Portugal’s Douro Valley Bike Tour
Ancient Towns & World-Class Wines
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Casual Hotels
From: $3,899 - $4,199 pp dbl occ
($550 for sgl occ)
It’s the heart of the country and always was. A place of profound cultural wealth and extraordinary scenery. Bike from the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park to the the banks of the Douro River Valley. See history come alive in Porto, Braga and Guimarães. Linger over haunting fado music and perfected port wine. Then rest your head in an ancient monastery. Let Northern Portugal capture your heart.
Portugal
Start/End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Rejuvenate in genuinely Portuguese pousadas—stunning and welcoming hotels housed in historic monasteries, palaces and nature retreats
- Discover the unparalleled World Heritage cities of Braga and Guimarães, and cycle magnificent Peneda-Gerês, the country’s singular national park
- Savor exquisite Northern Portuguese wine and cuisine, and pedal among picturesque vineyards and dazzling river views in the Douro River Valley
- Bike superb routes that wind through historic landscapes, where ancient hermitages, charming quintas and breathtaking mountain vistas await
Itinerary
6 Days Casual Hotels
Kick off your adventure in spectacular Porto, a World Heritage city with a flourishing cultural scene | With granite massifs, open shrubland and oak forest, Peneda-Gerês National Park offers an incredible backdrop for your first bike ride | Rub elbows with the locals with lunch in a local taverna | Wild horses, herds of cows and an abundance of flora dot the landscape | Pedal to our hilltop hotel, where a refreshing drink and fabulous views over the valley await.
Soaring views surround this cozy wood-and-stone lodge nestled in the pines above Peneda-Gerês National Park. (pool)
Ride from the mountains of Peneda-Gerês to the historic town of Guimarães, considered the “birthplace of Portugal” | Explore its exceptionally well-preserved medieval center, a World Heritage site and feast for your eyes | In Braga, an opulent Baroque stairway leads to Bom Jesus do Monte, a notable Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site | Continue biking for a visit to the Citânia de Briteiros, an ancient Castro hill fort with scenic stone ruins and lovely views | Be serenaded by the haunting notes of traditional Portuguese fado music | Spin along quiet roads in the Serra da Cabreira mountains, where age-old stone buildings, waterfalls and ever-changing scenery abound | Savor local flavors with lunch at a friendly quinta (farm estate) | A guided walking tour of Guimarães' centro historico is sure to delight.
Built in the 12th century as a monastery and later expanded into a palace, this regal hotel offers both character and luxury in a parklike setting. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool)
Get a taste for the renowned Camino de Santiago—or Way of Saint James—with a bike ride along some of its pilgrimage roads | Pedal toward the lush Douro River Valley, breaking for lunch in the age-old town of Amarante | Superb ambiance and regional specialties reign at tonight's restaurant, housed in a traditional stone building | Terraced vineyards set the stage for today's picturesque bike ride in the Douro River Valley | At an organic winery, relax over a sumptuous picnic lunch | Taste superb wines of the Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated winegrowing region in the world | Relish a special farewell dinner overlooking the undulating countryside | Enjoy a beautiful morning spin along the Douro River | Top off your trip with time in Porto, where resplendent bridges, azulejo tiles and winding alleyways beckon.
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)
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.
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Activity Level:
2-5
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
Northern Portugal's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain, as well as high heat in the summer months, 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
Northern Portugal's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain, as well as high heat in the summer months, 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, 4 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.