8 days
From US $1,795
Self-guided Porto & Douro Valley Bike Tour
The Douro Valley bike tour invites you to explore one of Portugal's most stunning regions on two wheels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque valley is formed by the majestic Douro river meandering leisurely through the mountains and plateaus of northern Portugal. Sheltered from the Atlantic winds by Marão and Montemuro mountains, the region has a fine continental climate that, besides nurturing the finest, sweetest varieties of grapes, is also a cyclist's delight.
As the largest river of Iberia, which comprises all of Portugal and Spain, Douro is the cultural and physical lifeline of this region. As it cuts through the mountains and plateaus of northern Portugal, it paints some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Which is why we’ve kept several days on tour when we ride our bicycles right alongside the Douro river or one its tributaries such as the Coa and the Tavora. With its superb terrain consisting of rolling hills and gorgeous plains, the Douro Valley is an absolute delight to cycle through.
Porto
Porto
casual
moderate to challenging
50km / 31mi
Min. 2, Max. 12
Porto
Porto
Highlights
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Indulge in the gastronomic delights of the Douro Valley, known for its exceptional wines and local cuisine. Take in the scents of vineyards and chestnut groves that dominate the landscape around Penedono.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Porto to Pinhão | The Vine House - Quinta São Luiz | |||
| DAY 2 | Vila Nova de Foz Côa | Longroiva Hotel | B | 74km / 46mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo | Casa da Amendoeira | B | 40km / 25mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Marialva | Casas do Coro | B | 60km / 37mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Penedono | Penedono Hotel | B | 30-70km / 18-42mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Penedono | Penedono Hotel | B | 40km / 25mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Régua | Quinta da Pacheca | B | 50km / 31mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Transfer to Porto | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Porto to Pinhão
Today, we will greet you at the airport and whisk you away to your charming hotel in Pinhão, nestled 110 km (68 mi) away. Once settled in, we'll provide a detailed briefing about the exciting tour ahead for the upcoming days.
Day 2: Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Your journey begins with a scenic ride to Ervedosa do Douro, where you'll pedal through stunning vineyards and rolling hills. Continue your adventure to the enchanting town of São João da Pesqueira, home to a fascinating wine museum where you can learn about the region's rich viticultural history. The day concludes with an overnight stay in the historic town of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, renowned for its World Heritage Paleolithic paintings.
Day 3: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
Pedal your way towards the charming village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, passing through the picturesque towns of Castelo Melhor, Algodres, and Vilar de Amargo. Upon reaching your destination, explore the Northern Plateau, a beautifully preserved village featuring a medieval castle that offers breathtaking views of Portugal's highest peak. If you visit between February and March, you'll be treated to the stunning spectacle of almond blossoms adorning the natural landscape, creating a truly enchanting scenery.
Day 4: Marialva
Embark on the next leg of your cycling journey through the heart of Douro, leading you to Marialva. Follow the scenic course of the Côa River as it meanders up to Pinhel. Marialva boasts a rich history, having been granted a Marquis title following the Portuguese Restoration in 1640, and is celebrated for its connection to 18th-century equestrian artistry.
Day 5: Penedono
Get ready for an exhilarating ride as you navigate through Mêda and Ranhados, the highest points of this route. From this stage, you'll marvel at the breathtaking, mountain-carved landscapes of the Douro region, where time-honored vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. For an even more enriching experience, take the longer route and discover the enchanting village of Trancoso. With its narrow, medieval streets and stone houses, Trancoso offers a captivating journey through Portugal's storied past.
Day 6: Penedono
Enjoy a leisurely day or set off on a scenic loop ride to explore the surrounding villages. If you choose to cycle, you'll depart from Penedono and traverse picturesque traditional farmlands. The landscape, rich with vineyards and chestnut groves, is so prolific that the "Sernancelhe" area is affectionately known as the Chestnut County. The roadside scenery vividly showcases the region's abundant chestnut production. With the serene Távora River as your companion, you'll delight in the stunning geography of mountains and valleys that characterize this beautiful part of the country. If time permits, don't miss a visit to the enchanting 12th-century church.
Day 7: Régua
From Penedono, we will once again cycle alongside the stunning Douro River, heading towards the charming town of Régua. Régua marks the last frontier to conquer on your journey to Porto. This vibrant town is famous for its port wine production and offers breathtaking views of terraced vineyards. As you continue your ride, you’ll experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that define this iconic region.
Day 8: Transfer to Porto
In the morning, transfer to Porto, marking the end of your unforgettable tour.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Trek Dual Sport 2 and 1 or similar
Included in your trip price
Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc or similar
Available at a surcharge
Cube or similar
Available at a surcharge
What to Expect
A self-guided bike tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also requires some preparation. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here’s what you can expect:
Basic Bike Maintenance: While we provide well-maintained bikes, you’ll need to handle minor repairs, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes. We suggest learning basic repair skills and carrying tools like a multi-tool.
Navigation: You’ll be in charge of navigating the route using provided maps, route notes, or GPS. Confidence in following directions is key, and it's important to be able to correct your path if you stray from the route.
Route Difficulty & Fitness: Our tours cater to various fitness levels, but it’s important to choose a route that matches your ability. Be ready for the distances and terrain outlined in your itinerary.
Safety First: Wearing a helmet is essential, and obeying local traffic rules is crucial. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in new or remote areas.
Luggage Transfers: We take care of transporting your luggage from one accommodation to the next, so you can focus on the ride. Simply drop off your bags at the designated time each morning, and they’ll be waiting for you at your next stop.
