Explore the beautiful wine region of the Douro Valley by bike
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?
Highlights of the Biking the Douro Valley
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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
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available every Saturday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from $1,925 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,550 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Parador Santa Catraina in Miranda do Douro ★★★★
Take in the spectacular views from this hotel overlooking the Douro River. Explore the surrounding area or relax in front of the lounge fireplace.
Casa das Quintas in Mogadouro
This charming property is a small collection of traditional rural buildings with cozy authentic rooms.
Casa da Avó in Torre de Moncorvo
Stay in a beautiful 150-year-old manor house right in the center of town. The accommodations are simple but are filled with romantic old-world charm.
Quinta do Barracão da Vilariça in Vila Flor
This original farm estate has been converted into a welcoming guesthouse. You can also learn about the eco-friendly olive oil production on site.
Casa dos Barros in Sabrosa
Enjoy a comfortable night at this stately 18th-century manor house. Take in the spectacular vineyard views from the poolside.
Quinta de Tourais in Cambres
Quinta de Tourais is the perfect place to soak in the gorgeous Douro landscape. Enjoy traditional hospitality and a view that takes your breath away.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Biking the Douro Valley
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.
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