Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
2025: Aug-Nov2026: Mar-Jun, Aug-Nov
Heart of Spain to Portugal's Famed Wine Country
Cycle through the enchanting Iberian Peninsula as you trace rivers, explore evocative villages and watch the scenery transform from Spain’s golden Castile-León to Portugal’s lush Douro.
Highlights
- Wind along country roads through rolling hills and a patchwork of Spanish fields and ancient landmarks
- Gaze in awe at stunning Gothic, Moorish and baroque structures in the World Heritage cities of Salamanca and Porto
- Immerse yourself in dazzling shades of green as you bike the terraced hillsides above the magnificent Douro River
- Compare and contrast the innovative and fresh flavors of culinary hotspots in Spain and Portugal
- Stay at a wine hotel nestled among the Douro Valley’s vast vineyards, where you’ll explore centuries-old winemaking traditions and taste Portugal’s famous Port and Vinho Verde

StartMadrid
EndPorto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Days 1-2
Meet in bustling Madrid to kick off the first half of your two-country cycling journey • From the Tormes River, bike through rolling hills filled with wheat and brilliant yellow sunflowers • The ancient Mocho bridge leads us into the charming town of Ledesma, home to an ancient fortress and rich heritage • Sample acorn-fed ibérico ham alongside fresh cheese made on-site at our extraordinary hotel • Explore vibrant Salamanca, a World Heritage city known for its elaborate sandstone architecture, baroque-style town square and lively restaurant culture.




Nights 1-2
Known for its farm-to-table dining and ample vineyards, Hacienda Zorita has been a haven for travelers since its creation in 1366. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)

Day 3
Cross the border into the vast plateaus and enchantingly open landscapes of Portugal’s interior • Sample traditional regional flavors as you savor lunch in a local adega (tavern) • Dine, swim and unwind at a working vineyard and wine hotel—a quintessential Douro Valley experience • Sample fortified Port wines, known for their sweet taste profile and complex flavors.





Night 3
An active vineyard and winery dating back to the 1700s, this beautiful property is renowned for its immersive Douro experience and award-winning wines and ports. (pool, spa)

Days 4-6
Embark on an unforgettable ride past the quintas and vineyard-laden hamlets of the Douro region • Descend through the Alto Douro to Bitetos, known for its stunning natural scenery and traditional architecture • A beautiful loop ride takes you through the eucalyptus forests and river paths surrounding Paivas • Pedal across rural scenery and pause in some of Portugal’s oldest aldeias preservadas (preserved villages) • Unwind with river views at our exquisite hotel • Toast to a wonderful week in Spain and Portugal, sitting down to a gastronomic farewell dinner • Extend your stay in the vibrant city of Porto.





Nights 4-5
Built in schist and glass on a terraced hillside, this supremely luxurious getaway offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a sense of union between the hotel and the natural world. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.




Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Known for its farm-to-table dining and ample vineyards, Hacienda Zorita has been a haven for travelers since its creation in 1366. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)









Night 3
Premiere Hotel
An active vineyard and winery dating back to the 1700s, this beautiful property is renowned for its immersive Douro experience and award-winning wines and ports. (pool, spa)











Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Built in schist and glass on a terraced hillside, this supremely luxurious getaway offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a sense of union between the hotel and the natural world. (pool, spa)





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Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

- $400 rental fee
- Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
- Custom upgraded wheelset
- Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.