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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Northern Portugal & Douro Valley Family Bike Tour - 20s & Beyond
Ancient Porto & Valley Vineyards
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 winding mountain roads past lost-in-time stone villages. Unwind in unique elegant hotels imbued with history. This cycling journey is positively soulful.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
FROM:
$4,799 pp dbl occ
($700 for sgl occ)
Portugal
Start/End Porto
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Discover the emerald landscape and vineyards of Northern Portugal and the lush Douro River Valley
- Ride winding roads through the rugged terrain of Peneda-Gerês National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve
- Journey off the beaten path and into traditional mountain culture in Trás-os-Montes and the Alto Douro
- Celebrate the day with a post-ride glass of Portugal's inimitable and slightly effervescent Vinho Verde
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Start out in historic Porto, a World Heritage city and vibrant university town | Pass tiny stone villages and medieval ruins as you bike through the wild green hills of Peneda-Gerês National Park | Step back in time and into luxury at a historic monastery turned boutique hotel.
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
As you ride, take in views of vineyards producing the region's distinct and effervescent Vinho Verde | Wander the grounds of a magnificent Portuguese solare (manor) | Taste local varietals and discover the region's longstanding wine-making traditions | Bike quiet serpentine roads as you descend into the lush Douro River Valley | Enjoy lunch at an enchanting family-run quinta (farm estate) | Tour around on foot in Amarante, a charming village set on the banks of the Tâmega river | Experience Relais & Châteaux hospitality and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Casa da Calçada
Amarante
| Premiere Hotel This beautiful property in the Douro Valley is housed in a historic building of baroque design and grandeur with a 100-year-old garden and a private vineyard. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Bike toward the Trás-os-Montes mountain range and among tidy vineyards in the Favaios valley | Discover peaks, plateaus and a welcoming mountain culture | Immerse yourself in Vidago Park's botanical bounty and purifying thermal waters | Ride to hidden treasures tucked away in Northern Portugal's highlands, like the lovely town of Chaves | Cross an ancient Roman bridge and relax in the town's graceful central plaza | A forested cycling route is the perfect end to a one-of-a-kind Portuguese journey.
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)
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.
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Activity Level: 2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Performance Road Bike
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.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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.
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