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Highlights
Explore the beautiful wine region of the Douro Valley by bike
Cycle through tranquil vineyards, stunning river valleys, and nature reserves in lovely northern Portugal.
Sample locally-grown olive oil, almonds, wine, handmade cheese, sausage, and fresh baked goods while you explore the region.
Enjoy the peaceful farm life when you stay at authentic rural guesthouses in between rides.
Cook with a local quinta proprietor to learn about regional cuisine and traditions.
There are few places more fit for an exciting cycling tour than the stunning Douro Valley, an area famous for its gorgeous scenery and fantastic wines. You can spend the day cruising through lush green valleys under the Portuguese sun and evenings tasting incredible wine and food from the comfort of your historic guesthouses.
Tailor your rides to suit your energy level, lingering where the scenery is just right. You’ll pass the farms and groves where local olive oil, almonds, and wine are made while you ride. Then, ride through Douro Natural Park, teeming with wildlife. Park your bike for a while to appreciate the UNESCO-recognized wine region from the best vantage points along the route. Wine, food, cycling- what more could the Biking the Douro Valley tour offer?
There are few places more fit for an exciting cycling tour than the stunning Douro Valley, an area famous for its gorgeous scenery and fantastic wines. You can spend the day cruising through lush green valleys under the Portuguese sun and evenings tasting incredible wine and food from the comfort of your historic guesthouses.
Tailor your rides to suit your energy level, lingering where the scenery is just right. You’ll pass the farms and groves where local olive oil, almonds, and wine are made while you ride. Then, ride through Douro Natural Park, teeming with wildlife. Park your bike for a while to appreciate the UNESCO-recognized wine region from the best vantage points along the route. Wine, food, cycling- what more could the Biking the Douro Valley tour offer?
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Biking the Douro Valley Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Miranda do Douro
Arrive at Miranda do Douro. Take in the lovely scenery on the way and then spend the evening taking a stroll through town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Miranda do Douro
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Quiet Ride through Douro Nature Reserve
Your first bike ride of the trip will take you across the plateau of the International Douro Nature Reserve. The peace of the wilderness will likely only be disturbed by the occasional wildlife. Residents of the park include wild boar, goats, cattle, over 170 species of birds, and the rare Iberian wolf!
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Sendim
Distance: 3 hours, 41.3km, 311m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Cycle to Ancient Torre de Moncorvo
The trail today follows an old railway line through forests and across agricultural fields. Ride through olive groves and almond trees into the medieval town of Torre de Moncorvo.
Once you arrive, grab a coffee and take a walk through this town straight out of a storybook.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Torre de Moncorvo
Distance: 2.5 hours, 38.2km, 180m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle the Douro River
Today you’ll be cycling along the magnificent Douro River. You’ll enjoy beautiful views and a peaceful ride through the olive groves.
Tonight you’ll be staying in a quinta, which is the local term for the home that grows and produces olive oil. You’ll be treated to an incredible dinner featuring local cuisine with homemade cheeses, sausages, and of course, their homemade olive oil and wine!
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vila Flor
Distance: 2 hours, 29.3km, 271m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Ride through Wine Country and Rabelo Ride to Pinhão
Set out on your bike to explore the Alto Douro wine region. This area is famous for producing port wine and wines from the Touriga grape. Notice the incredible man-made vine-covered terraces and wine estates along your route.
When you reach the river you’ll be taking a rabelo boat to Pinhão. These traditional boats have been used for centuries to transport wine down the river. When you disembark, you’ll be met by a transfer that will take you to the 17th-century house where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Sabrosa
Distance: Medium option: 2 hours, 29km, 98m of total ascent
Challenging option: 2 hours, 32km, 212m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Ride the River Valley to Peso da Régua
Today will sadly be the last ride of your biking adventure. You’ll follow the country roads back into the Douro Valley, enjoying the gorgeous scenery one last time. You’ll finish up your ride at another quinta in Peso da Régua.
