Douro Valley Wine & E-Bike Tour
Portugal Bike Tours
A breathtaking bike tour through Portugal wine country
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1778 Rates
Overview
We know that you will fall in love with biking in Portugal as we already have. What an amazing country, and what an amazing region! On this electric bike tour in the Douro Valley, you do not have to worry about the hilly terrain. Just enjoy the unfolding vistas. You will combine visits to the traditional wineries with fulfilling bike rides through the vineyards and olive groves.
The Douro Valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region with its endless olive groves and orange fields, vineyards, river beaches, and abundance of wildlife. The Portuguese people and others claim it is the most beautiful wine region in the world.
Walls of schist support the climbing, gravity-defying vineyards, constructed over the centuries, each stone laid by hand creating an astonishing and unique landscape. It is common to find local estates where grapes are still harvested by hand and crushed with bare feet.
The beauty of this tour should not be avoided because of the hills! However, if you are up for the challenge and hills are your thing, you can opt for a standard bike or road bike.
Highlights
- Porto
- Côa Valley Rock Art and Museum in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
- Rustic crafts
- Cistercian monasteries and Romanesque churches
- Wine culture
- Warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people
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Itinerary
Day 1: Porto and transfer to Pinhão
Day 2: Pinhão – Vila Nova de Foz Côa, 46 mi. (74 km)
Day 3: Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 4: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo – Marialva, 38 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Marialva – Penedono, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 6: Penedono loop, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Penedono – Régua, 32 mi (52 km)
Day 8: Transfer by train to PortoAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, route disturbances due to repairs, detours, etc.
Day 1: Arrival to Porto and transfer to Pinhão
Porto is an ancient and strikingly beautiful city, already a metropolis in Roman times. The favorable location at the mouth of the Douro in the Atlantic made it an ideal and important trading port and today, the city offers a picturesque view of the colorful, stacked houses on the steep banks of the river. This first day entails a 110 km transfer, so we advise you to book an extra night before your tour in beautiful Porto to check in and recover from your long flight. You can participate in a guided walking tour of Porto. Just ask.Sample accommodations
- Standard: 4* Quinta de la Rosa
- Premium: Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta
Day 2: Pinhão – Vila Nova de Foz Côa, 46 mi. (74 km) | Elevation: 1266 m
This is the land where the cave paintings are classified as World Heritage and the region producing the famous Douro wine. The route begins towards Ervedosa do Douro and continues to São João da Pesqueira so you can truly enjoy the river. Once at your final destination, you can visit its Northern plateau, a preserved village with a medieval castle that overlooks the highest point of Portugal. Between February and March, in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, this natural landscape provides beautiful scenery and the scent of almond blossoms. Today you will travel on shared roads. You may encounter moderate traffic during busy hours, exiting or entering towns.Sample accommodation
- Standard: 4* Longroiva Hotel
- Premium: 4* Longroiva Hotel (superior room)
Day 3: Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, 26 mi. (42 km) | Elevation 919 m
Pedaling towards Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you will visit the Northern plateau of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a preserved village with its medieval castle, overlooking the highest point of Portugal. You will pass through Castelo Melhor, Algodres, and Vilar de Amargo. Between February and March, this natural landscape is scented and colored by almond blossoms. Today you will cycle on secondary roads only used by locals to access their homes or farms.Sample accommodation
- Standard: Casa da Amendoeira - Turismo Rural
- Premium: 4* Colmeia Countryside
Day 4: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo – Marialva, 38 mi. (60 km) | Elevation 1289 m
Today you follow the course of the Côa River, which leads to Pinhel. Slowly, the route ascends to Marialva. You can visit the castle of four towers and the incredible church of Santiago. Marialva once was a border settlement and is now one of Portugal’s Aldeias Historicas (Historical Villages).Sample accommodation
- Standard: Casas do Coro
- Premium: You will spend two nights in Casas do Coro
Day 5: Marialva – Penedono or Marialva (premium guided), 17 or 45 mi. (27 or 72 km) | 913 m
Expect some challenges as you will pass by Mêda and Ranhados, the highest points of this route. On your electric bike, you will breeze through any challenges! From this stage on, you will enjoy the unique mountain landscapes. Ancient vineyards, still in use, climb the hills. Premium guided cyclists make a loop ride to return to Casas do Coro for another overnight or opt for a rest day and enjoy the spa at your luxury accommodation.Sample accommodations
- Standard: 4* Penedono Hotel
- Premium: Casas do Coro
Day 6: Penedono loop, 25 mi. (40 km) | 759 m
Enjoy a rest day or, if you prefer to be on the bike, you can cycle a loop, through neighboring villages. It will not be an easy ride but you can adjust the assistance on your electric bike accordingly. Leaving Penedono, you will find yourself in the middle of traditional farmlands, dominated by vineyards and chestnuts. The Sernacelhe area is known as Chestnut Country. Cycling alongside the Távora River, you can enjoy the wonderful geography with the mountains and valleys so typical of this part of the country. If you have the time, be sure to visit the 12th-century church.Premium guided cyclists will leave Casas do Coro in Marialva to cycle to Penedono.
