.

Day 8. LISBON TO LISBON AIRPORT

Transfer to Lisbon airport AT 9:00am, or take the metro or taxi there for a different time.

Boa Viagem and we hope you enjoyed your trip down the West Coast!