DOURO CYCLING

Self-Guided

6 Days Cycling tour

LENGTH

8 Days

DIFICULTY

Difficult

START & END

Porto - Porto

DISTANCE

278 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.165€ / per person

 4.5/5

LENGTH

8 Days

DIFICULTY

Difficult

START & END

Porto - Porto

DISTANCE

278 Km

GROUP SIZE

Min 2 Max 8

LODGING

Standard or Superior

From 1.165€ / per person

 4.5/5

OVERVIEW

The Douro river is a unique destination in Portugal. Nested into a mountainous region the river give birth to the oldest denomination area in the world, and forever linked to the Famous Porto Wine. Hanging from the slopes, cycle little roads will take you to spots along the Douro and other valleys, to the top of the hills and enjoying the discovering historical villages and towns. Along the way countless wineries inviting you to a glass of wine, Porto Wine or others. Feel the atmosphere of a Portugal still untouched and avoid the crowds finding a different Portugal.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

HIGHLIGHTS

UNESCO Heritage sites
Portuguese and Galician Coastal Camino.
Porto City
Atlantic scenery
Portugal Historical towns

Portuguese & Galician local Wines and Gastronomy
Fishing Towns.
The second most traveled camino of Santiago.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - TRANSFER TO AMARANTE

Welcome to Portugal! You will pick you up at the airport or hotel in Porto. Make yourself comfortable in the car while driving to the Hotel.

A transfer will take you to Amarante. Beautiful city and historical center town and starting place of your tour. Welcome briefing and handover of bicycle will be held at the Hotel.

Free time to enjoy the hold town center. Enjoy Amarante old Town Center, this well preserved historical area is of imense history related events. The São Gonçalo Church is the main atraction and why not learning about this ” Saint” !

The bridge over the Tamega River was rebuild by the Saint and saw the french troops of Napoleon stopped fro several days here. The church is still crippled with bullet halls…

Stroll around the market place and along the cobbled streets of Amarante.

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 2 - CYCLE AMARANTE TO CALDAS DE AREGOS (48km)

Leaving Amarante your path will take you to an mountain pass, in the way the typical scenery of rural north Portugal. Small villages in a mixed scenery of vineyards and agricultural small fields and forest. Once on top the Douro await you, terraces of fields and vineyards will become more and more present has you approach the river. Wonderful views are in every corner. Mesão Frio will be the first real town into the Douro region.

Now you are along the vineyards towards the river and the cycling is easy. The day end crossing the river from the train station to the Thermal Bath of Caldas de Aregos, just by the Douro River…

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 3 - CYCLE CALDAS DE AREGOS TO LAMEGO (47km)

Ascending the Douro Valley slopes to reach Lamego you’ll follow the Wine Terraces.

Along the N222, road that have being quote by Avis the “best car ride of the world” take pleasure within the scenery. This winding road is your entry into the famous Hight Douro Vineyards and UNECSO classified region. You are changing from the green wines of the Douro to the Reds and whites of the High Douro…

The road takes you up and once you leave the N222 you are gaining elevation to arrive at Lamego. Lamego is a wonderful town, high in the Douro slopes and offer an amazing number of visit options. The Castle and the town inside the walls, the Cathedral, and the Sanctuary closing this beautiful postcard.

The cycling will pass nearby all without forgetting the Lamego Museum.….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 4 - CYCLE LAMEGO TO TABUAÇO (51km)

The day starts following the Varosa River Valley.

Across the hilly terraces that produce sparkling wine you arrive at a river cross, Ucanha village and its medieval toll bridge. Not far the monastery of Salzedas another remind of the region’s history. The day is also of higher sceneries as you almost reach 800m… Other villages of the South Douro will be on the way.

Granja do Tedo is feeling away from modernity. Not far from the arrival Barco. The Village is another of the Portuguese Wine villages, and offers stunning views of the terraces, just before arriving at Tabuaço….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 5 - CYCLE TABUAÇO TO ALIJO (44km)

Starting with a long descent to the Douro, this journey will take you back to northern shore of the River.

The landscape is of terraces as far as the horizon. Every slope is of vineyards!!! Take the ride down as once arrived at Pinhão, the center of High Douro. The ride is up once again, rising from the Douro. Stop at a known belvedere to enjoy one of the best views over the river and vineyards.

Now is leisure as you bike along the ridge and borther of the valley. Overlooking the new water reservoir of river Tua Dam, São Mamede de Ribatua is a peaceful village that once again maintain the regions characteristics.

