Portugal's Douro Valley 8-Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour (Level 4)

Overview

Between medieval castles, rolling hills and the sparkling waters of the Douro, you will experience a cycling tour full of contrasts. From Bragança with its historic streets, the route leads through olive and almond groves, past rose-adorned villages and authentic small towns. Panoramic roads and spectacular descents open up ever-changing views of vineyards, rivers and green valleys. Along the Douro, you will be accompanied by the famous wine terraces, whose geometric shapes shimmer in the sunlight. Authentic places, charming squares and culinary delights, from wine tasting to regional cuisine, round off the experience. Finally, you will enjoy a beautiful boat trip to Porto and savour the last stage of your cycling tour from a unique perspective. An overall hilly tour with several climbs each day, some of which are longer and steeper. A good level of fitness is definitely an advantage. Beautiful route along farm tracks and quiet side roads, with only short sections on busier roads. 7 nights accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels and quintas. Breakfast. Welcome briefing. Luggage transfer. Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book. 1 boat trip Peso da Regua - Porto incl. lunch. 1 port wine tasting. Service hotline. Rental bike PLUS - 189 EUR. Mens bike is available on request. Extra nights: Bragança: From 79 EUR p.p (+69 EUR single room). Porto: From 89 EUR p.p (+69 EUR single room). Departures Saturdays. *Due to the boat schedule, the Douro River cruise is not available for arrivals from 13.03. until 10.04.2027 and from 16.10. until 13.11.2027; as an alternative, a train ride from Peso da Regua to Porto is available with a discount of €50 per person. Arrival in Bragança: Begin your journey with a leisurely stroll through the charming old town. Quaint squares invite you to pause and soak in the atmosphere, while a small, picturesque stream meanders through the streets. Overlooking it all stands the medieval castle, a timeless sentinel above the town. Bragança – Macedo de Cavaleiros approx. 60 km: With every kilometre, the view of Bragança Castle recedes, while rolling hills, almond trees and olive groves dominate the landscape. You pass through quiet villages with stone houses, encounter storks in Valdrez and feel the charm of seclusion. One last climb, then you glide along a cycle path to Macedo de Cavaleiros – the stage destination is quaint, inviting and unspoilt. Macedo de Cavaleiros – Vila Flor approx. 65 km: At the start, a cycle path gently winds its way out into the countryside. Soon, sweeping panoramic views of olive groves and cork oaks open up. Take a break in one of the rose-adorned villages and treat yourself to a sweet chestnut cake. The landscape changes to rocky terrain and you finally reach the impressive town of Vila Flor with its narrow streets and beautiful squares. Vila Flor – Vila Nova de Foz Côa approx. 50 km: From Vila Flor, you roll down through vineyards and along old dry stone walls. After a long descent, you will reach the River Sabor and follow it, accompanied by terraced vineyards, to the mouth of the Douro. Cool off at the beach before leaving the shore again and cycling to Torre de Moncorvo. You will be impressed by the panoramic road to Pocinho and the spectacular vineyards on the way to Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Pinhão approx. 60 km: In the morning, you cycle gently uphill on a panoramic road, accompanied by endless vineyards, almond and olive trees. After two more challenging climbs, you will marvel at the fantastic views – the Douro spreads out below you, framed by the world-famous wine terraces. On a magnificent descent, you will race into the atmospheric village of Pinhão, located directly on the riverbank with a beautiful promenade, where your stage destination welcomes you. Pinhão – Peso da Régua approx. 60 km: The cycle route winds its way through sun-drenched vineyards into the inland of the country before a long descent brings you back to the banks of the Douro. Once again, you cycle high above the river along the steep slopes with their port wine. On a breathtaking ride, you roll towards the main wine-growing town. Peso da Régua has a lively centre, many good restaurants and a relaxed harbour atmosphere. Peso da Régua – Porto per Schiff: Today you will spend the whole day on the ship. At 10 a.m. you will leave Peso da Régua and experience the Douro from a completely new perspective: vineyards from the river, idyllic riverside villages, cherry trees and dense forests pass by. Two imposing locks, narrow rock passages and wide river courses provide variety before Porto comes into view with its bridges, imposing buildings and picturesque old town backdrop. Car rental in Portugal: If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe. Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote. Travel insurance for Portugal: Wander the World Without Worry. Local language barriers. Lost passport. Unexpected medical expenses. Sometimes, our trips don’t go as planned. That’s why Slow Tours Pty Ltd wants you to have the most robust travel advisory and protection for your vacation. Ask us for a quote [email protected]

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included