Porto to Lisbon self-guided bike tour

Traveler Reviews

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  Therese

  January 13th, 2026
  5
  The worst-case scenario happened to me on this trip and still I am giving it five stars! Due to no fault of the tour...
  The worst-case scenario happened to me on this trip and still I am giving it five stars! Due to no fault of the tour operator, my luggage failed to arrive in Porto the same time that I did. All of my cycling gear was in the luggage! In addition to calling the people that I filed the lost luggage claim with at the airport and speaking to them in Portuguese on my behalf, the tour operator went over and beyond to assist in reuniting me with my suitcase. When the airport eventually delivered it, they dropped it late at night at the second hotel I stayed at. The tour coordinator went and got it herself the next morning and drove it to the third hotel where I was! In addition to missing the first three of five cycling stages due to the lost luggage, I became sick and developed a horrible cough. I'm usually pretty tough but I simply could not ride the final two stages. As I said at the beginning, this trip was definitely a worst-case scenario! Instead of just transferring my luggage down the coast from one hotel to the next, thus, the tour company had to also transfer me. Again, I felt they went over and beyond to make my trip as positive as possible. The driver they hired drove as many portions of the bike route as possible so that I could experience the same sights (and capture photos) that I would have had I been on the bike. In truth, it was a bit torturous seeing all of the other cyclists out enjoying the elements but now that I've seen a large portion of the routes, I want to return to ride them! Regarding the overall logistics of the trip, it was extremely well planned. The Ride With GPS file shared with me had a ton of information besides the actual routes, including even restaurant suggestions. The hotels were top-notch and their location made it very easy for me to walk to many, many tourist attractions. The breakfasts at every hotel were amazing, as were the dinners I chose to eat. While the bike was not a top-tier carbon model that I'd prefer, it was exactly the same as what I saw 99% of all cyclists on the road using. Portugal is hilly. A gravel-type bike is the best choice. On the routes, well-marked cycling paths and even entire roads were dedicated to cyclists. It would have been fabulous to ride them! Finally, the transfers to and from the airport were also excellent. They were timely, clean, and the drivers spoke fluent English. Communication through WhatsApp with the tour coordinator was also excellent and easy. As a solo female traveler, I felt very connected and safe. Overall, a fabulous trip that I highly recommend! P.S. My trip was in December during the actual week of Christmas. All of the cities I visited were decorated so wonderfully - it was flat-out magical! While the evenings were chilly, the daytime temperatures would have been perfect for riding. If you don't prefer large crowds of people, you should consider planning a December or off-season trip.Show more
  Traveled in December 2025
  

  Reply from: Authentic Trails

  Hi Therese, Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and generous review! ???? We’re truly sorry that your trip started with the challenges of lost luggage and illness. At the same time, it means a lot to hear that, even in this “worst-case scenario,” you felt our team went above and beyond to make your experience as positive and memorable as possible. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the hotels, meals, route planning, and the support from our team throughout the trip. Feedback like yours reinforces our commitment to providing authentic, personalized experiences where every detail matters especially for solo travelers. We hope you’ll have the chance to return to Portugal soon and ride the routes you missed this time. Perhaps during a quieter, equally magical season! ✨ Thank you again for your trust and for sharing this wonderful review. Warm regards, Teresa de Oliveira Authentic Trails Team

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  Michael

  October 24th, 2024
  5
  Authentic Trails arranged an excellent cycling tour and was very responsive via WhatsApp. There were a few minor...
  Authentic Trails arranged an excellent cycling tour and was very responsive via WhatsApp. There were a few minor glitches where transfers or other agents we were to meet had our tour operator as ViniTours instead of Authentic Trails and my middle name in place of my last name, we didn't know what vehicle to look for and the driver didn't know who to look for. A little more detail such as the person to ask for in a store, or vehicle license plate/make/model would've smoothed things out more. Overall we were very pleased with the itinerary, the hotels, the included meals and activities and the service and would enthusiastically recommend Authentic Trails and our Porto to Lisbon bike tour.Show more
  Traveled in September 2024
  

  Reply from: Authentic Trails

  Hi Michael, Thanks for the review, we're glad you liked it. We hope to see you again on a new adventure See you soon Authentic Trails Team

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  Susan

  June 30th, 2024
  5
  This tour was fabulous. We were so impressed by the way we were looked after along the way. This was a self guided...
  This tour was fabulous. We were so impressed by the way we were looked after along the way. This was a self guided tour yet we had support along the way and had great communication with the operators each day. Each day they were checking in with us to ensure we were happy with everything. We were given top of the range brand new bikes with all the equipment we needed. We were given a full brief on the bikes as well as the GPS and App required for the tour. The staff who met with us were friendly and patient in helping us get started. The destinations and hotels were fabulous with everything we needed after a day of bike riding. All the hotels were in great locations, central and walking distance to restaurants. The destinations we visited were fabulous and the operators provided a list of restaurants for each town which was helpful. Portugal is a fabulous country, and we are keen to explore it some more.Show more
  Traveled in June 2024
  

  Reply from: Authentic Trails

  Dear Susan, We are absolutely thrilled to hear your feedback! Your comments are so valuable to us because we know how important it is to you and our customers to feel well and comfortable. Your insights help us to make our products even better every day. We can't wait to see you soon!

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  Liliana

  January 16th, 2024
  5
  Wonderful and very well organized tour
  Traveled in April 2023
  

  Reply from: Authentic Trails

  Hello Liliana! Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We look forward to welcoming you on your next trip!

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