Douro Valley Bike Tour
Traverse the scenic vine-clad slopes from Alentejo to the picturesque Algarve
Delve into local flavors with farm-to-table cuisine and tasteful wine sojourns
Discover serene hillside villages nestled amidst olive groves and vineyards
Enjoy warm hospitality at charming wine estates and boutique hotels
Explore the historical allure of ancient towns like Lamego
Enjoy a self-guided expedition, tailored by our specialists to your preferences
Itinerary
Welcome to Portugal! Settle into your hotel amidst the serene beauty of the Douro Valley and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Take time to explore your surroundings, admire the verdant landscapes, or simply relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Hotel in São João da Pesqueira
You will begin your cycling journey with a ride around Pinhão, a charming town surrounded by vineyards and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover its historic train station and enjoy stunning vistas of the region’s terraced hills. You can visit the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel and, if you’re drawn to local flavors, indulge in a wine tasting at the prestigious Quinta do Bonfim estate by the river. Along the way, pass through quaint villages that showcase the region’s heritage.
36 km and 785 m of elevation gain
Hotel in São João da Pesqueira
As you travel toward Alijó, you will navigate through picturesque vineyards and villages, immersing yourself in the region’s vibrant culture. The day will include panoramic views from Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, showcasing the Douro Valley’s stunning beauty. In the village of Favaios, you will taste the locally produced Moscatel wine and savor the unique four-cornered bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Your journey will end in Alijó, where you can reflect on the day’s discoveries.
33 km and 790 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Alijó
Today’s ride will take you through olive groves and historic terraced vineyards as you make your way to Vilarinho de São Romão. You will visit the town of Sabrosa, known for settlements that date back to before Portugal’s founding. Ancient sites like Provesende will reveal traces of paleo-Christian heritage. The landscape will reward you with sweeping views of the Douro Valley, each turn unveiling the authentic character of the region.
44 km and 615 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Vilarinho de São Romão
After a delicious breakfast, you will cycle deeper into the heart of the Douro Valley, arriving at the historic town of Peso da Régua. The journey will take you past traditional homes and terraced vineyards that slope gracefully towards the river. You will learn about the town’s role in the port wine trade and stop at scenic viewpoints like São Leonardo at Galafura. In the evening, you can relax at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest wine estates in the region.
42 km and 550 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Peso da Régua
Your final cycling day will feature a ride along the Douro River, passing through rolling vineyards and scenic plateaus. You will visit Lamego, a city rich in history, with its Roman roots and 11th-century cathedral. As you traverse ancient trails and picturesque villages, you will soak in the beauty of the valley one last time before returning to Peso da Régua.
33 km and 740 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Peso da Régua
As you prepare for departure, the landscapes that provided a verdant backdrop to your adventures seem to stand still for a moment, imprinting themselves in your memory with a tender, nostalgic touch. It’s time to pack your bags and head home, equipped with endless knowledge and superb experiences from this stunning region of Portugal.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
Indulge in a leisurely cycling expedition through Portugal’s iconic wine region, weaving through a picturesque canvas of rolling vineyards, olive groves, and quaint hillside villages.
Your journey unfolds amidst the serene trails of Alentejo, ushering you through the verdant landscapes onto the captivating terrains of the Algarve, and along the enchanting routes of the Douro Valley.
Your wheels will hum softly along the winding trails, guiding you through time-honored vineyards and olive groves that seem to stretch infinitely across the rolling hills. As you pedal through this ageless terrain, every bend reveals quaint villages, where traditional white-washed abodes cling gracefully to the hillside, embodying the enduring charm of Portugal’s rural heritage.
Each day, the path leads you to delightful discoveries – from the rich historical tapestry of ancient towns like Lamego to the warm hospitality awaiting charming wine estates and boutique hotels.
Here, the essence of tradition melds seamlessly with modern comforts, offering a quaint retreat to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
Indulgence awaits at every stop, with opportunities to relish farm-to-table culinary gems that tantalize your palate, alongside tasteful encounters at renowned wineries where the heritage of wine-making unfolds in every glass.
Take on a custom-designed adventure with our self-guided expedition, where our specialists craft a personalized itinerary aligning with your preferences, GPS routes and recommendations, granting you the autonomy to explore at your own rhythm.
Savor the liberty to pause and delve deeper as you wish, choosing your destinations along the journey!
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
Embark on a self-guided cycling odyssey, designed for a tailor-crafted and adaptable getaway on two wheels, unveiling wonders at your own pace while having the freedom to alter your itinerary or path as needed. Our dedicated team meticulously handles all facets, encompassing lodging arrangements, thorough planning, GPS navigational aid, and continuous support, to gift you a tranquil and engrossing journey.
Our tours are segmented into three tiers of difficulty: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging, categorized by the usual daily routine, although there may be variations in difficulty throughout the trip.
Leisurely tours are ideal for those in pursuit of a relaxed adventure amidst stunning landscapes, without the challenge of covering long distances or tackling rough terrains. These journeys typically cover 30-50 km each day, with an elevation gain of up to 500 m. This allows plenty of pauses to relish the scenic vistas, enjoy local delicacies, and explore charming villages and towns along the way.
Moderate bike tours are tailored for those seeking a beautiful blend of scenic trails and a dash of challenge. Generally covering 50-80 km daily with an elevation gain of up to 1000 m, these tours traverse enchanting landscapes and delightful villages, featuring a mix of flat and rolling terrains. They not only provide ample chances to stop and explore but also ensure a satisfying cycling workout.
Challenging bike tours are meant for experienced cyclists eager to push their limits. Spanning 80-120 km daily with an elevation gain of up to 2000 m, these tours entail tackling steep ascents and demanding terrains. Though these tours require a high level of fitness and endurance, the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day, coupled with breathtaking views, makes the endeavor thoroughly rewarding.
We are devoted to discovering the ideal match for you. We collaborate with numerous lodging providers who meet our standards, although their availability may fluctuate, especially during peak demand times. Furthermore, we can customize your vacation to align with your preferences and budget, ensuring we identify the most fitting choice for your needs.
We advise booking your tour at the earliest opportunity, especially for popular tourist destinations with limited lodging availability. Prime choices often get snapped up for the summer before spring even arrives.
Addressing dietary preferences can vary based on their complexity. In Portugal, vegetarian options are generally available, but finding vegan meals might be more challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Notably, lunch stops are often at traditional eateries which may not cater to special dietary needs beyond their standard menu. Keep this in consideration as you plan your adventure.
The ideal cycling season in Portugal stretches from mid-April to mid-October. In elevated regions like the Serra da Estrela, it’s preferable to cycle from mid-May to September.
Tours in Portugal can continue in light rain with the appropriate clothing. Summer frequently witnesses afternoon thunderstorms, making early tour starts recommended. If challenging weather conditions are expected, we’ll strive to adjust the tour beforehand.