Barcelona to Porto

October 2024

New for 2024 is a horizontal traverse of the Iberian peninsular from vibrant Barcelona to wonderful Porto (Oporto) and visiting the beautiful city of Salamanca on route. Our itinerary takes you along some amazing quiet roads which seem forgotten by time, with frequent views of ancient citadels and strongholds. This is a snapshot of unspoilt Spain and Portugal showcasing some fantastic scenery and roads.

Cosmopolitan Barcelona
The Parador hotel in Cardona
Wonderful province of Aragon
Historic Zaragoza
The Ebro river and its gorges
The Douro river and its wines
Hilltop castles
The wonderful city of Salamanca, one of Europe's most historic
The port producing areas of the Upper Douro in Portugal
Porto, a ocean-side city with style and history
Good quality hotels with breakfast included; 6 dinners included
Thoroughly researched route
12 days' riding
Option to travel back to the UK

Your Next Adventure Awaits

What you need to know...

Start Location
Barcelona, Spain

Finish Location
Porto, Portugal

Country/Region
Europe multi country

Grading
Expert

Shortest Day
82km / 51 miles

Longest Day
138km / 86 miles

Total Days
14

Total Miles
1375km / 860 miles

Departure Dates & Prices

Month	Dates	Tour Price	Single Supplement*	Bike Hire From	Enquire	Book
October 2024	7th to 20th October 2024	7/10/24 to 20/10/24	£2,795	£750		Check Availability	Book Now

*A single supplement is only payable if you would like a guaranteed room to yourself. If you are happy to share with another traveller of the same gender, no supplement is payable.

Day 2

After the obligatory photograph of you by the Mediterranean, we cycle out though Barcelona passing Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia on the way. Once out of the city we are into the hills that ring it and whilst some of the climbs are long they are not too steep with an average of 5-6%. With the city behind you it is wonderfully quiet and you realise how rural Spain can be. We overnight in the Parador at Cardona, a truly magnificent hilltop fortress with astounding views. The last mile up to here is the toughest of the day but it is well worth it. (Tuesday, 120km / 75 miles, 2,100m ascent. Breakfast and dinner included).

Day 3

Passing the lower town we are soon on deserted roads with fine views and traffic a rarity, with interesting terrain meaning it is not all flat but not overly strenuous for the distance covered. You will get used to the ancient churches built on rocky outcrops and the villages perched beside them as you being to appreciate the history of this wonderful country. The run in to our overnight stop is busier but the town has a magnificent fortress and old streets to occupy you tonight. (Wednesday, 124 km / 77.5 miles, 1,089m ascent. Breakfast included).

Day 5

From our lodgings a straight road takes you into a typical Aragon (as in Catherine, who survived!) landscape with flat-topped sandstone hills and cliffs. The terrain is easy and you will make good progress today to the lovely city of Zaragoza which despite its size is easy to get into and out of on a bike. We stay right in the centre with lots of eating and rehydrating opportunities close by - try by the cathedral and notice how it is a remodelled Moorish mosque (Friday, 108 km / 68 miles, 801m ascent. Breakfast included).

Day 6

A good exit makes for good progress out of Zaragoza before open countryisde beckons with, again, some great roads devoid of traffic. Most of the climbong comes in the afternoon after you have passed the wine Bodegas of the region, with two 5 mile climbs, although neither is any more than 5-6%. Tonight's hotel is in an old monastery and has an excellent restaurant if you want to eat there or plenty of cafes and bars around for early arrivals! (Saturday, 130 km / 81 miles, 1,542m ascent. Breakfast included).

Day 7

Once out of town and off the main (but not busy) road, you ride one of those roads you may remember forever; it is quiet and beautiful and crosses a landscape that time forgot with just a couple of pretty villages. We have never seen another vehicle here. With no major climbs you can admire the countryside easily and will no doubt stop for frequent photographic stops. The route after lunch is a bit of a zig zag to avoid the busier sections but our overnight hotel is a very well appointed modern one with a filling menu - as is often the case in Spain, the size of the starter can resemble a whole meal elsewhere! (Sunday, 112 km / 70 miles, 1,145m ascent. Breakfast and dinner included).

Day 12

There is no avoiding the fact that today is hilly but the views of the famous river should offer some compensation and your legs should be strong by now. Either riding through, or with views of, port vineyards most of the day, the ride is delightful and pretty as you experience your first day in Portugal. The hotel is great with landscape windows overlooking the river and we expect some riders will wish to sample the local drink at supper! (Friday, 141 km / 88 miles, 2,265m ascent. Breakfast included).

Day 13

The final day is always fun with a sense of achievement and as always we recommend riding the finish with the whole group so you can celebrate together and remember the wonderful places you have visited over the past fortnight. Once in Porto we take the final group photo of everyone by the Atlantic and then have a nice celebratory meal in this great city. (Saturday, 124 km / 77 miles, 1,700m ascent. Breakfast and dinner included).

Day 14

Departure after breakfast (included). We finish riding on Saturday 19th October (accommodation that night included in holiday price) so flights can be booked accordingly.

Going back, we will have limited spaces available in the van for riders and their bikes, sold on a first come first served basis with full payment at the time of reservation to enable us to secure the necessary cabins on what is a very popular ferry route that always sells out quickly. These spaces will be sold on a ‘travel back pack’ basis and include: van transport from Porto to Santander, extra day and overnight hotel in Porto on the Sunday (including breakfast), ferry passenger fare and cabin on board. Single supplement rate: £350 per person; Double / twin rate £275 per person. You would arrive back in Plymouth on Tuesday 22th October at 1530 (note the return is to Plymouth not Portsmouth). Please note that the vans may not return to the UK so you may be travelling as cyclists and should therefore make sure you pack accordingly.

Unfortunately we are no longer able to take unaccompanied bikes back to the UK due to the new border restrictions, but we can take bike bags / boxes (if notified in advance) and keep them in the vans for the duration of your holiday.