Alijó nearby is looking for you with a glass of Favaios wine….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 6 - CYCLE ALIJO TO VILA REAL (40km)

Favaios is your first stop of the day. The little wine village of Portugal is home of old bakeries that still make bread as hundreds years ago. The place is also known for it famous wine, in Portugal, The Favaios is from the vineyards around pay a visit to the museum and know a litle more and have a taste. The Pinhão valley is of stunning beauty and the major challenge of the day.

Back on top Sabrosa home town of the biggest sailor of the world Ferdinand Magelland, his house is still here. Vineyards are now leaving the route and reappear near Vila Real. Casa de Mateus and the Mateus Rosé are just at the city entrance. It is a well worth visit.

Vila Real is waiting, the biggest urban area of all the Douro region still have lot to offer by the historical center….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior.

Meals: –

DAY 7 - CYCLE VILA REAL TO AMARANTE (50km)

To finish this amazing tour around terraces, vineyards, towns and villages from the Douro. It is time to present you the mountain massif that allow the climate in the High Douro. The Marão massif that you are crossing into to reach Amarante.

Nowadays a huge tunnel offers fastness to reach each side. You are taking the old N15 (national road) that snakes up and down this range. Going thru the villages now almost empty, that from one and the other side are perched. The terraces are now field, from grazing, or vegetable culture… The vineyards stayed behind…. The uphill is slow but the long descent will be enjoyable into Amarante…

The historical center and São Gonçalo Church are welcoming you back….

Accommodation: Standard or Superior

Meals: –

DAY 8 - END OF TOUR

On this departure day a transfer will take you back to Porto, the airport or other lodging in the City.

Transfer will meet your flight schedules. You can ask for a latter transfer if you are staying in Porto, please inform us to check our availability.

End of the tour is once you arrive at Porto, airport or accommodation.

Accommodation: –

Meals: –

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED

Daily breakfast
Private ensuite rooms on a twin share basis
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
Personal guide book and Cycling day sheets
Gps day-by-day tracks for use in Gps device or SmartPhone.
Hybrid/Trekking Bike include in the Price
Helmet, Lock, Repair Kit, Pump and handlebar bag
1st Day Briefing
Transfer from Porto to Amarante Included
Transfer from Amarante to Porto (airport) Included
Travel Insurance
24/7 Phone support assistance

EXCLUDED

Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Porto
Gps device.
Any tourist tax payable at Hotels

OPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Porto
Transfer from Hotel in Porto to Porto Airport
Single Room
E-Bike
Support van during all tour
Extra nights before, after or during the tour
Gps device

BIKE INFORMATION

Hibrid Bike
During the the trip you will be provide with the Hybrid/Trekking bike Kross Trans 7 or similar.

Frame	Aluminum
Suspension	Hardtail, 63mm
Wheels	700c Aluminum
Drivetrain	3 × 8
Groupset	Deore, Shimano
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc

DATES & PRICES 2024

Starting

Any day of the week and year

Ending

Avaiability

Available Upon request

Prices from

EUR €1240

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Hotels & Country Houses

Standard hotels offer typical hotel amenities and services. They provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, and room service.

Country houses, also known as "casas rurales" in Spanish, offer a more rustic and traditional experience. They are often found in smaller villages and rural areas along the Camino.

Superior Collection & Historic Hotels

We have selected 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available,

There are several historic hotels and inns along the route that offer travelers a unique and memorable experience. These establishments often have a rich history and character, making them more than just a place to stay.

ON THE TRAIL

Terrain: The terrain is relatively gentle, and you'll pass through scenic countryside, charming villages, and forests. Most will be following cycling lanes, or small roads and forest traks. the terrain is more hilly in Galicia while reaching the Portuguese camino in Redondela and onward.

Food and Cuisine: You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Spanish cuisine, including fresh seafood, pulpo a la gallega (octopus), and other regional dishes. Don't forget to try the local Albariño wine.

Waymarking: The route is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, making it easy to navigate. When avoiding non cycling areas the booklet and gps track given have all the information.

MAP

Elevation

REVIEWS

James Fair

This was a fantastic trip with lots of free time to explore the cities on your own. The local transport used was extremely good and the included activities, particularly the tapas and the Camino walk, were excellent.

14 Oct 2019

Susan and Dave

A great trip, with a wonderful group of fellow travellers. Incredibly well lead by Helder. Enabled an opportunity to get to know a little about Spain and to appreciate the diverse nature and history of the country.

15 Jun 2019