Douro Valley Bike Tour

Overview

Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures including the town of Guimarães, cradle of a nation, and the Douro Valley, one of the most exceptional wine regions. Cycle the lush valleys and verdant pastures of the Trás-Os-Montes region. Visit a premier Douro winery for an exceptional dinner and wine pairing. Glide down the placid waters of the Douro River on a morning boat cruise. Stay at the most exclusive hotel properties in Portugal. Smoked meats, sharp sheep's milk cheese, salted cod roasted in local olive oil and garlic, hearty wild boar stew, and crispy suckling pig Dark, luscious Ports with flavors of dark berries, licorice, and chocolate, plus a new generation of full-bodied and velvety fruit-bomb table wine Welcome to Portugal! Your guides will meet you in Oporto for a transfer to the UNESCO town of Guimarães. On a guided tour, learn about the major events that took place here in the 12th century and led to the birth of an independent nation, as evidenced by the inscription “ _Aqui nasceu Portugal_ ” (“Portugal was born here”), which can still be seen in the city’s old wall. Then it’s off to our hotel for a light lunch followed by a bike fitting and safety talk. Our first ride will take us through Vidago’s verdant countryside before we return to the hotel for dinner in the Grand Ballroom restaurant. Breakfast will power us up for today’s ride to the town of Chaves, just south of the Spanish Galicia border. Pedal into the heart of Trás-Os-Montes, which translates to “Behind the Mountains”—an area that was long isolated from the rest of Portugal and still remains largely unknown to foreign visitors. With the option to hop in the van for this morning's first section, set out from our hotel for a climb shaded by century-old sycamore trees. We'll stop in the charming mountain town of Boticas, then continue past small valley hamlets and family farm plots. Descend into Chaves, once the frontline of the Portuguese defense against Spanish incursion, and enjoy lunch in the city’s historic downtown. Ride or shuttle back to our hotel where the afternoon is yours to lay out by the pool or enjoy the spa. Tonight, we’ll dine at a boutique winery owned by our friends Manuel and Angelina for a meal of barbecued local meats, fish, and veggies, all accompanied by wines from the estate. Today we ride south towards the Douro Valley and our destination in the riverside wine town of Pinhão. Whether you choose to begin pedaling from our hotel or start further out from the mineral-water village of Pedras Salgadas, the destination is the same: we’ll reach the town of Vila Real and home of Casa de Mateus, recognized locally for its unusually-bottled rosé wine. After lunch, cut across the northern ridge of the upper Douro before an exhilarating descent through charming hamlets and hillsides rippled with terraced vineyards. Our final stretch brings us to the majestic Douro River and our hotel for the night, located right on its banks. This afternoon, choose to lounge by the pool or head into town to shop for wine at the local boutiques. Tonight we’ll dine at our favorite historic _quinta_ , a Portuguese wine estate. Our meal is paired with voluptuous red table wines and finished with the estate's own vintage Port. This morning we step straight from our hotel grounds onto a traditional Rabelo boat and embark on a river cruise up the Douro. Mother nature has done her part in this UNESCO-protected valley, providing an exceptional climate for ideal wine growing conditions. But the human element of engineering is impossible to ignore, with vineyards hand-carved out of the schist over hundreds of years. After lunch on dry land, it’s time for an afternoon spin along the Douro's riverbank to the town of Peso da Régua and our magnificent hotel for the next two nights. This evening you’re free to dine on your own; choose a trendy wine bar or a _tasquinha_(tavern restaurant) in town, depending on your mood. Today’s ride promises to be our most challenging—but not without its rewards (or the option to fall back on the support van). Pedal to the city of Lamego, first following the upper banks of the Douro overlooking the river below. Tackle a steep section, then turn inland for a gradual climb up sinuous vineyard-sided roads above the river valley. It was here in Lamego that the Bishop of Braga crowned the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, in 1140. Pause for coffee and a light snack at a local _pastelaria_ before a rewarding descent toward our lunch spot at a local family-run winery, where the flavorful menu pulls from seasonal produce and is paired with wines of the estate. Our final evening begins with an aperitif, followed by a gastronomic dinner to remember at our hotel’s contemporary restaurant. Our adventure has come to an end. Extend your journey a little longer with a night or two downriver in Oporto, or our guides will transfer you to the Oporto airport to continue your travels. Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Luggage transfers. Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails. 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments. Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal. Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary. Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events. Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service. Top-of-the-line bicycle selection. Bike helmet. Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag. GPS with pre-programmed route maps. Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge. Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts. Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points. Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included