Duration
8 days/7 nights/5 stages
Trip type
Biking
Accomodation
Selected
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Easy to Moderate
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
From 192 km/119 mi to 194 km/120 mi
Recommended airport
Porto Airport
Recommended season
March to June and September to November
Overview
Welcome to the Douro Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, exceptional cuisine and world-famous wines, especially Port. Start your ride at the easternmost point of the Douro River, where dramatic cliffs over 200 metres high mark the border between Portugal and Spain. Pedal through the Douro International Nature Reserve, home to diverse birdlife, and enjoy spectacular views as you follow old railway lines through forests, almond groves and vineyards. The Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its unique terraced vineyards, particularly near Pinhão and Peso da Régua. Your accommodation has been carefully selected for an authentic experience, with stays in historic hotels, olive oil estates, elegant townhouses and traditional family-run quintas. Choose your route—shorter for ease or longer for a challenge. Feeling strong on your calves? Take the longer path and uncover more of this extraordinary region. After all, it’s your way!
Itinerary & tour plan
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On the first day of your tour, we will welcome you at the airport and take you to the easternmost corner of your holiday - Miranda do Douro. On the way, marvel at the Douro River Canyon, with its dramatic cliffs rising over 200 metres. On arrival, visit the town's medieval walls, which tell the story of its rich past. Don't miss the unique local tradition of the Pauliteiros dancers, who perform their ancient folk dance on festive summer days, or the region's distinctive cultural heritage, where the Mirandês language is still spoken in this picturesque area.
The cycle takes you through the tranquil highland plateau of the Natural Park, a region renowned for its untamed beauty. Through the peaceful countryside, you'll come across a variety of wildlife, from wild boar to the occasional Iberian wolf. The silence of the area is broken only by the gentle movement of goats and cattle, while overhead you might spot a majestic golden eagle or the graceful flight of an Egyptian vulture. Escape the usual route and discover extraordinary viewpoints, such as the stunning one at Picote, with panoramic views over the Douro River.
Your day begins with a transfer to the starting point of the stage. Following an old railway line converted into an eco-trail, you will pass through fields, woods and enchanting cherry trees. The route continues through olive and almond groves before reaching Torre de Moncorvo, the capital of the Almond Blossom Festival. This area has historical significance as a major Roman mining centre and you can visit the Iron Museum to explore its rich heritage, including geological importance, mining techniques and archaeological discoveries. End the day in an elegant townhouse, where your host may offer her homemade liqueurs paired with Moncorvo almonds.
This stage takes you along the Douro River, with a descent on a beaten track lined with almond trees. Then, for about 7km, you'll ride on a paved national road, which provides a safe passage as you cycle from Pocinho to Foz do Sabor. Along the way, you'll pass olive groves that produce some of the best olive oil in the world, stop to breathe and enjoy local specialities such as Terrincho cheese, made from raw sheep's milk, and Alheiras, a traditional sausage made by the Jewish community during the Inquisition. The region is also famous for its cherry orchards, which bloom beautifully in spring. Arrive in a village at Vila Flor where you will be welcomed by the producer at an olive mill with a picnic lunch of seasonal local delicacies. You'll spend the night in a farmhouse surrounded by preserved structures that were once used for wine and olive oil production.
Spend the day immersed in the landscapes of the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards climb the hillsides. Shaped by generations of hard work, these vineyards have earned the region UNESCO World Heritage status. The Douro is renowned for its exceptional wines, especially Port. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat, once used to transport wine. In Pinhão, visit the iconic railway station, decorated with blue and white tiles depicting local scenes. On your way, you will pass through Sabrosa, the birthplace of legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan, where your stage ends with an overnight stay in this historic town.
The final leg of your adventure takes you along the quiet back roads of the Douro Valley, with sweeping views of terraced vineyards and rolling hills. As you cycle towards the river, the rugged beauty of the valley leaves a lasting impression. By the end of the day, you'll reach Peso da Régua, the capital of the Douro district and the heart of Port wine production. Known for its dramatic landscapes, this region is home to over 125 grape varieties that make up the world-famous Port and Douro wines.
