Self-guided Porto & Douro Valley Bike Tour

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Overview

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.

Start

Porto

Finish

Porto

Lodging

casual

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. dist. cycled

50km / 31mi

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Porto

Fly-Out

Porto

Highlights

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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

Detailed Itinerary

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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.

Meals:
Accommodation: Quinta de La Rosa
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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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 74km / 46mi
Accommodation: Longroiva Hotel
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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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 40km / 25mi
Accommodation: Casa da Amendoeira
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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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 60km / 37mi
Accommodation: Casas do Coro
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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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 30-70km / 18-42mi
Accommodation: Penedono Hotel

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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 40km / 25mi
Accommodation: Penedono Hotel
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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.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 50km / 31mi
Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca
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Day 8: Transfer to Porto

In the morning, transfer by train to Porto, marking the end of your unforgettable tour.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

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.

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Trek Dual Sport 2 and 1 or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc or similar

road

Available at a surcharge

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Cube or similar

ebike

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.

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