Bicycle Tour through Douro valley

Day 1: Individual arrival in Porto, transfer to Miranda do Douro

Your cycling tour along the Douro begins with an approximately 3 hour long transfer from the airport in Porto to the town Miranda do Douro, located right at the border to Spain. For thousands of years the Douro has been flowing through the region and has slowly carved The Douro Canyon, which is truly a sight to behold. With its over 200 m high cliffs it will surely be the highlight of your transfer. Don’t be surprised if you find bilingual signs in Miranda do Douro and the surrounding villages, the people here speak the only regional language in Portugal - Mirandés. If you get lucky, you will get to see a traditional Ball de bastons, a dance that dates back Celtic settlements in the area.

Day 2: Miranda do Douro – Sendim, approx. 45 km

You will start your tour along the Douro in the eastern part of the Douro national park. The peaceful landscape of the plateau is the habitat of more than 170 bird species, wild boars, egyptian vultures, and the iberian wolf. You will spend the night in Sendim. Stroll through the medieval village with its granite stone buildings and visit the Roman excavation site. Now it’s time for a nice dinner (included in the tour price) to round out the day.

Day 3: Sendim – Torre de Moncorvo, approx. 50 km

Today you will be riding your bike through an area packed with olive groves and almond trees. Your destination today is Torre de Moncorvo. This small city belongs to the wine-growing district Alto Douro, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2001. In the city you will find quite a few historic monuments like manor houses, stone fountains, and the Renaissance style church with a nave and two aisles built in the 16th century. In Portugal the town is called the iron capital, because even the ancient Romans already mined for iron ore near the town. But that is not the only quality product made in the region, as excellent wine, high quality olive oil, and the famous almonds are also picked in the area.

Day 4: Torre de Moncorvo – Vila Flôr, approx. 30 km

The fourth part of your cycling tour along the Douro will be rather short and you will be riding right along the river for the first time. The descent to the river will lead you through olive groves where some of the finest olives in the world are grown. Get ready to take some stunning pictures as you ride your bike through the beautiful landscape near the river. You’ll be staying in a Quinta, a portuguese winery. Your Dinner today is included in your tour, and it will include a vast array of fresh regional foods such as homemade cheese, sausages, freshly baked bread, olive oil and of course homemade wine. Once you have finished your meal you can relax under the clear starry sky.

Day 5: Vila Flôr – Sabrosa, approx. 25 km + Boat trip + Transfer

Today your journey will continue through the lush vineyards all around you. Here the award-winning Touriga grapes are cultivated and the famous port wine is made. Now it's time to relax a bit, as you will be travelling down the river on a rabelo boat. These boats were used to transport barrels of wine down stream. Today you can enjoy the view of the vine yards from a slightly different perspective. Your boat ride will end in Pinhão, a small village with around 700 inhabitants. The towns train station is decorated with 24 large tiles called Azulejos, on the tiles you will find illustrations from the bible, agriculture, and winery. From here you will be transferred to Sabrosa.

Day 6: Sabrosa – Peso de Régua, approx. 45 km

Your last day at the Douro has come. At first you will be cycling through the area surrounding the river and later on your path will lead you along the river towards Peso de Régua, the most important city of the port wine-growing district. Embedded between hills covered in soft green vineyards it is safe to say, that the city is absolutely beautiful, and the perfect place to end your cycling tour. Visit the Museo de Douro, where you can find all sorts of information regarding the region and its history. As this is the last day of your tour you still have the chance to try some more local specialties and drink a glass of port wine with them.

Day 7: Transfer from Peso de Régua to Porto and individual departure

After breakfast your bicycle tour along the Douro comes to an end. From here you will be brought to the airport in Porto and you can start your individual journey back home.

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

Types of rental bikes

• 27-gear bike
• Electric bike
• E-mountain bike

Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag (per double room),GPS device (per booking), bike lock (per double room), pump (per booking), repair kit (per booking), first aid kit (per booking)