Sample accommodation
- Standard: 4* Penedono Hotel
- Premium: 4* Penedono Hotel (superior room)
Day 7: Penedono - Régua, 32 mi (52 km) | 1437 m
From here, you will ride along the Douro River. Régua is the last frontier to overcome on your way to Porto. You will be glad you had an electric bike so that you could truly relax and enjoy the incredible scenery on this tour.Sample accommodations
- Standard: Delfim Douro Hotel
- Premium: Quinta da Pacheca
Day 8: Train transfer from Régua to Porto
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations for this tour offer two levels of comfort: standard accommodations in 4-star hotels, and premium accommodations in upscale boutique hotels or premium rooms within the 4-star hotels. To illustrate, on the first night, standard lodging is provided at Quinta de la Rosa, a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. For those opting for premium accommodations, the evening will be spent at Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta, a meticulously restored former working farm with the enduring charm of a Duriense house.
On the second night, both standard and premium levels share accommodations at the Longroiva Hotel and Thermal Spa. Premium accommodations include an upgrade to a superior room. The restoration project, overseen by architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade, revitalized the old neoclassical thermal building, blending historical charm with contemporary elegance.
The name of the hotel(s) is provided in each day’s details. If a specified hotel is fully booked and unavailable, an equivalent establishment of similar standards will be offered. It’s essential to highlight, particularly for self-guided cyclists, that accommodations are situated outside of towns. Consequently, dinners often need to be arranged at the lodgings out of necessity.
Bicycles
Electric Bike
KTM Macina
- Bosch motor
- 500 Wh battery (frame design)
- Aluminum Frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Deore gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Energizer tires
- Shimano Piston brakes
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
Cube Acid
- Bosch Motor
- 500 Wh battery (frame design)
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Tough Tom tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Platform pedals
- Weight: 21.8 kg
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Rear rack and pannier
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin (for self-guided tours only)
Touring Bike
Kross Trans 5.0
- Aluminum touring frame (available in men's and women's frame)
- Upright riding position
- Front suspension
- Shimano Tourney and Deore gearing
- 24 speeds
- Schwalbe Silento tires
- Shimano disc brakes
- Selle Royal saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 17. 5 kg
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Rear rack and pannier
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin (for self-guided tours only)
Mountain Bike
Trek X- Caliber 7 Trail Bike
- Aluminum frame
- Sportier riding position
- Front suspension
- Shimano Acera and Shimano Alivio gearing
- 18 speeds
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager Arvada saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 13.97 kg
Specialized Women's Pitch Comp 27.5
- Aluminum frame
- Sportier riding position
- Front suspension
- Shimano TX800 gearing
- 24 speeds
- Ground Control sport tire (27.5)
- Radius mechanical disc brakes
- Myth sport saddle
- Specialized dirt pedals
- Rear rack
Accessories
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
- Accommodation for 7 nights in 4* establishments. Upgrade to premium rooms/accommodations available with supplement.
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- Walking tour of Porto
- Departure transfer to Porto (included only on official tour end day. Other transfers on request. Supplement applies.)
- Electric bike rental with accessories (including panniers)
- Basic tool kit for quick repairs
- GPS
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 4* establishments. Upgrade to premium rooms/accommodations available with supplement.
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- Walking tour of Porto
- Departure transfer to Porto (included only on official tour end day. Other transfers on request. Supplement applies.
- Electric bike rental with accessories
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Cycling guide
- Van support with a minimum of 8 people
- Complimentary cycling jersey
- Accommodations for 7 nights in premium level accommodations
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- Walking tour of Porto
- Departure transfer to Porto (included only on official tour end day. Other transfers on request. Supplement applies.
- Electric bike rental with accessories
- Cycling guide
- Route descriptions & maps
- Drinks & snacks post-ride
- Luggage transfer
- Support vehicle
- Complimentary cycling jersey
Guided
Premium Guided
What’s Not Included
Self-guided
- Meals & beverages, other than breakfast. (Dinner package may be added with supplement. See pricing.
- Guide & support
- Cycling jersey (available for €45)
- Support vehicle (will be added free of charge with minimum of 8 people)
- Meals & beverages other than breakfast. Dinner or lunch/dinner package may be added with supplement. See pricing.
- Tips for your guide
- Meals & beverages other than breakfast. Dinner or lunch/dinner package may be added with supplement. See pricing.
- Tips for your guide
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Guided
Premium Guided
All versions
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Self-guided departures
Daily
Guided departures
Group bookings are confirmed with a minimum of 4 people on any day. If your group has fewer than 4 members, you can join a pre-confirmed group. Please feel free to inquire about available dates.
