Minho Region Family Bike Tour

Minho Region Family Bike Tour

Minho Region Family Bike Tour

Prices

From $925USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotel

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore the Minho region of Portugal with the whole family by bike

Explore sandy beaches, rural vineyard estates, charming fishing villages, and ancient fortified towns.

Enjoy authentic traditional Portuguese food, especially the fresh seafood and local Vinho Verde wine.

Stay in unique accommodations including a manor house and former monastery, which are well-equipped to meet your family’s needs.

Spend quality time in the great outdoors on the included bike trips, or try some of the multisport options like rafting, canoeing and hiking.

This self-guided tour in the beautiful Minho River region is a great way for an active family to explore Portugal. You won’t just be enjoying leisurely bike rides, you’ll be learning about the culture of Portugal, tasting local food and wine, and trying your hand at exciting excursions and activities!

Your family will experience lush vineyards, gorgeous beaches, and wild dunes as you explore on your bikes. You’ll also visit charming fishing villages, picturesque medieval towns, and ancient fortresses. Ready to try something new? Choose to add rafting, canoeing, and a 4-wheel drive mountain adventure to your adventure.

Your trip is split between three hotels so that you don’t have to pack up and move every night. That also gives you more time to explore the amazing towns and sample all the incredible local cuisine! While the kids snack on local seafood and olive oil, you can sip local wine. The Minho Region Family Bike Tour is truly the family adventure of a lifetime!

Minho Region Family Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Porto and Transfer to Monção

Today you’ll arrive at Porto Airport, where you’ll be picked up and taken to Monção. Get settled into your beautiful rural hotel, which was a former convent.

In the afternoon, relax by the pool or head out to explore the fortified town. The ancient walls of the city enclose historic monuments including the Mother Church and Santo António dos Capuchos monastery.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Monção
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Explore Monção

Today you and your family are free to explore the town as you please. Monção is surrounded by mountains and green parks, and there are many hiking and biking trails nearby if you’re feeling up to exploring.

In the morning, you can take an optional half-day rafting excursion. The Minho River offers a family-friendly whitewater experience that the kids (and you!) are sure to love.

This afternoon, there is another optional excursion available that takes you to a Vinho Verde wine estate for a tour and tasting from a family-run vineyard. In the evening, choose one of the great local restaurants for dinner.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Monção
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Bike Ride Down the Atlantic Coast

Today you’ll be riding along an old railway line that follows the river to the coast. Enjoy the pleasant fields, vineyards, and tiny villages along the way.

Soon you’ll make it to the ancient town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Explore the medieval square and learn about the town's history before relaxing during the evening.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Monção
Distance
2 hours, 34.5km, 110m of total ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Choose Your Adventure

Today, you’ll choose between two activities. The first option is to take a bike ride to Valença. This impressive fort has a double row of battlements and bastions that surround the center of the town.

If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, two excursions operate in the afternoon. You can choose between a half-day paddle down the Minho River in a canoe and a 4-wheel drive adventure into the mountains.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Vila Nova de Cerveira
Distance
2 hours, 29.2 km, 45m of total ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 River Cruise and Cycle to Viana do Castelo

Your day will begin with a river cruise from Vila Nova de Cerveira to Caminha. Along the way, you’ll see little islands that are home to heron, ducks, and kingfishers.

You’ll start your bike ride in the seaside town of Caminha. From here, you’ll ride down the coast of the Atlantic and enjoy the fresh sea air and golden beaches. You’ll also pass through some charming fishing villages on your way to Viana do Castelo.

When you arrive, you can take a short guided walk through this town that was founded in Roman times. Learn about its rich maritime history and explore its picturesque streets.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance
2 hours, 24.3 km, 72m of total ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Visit Barcelos by Train

To start the day, take a short train ride to the town of Barcelos (train ticket is not included). This medieval town has an amazing market on Thursdays that features ceramics, crafts, and local produce.

Learn about the art of pottery on the included, hands-on pottery and painting workshop from a local artisan. Each family member will be painting their own ceramic cockerel, which is a traditional symbol of good luck. Return to Viana do Castelo by train.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Explore Viana do Castelo

Your last full day in Portugal can be spent exploring the town at your leisure. Overlooking the town on the mountaintop is the Byzantine church, Santa Luzia. Take the steep 2.1 km climb over 659 steps to reach the top and experience magnificent panoramic views.

Alternatively, walk from your hotel to the Santa Luzia cable car station. You can ride to the basilica on the longest cable car trip in the country. You may also want to visit the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship, which has recently been restored into a maritime museum.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Transfer to Porto

This morning, round up the family to head back home. You’ll be driven to the airport after breakfast.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Minho Region Family Bike Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided family biking tour is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group and time of the year. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.

The standard departure day is Saturday before 3pm, but you can pay a supplement of $95USD per person to depart a different day of the week or at later hour on Saturday. This surcharge only applies to groups of 2-3 people. Larger groups can depart any day of the without any additional costs.

