Heart of Spain to Portugal's Douro Valley Bike Tour
Madrid & Salamanca to Porto
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $4,299 pp dbl occ
($750 for sgl occ)
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.
Spain & Portugal
Start Madrid / End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
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
Itinerary
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Arrive 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 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.
A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member known for its farm-to-table dining and ample vineyards, Hacienda Zorita has been a haven for travelers since its creation in 1366. (pool, spa)
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) I Gaze at famous Baroque staircases in the elegant hillside town of Lamego | Dine, swim and vacation at a working vineyard and wine hotel—a quintessential Douro Valley experience | Taste and share authentic Port wines.
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)
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 gives you a chance to see the contours of the river in a fresh way | 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.
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)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
Share your adventure
#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The landscape of Portugal and Spain is characterized by constant rises and valleys, continuously rolling terrain and high heat in the summer months. This can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The landscape of Portugal and Spain is characterized by constant rises and valleys, continuously rolling terrain and high heat in the summer months. This can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
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.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, all lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations & Service Standards
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.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. 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.
