Guided Off-road 8 Days

Imagine a countryside of terraced fields and forgotten villages, hillsides strewn with enormous granite boulders and tracks shaded from the hot sun by overhead green vines. Set in the far north of Portugal, the Peneda Gerês national park is a time-capsule of cobbled streets, water mills and wooden carts drawn by the traditional long-horned cattle. The week is based at Rio Caldo, a sleepy village in the countryside close to the Spanish border, far away from conventional tourist routes.

The biking in Portugal is particularly beautiful and tracks wind through prehistoric landscapes, forests and around clear blue lakes. Where days start with a climb there. ll always be the welcome option of a vehicle drop off at the top. (A popular activity after a day's bike ride is the exhilarating,  inflatable tow  behind a speedboat!)

You'll be staying in a comfortable, well-equipped house with a large sun terrace overlooking Lake Caniçada. The twin-share rooms have en-suite facilities or private bathrooms. Midweek there. s a rest day where you can take the local bus to visit the regional centre of Braga, famous for its cathedral and cafes, or spend the day 

Portuguese food and wine is justifiably renowned. Local specialities include the delicious caldo verde soup, barbecued chicken and bacalhau - a fish dish with a different recipe for each day of the year! For a lunchtime snack, try um prego (steak sandwich) with a glass of crisp, refreshing vinho verde wine, a cerveja beer or one of the many varieties of Port wine made locally.

terrain

Moderately hilly on dirt tracks and paths. Vehicle support. Suitable for fit beginners, intermediate and experienced riders. Daily distances 15-30 miles.

Itinerary Guide

Saturday:  Transfer from Porto airport. Traditional supper.

Sunday:  Bike to Gerês. Climb to viewpoint at Pedra Bela. Visit spectacular waterfalls. Good descent to for cafe stop at Ermida.

Monday:  Visit viewpoint at Formiguiero. Descend via Freitas to cafe stop at Campo do Gerês. Return via Calcadonia's prehistoric landscape.

water-skiing, swimming, canoeing or just lazing in the sun.

Itinerary Guide continued

Tuesday:  Bike to old monastery at Abadia. Call in at historic hotel at Bouro Santa Maria for coffee before lunch and a swim in the river.

Wednesday:  Rest day. Optional visit to Braga. Try canoeing or water-skiing on the lake. Dinner is not included so you can choose where to eat.

Thursday:  Follow tracks through ancient hamlets to Penedo Covo.

Friday:  Day trip into Spain. Ride through wild, beautiful countryside to Lobios. Return along lakeside at Vilarinho das Furnas.

Saturday:  Transfer to Porto airport.

"Lot's of fun, cycling excellent, food plentiful, he scenery beautiful and spectacular.  Your guides brought it all together for one of the best holidays I' ve ever had."

Multi-sport option

This option features two-days mountain biking, two days walking and you'll learn to water-ski with expert tuition.