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.
Itinerary
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!
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
Tour program
Miranda do Douro | A tapestry of heritage, traditions, and folklore
Start point
Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), Pedras Rubras, Vila Nova da Telha, Porto 4470-750, Portugal
Miranda do Douro to Sendim | Ride through the Douro International Natural Park
Stage 1 - 42 km/26 mi
Your cycling experience through the Douro region begins in the direction of the Douro International Nature Reserve, where wildlife combined with exhilarating landscapes will guarantee you a memorable start to your tour.
There are many animals that populate this plateau: wild boar, goats and cattle, and even the occasional Iberian wolf that wanders through the tranquillity of this reserve. Let yourself be accompanied by the flight of more than 170 species of birds, among the most striking being the golden eagle or the Egyptian vulture.
Sendim to Torre de Moncorvo | Gateway to the Douro wine region and heart of almond blossom
Stage 2 - 38 km/24 mi
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.
Torre de Moncorvo to Vila Flor | A ride through cherry orchards and age-old customs
Stage 3 - 38 km/24 mi
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.
Vila Flôr to Sabrosa | Journey through olive groves and views of the Douro Valley
Stage 4 - 29 km/18 mi or 32 km/20 mi
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.
Sabrosa to Peso da Régua | Through socalcos and vineyards in the heart of the Port Wine region
Stage 5 - 44 km/27 mi
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.
Porto | A UNESCO World Heritage City of wine, culture and cuisine
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.
End of the Douro Valley self-guided bike tour
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End point
Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), Pedras Rubras, Vila Nova da Telha, Porto 4470-750, Portugal
Tour Details
accommodation
- Small traditional accommodation with a local atmosphere - A blend of history and personal charm for a cosy, authentic stay with a rich local atmosphere.
meals
- All hotels with breakfast included.
optional
- Wine experiences package:
Three exclusive visits to renowned wineries, each offering a guided tasting of their finest selections.
- Special Wine & Dine package:
A three-course dinner at a local restaurant and another at a prestigious wine estate, both perfectly paired with carefully selected wines from the region.
- E-Bike supplement:
5 stages (subject to availability due to the limited number of E-Bikes).
others
- 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
- 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
Good to know
Currency
Euro
Portugal