Here lies the most westerly capital city in continental Europe. Famed for its steep streets and bright coloured buildings, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal for over 750 years resulting in a city awash in history. There was a great Earthquake in 1755 causing 85% of the city’s structures to be destroyed, so the large majority of the city was rebuilt over centuries since then. Some buildings did survive including the Lisbon Cathedral (1147 AD), São Vicente de Fora (1629 AD) and Carmo Convent (1423 AD) which has been left in a state of disrepair to remember the great earthquake. Some of the must see sights include the Alfama district with its quirky and bright coloured, narrow cobbled streets. With its steep stairways and paths, it’s the ideal spot for warming up the calves before you set off. No visit to Lisbon would be complete without taking a quick ride on the rickety Tram 28.

Finish the day at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Situated beside a chapel dating back to the 13th century, it offers uninterrupted views over the city and Tagus river, as the sun slowly sets over the Atlantic.

Distance: 70.4 km / Elevation gain: 998 m

After picking up your trusty two wheeled stead, we’re setting off. After 1.5km of adjusting to cycling in the city, we’ll take a brief stop at the Praça do Comércio. This large plaza faces over the harbour on the Tagus river. Continuing on along the banks of the Tagus, we’ll pass under the 25 de Abril Bridge. Next up we’ll find ourselves at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the sailors). It is a tribute to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, a period that brought great prosperity to Portugal. On to Belém Tower (UNESCO Heritage Site), a 16th century fortified tower sitting on the Tagus and the embarking point for many of Portugal’s most famous expeditions. Looping back now and passing the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (UNESCO Heritage Site).

We now embark on a short train ride from Belém to Cascais. Popularised as a seaside getaway by the Portuguese royalty in the 1800s, today Cascais is one of the wealthiest districts on the Iberian Peninsula. Places of interest are the Palácio dos Condes de Castro Guimarães & Casa de Santa Maria. Take a moment to stroll around the Marina and the pastel streets of Old Town.

Continuing, we’ll cycle along possibly Portugal’s most scenic bike lane. Endless, pristine beaches as far as the eye can see as well as the Boca do Inferno caves. Now we begin our long ascent into Sintra National Park.  Passing through winding forest roads, you’ll have this whole remote area to yourself to appreciate the ancient trees towering above. The reward at the end of the climb is Portugal’s most famous and photographed landmark, Palácio da Pena. Sintra is home to five palaces, so we can’t just stop at one. From the opulence of Pena Palace, to the oddity of Quinta da Regaleira.

Time to begin our descent for the second half of our day and get our first taste of off road trails. We’ll be spending the night at the surf Mecca of Portugal, Ericeira. Home to many international surf competitions, you’ll see some of the world’s biggest surf pros riding out here. 

Distance: 98.5 km / Elevation gain: 1,168m

This is a day with huge variety and contrasting worlds. Setting off from Ericeira, it’s time to leave the ocean and cut into the mountains. The first half of the day is hoovering up the kms through small rural towns and villages including a quick cut through a quarry. At the half way point, you’ll have arrived in Óbidos, a fortified town that has the honour of being one of the best preserved mediaeval towns in the whole of Europe. No matter where you look, there is a postcard view and you truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

After you’ve managed to step away from the beauty of Óbidos, it’s time to make your way to the first agriculture visit of your tour. Vinhos Cortém is a boutique vineyard and winery that is quite unique. After our whistles are sufficiently wet, we’re on for a home run to Nazaré. There’s quite a bit of hilly terrain with some technical stretches, but as you’re coming to the last stretch, you’ll be treated to a view that will leave you speechless. Nazaré is most renowned for is Praia do Norte (North Beach). The top 3 biggest waves ever surfed happened at this beach due to its unique bathymetry. Here you will spot the absolute elite of the surfing world and it really is something remarkable to see them at work.

