Region Overviews: Portugal Travel Guide: Overview
The oldest nation-state in Europe—it became the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139—Portugal is as steeped in history as it is in its own unique culture.
Biking
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Portugal's Porto & Douro Valley Bike Tour
Rugged Mountains & Valley Vineyards
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,649 pp dbl occ
($800 - $1,300 for sgl occ)
They say the soul of Portugal is found in the north. Amid Porto’s majestic bridges, iconic tile façades and echoes of ancient nobility. It lingers in the terraced vineyards that have been producing the region’s exquisite wines for centuries. Ride curving mountain roads past lost-in-time stone villages. Unwind in unique elegant hotels imbued with history. This cycling journey is positively soulful.
Portugal Porto and Douro Valley Biking Tour
Portugal
Start/End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the emerald landscape and vineyards of Northern Portugal and the Douro River Valley
- Cycle winding roads through the rugged terrain of Peneda-Gerês National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve
- Adventure off the beaten path and into traditional mountain culture in Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro
- Luxuriate in Relais & Châteaux hospitality, and on select departures, experience the inimitable Six Senses resort
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description
Begin your adventure in Porto, a World Heritage city and vibrant university town | Bike through the wild green hills of Peneda-Gerês National Park, passing tiny stone villages and medieval ruins | Enjoy your first taste of the region’s simple and hearty cuisine during lunch | Relax by the pool of our historic monastery turned boutique hotel and partake in a welcome reception before dinner.
Accommodations
Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro-Amares
Amares
| *Casual Plus Hotel Surrounded by green hills and classified as a National Heritage site, this 12th-century monastery was masterfully restored and converted into an intimate hotel by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. (pool)
Days 2-3
Description
As you ride, gaze out over vineyards producing the region’s distinct and effervescent Vinho Verde | Explore the grounds of a magnificent Portuguese solare (manor) | Sample local varietals and discover longstanding wine-making traditions | Ride on quiet serpentine bike routes descending towards the lush greenery of the Douro River Valley | Pause for lunch at a family-run quinta (farm estate) | Relish impeccable service and hospitality at our beautiful retreat.
Accommodations
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
Telões
| Premiere Hotel Appropriately named and with impeccable hospitality, this beautiful hotel is designed to engage all your senses in Portugal's spectacular wine country. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Bike among tidy vineyards in the Favaios valley toward the Trás-os-Montes mountain range | Explore peaks and plateaus and experience a welcoming mountain culture during lunch at a rustic tavern | Discover Vidago Park’s botanical bounty and purifying thermal waters | Ride to the lovely town of Chaves, a hidden gem tucked away in Northern Portugal’s highlands | Cross an ancient Roman bridge and soak up the scene in the town’s graceful central plaza | A forested route is the perfect end to a one-of-a-kind Portuguese journey.
Accommodations
Vidago Palace Hotel
Vidago
| Premiere Hotel A Leading Hotels of the World member, this property was commissioned by King Carlos I and lives up to its name with palatial elegance, top-notch service and a gorgeous natural setting. (pool, spa)
Six Senses Douro Valley
Samodães
| Premiere Hotel Featuring contemporary décor with a nod to a bygone era, this supremely luxurious getaway offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley, floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden bridges leading to secret gardens. (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.
May 2023
June 2023
Jun 25 - Jun 30
Sold out
July 2023
August 2023
Aug 13 - Aug 18
Sold out
September 2023
October 2023
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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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
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.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
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.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
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.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
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+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
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
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
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. Additionally, while the Premiere hotels we’ve chosen are some of the finest in the country, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also bit more rustic than other places we visit in 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.
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. Additionally, while the Premiere hotels we’ve chosen are some of the finest in the country, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also bit more rustic than other places we visit in Europe.
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