Madrid to Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Casual & Deluxe Hotels
Madrid to Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Casual & Deluxe Hotels
2026: Apr, Jun, Sep
Spain’s Castile & León to Portugal’s Northern Coast
“Love thy neighbor,” the old books said. Here on the Iberian Peninsula, the sentiment has never been easier to embrace. From Spain’s golden fields to Portugal’s lush slopes, there’s so much to love.
Highlights
- Gaze in awe at stunning architecture in the World Heritage cities of Salamanca and Porto
- Cycle through a beautiful patchwork of Spanish pastureland, rolling hills and dehesa (grassland) landscapes
- Immerse yourself in dazzling shades of green as you bike through the terraced hillsides of the Douro River Valley
- Sample regional culinary delights, like Porto’s sweet Port wine and Spain’s jamón ibérico
- Follow riverside bike paths to the charming Portuguese village of Amarante, perched on the banks of the Tâmega
StartMadrid
EndPorto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Try your first taste of classic Castilian cuisine as you look out at unbeatable views of the medieval city of Alba de Tormes • Trace the Tormes River through Spain’s wild countryside • Rest your head at a former convent turned hotel • Pedal into dehesa—vast expanses of pastureland dotted with holm and cork oak trees • Lunch at an eco-farm and learn about its efforts to rewild the Tormes River ecosystem • Explore vibrant Salamanca’s elaborate sandstone architecture, baroque-style town square and lively restaurant culture.
Nights 1-2
Formerly the Convent of San Esteban, this romantic hotel combines tradition and modernity in a privileged location right next to Salamanca's Old Town and one of the city's biggest golf courses. (pool)
Day 3
Cross the border into the Douro River Valley, a World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking scenery and premium wines • Take in vineyards and terraced landscapes as you weave through Ervedosa do Douro • Settle in at our family-owned winery-hotel and savor its sweet Port.
Night 3
Perched on the banks of the Douro River, this family-run hotel offers a charming blend of luxury and warmth along with premium wines grown from its carefully tended vineyards. (pool)
Days 4-6
Follow the snaking Douro River on heavenly routes to a Portuguese-style lunch at a local quinta • Swap rivers as we pedal to the verdant shores of the Tâmega • Walk through charming Amarante, where Romanesque houses cluster on either side of the arched São Gonçalo bridge • Continue exploring lush topography and endless mountains as you bike back to our exquisite hotel • Toast to a wonderful week in Spain and Portugal at our gastronomic farewell dinner • Extend your stay in picturesque Porto.
Nights 4-5
Rural charm abounds at this historic manor house, set on a family-run winemaking quinta (farm estate) in the heart of the Douro River Valley. (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, laid-back lifestyle and Old World charm of Portugal and Spain are among the many highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants featured on this trip. While service may feel more slower than in other parts of Europe, we invite you to embrace the unhurried rhythm and take the opportunity to truly savor each meal.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
Formerly the Convent of San Esteban, this romantic hotel combines tradition and modernity in a privileged location right next to Salamanca's Old Town and one of the city's biggest golf courses. (pool)
Night 3
Casual Hotel
Perched on the banks of the Douro River, this family-run hotel offers a charming blend of luxury and warmth along with premium wines grown from its carefully tended vineyards. (pool)
Nights 4-5
*Deluxe Hotel
Rural charm abounds at this historic manor house, set on a family-run winemaking quinta (farm estate) in the heart of the Douro River Valley. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Share Your Adventure!
Tag @backroadstravel or use #MyBackroadsTrip to submit your photos.
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.
