Come and discover the region on an electric bike and then enjoy a delicious meal full of flavour cooked on the farm. Accommodation for 1 night with breakfast included.
Come and discover the region on an electric bike and then enjoy a delicious meal full of flavor, cooked on the farm with organic and local ingredients, in a true slow living concept. A unique experience, where nature and gastronomy meet to nourish body and soul! One night accommodation included!
WHEN: All year round (subject to availability)
WHO: Anyone who is comfortable with a bike and is over 1.5 m tall
TOUR: “From the lakes to the mountains” tour OR “The Lima Valley and the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park” tour (CHOOSE ONE)
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
KTM MACINA EBIKE BIKES
TOUR FROM THE LAGOONS TO THE MOUNTAINS, 30 km
POINTS OF INTEREST Lima River Valley, Towns of Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima, Agricultural plains, Protected Landscape of Bertiandos Lagoons and S. Pedro de Arcos, Quinta de Pentieiros.
9:00 am or 2:00 pm – transfer of participants to Quinta de Pentieiros, Ponte de Lima
Start of activity: Quinta de Pentieiros, Ponte de Lima, 9:30 am or 2:30 pm
Quinta de Pentieiros, our starting point, is located in the area surrounding the Bertiandos Lagoons, a protected landscape located in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. The area is made up of valleys, forests and river basins originating in the Estorãos River and offers scenic trails crossing diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests. Several species of birds and unique plants can be observed.
Bertiandos Lagoons – Ponte de Lima + visit to the old town
Bike ride along the Lima River until you reach the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima. Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest villages in Portugal, dating back to Roman times. The name of the city comes from the Roman bridge that crosses the river, built under the rule of Emperor Augustus. A funny story from that time is that the Romans called the Lima River “Lethe”, which means the river of oblivion in Greek mythology. They believed that whoever crossed the river would lose their memory and forget the past.
Ponte de Lima – Ponte da Barca – Arcos de Valdevez pela ecovia – Peneda ecofarm
The greenway between Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca is very popular with walkers and cyclists. It runs along the River Lima, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills, vineyards and villages.
The historic centre of Ponte da Barca is situated along the banks of the River Lima, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It takes its name from the boat that transported people and goods from one bank of the River Lima to the other, mainly pilgrims from Santiago de Compostela. The 14th century saw the addition of the Bridge. First the stone one, then the name. The bridge was instrumental in the development of trade and Ponte da Barca became a key point connecting the interior.
Set in a valley surrounded by lush green landscapes and crossed by the River Vez is Arcos de Valdevez. This town has a strong medieval heritage, with cobbled streets, ancient buildings and a charming town centre. The town’s history dates back to Roman times and it was an important centre during the Middle Ages.
Lunch or Dinner at Peneda Ecofarm
TOUR OF THE LIMA VALLEY AND THE PENEDA-GERÊS NATIONAL PARK, 30 km
POINTS OF INTEREST Greenway to Ermelo, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Touvedo Reservoir, Ermelo Village, Ermelo Medieval Monastery, Soajo Village, Soajo Granaries, swimming in the Soajo Lagoons (summer).
Start of activity: Peneda ecofarm, 9:00 am or 2:00 pm
Peneda ecofarm – eco route Ermelo
The greenway follows the slopes of the Serra de Soajo, offering explorers stunning views and passing by streams with fast currents that feed the Touvedo Reservoir.
As you approach Ermelo, the scenery changes, revealing signs of cultivation, vineyards and olive groves. Orange trees line the path, announcing the arrival at the charming village of Ermelo.
However, long before it became an eco-path, it was already a Roman road, a passageway for pilgrims to S. Bento de Ermelo, and a passageway to the medieval town of Soajo. It is also an integral part of the Via Mariana today. As you walk along the stretch, in the upper part of the greeway, you will see terraces where the monks of the Ermelo Monastery once cultivated orchards. Of note are the orange trees that produce the famous Ermelo Orange, whose unique flavour is influenced by the microclimate provided by its proximity to the Lima River.
You cannot miss a visit to the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Ermelo, classified as a National Monument and dating back to the 13th century. A local legend suggests the existence of a tunnel built by the monks under the Lima River, connecting the banks, although such a tunnel has never been found.
Ermelo – Soajo – visit to Soajo and natural lagoon
The village of Soajo is one of the most typical and authentic villages in the Peneda-Gerês National Park region. Known for its stone houses and its rural and peaceful atmosphere, the village offers a true immersion in the traditional life of the mountains of northern Portugal. The village is famous for its granaries, granite constructions used to dry corn, which are one of the most representative images of the region.
During the summer months, the Soajo lagoons are one of the favorite destinations for those who enjoy a good swim in the middle of nature. The crystal clear waters of the lagoons, which form in mountain rivers, offer a pleasant refreshment and a unique experience. The surrounding landscapes are incredible, with lush vegetation and imposing mountains that make the place even more magical.
Transfer to the Peneda Ecofarm for lunch or dinner
MEALS AT THE PENEDA ECOFARM
At the end of the bike ride we return to Peneda ecofarm for lunch or dinner (depending on whether the ride is in the morning or afternoon). Meals are prepared on the farm with mostly organic and/or local products, including starters, soup, main course and side dishes, and dessert, and are accompanied by good Portuguese wine, water and coffee.
Menu
NOTE: possibility of gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan menu
PRICE