Premium guided departures
Guided groups can request upgrade.
Self-Guided
Min. 1 participantGuided*
Min. 4 participantsPremium Guided**
Min. 4 participantsSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 2969 £ 1554 $ 2,654 € 1778 kr 272669 ₪ 7421 ¥ 306685 Mex$ 33288 NZ$ 3266 NOK 21414 zł 7824 S$ 2643 kr 21124 $ 1,940 $ 3856 £ 2018 $ 3,447 € 2309 kr 354101 ₪ 9637 ¥ 398276 Mex$ 43230 NZ$ 4242 NOK 27809 zł 10161 S$ 3433 kr 27432 $ 2,519 $ 5777 £ 3024 $ 5,165 € 3460 kr 530615 ₪ 14441 ¥ 596810 Mex$ 64780 NZ$ 6356 NOK 41672 zł 15226 S$ 5144 kr 41107 $ 3,775 $ 651 £ 341 $ 582 € 390 kr 59809 ₪ 1628 ¥ 67271 Mex$ 7302 NZ$ 716 NOK 4697 zł 1716 S$ 580 kr 4633 $ 426 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 & September 26 to October 31$ 3136 £ 1641 $ 2,803 € 1878 kr 288005 ₪ 7838 ¥ 323933 Mex$ 35161 NZ$ 3450 NOK 22618 zł 8265 S$ 2792 kr 22312 $ 2,049 $ 4023 £ 2105 $ 3,596 € 2409 kr 369437 ₪ 10054 ¥ 415525 Mex$ 45102 NZ$ 4426 NOK 29014 zł 10601 S$ 3581 kr 28621 $ 2,628 $ 5944 £ 3111 $ 5,314 € 3560 kr 545951 ₪ 14858 ¥ 614059 Mex$ 66652 NZ$ 6540 NOK 42876 zł 15666 S$ 5292 kr 42295 $ 3,884 $ 701 £ 367 $ 627 € 420 kr 64410 ₪ 1753 ¥ 72445 Mex$ 7863 NZ$ 772 NOK 5058 zł 1848 S$ 624 kr 4990 $ 458 High season
September 1 to September 25$ 3303 £ 1729 $ 2,953 € 1978 kr 303340 ₪ 8255 ¥ 341182 Mex$ 37033 NZ$ 3634 NOK 23823 zł 8705 S$ 2941 kr 23500 $ 2,158 $ 4190 £ 2193 $ 3,745 € 2509 kr 384773 ₪ 10472 ¥ 432774 Mex$ 46975 NZ$ 4609 NOK 30218 zł 11041 S$ 3730 kr 29809 $ 2,737 $ 6111 £ 3198 $ 5,463 € 3660 kr 561287 ₪ 15275 ¥ 631308 Mex$ 68524 NZ$ 6724 NOK 44080 zł 16107 S$ 5441 kr 43483 $ 3,993 $ 751 £ 393 $ 672 € 450 kr 69011 ₪ 1878 ¥ 77620 Mex$ 8425 NZ$ 827 NOK 5420 zł 1980 S$ 669 kr 5346 $ 491 Summer season
June 26 to August 31$ 3386 £ 1772 $ 3,027 € 2028 kr 311008 ₪ 8464 ¥ 349807 Mex$ 37969 NZ$ 3726 NOK 24425 zł 8925 S$ 3015 kr 24094 $ 2,213 $ 4275 £ 2237 $ 3,821 € 2560 kr 392594 ₪ 10684 ¥ 441571 Mex$ 47929 NZ$ 4703 NOK 30832 zł 11266 S$ 3806 kr 30415 $ 2,793 $ 6195 £ 3242 $ 5,538 € 3710 kr 568955 ₪ 15484 ¥ 639932 Mex$ 69460 NZ$ 6816 NOK 44683 zł 16327 S$ 5515 kr 44077 $ 4,048 $ 802 £ 419 $ 717 € 480 kr 73611 ₪ 2003 ¥ 82794 Mex$ 8987 NZ$ 882 NOK 5781 zł 2112 S$ 714 kr 5703 $ 524 Solo traveler supplement (in addition to single supplement) $ 468 £ 245 $ 418 € 280 kr 42940 ₪ 1169 ¥ 48297 Mex$ 5242 NZ$ 514 NOK 3372 zł 1232 S$ 416 kr 3327 $ 305 *Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
**Please note that the Premium Guided is on request only, even with a minimum of 4 participants, as the availability of a driver and guide must be confirmed.Extra Options
Hotel Upgrade
Self-guided Guided Premium guided Premium hotel upgrade $ 1252 £ 655 $ 1,120 € 750 kr 115018 ₪ 3130 ¥ 129366 Mex$ 14042 NZ$ 1378 NOK 9033 zł 3301 S$ 1115 kr 8911 $ 818 $ 1252 £ 655 $ 1,120 € 750 kr 115018 ₪ 3130 ¥ 129366 Mex$ 14042 NZ$ 1378 NOK 9033 zł 3301 S$ 1115 kr 8911 $ 818 Included Meal Packages
Self-guided Guided Premium guided Dinner package (6 dinners) $ 501 £ 262 $ 448 € 300 kr 46007 ₪ 1252 ¥ 51747 Mex$ 5617 NZ$ 551 NOK 3613 zł 1320 S$ 446 kr 3564 $ 327 $ 501 £ 262 $ 448 € 300 kr 46007 ₪ 1252 ¥ 51747 Mex$ 5617 NZ$ 551 NOK 3613 zł 1320 S$ 446 kr 3564 $ 327 $ 918 £ 481 $ 821 € 550 kr 84346 ₪ 2295 ¥ 94869 Mex$ 10297 NZ$ 1010 NOK 6624 zł 2420 S$ 818 kr 6534 $ 600 Lunch & dinner package (6 lunches & 6 dinners) Not available $ 918 £ 481 $ 821 € 550 kr 84346 ₪ 2295 ¥ 94869 Mex$ 10297 NZ$ 1010 NOK 6624 zł 2420 S$ 818 kr 6534 $ 600 $ 1419 £ 743 $ 1,269 € 850 kr 130353 ₪ 3548 ¥ 146615 Mex$ 15914 NZ$ 1562 NOK 10237 zł 3741 S$ 1264 kr 10099 $ 927 Bike options & discounts
Standard touring bike, discount $ 401 £ 210 $ 358 € 240 kr 36806 ₪ 1002 ¥ 41397 Mex$ 4493 NZ$ 441 NOK 2891 zł 1056 S$ 357 kr 2851 $ 262 Carbon road bike, supplement $ 376 £ 197 $ 336 € 225 kr 34505 ₪ 939 ¥ 38810 Mex$ 4213 NZ$ 413 NOK 2710 zł 990 S$ 334 kr 2673 $ 245 Extra nights
On request
Departure transfer*
*Departure transfer on the official tour end day is included. The following is for prices for transfers requested on any other day.
2 people More than 2 people Porto city center to Porto airport, per group $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 kr 4601 ₪ 125 ¥ 5175 Mex$ 562 NZ$ 55 NOK 361 zł 132 S$ 45 kr 356 $ 33 Please ask. Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Though the terrain is difficult on a regular touring bike, we are giving this e-bike tour an easy rating. On your pedal-assist electric bike, you can make the hills as easy as you would like or adjust your support for a little challenge. High-quality touring or road bikes (non-electric) are also available if you prefer. This will raise the difficulty level to moderate or perhaps difficult depending on your prior training. Regardless of the type of bike, this is not a tour for inexperienced cyclists as the terrain is varied and at times steep. It is important to have good balance and good command of your bike. You will be 100% on paved roads with low traffic. This tour is offered as self-guided, guided, or guided plus with a support vehicle. Total cycling distance is 270 km and 4435 m (1.89%) of cumulative ascents.
Airport Info
Fly to Porto International Airport (OPO) or if you are planning some time in Lisbon before your tour, you can fly into Lisbon International Airport (LIS)
Local Travel
Airport transfers from and to Porto airport are included in your tour price. If you fly to Lisbon, the airport is located quite close to Lisbon center. You can take a taxi or train into the city. The airport is connected directly to Lisbon center (Saldahna) by underground metro. If you are continuing onward from the Lisbon airport to Porto, you can take the Airport metro to Orient station and from there, train to Porto with zero transfers.
Climate
The Douro Valley has its own micro-climate and is much warmer than coastal Porto. Geographically and climatically, it is well suited for wine growing. The region has deep, dramatic valleys with a continental climate. Summer months can be hot and dry. Do check local conditions before your arrival.
Remarks
If prefer, you can opt for a standard touring bike (non-electric) or a road bike. See bike descriptions!
Important to know
Airport transfers
Once your tour is confirmed, please send us your air travel details so that we can arrange your transfer.
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
For US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visaTour types
Self-guided: You cycle on your own without a guide or van support and are provided maps, route descriptions, and pre-loaded GPS device or GPS tracks to upload to your own personal device. Assistance is a phone call away.
Guided: You cycle in a group with a guide. If you have 8 or more in your group, a support vehicle is provided with no extra charge that will also serve as luggage transfer vehicle.
Premium guided: You cycle in a group with a guide and support vehicle. Premium level accommodations included in the tour price.Extra Stay
We highly recommend booking extra time in Porto. You will love its charms and you can enjoy a free guided tour of Porto (3 hours) including a visit to a local wine cellar.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Sergio Marques.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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