What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough.Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage.Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable.Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food.If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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Silver Coast Cycling Holidays

6 days / 5 nights

Journey along Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast on coastal trails from Porto’s iconic bridges to Costa Nova’s striped houses and Coimbra’s historic charm.

Starting point

Porto

Finish point

Coimbra

Activity level

1/5

Season

From April to October

Journey along Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast on coastal trails from Porto’s iconic bridges to Costa Nova’s striped houses and Coimbra’s historic charm.

Starting point

Porto

Finish point

Coimbra

Activity level

1/5

Season

From April to October

Highlights

Witness breathtaking ocean vistas and serene lagoons that define the Silver Coast
Discover the iconic striped houses of Costa Nova
Enjoy scenic coastal paths, lush pine forests, and peaceful riverbank trails
Savor local delicacies like fresh seafood, convent sweets, and traditional bread-cakes
Explore Aveiro’s colorful canals and Coimbra’s ancient university
Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture with visits to charming fishing villages

Itinerary of the trip

Welcome to Porto! As you settle in, you may want to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Livraria Lello or the São Bento train station with its intricate tilework. The colorful Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers winding cobblestone streets and picturesque views of the Douro River. Take the day at your leisure and prepare for the journey ahead.

Gallery

Your adventure will begin with a ride over the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the famous Port wine cellars. You will cycle along scenic coastal roads, encountering highlights such as the Senhor da Pedra Chapel, dramatically perched on Miramar Beach. The route will take you through the bustling town of Espinho, where traditional fish dishes will provide a delicious lunchtime pause. As you approach Furadouro, the fishing town of Ovar will charm you with its pão-de-ló cakes, convent sweets, and the Chapel of the Steps, a National Monument.

Gallery

Senhor da Pedra Chapel reflected in tidal pool on sandy beach with large rocks.

Cycling

46.5 km and 200 m of elevation gain

The ride will continue through picturesque fishing villages and past the tranquil São Jacinto Natural Reserve. You will witness the diverse birdlife and serene landscapes that make this reserve a haven for nature lovers. A ferry crossing will take you to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” where you will have the chance to admire the city’s network of canals and brightly painted boats. You can end the day with visits to the historic Jesus Monastery and the tiled beauty of Aveiro’s train station, immersing you in the city's cultural richness, or relax and prepare for upcoming days.

Gallery

Sand dunes with tall grasses leading to the ocean under a cloudy sky at Sao Jacinto Natural Reserve.

Cycling

35 km and 8 m of elevation gain

You will set out toward the charming town of Ílhavo, celebrated for its centuries-old tradition of crafting Vista Alegre porcelain. The journey will lead you to Costa Nova do Prado, a unique coastal area where you can marvel at the vibrant haystack houses with their distinctive striped facades. The meeting of rural charm and coastal beauty creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. As you approach Praia de Mira, the sandy beaches and the tranquil sound of waves will provide a peaceful conclusion to your day.

Gallery

Cycling

39 km and 90 m of elevation gain

This leg of your journey will take you past the serene Barrinha Lagoon, a natural sanctuary fed by the Ria de Aveiro. You will ride through aromatic pine forests, where the mingling scents of trees and ocean air offer a refreshing backdrop. The coastal scenery will shift as you approach Figueira da Foz, a bustling seaside resort known for its vast beaches and lively atmosphere. The day will end with the sight of the majestic Mondego River flowing into the Atlantic, framing the town’s natural beauty.

Gallery

Wooden walkway curving through green coastal vegetation toward the ocean at Barrinha.

Cycling

42.5 km and 220 m of elevation gain

You will leave the coast behind as the route follows the tranquil Mondego River inland. The journey will feature rolling countryside and scenic views of the river, renowned for its purity and clarity. You'll even pass the majestic Montemor-o-Velho castle. The ride will culminate in Coimbra, a city steeped in history and academia, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Here, you will discover cultural landmarks, fado music, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the city’s intellectual heritage.

Gallery

Cobblestone cycle path beside river near Coimbra with clear blue sky.

Cycling

50.5 km and 185 m of elevation gain

Your journey along the Silver Coast will come to a close today in the historic city of Coimbra. After a week of pedaling from Porto through coastal villages and past the vibrant canals of Aveiro, you will take this final morning to explore this ancient university town. Depending on your departure time, you will have the chance to visit the Old Cathedral, stroll through the historic center, or enjoy a final pastry by the Mondego River before you will head home.

Gallery

Botanical garden of the university of coimbra

Silver Coast Cycling Holidays

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

INCLUDED

5 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your tour

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Accomodation upgrade

Airport transfer

E-bike

Gravel bike

Regular bike

Road bike

Single supplement

From the vibrant streets of Porto to the historic charm of Coimbra, the Silver Coast Cycling Holidays will be an experience of a lifetime.

The Silver Coast is famed for its variety – its terrain gently transitions from flat coastal paths to rolling countryside, making it accessible yet rewarding for cyclists of all levels.

With each day offering new discoveries, you will enjoy a perfect balance of leisurely rides and enriching explorations.

