Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
From $4,299 - $4,999 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2024: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct 2025: Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Heart of Spain to Portugal's Famed Wine Country
The Iberian Peninsula. A stretch of land that is varied, rich and steeped in tradition. Bike from the golden fields of Spain’s Castile-León to Northern Portugal’s lush slopes. Trace rivers, from the Tormes to the banks of the multihued Douro. Travel over ancient bridges, through evocative villages and towards charming cities. Discover how these two countries have shaped their piece of the Iberian plateau.
Highlights
- Gaze in awe at stunning Gothic, Moorish and Baroque structures in the World Heritage cities of Salamanca and Porto
- Cycle pristine routes amid rolling hills, through a beautiful patchwork of Spanish fields and ancient landmarks
- Immerse yourself in dazzling shades of green as you trace the terraced hillsides and vast vineyards of the Douro River Valley
- Compare and contrast the delicious wines and fresh local flavors of culinary hotspots in Spain and Portugal
Start Madrid
End Porto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Arrive in bustling Madrid to kick off the first half of your two-country cycling journey • From the Tormes River, bike through Spain's rolling hills • The ancient Mocho bridge leads us into the charming town of Ledesma, home to an ancient fortress and a 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 Guarda region • Savor a traditional lunch in a local adega (tavern) • Gaze at famous Baroque staircases in the elegant hillside town of Lamego • Dine, swim and vacation at a working vineyard and wine hotel • Taste and share authentic Port wines.
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 beautiful quintas and vineyard-laden hamlets of the Douro region • Descend through the Alto Douro to Bitetos Port, where a private boat ride shows you the Douro River from a new perspective • A beautiful loop ride takes you through the eucalyptus forests and river paths surrounding Paivas • Bike all the way to Quintadona, one 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)
Gallery
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
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright 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
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $650 rental fee; subject to availability
- Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS
- Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package
- Built for hard-core riders
- $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.
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