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Portugal/Spain
Grape Escape

Jun 14-21, 2008
Jul 6-13, 2008
Sep 13-20, 2008

Price: US$3450 for
8 days/7 nights.
Includes 6 dinners with wine, 2 picnics, and all breakfasts.
Terrain: Moderate to hilly.
Arrive: Oporto Airport
Depart: Santiago Airport or Oporto Airport

“In seeing you so close, Galicia and Minho, One would say you were two lovers who the river keeps apart.” So wrote Portuguese poet João Verde, in describing the romantic landscapes of northwest Spain and Portugal. Our “vintage” bike tour explores both sides of the Rio Minho, from the verdant valleys of Portugal’s wine country to the dramatic coastline of Spanish Galicia. This is one of Europe’s last agrarian economies, and the pace of life here moves no faster than the region’s long-horned oxen, often seen pulling farm carts with creaking wooden wheels.

The emerald valleys of Portugal’s Minho extend to the Atlantic coast, earning the region the nickname “Costa Verde.” Home to one of the world’s last great concentrations of family-owned vineyards, the province is famed as one of Europe’s premier wine-producing regions. Our wine country route winds past stepped terraces strung with climbing grapevines and through timeless villages along the banks of the Rio Lima, Rio Vez, and Rio Minho. Turning north into Spain, our route continues through the Galician countryside to the Atlantic seaport of Baiona. At tour’s end, we’ll toast our travels in historic Santiago de Compostela, joining pilgrims from around the world who have journeyed to the famed cathedral dedicated to St. James, the patron saint of Spain.

Elegant Portuguese manor estates and resplendent Spanish paradors will welcome us in authentic Iberian style. We’ll savor the close connection between the land, sea, and kitchen with the best of Minhotan and Galician cuisine. Portuguese specialties include espadas (marinated skewers of seafood, meats, and vegetables) and açorda de mariscos (a rich cilantro-seasoned bread and shellfish soup). In Spain, you’ll sample a cornucopia of regional tapas and feast on an authentic seafood paella. Our evening meals are perfectly complemented by tasty local wines: crisp vinho verde from the Minho and velvety reds from the Douro, Dão, and Lima Valleys. It won’t be long before you’re toasting like the locals: Saúde! Salud!

Portugal & Spain Bicycle Tours
Grape Escape Itinerary

Day 1: Late morning transfer from Oporto Airport to our four-star pousada in Viana do Castelo. Welcome reception on the terrace, whose view overlooking the city has been called one of the world’s finest panoramas. An optional warm-up ride explores the forested hillsides of Monte Santa Luzia. Tonight’s dinner in Viana’s Old Quarter features specialties of the region. (0 or 6 mi.)

Day 2: Roman bridges lead through pastoral countryside to historic Ponte de Lima for lunch. Afternoon ride follows the Rio Lima to Arcos de Valdevez for a two-night stay at an 18th-century country manor. The long option offers a challenging climb to “Castle Rock” for commanding valley views. Relax with an après-ride swim, or stroll into town along the Rio Vez. (38, 42, or 54 mi.)

Day 3: Pedal a spectacular backcountry loop through pine and eucalyptus forests, mountain villages, and the granite peaks of Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only national park. Lunch in Soajo, whose picturesque espigueiros (granite granaries) have been declared a National Monument. Return through the Rio Lima valley or take a challenging side trip to a rustic shepherds' village. (30, 36, or 48 mi.)

Day 4: Rewarding vistas of terraced valleys and distant mountains, before descending to the town of Monção, on the Rio Minho and Spanish border. On the main square, look for the statue of local heroine Deu-la-Deu Martins, whose baking skills saved the besieged town from the Spanish in 1368. Our country estate boasts its own award-winning winery, where we'll tour, taste, and dine this evening. (32 or 56 mi.)

Day 5: Visit the colorful street market in Valença do Minho or tour the Gothic cathedral in Tui, Spain, just across the Eiffel-designed international bridge. A climb through Mount Aloia Nature Reserve leads to a picnic lunch with bird's-eye views of the Atlantic. Descend to the coast for a paella feast and two-night stay in Baiona, Spain, where our luxurious parador looks out to sea from the heights of Monterreal Fortress. (33 mi.)

Day 6: Free day to explore Baiona's harborfront and beaches, or bike along the Atlantic coast. Our seaside route visits the mystical stone ruins of Monte Santa Tecla, a 2,500-year-old Celtic settlement. Long option returns through viño verde wine estates and the forested backcountry of Chan de Lagoa. (0, 26, or 53 mi.)

Day 7: Morning shuttle to Santiago de Compostela for a free day to tour, shop, and absorb the ambiance of this magnificent medieval city. Those who wish can bike the final miles through the forested Galician countryside into Santiago. Afternoon guided walking tour of the Cathedral and the Old Quarter. Farewell celebration and overnight at Spain's most famous parador, the five-star Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos. (0 or 32 mi.)

Day 8: Transfers to Santiago Airport for morning flights and Oporto Airport for late afternoon flights.

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Portugal/Spain Grape Escape

Portugal/Spain
Grape Escape