Tonight, you have the option to share a cooking experience with your host, followed by a celebration glass of wine on the terrace.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Cambres
Distance: 3 hours, 44km, 420m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure day
Goodbye, Portugal! This morning your tour will conclude after breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures The departures are available every Saturday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from EUR1738*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR1400*
Accommodation on Biking the Douro Valley
This tour is based in 3-star hotels and authentic rural guesthouses. The private rooms are based on double occupancy.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations. The hotel list will be sent to you with your confirmation but will be reconfirmed 31 days prior to your arrival.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
If you prefer to have a private room while travelling with your group you can pay a supplement.
What’s Included in Biking the Douro Valley?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch and 1 dinner is included in this tour. There are optional meal or tasting packages that may be added to your tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes the transportation for your luggage throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet
- Tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube
- Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotel
- Emergency support between 8 am and 8 pm
- Access to route mobile app
Please note that it is advised that travellers bring their own helmets, however previously used helmets are provided. You may also opt to purchase a new one for €55 EUR. Please request this option at the time of booking.
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Porto
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers
Optional Extras
- Upgrade tour to Premium services (Private transfers at the start and end of your tour, full route briefing and 30-minutes bike fitting, on-call roadside assistance, private reception in Portugal, daily post-ride messages)
- Guide or support vehicle services
- Wine and Olive Oil experiences
- Wine & Dine Package with 2 dinners
- Cooking Experience
- Picnic lunches
- E-Bike supplement
- Extra transfers between Porto Airport and city center
- Pre-paid mobile phone
- New helmet
- Shared airport transfers
- How hard is the Biking the Douro Valley tour?
- Do I need internet access for the app during my rides on the Biking the Douro Valley tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
- Are meals included on the Biking the Douro Valley tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Miranda do Douro to start this tour?
- Is the Biking the Douro Valley tour guided?
- Where does the Biking the Douro Valley tour end?
- Is my bike rental included?
- Is my helmet rental included?
- Can I rent a child seat or trailer?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?
- When is the best time to travel to Portugal for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The rides on this tour are 2 to 4 hours in length on mostly paved paths. You’ll have the choice between medium or challenging routes on most days. The medium difficulty routes are appropriate for riders with some cycling experience who are comfortable with some hills and moderate climbs. The challenging option is for a more experienced rider who is looking for longer rides with steeper inclines.
You will need to download the included guide app before you begin any of your rides. This way you will be able to access the maps and route guides on your device when it’s offline.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch and 1 dinner is included in this tour. There are optional meal or tasting packages that may be added to your tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Porto Airport (OPO). An optional private or shared airport transfer to your hotel in Miranda do Douro is possible for a supplement.
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will have access to a route guide on an included app. Let us know if you prefer to book this as a guided tour.
The tour ends in Peso da Régua.
Yes, your bike and equipment is included. This tour includes a hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet. A tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube, and pre-paid mobile phone are also included.
Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Yes, a previously used helmet will be provided. It is recommended that you bring your own helmet if you prefer. You may also opt to purchase a new one for €55 EUR, please request this option at the time of booking.
Yes, you can rent a child seat or bike trailer for children older than 9 months and up to 4 or 5 years old. Please request at time of booking for pricing and availability.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit the Douro Valley for cycling is early summer (June) and early fall (September) when the weather is pleasant but not too hot.
Customer Ratings
VINITUR is a full-service tour operator providing fine customized programs about wine, food, and culture in Portugal and Spain. VINITUR has dedicated itself to special groups, corporate travellers, and gourmet and luxury-focused visitors for leisure travel since 1998. VINITUR’s innovative approach and unique services include wine, food, and culinary itineraries, gourmet experiences, meetings, and conferences. The company has provided self-guided bike tours since 2014 alongside other self-guided tours by car since 2005. VINITUR is the Portuguese travelling agency endorsed by the world-famous Great Wine Capitals network.
In 2014, Vinitur launched the Portugal Biking Experiences, a new offering linked to active tourism and nature. This new service was the result of an intense year of exploration of new concepts, selection of the best bicycle routes, new partnerships, and the creation of innovative cycling products. Relying on their many years of experience, Portugal Biking Experiences combines the best that nature has to offer in a beautiful, authentic experience.
