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Slow Lane Magazine, May 2019
Insights and stories from across Europe and beyond
  • favourite (but oft-forgotten) festivals
  • Nepal's secret valley
  • boutique beauty in Drôme Provençale
  • carving out a future in southern Italy
  • Inntravellers' Tales – our new writing competition
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Aveiro – Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’

Lagoons & beaches of north-west Portugal
 
Enjoy traffic-free cycling close to the Costa de Prata, through a splendid natural habitat with abundant birdlife. Explore its fascinating maritime culture as you cycle self-guided, with luggage transported, by day, and relax in stylish, 4-star hotels by night.
Aveiro – Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’. 4 nights
Aveiro – Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’. 4 nights
 

Holiday information

 

A short cycling break in Aveiro

It’s hard to avoid being seduced by Aveiro. Not for nothing is it known as ‘Portugal’s Little Venice’ – its streets of painted Art Nouveau houses are intersected by canals and waterways plied by vibrantly coloured boats with high, curved prows – and it sits on a large, languid lagoon that is a haven for a wide variety of birds (‘Aveiro’ is derived from the Roman aviarium, meaning ‘place of birds’).
The Costa da Prata (Silver Coast), with its vast expanses of sand, is equally seductive. Its name has nothing to do with the precious metal, and everything to do with the way the sun shimmers on the Atlantic, making it look silver rather than blue.

Our easy-going break explores Aveiro, its lagoon and sections of the coast, featuring stylish, high-quality hotels and ample time to relax by the water.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 14 15 17 19 20 22 23 23 23 21 17 14
    mm 142 127 81 93 77 40 12 16 53 114 138 134
  • Arrival in Aveiro
    Night 1: at Hotel Moliceiro (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of cycling.

    Depending on the time of your arrival, you could perhaps take a boat ride on one of Aveiro's high-prowed moliceiros  before dinner. Suckling pig is worth seeking out among the many good restaurants here, as is the deliciously delicate egg-yolk-and-wafer confection, Ovos Moles de Aveiro.
  • Circular route from Aveiro: 43km
    Our suggested cycle ride starts by heading southwards to Ílhavó, with the chance to call in at Vista Alegre, whose stunning surroundings are as beautiful as its celebrated porcelain. It is also worth pausing at the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the hardships endured aboard long-line cod-fishing boats. You then head west to meet a finger of Aveiro’s lagoon before continuing to the delightful town of Costa Nova, where you can admire the former fishermen’s houses – a riot of candy-striped red, blue and yellow – and relax by the beach before heading back inland to Aveiro.
    Enjoy a circular route around Aveiro
  • Aveiro to Furadouro: 40km
    The day begins with a short train ride (pay locally) to Salreu, from where you pedal along quiet roads, cycle ways and dirt tracks to reach the lagoon once more. Here you loop languidly along its edge, as an Arcadian tableau unfolds before you, dotted with flamingos, egrets and the occasional patient fisherman. Your destination is Praia do Furadouro, where you can admire the expansive golden-sand beach before checking into the Furadouro Boutique Hotel for your last two nights.
    Picturesque coastal routes
  • Circular route from Furadouro: 47km; shorter option: 33km
    Your last cycle ride takes you north along the ‘Silver Coast’ and is a real highlight – offering fabulous sea views and the chance to visit Porto, picturesque capital of the Port-wine trade. Take your time to explore the iconic Port houses, perhaps even venturing inside one for a tour and tasting, before catching the train back to Furadouro. Be sure to stop off at the iconic, ocean-facing Capela do Senhor da Pedra (Chapel of the Lord of Stones) along the way – the chapel's long history of worship makes it an ideal spot to reflect on the subtle charms of this quietly evocative corner of Portugal.
    Soak in the sea views
 

Accommodation

You stay in two delightful hotels, one on a canal, the other by the sea.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter.
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NB: this should be used as a guide only. Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in significant variation by the time you come to pay.

  • 4 nights: 01 April - 31 July 2019 & 01 September - 31 October 2019

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 30 April £645 £220
    1 May - 11 June £670 £230
    12 - 30 June £698 £260
    1 - 27 July £735 £285
    1 - 12 September £735 £285
    13 September - 14 October £698 £260
    15 - 27 October £670 £230
    3rd & 4th person discount -£105
    Single traveller supplement £105

    Includes accommodation, meals, bike hire, luggage transfers and any other services integral to the holiday as described, plus cycling notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Electric bikes available: add £104 per person

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Prices include an extra day’s hire of a standard bike. If you are upgrading to an e-bike, add a further £26pp per day.
    Hotel Moliceiro (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 Apr - 30 Jun 2019 £75 £115
    01 Jul - 31 Jul 2019 £85 £135
    01 Sep - 15 Oct 2019 £85 £135
    16 Oct - 31 Oct 2019 £75 £115
    Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & Spa (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 Apr - 18 Apr 2019 £86 £148
    19 Apr - 21 Apr 2019 £102 £180
    22 Apr - 14 Jun 2019 £86 £148
    15 Jun - 31 Jul 2019 £102 £180
    01 Sep - 15 Sep 2019 £102 £180
    16 Sep - 31 Oct 2019 £86 £148
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Porto