Low Season (March 1st – April 30th and October 1st – November 30th):
Standard room for 3-4 people sharing (one double bed and one extra bed):

  • Adult (must be 2 in one room): $925USD per person
  • Child (3-12 years): $250USD per person
  • Child (13-17 years): $375USD per person

Superior room for 3-4 people sharing (one double bed and two extra beds):

  • Adult (must be 2 in one room): $1,150USD per person
  • Child (3-12 years): $250USD per person
  • Child (13-17 years): $375USD per person

2 Standard rooms for family of 3-4 to share:

  • Adult (must be 2): $925USD per person
  • 1st child (3-12 years): $650USD per person
  • 2nd child (13-17 years): $550USD per person

High Season (May 1st – September 30th):
Standard room for 3-4 people sharing (one double bed and one extra bed):

  • Adult (must be 2 in one room): $1,075USD per person
  • Child (3-12 years): $295USD per person
  • Child (13-17 years): $450USD per person

Superior room for family from 3 to 4 sharing (one double bed and two extra beds):

  • Adult (must be 2): $1,225USD per person
  • Child (3-12 years): $295USD per person
  • Child (13-17 years): $450USD per person

2 Standard rooms for family of 3-4 to share:

  • Adult (must be 2 in one room): $1,075USD per person
  • 1st child (3-12 years): $795USD per person
  • 2nd child (13-17 years): $675USD per person
Start Your Booking

Accommodation on the Minho Region Family Bike Tour

This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels. All the hotels are family-friendly with pools and other activities at the hotel or nearby.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations. The hotel list will be sent to you with your confirmation but will be reconfirmed 31 days prior to your arrival.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
If you prefer to have a private room you can pay a supplement of $275USD - $350USD (depending on the season, adult price).

Hotel Convento dos Capuchos in Monção

This stunning 18th-century former convent is full of historic charm. It also has an outdoor pool and many family-friendly activities.

Inatel Cerveira Hotel in Vila Nova de Cerveira

This is a comfortable modern hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, playground, and tennis court. Trails for hiking and biking begin just outside the hotel.

Rali Hotel in Viana do Castelo

This city center hotel was recently renovated and has an indoor heated pool to enjoy. It is an easy walk to the train station and is just 3 kilometres from the beach.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Minho Region Family Bike Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included. There are optional meal or tasting packages that may be added to your tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transfers from and to Porto Airport (OPO) are included at the beginning and end of your tour. Luggage transfer throughout the tour is included for one piece of luggage per person.

Also Included

  • Welcome meeting
  • Hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet
  • Tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube, and prepaid mobile phone
  • Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotel
  • Emergency support between 8 am and 8 pm
  • Access to route mobile app

Please note that it is advised that travellers bring their own helmets, however previously used helmets are provided. You may also opt to purchase a new one for €55 EUR. Please request this option at the time of booking.

Not included

  • Train tickets to Barcelos
  • Cable car ticket to Santa Luzia hill and entry to the basilica
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights to and from Porto
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tourist taxes if applicable
  • Visas if required
  • Personal equipment
  • Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
  • Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers

Optional Extras

  • Guide: You can book this as a guided tour if you prefer, prices are available upon request.
  • Wine & Dine Package: $125USD per adult and $75USD per child, includes 2 dinners at local restaurants in Monção and Viana do Castelo and a visit and tasting at a wine estate (for children there is a child-friendly alternative to wine tasting).
  • Adventure Package: $125USD per person and $75USD per child, includes half-day rafting excursion on the Minho River in Monção (includes transfer from the hotel), half-day river canoe trip or half-day four-wheel drive mountain tour in Vila Nova de Cerveira
    **These excursions are suitable for children 6 years and older.
  • Picnic lunch: $75USD per person, includes 3 light picnic lunches for you to carry on your bike.
  • E-Bike Supplement: $125USD per bicycle (subject to availability).

Frequenty Asked Questions about Minho Region Family Bike Tour

How hard is the Minho Region Family Bike Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This tour includes several bike rides that are about 2 hours in length on mostly flat terrain. Some of the add-on excursions may not be suitable for children younger than 6 years old.

Do I need internet access for the App during my rides on Minho Region Family Bike Tour?

You will need to download the guide app included in this trip before you begin any of your rides. This way you will be able to access the maps and route guides on your device when it’s offline.

Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Minho Region Family Bike Tour?

7 breakfasts are included. Additional meal packages may be added in advance.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Porto to start this tour?

You can fly into Porto Airport (OPO), where you will be picked up and taken to your hotel.

Is the Minho Region Family Bike Tour guided?

No, this is a self-guided tour. You will have access to a route guide on an included app. If you’d prefer to book with a guide, let us know.

Where does the Minho Region Family Bike Tour end?

You will be taken to Porto Airport (OPO) at the end of your tour.

Is my bike rental included?

Yes, your cycling equipment is included. This tour includes a hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet. A tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube, and prepaid mobile phone are still included. Please bring any additional equipment desired.

Is my helmet rental included?

Yes, a previously used helmet will be provided. You can bring your own helmet if you prefer. You may also opt to purchase a new one for €55 EUR. Please request this option at the time of booking.

Can I rent a child seat or trailer?

Yes, you can rent a child seat or bike trailer for children older than 9 months and up to 4 or 5 years old. Please request at time of booking for pricing and availability.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Portugal for this tour?

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.6
29 ratings
5 star
24
4 star
3
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
2

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

29 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Thank you!

Thank you for submitting your review!

If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.

Google Review

Prices

From $925USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotel

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This tour includes several bike rides that are about 2 hours in length on mostly flat terrain. Some of the add-on excursions may not be suitable for children younger than 6 years old.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs