Douro Valley By Bike In Comfort
- Cycle through rolling vineyards, olive groves and hillside villages
- Stay in award-winning wine estates and boutique hotels
- Indulge in traditional farm-to-table cuisine from the region
- Enjoy wine-tastings at renowned local wineries
- A scenic Douro River boat cruise to the UNESCO city of Porto
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Porto; transfer to PinhãoOn arrival in Porto, you’ll be met and transferred into the heart of the Douro Valley to Pinhão. Settle into your hotel before meeting our local representative for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. The rest of the day is yours to explore this riverside village, perhaps visiting Pinhão’s famous tiled railway station or enjoying a glass of Port overlooking the surrounding vineyards.
An elegant 19th-century wine estate with a beautiful riverside setting at Pinhão. Each room has its own balcony or terrace with views of the Douro River or surrounding vineyards. The outdoor swimming pool is right on the river and there are plenty of terraces where you can soak up the panoramic views. Its restaurant serves up regional dishes with Douro wines, and the bar oozes an old-world feel, perfect for curling up with a glass of port. With its graceful yellow façade, the Vintage House Hotel is in a prime location for exploring the Douro Valley.
Leave Pinhão and climb through the terraced vineyards of the Pinhão Valley towards the higher ground of the Alto Douro. Quiet roads lead through an impressive landscape of vineyards, schist walls and traditional wine estates before descending towards Covas do Douro. Your return ride follows the Douro River back to Pinhão, passing several historic quintas along the way.
An elegant 19th-century wine estate with a beautiful riverside setting at Pinhão. Each room has its own balcony or terrace with views of the Douro River or surrounding vineyards. The outdoor swimming pool is right on the river and there are plenty of terraces where you can soak up the panoramic views. Its restaurant serves up regional dishes with Douro wines, and the bar oozes an old-world feel, perfect for curling up with a glass of port. With its graceful yellow façade, the Vintage House Hotel is in a prime location for exploring the Douro Valley.
Leaving the Douro behind, climb gradually from Pinhão through the peaceful Vale de Mendiz towards the plateau around Favaios, a village famous for its Moscatel wine and traditional four-cornered bread. Continue through vineyards, olive groves and rural villages before reaching the São Domingos viewpoint, with far-reaching views across the surrounding mountains. Finish the day in the small town of Alijó.
Located in the charming village of Alijó, in the heart of the Douro Wine Region, Forrester Essence Douro Hotel is a welcoming 4-star hotel offering a relaxing stay. The comfortable, air-conditioned rooms provide a lovely place to unwind after a day of cycling. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar, making it an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region.
Ride across the high Douro plateau, passing through Favaios and the quiet countryside around Sanfins do Douro. The route takes you through vineyards, chestnut woods and traditional farming villages, with wide views across the Trás-os-Montes region. Continue via São Martinho de Anta and Sabrosa before descending through the vineyards to Vilarinho de São Romão.
The Manor House Celeirós is a charming boutique rural accommodation located on the Quinta do Portal vineyard in the beautiful Douro Valley. Originally an olive press house, this family-run property is surrounded by vineyards producing some of the finest Douro wines, Port wines, fortified Moscatel wines and olive oil. Enjoying the food and wine at this award-winning quinta is an experience in itself.
Start the day by riding through the historic wine village of Provesende before continuing across quiet upland roads and through the vineyards of the Douro. From the higher ground, enjoy a long descent towards the Corgo Valley and the river below. Pass the historic Quinta do Vallado before arriving in Peso da Régua, one of the main centres of the Douro wine region.
Nestled in the centre of the Douro Valley, across the river from the town of Peso da Régua, the Vila Galé Douro features a large indoor swimming pool and spa area. The hotel is carved into the hillside, offering a unique view over the Douro Valley vineyards and the river, which can be enjoyed from the terrace.
Follow the south bank of the Douro before turning inland and beginning the climb through the vineyards towards Lamego. Along the way, pass the village of Barrô and enjoy expansive views across the valley. In Lamego, there is time to explore the historic centre and the impressive Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios before a flowing descent brings you back to Peso da Régua.
Nestled in the centre of the Douro Valley, across the river from the town of Peso da Régua, the Vila Galé Douro features a large indoor swimming pool and spa area. The hotel is carved into the hillside, offering a unique view over the Douro Valley vineyards and the river, which can be enjoyed from the terrace.
This morning, make your way to the pier in Peso da Régua and board your cruise along the Douro River to Porto. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you pass terraced vineyards and travel through the river’s impressive locks. Lunch is served on board before arriving in Porto later in the afternoon, where you’ll transfer to your hotel for your final night.
Located in a newly renovated 18th-century palace, the hotel is in the heart of Porto. Once the home of a prominent wine-producing family, and most recently the city's main Post Office, the hotel has the feel of old Porto, from its historic façade to the elegant décor. It is also within easy reach of everything that makes this city a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a fully-equipped gym that’s open 24/7, unwind in the spa or relax in the indoor swimming pool.
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Spend some final time exploring Porto or continue with your onward travel arrangements.
This trip has a carbon score of 20kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 20kg is equivalent to 182 bananas. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you, like the Portuguese, have a passion for farm-to-table cuisine paired with some of the world's finest wines, then this is the trip for you. On this bike tour you'll discover the heartland of the world's oldest wine-producing region from the saddle, riding along quiet country roads through terraced vineyards, olive groves and traditional villages. Stay in a selection of characterful hotels and vineyard properties, and enjoy a boat cruise down the Douro River with lunch included along the way.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years
The route is currently graded Moderate overall, with five days of cycling through the beautiful Douro Valley. It should be manageable for semi-regular cyclists, as well as those relatively new to cycling who have a good base level of fitness.
You'll cycle along a mix of quiet country roads and car-free nature trails, enjoying the region's rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Some sections involve climbs, so we recommend getting comfortable with hill riding before your trip.
E-bike hire is also available for those who would prefer some extra assistance on the hillier sections.
On this self-guided cycling tour in Portugal, you will stay in a mixture of charming 4-star hotels and vineyard properties. In the Douro Valley, your accommodation is well located for exploring the surrounding vineyards and enjoying views across the region. In Porto, you stay in the centre of the city, close to the historic Ribeira district.
Alternate Accommodation
During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodation that is not listed in the main daily description. If those listed are unavailable, the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.
Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists
If you require single rooms within your party, we would be happy to accommodate you, although there is a single room supplement payable. It is also possible to travel as a solo cyclist for a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, with lunch also included on the Douro River cruise on Day 7 when operating. For lunches and dinners that aren't included, you are free to choose from local options nearby. For lunch, you will pass through towns and villages en route where you can purchase provisions for a picnic lunch, or your accommodation may prepare a picnic the night before if this service is available. World-class wines, and of course Port, are what the region is renowned for, alongside its excellent cuisine.
Navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure App which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone.
The majority of the time you will be cycling on small roads, so it will be relatively easy to find your way.
- 7 nights in award-winning wine estates and boutique hotels
- All breakfasts
- Luggage transfers on cycling days
- Douro River cruise on Day 7 (lunch included). Unavailable Nov–Mar and usually Saturdays; replaced with a Casa de Mateus Museum visit and transfer to Porto.
- A welcome briefing upon arrival
- Transfers on Day 7 between hotels and piers (pre and post cruise)
- Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
- 24/7 telephone support, we're here for you, give us a call!
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- Travel insurance
- Dinners & lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Bike hire
- City taxes (approx. 3 EUR per person night)
- Additional nights before or after the trip
- Bike hire
You can begin your trip Monday to Saturday. Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding times to visit the Douro Valley, with almond blossom appearing from early March and the grape harvest bringing the region to life from mid to late September.
Please note: September and October are extremely busy for this tour, so we recommend booking as early as possible if you wish to travel during these months.
A private transfer from Porto Airport to your first accommodation in the Douro Valley is included in the price of the trip. The drive to Pinhão is approximately 2 hours. Your specialist will request your flight arrival details nearer the travel date to arrange your transfer.
Porto Airport is approximately 11km from the city centre. From Porto, you can use the metro, bus, shuttle or taxi to reach Porto Airport terminal.
If you're flying home from Lisbon Airport, take a train from Porto (approx. 2.5 hours) to Santa Apolonia Train Station in Lisbon, then an airport shuttle bus, metro or taxi from there.
Macs Adventure can also arrange private transfers to Porto or Lisbon Airport. Please contact your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.
Luggage transfers between overnight locations are included in the tour. We request that one bag should not weigh more than 20 kg/44lbs. An extra bag per person can be added free of charge.
The following bikes are available for hire:
Hybrid Bike: Ghost Trekking Bike, suitable for comfortable cycling on roads and mixed terrain.
E-Bike: Velo de Ville AEB Classic, offering electric assistance for a more relaxed cycling experience.
Gravel Bike: 3T Exploro, a lightweight gravel bike designed for experienced cyclists.
E-Gravel Bike: 3T Ultra Boost, offering electric assistance and a sportier riding position.
Brand and model may vary depending on availability. We do not offer tandem bikes on this tour.
Please provide the following information when booking:
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Your height to ensure the correct bike size
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Your head circumference if you wish to hire a helmet
Bike Hire Inclusions:
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Helmet (we recommend bringing your own)
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Handlebar bag
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Rear rack and bag (hybrid and standard e-bikes only)
Additional equipment and accessories may be available depending on the bike type and will be confirmed before travel.
Many people choose to hire an e-bike, as the battery-powered assistance can be helpful on the hillier sections. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. For more information on how e-bikes work, click here.
Gravel and road bikes are recommended for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with the riding position and fitness requirements of these bikes.
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
The route is currently graded Moderate and is suitable for semi-regular cyclists or those relatively new to cycling with a good level of fitness. We recommend getting out on your bike for a few consecutive days before travelling to become comfortable with cycling on back-to-back days. Some hill training is also recommended to help you prepare for the rolling terrain.
There are plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way, explore historic sights and enjoy the local food and wine.
Bike hire is available at an additional cost, with a range of hybrid, electric and gravel bikes to choose from. Helmets and handlebar bags are included, with additional equipment varying depending on the bike type.
Luggage transfers between overnight locations are included in your holiday. Each bag should weigh no more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
Navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure App which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone.
The majority of the time you will be cycling on small roads, so it will be relatively easy to find your way.-
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