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Porto or Lisbon. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Aberdeen - Porto (via Paris CDG) Air France,  KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Porto Flybe,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Porto easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Porto Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Porto Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Porto TAP Air Portugal 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Porto British Airways,  easyJet,  TAP Air Portugal 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Porto easyJet,  Wizz Air 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Porto Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Porto easyJet,  Ryanair 
    Manchester - Porto (via Brussels) Brussels Airlines 
    Manchester - Porto (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Porto (via Lisbon) TAP Air Portugal 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Porto (via Brussels) Brussels Airlines 
    Newcastle - Porto (via Paris CDG) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Porto or Lisbon. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you. We charge £30 per person for our flight booking service (£50 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Porto

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Porto Campanha to Aveiro (0h30) included 1800
    direct taxi Porto airport to hotel (1h) £62 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Porto airport (0h45) included flexible
What is included
  • 4 nights
  • 1 dinner
    4 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • high-quality bicycle
  • rail travel from Porto to Aveiro
  • taxi from last hotel to airport
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 4 reviews
  • anon
    13 April 2019

    Aveiro was pleasant for a short break but don't go in April. It rained persistently for two days with howling winds - not good for cycling. We had one good day which was delightful. Highlights would be cycling along the coast from Furadouro and enjoying the scenery, really fresh fish in the restaurants and fabulous cake!

    Inntravel
    response

    It is unfortunate that this April was both wetter and windier than usual on the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

  • Ms G O'Mahony
    Southam
    02 April 2019

    The food was delicious, especially at Bronze in Costa Nova. The route was mainly cobbled or bumpy paths so was a bit wearing on the bottom.

  • Gill
    20 September 2018

    Pace yourself! We set off far too fast on day one and didn't stop nearly enough. Subsequent days we stopped more and just enjoyed the view. Cycling through pine forests with glimpses of sea was absolutely heavenly. You really get immersed in your surroundings on a bike - it will be a long time before I forget the wonderful smell of pine and rosemary. Routes were carefully chosen and easy to follow - the cycle paths in Portugal are so good. Cobbled roads tested our padding but were an experience! We thought the choice of hotels was inspired; each one very different but all excellent. Eating out, Biscoito was definitely a highlight, as was Jimao. Oh and did we say we loved the tram ride in Porto?

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers added a stay in Porto after their short cycling break Aveiro – Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’

  • Happy Holiday Maker
    11 September 2018

    Corsica was the highlight. We enjoyed everything that we did. We will definitely contact you for future holidays. We thought the holidays were really good value for the price.

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our Contrasts of Corsica walking holiday with the short break cycling trip Aveiro - Portugal's 'Little Venice', and the short break Porto & The Douro Valley
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help.
  • Our chosen bike rental shop will provide you with a bike with 21 gears; a waterproof map case on handlebars; pannier/saddlebag; pump; puncture repair kit; and a lock.
  • While we would always recommend that you take your own well-fitting helmet, they can be hired locally for a small fee. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to hire a helmet.
  • Yes, we will provide GPX tracks for this holiday prior to departure so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. (We also provide maps and our tried-and-tested route notes.)
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. On mornings when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation so that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.
  • You do need to make sure you’re covered, because it’s you who is responsible for any damage to or loss of the bike during the holiday. You should always lock it (preferably to an immovable object) and remove any easy-to-steal accessories when leaving it unattended. The travel insurance policy that we offer covers you for loss and damage (provided you’ve locked or stored it appropriately). If you are arranging your own insurance, but it doesn’t cover bikes, we can provide bike-only cover for £19 per person. More details >
  • We can book a wide range of airlines and routes from the UK. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe and Morocco, there’s a £30 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £50 per person. More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to buy our policy (if you live outside Europe you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK and EU residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, but not a visa (if you are travelling after 31 October 2019, see the Brexit question below for more information). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found through the following NHS link: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/ You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). UK citizens should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) by applying at a Post Office or at www.ehic.org.uk. The EHIC allows reciprocal health care but should not be seen as a substitute for travel insurance. EHICs may cease to be valid in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
  • The official language is Portuguese. The currency is the Euro. Portuguese time is the same as GMT/UTC. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on the same time as BST.
  • Even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, it’s been confirmed that flights will continue as normal and that you won’t need a visa to go on holiday (the limit on stays is 90 days). What you will need if there’s no deal is a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival (extra months added because you renewed your passport early do not count) and adequate travel insurance to cover you for accidents and illness in case reciprocal health deals are suspended. If you are driving while on holiday, you will probably need an International Driving Permit (plus a Green Card if you are taking your own car to Europe). More information >
  • The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Last fetch time is : 7/22/2019 10:37:42 AM