As you cycle southward, you will traverse scenic coastal routes, cross iconic bridges, and pass through charming fishing villages. The São Jacinto Natural Reserve will enchant nature enthusiasts, while the vibrant canals of Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal”, promise a delightful experience.

Each destination, from Praia de Mira to Figueira da Foz, offers a mix of natural wonders and authentic Portuguese culture. The tour culminates in Coimbra, a city rich in history and academia, where ancient architecture and fado music create an atmosphere of timeless charm.

With seamless logistics, thoughtfully planned accommodations, GPS routes and round-the-clock support throughout your journey, you can focus entirely on the joy of the ride.

TOP Places You’ll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Porto, Portugal Old City Skyline on the Douro River

Porto’s Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is Porto’s historic riverside quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its tightly packed colorful buildings, medieval alleyways, and proximity to the Dom Luís I Bridge. The area has been a hub of trade and daily life since Roman times and is home to traditional restaurants, wine cellars, and city landmarks along the Douro River.

Street with colorful houses in Costa Nova, Aveiro, Portugal. Street with striped houses, Costa Nova, Aveiro, Portugal. Facades of colorful houses in Costa Nova, Aveiro, Portugal

Costa Nova striped houses

Costa Nova is a small coastal village known for its iconic “palheiros”—wooden houses painted in bright vertical stripes. Originally used by fishermen in the 19th century to store gear, they have become a national symbol of Portugal’s seaside culture. The houses line the main avenue and create one of the most recognizable visuals along the Silver Coast.

Colorful Buildings And Boats - Aveiro, Portugal

Aveiro - Venice of Portugal

Aveiro is known for its network of canals that cross the city center. These canals were traditionally used by moliceiros—flat, decorated boats that transported seaweed and goods. Today, the city is nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” and features tiled Art Nouveau buildings, pedestrian bridges, and a mix of historic and modern architecture surrounding the water channels.

Strand Landschaften Portugal: Holzsteg zum breiten Strand am Naturpark Dünen von São Jacinto am Atlantik nahe Ria de Aveiro

São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve

This protected nature reserve includes 960 hectares of sand dunes, pine forests, wetlands, and coastal habitat at the end of the São Jacinto Peninsula. The area features wooden boardwalks through the dunes and trails for nature observation. It’s an important habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and spoonbills, and part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.

Courtyard galleries of Romanesque cathedral Se Velha in Coimbra, Portugal

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra was built in the 12th century, shortly after the founding of Portugal. It is one of the few Romanesque cathedrals in the country to survive mostly intact. Its fortress-like exterior, narrow windows, and battlements reflect its defensive role during the Christian Reconquest. Inside, it houses Gothic chapels, medieval tombs, and a detailed stone altar.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Black road bike with drop handlebars isolated on a white background

Road Bikes

Best for: Paved routes, longer distances, and climbs

Our road bikes are lightweight, fast, and built for endurance. They typically feature carbon or high-quality aluminium frames, smooth gearing, and reliable components—often Shimano 105 or similar. Well-suited for long days in the saddle, they’re perfect for climbs, steady cruising, and covering serious distance on tarmac.

Black and red hybrid trekking bicycle isolated on white background

Trekking Bikes

Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces

These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

Blue trekking e-bike with rear rack and fenders isolated on white background

Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes

These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you.However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations.Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Ratings & Reviews

+105

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

We loved our cycling trip! Cycling Holland were very helpful and responsive. We chose regular bikes and cycled over 5 days from Amsterdam to Bruges. The bikes were excellent - good quality and no issues at all. Our luggage arrived before us each day. The bike paths in The Netherlands are exceptional, we felt safe at all times, even when cycling in/out of big cities. If deciding between regular bikes or e-bikes, consider the wind in The Netherlands. We were on regular bikes and on a couple of days the wind slowed our pace down to around 10km/hr. It was a super fun adventure, we’ll definitely be back for another one!

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Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Mountain bikes parked near blue and white crosswalk in European alpine village street

Wet, narrow street in a European town leading to a church spire, backed by a forested mountain.

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River flowing through a European town with historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor

Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain

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Gravel bike with rear rack and phone mount resting against a dry-stacked stone wall outdoors.

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John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field

Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.

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Toasting with white and red wine glasses outdoors with greenery in the background

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.

Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.

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Large sailboat named Toma loading bicycles from a dinghy near a forested coastline.

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Show all 3 photos

Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

Show all 19 photos

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Show all 11 photos

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Show all 3 photos

Silver Coast Cycling Holidays

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Day 2: Porto – Furadouro

Day 3: Furadouro – Aveiro

Day 4: Aveiro – Praia de Mira

Day 5: Praia de Mira – Figueira da Foz

Day 6: Figueira de Foz – Coimbra

Day 7: Departure from Coimbra

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

TOP Places You’ll See

Our Bikes

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

Similar Products

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Unbeatable Support

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Local Experts

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Day 2: Porto – Furadouro

Day 3: Furadouro – Aveiro

Day 4: Aveiro – Praia de Mira

Day 5: Praia de Mira – Figueira da Foz

Day 6: Figueira de Foz – Coimbra

Day 7: Departure from Coimbra

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

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