Thursday, May 22, 2025

Welcome to Spain!

Your vegan tour guide will meet you at our hotel in Santiago. Feel free to rest or to explore the city on your own.

When booking flights, use airport code SCQ for the Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Friday, May 23, 2025

Today we travel by private shuttle to Peneda-Gerês National Park in the mountains of northern Portugal. Arriving at the Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda (Our Lady of Peneda Sanctuary), we have the chance to explore the sancutary and nearby trails. We break for lunch at Meadinha Rock, whose sheer face is known in rock climbing community as “Portugal’s Yosemite.” Peneda Falls adds a dramatic flair to the already picturesque scene. A loop trail takes us up to a lake above the falls, offering up stellar views of the many peaks and valleys that surround us.

The sanctuary we see today was built in the 19th century, but pilgrims have been coming to this site for at least 700 years to venerate Our Lady of the Snows. This tradition dates back to the 13 century, when, according to local lore, the virgin mother twice appeared to a young shepherdess. In Portugal, the natural world cannot be appreciated separately from centuries of tradition.

After our hike we’ll head deeper into Peneda-Gerês National Park and arrive at our hotel to relax and recover before tomorrow’s adventures.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)

Optional Activities: Rock climbing

Saturday, May 24, 2025

From our base in the village of Gerês, we are free to explore the many peaks, viewpoints and waterfalls in the area. Our destination is the Miradouro da Pedra Bela, one of the park’s most iconic overlooks. You can set off directly from our hotel, or be transported closer to the top for a shorter, gentler hike.

After breaking for lunch at a boulder patch with an incredible view, you have the option to continue hiking on to Cascata do Arado (Arado waterfall) or to be transported back to the hotel. Additionally, transportation is available to Lindoso Castle.

In the evening we’ll drive up the mountain to eat in Campo de Gerês, a historic village that offers us a peek into Portugal’s past as we walk across its Roman bridges. We have the chance to stroll around and admire the Old Town before heading back to our hotel.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distances: 3–16 km (2–10 mi)

Optional Activities: Paddle boarding, canyoning, mountain biking

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Today we travel by private shuttle to Ponte de Lima, where our cycling adventure begins with a tour of the ecovía (nature path) along the River Lima. Following the river westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean, we arrive at our hotel in Viana do Castelo in time for lunch.

The highlight of the day is taking the funicular (or the long staircase) up to the top of Monte de Santa Luzia. From its hilltop perch, the Santuário de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Sanctuary) offers panoramic views of both mountains and sea, as well as Viana do Castelo itself.

In the evening we gather for dinner in one of Viana do Castelo’s many vegan-friendly restaurants.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cycling Distances: 29–78 km (18–48 mi)

Monday, May 26, 2025

Today is our first day traveling along the Camino de Santiago. Our morning is dedicated to soaking in the seaside views and pedaling past historic forts, windmills, and sandy beaches. We meander through local communities like Afife and Âncora before arriving at our hotel in Caminha.

The afternoon provides ample opportunity to rest—or to continue riding/walking along the Camino as it traces the Minho River, whose waters mark the border between Portugal and Galicia, Spain.

In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cycling Distances: 25–66 km (15–41 mi)

Optional Activities: Kayaking, Paddle boarding, surfing, kite surfing

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Take a rest day. You’ve earned it! If you decide you wish to explore, your guides are ready to help. Caminha is conveniently located only a short distance by train to many nearby historic towns. A ferry across the Minho River takes you into Galicia, where you can hike up to Castro de Santa Trega— the ruins of an ancient Celtic settlement with panoramic views of both mountains and sea.

A visit to nearby Modelo beach might rejuvenate you. Better yet, simply stay in your hotel room and unwind by reading a good book. There is no wrong way to spend a rest day.

In the evening we’ll reconvene for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Optional Activities: Kayaking, Paddle boarding, surfing, kite surfing

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Today’s ride takes us through the borderlands along the Minho River. We bid farewell to Portugal and ride across the border into Galicia, Spain, arriving in Tui in time for lunch.

Tui is

In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cycling Distances: 32–62 km (20–38 mi)

Optional Activities: Kayaking, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, historic boat tours

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Today we’ll take the ferry to explore the Cíes Islands.

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In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)

Optional Activities: Rock climbing

Friday, May 30, 2025

Today we’ll cycle

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In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cycling Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)

Saturday, May 31, 2025