Distance: 77.7 km / Elevation gain: 368 m

The day begins at the main viewpoint in Nazaré, Miradouro do Suberco. Offering a sweeping view over the town, it’s a great place to take a few snaps for the album. We’ll cycle a couple of hundred metres, lock up our bike and walk a small stretch to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo. From here we’ll continue North on the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route. Although one of our longest days, this is a relatively easy stretch and largely cycle lane for the majority. We’re hugging the coast with stunning beach views, so it’s largely flat as well. The first point of interest is Praia de Vitória. A pristine beach that has more of a locals’ feel than some of the other beaches we’ve seen so far. We’re going to crack on and hoover up some kilometres before reaching our halfway point, Lagoa da Ervedeira for a quick break.

We’ll break into the home stretch to Figueira Da Foz. When we reach Figueira Da Foz, the Edgar Cardoso bridge is under construction for the next few years, so we’re getting on a short ferry to take us across the river. Figueira feels very slow and sleepy for a city. Perfect to have a nighttime stroll down the promenade or a visit to the Casino Da Figueira if you’re feeling lucky.

Distance: 75.2 km / Elevation gain: 973 m

We start the day off with a short train to the historic city of Coimbra. The highlight and lifeblood of the city is Coimbra University. The buildings are jaw dropping and if you have time, wander into the Biblioteca Joanina,

Setting out from Coimbra, the trails are tough for the first part but get flatter for the second half of the day. Don’t worry, you’ll have a few treats along the way. The first treat is a visit to the winery, vineyard and olive grove of Prior Lucas. A relatively new winery and quite unique. We’ll mozy through the mountains to our next wine stop, Caves De Solar. The village of Ferreiros that the “caves” (cellars) are in, gives a view into authentic rural Portugal. The dimly lit cellars that the wines are aged in are absolutely enchanting.

The second half of the ride consists of quiet, undulating country roads. You’ll finish up in Aveiro, which is coined as the “Venice of Portugal”. Although this might be a stretch of the term, it doesn’t take away from Aveiro being a very pretty, brightly coloured town where you’ll see traditional “Moliceiro” seaweed harvesting and ferry boats cruising the canal and lagoon.

Distance: 85 kms / Elevation gain: 241 m

Although long, this is an easy day with the majority of the trails being completely flat. This is an early start but some good news, we’re taking a short scenic ferry across the water. When we set off, you’ll cycle along the canal before reaching the famous salt pans on your left where the canal meets the lagoon. You’ll cross the lagoon and arrive at Sao Jacinto. You’ll carry along hugging the lagoon, which is brimming with wildlife and the Jacinto Dune Reserve on your left. We’ll briefly dip by Praia da Torreira & Furadouro, your first beach visits since just after Nazaré. Mozy along the coast and we’ll pass through Esphino, a small beach city on the outskirts of Porto.

Along the bank of the river we’ll enter into the stunning Vila Nova de Gaia, home to all of the world’s Port lodges. So it would be rude not to visit one. You’ll be greeted by light snacks at Porto’s biggest and most famous lodge Cockburn’s. You’ll glide on a tour of the lodge, before a tasting of three different styles of Cockburn’s world class port. It’s time to say goodbye to your bike that has served you over the last 439 kms. 

You’ve just completed a mammoth tour, so give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to a wander down by Cais da Estiva for some amazing night time views.

Simply put, Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia are incredible cities. Everywhere you look there is an eye watering, camera worthy view. 

Start your day off with a quick visit to Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls). The entire exterior is completely covered in Azulejo tiles. You’re on the footsteps of Mercado Do BOLHÃO, so have a quick browse through. With over 80 stalls selling fresh produce and snacks, this is the perfect place to have a wander and light bite. Head over to the craft market on the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia Pier. After browsing, jump aboard a Rabelo (traditional Portuguese boat) and take a one hour, 6 bridge cruise. We’ll cross the Luí bridge back to Porto and climb the steep steps of the UNESCO Ribeira district before arriving at the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral).

The Miradouro da Vitória offers what we think is the best view over the city for sun down, with a complete panorama of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and the Douro’s many bridges. Take a moment of peace and think back on the once in a lifetime experiences you’ve had over the last 7 days.