Cycling the Heart of Portugal: Old Railways & Schist Villages
Converted railway trails, serene river valleys, and the slate-built Schist Villages of the Serra da Lousã — central Portugal at its most authentic.
5 days riding
17–23 October 2027 · Meetup in Porto
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The heart of Portugal, thoughtfully supported
A journey from Porto along old railways and mountain villages with every detail taken care of.
From
€1,890 per person
Five days of riding with full support, charming hotels, and luggage transfers taken care of.
196 km · avg 39 km/day
From Porto to the Serra da Lousã
Fully guided
Support throughout the journey
Luggage transfer
Your bags moved between hotels
Charming hotels
Hand-picked along the route
Old railways, river valleys and slate villages
Experience the perfect blend of central Portugal's cycling highlights. This 5-day journey takes you along the country's most celebrated converted railway trails, gliding through the serene Dão and Vouga valleys, before transitioning into the mystical Serra da Lousã. Here, you will ride between the ancient, slate-built Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages), tucked away in lush mountain forests.
Old railways through the Dão and Vouga valleys
The journey follows Portugal's most celebrated converted railway trails — smooth, car-free paths where trains once ran. We glide through the serene Dão and Vouga valleys, crossing old stone bridges, tunnels, and restored stations along the way.
Into the Serra da Lousã and the Schist Villages
The landscape shifts as we climb into the mystical Serra da Lousã. Here, you will ride between the ancient, slate-built Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages), tucked away in lush mountain forests — sharing café stops and warm local welcomes in stone village squares.
What is included
- 6 nights hotels with breakfast
- Mountain bikes (upgrades available)
- Experienced local guide
- Support van & mechanic assistance
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Transfer from Porto and back
- Travel insurance during the tour
- Energy snacks & water refills
Not included
- International airfare
- Lunches & dinners
- Personal expenses & tips
- Bike upgrade: Ebike + 240 euros
- Bike upgrade: Gravel bike + 180 euros
Choose your bike for the Heart of Portugal
Every bike is professionally maintained and fitted to you before we roll out. Upgrade options are available when you book.
IncludedCube Mountain Bike
- Cube hardtail frame
- Front suspension fork
- Shimano Deore 1x10 drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Upgrade + €180Kona Gravel Bike
- Premium Kona bikes with Carbon Forks
- Shimano Cues groupset
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Fast-rolling mixed-terrain tyres
Upgrade + €240Bosch Motors E-Bike
- Cube or Radon
- Bosch mid-drive motor
- Shimano Cues groupset
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Route highlights through the heart of Portugal
Five days along old railways, river valleys, and mountain villages — here are the moments that define the journey. The full day-by-day route is reserved for our guests.
Glide along Portugal's most celebrated converted railway trails — smooth, flat, and car-free.
Follow the serene Dão river valley, pedaling between calm water and green banks.
Ride the Vouga greenway through old tunnels, stone bridges, and restored stations.
Climb into the mystical Serra da Lousã and its lush, misty mountain forests.
Wander the ancient, slate-built Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages) tucked into the mountainside.
Share a café stop in a schist-village square, welcomed by local hosts.
Want to see the exact route?
Discover our hidden paths, coffee stops, daily distances, and elevation profiles.
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