Say goodbye to the beautiful Douro Valley and enjoy a smooth transfer to Porto, a city steeped in history and culture. With over 150 listed monuments, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique blend of ancient architecture and modern charm. Visit the iconic Luis I Bridge, the famous Port wine cellars and the charming Ribeira district, lined with colourful buildings and cobbled streets. Don't miss Porto's signature dish, Francesinha, a delicious sandwich topped with melted cheese and rich sauce. After settling into your accommodation go and uncover Porto's distinct character, where the past and present intertwine.
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
What is included?
- Transfers from/to Porto Airport
- Accommodation 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- Daily luggage transfer (one piece per person up to 23kg)
- Middle transfers
- 4 light picnics and 1 lunch picnic
- 1 dinner
- 1 olive oil tasting
- City taxes
- Standard touring bicycle with cargo rack, a pannier bike bag, a handlebar bag and a spare inner tub
- Per reservation: toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, lock (one per two bikes)
- Daily post-ride messages
- Access to the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Meals and wine tastings (optional)
- Guide and support vehicle (price on request)
- Helmet
- E-Bike supplement (optional)
- GPS with loaded tracks (optional)
- Mechanical bike interventions made on the bikes without Authentic Trails permission
- Personal expenses and other items not mentioned
Special Dates
Essência do Vinho (Wine Event), Porto, 20th to 23rd February 2025
- Join this event and indulge in over 4,000 wines from 400+ producers! Explore 40+ tastings, guided by experts, and discover the Top 10 Portuguese wines. A must-visit for wine lovers!
- https://www.essenciadovinho.com/
Almond blossom, Torre de Moncorvo and Vila Flor, February to March
- From mid-February to early March, the Douro is transformed by the blossoming almond trees, which are celebrated with lively festivals.
Cherry blossom in Lamego, late March and early April
- Get ready to capture the stunning beauty of the cherry blossom season with your eyes and cameras!
Medieval Fair, Torre de Moncorvo, 2nd to 4th May 2025
- The theme, "The Fair Charter granted to Torre Mem Corvo by King Dinis," recalls the 13th-14th century month-long fair uniting artisans, merchants, and mystics.
- https://www.moncorvovilamedieval.com/pt/
Primavera Sound, Porto, 12th to 15th June 2025
- Since 2012, Primavera Sound has transformed Porto into a global music hub, featuring legends, rising stars and cutting-edge sounds. It's an unmissable event!
- https://www.primaverasound.com/pt/porto
Feast of St. John, Porto, 23rd to 24th June 2025
- Savour sardines, caldo verde, and port wine as the streets come alive with laughter, music, playful plastic hammers, fireworks, and balloons to celebrate St. John!
Pauliteiros de Miranda performances, Miranda do Douro, June to August
- Experience the cultural heritage of Trás-os-Montes with the Pauliteiros of Miranda do Douro, who perform a captivating sword dance.
Festivity of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Lamego, late August and early September
- Prepare yourself for a glorious procession of floats and floral battles, as well as a triumphal procession, a truly symbolic moment.
- http://www.portoenorte.pt/en/what-to-do/festivity-of-nossa-senhora-dos-remedios/
Grape Harvest Season, Douro Wine Region, September
- This is your chance to get involved in the grape harvesting, try traditional grape treading and take part in Douro and Port wine tastings at local wineries!
Olive Harvest and olive-oil production season, Douro Valley, October to January
- Join the olive harvest season, where families hand-pick ripe olives to create fresh and tasty olive oil.
Tour facts
- Behold the Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where centuries of winemaking tradition are etched into the terraced hills
- Witness the Douro River Canyon, often referred to as 'Portugal's Grand Canyon', with its dramatic 200-metre-high cliffs
- Cycle through the Douro Valley, one of the world's top 5 wine regions, and enjoy world-class wine tastings as you cycle past lush vineyards
- Stay at wine estates (quintas) to immerse yourself in authentic rural life, with the opportunity to taste locally produced wines and experience the region’s winemaking traditions
- Sample the finest local olive oils and organic products that capture the flavours of the Douro's fertile landscape
- Take a cruise on the Douro River, which offers a unique perspective of the grandeur of the river and the surrounding lush hills
- Enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of cycling in the Biosphere Reserve of the Iberian Plateau
- Porto, the city renowned for its historic riverside, vibrant culture and home of the iconic Port wine