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$ 2956 £ 1561 $ 2,673 € 1778 kr 272772 ₪ 7287 ¥ 304528 Mex$ 32802 NZ$ 3247 NOK 21195 zł 7810 S$ 2648 kr 21237 $ 1,955 $ 3838 £ 2027 $ 3,472 € 2309 kr 354235 ₪ 9463 ¥ 395475 Mex$ 42599 NZ$ 4217 NOK 27526 zł 10143 S$ 3439 kr 27579 $ 2,539 $ 5752 £ 3037 $ 5,203 € 3460 kr 530816 ₪ 14180 ¥ 592613 Mex$ 63833 NZ$ 6320 NOK 41247 zł 15199 S$ 5154 kr 41327 $ 3,804 $ 648 £ 342 $ 586 € 390 kr 59832 ₪ 1598 ¥ 66797 Mex$ 7195 NZ$ 712 NOK 4649 zł 1713 S$ 581 kr 4658 $ 429 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 & September 26 to October 31$ 3122 £ 1648 $ 2,824 € 1878 kr 288113 ₪ 7697 ¥ 321655 Mex$ 34647 NZ$ 3430 NOK 22388 zł 8249 S$ 2797 kr 22431 $ 2,065 $ 4004 £ 2114 $ 3,622 € 2409 kr 369577 ₪ 9873 ¥ 412602 Mex$ 44444 NZ$ 4400 NOK 28718 zł 10582 S$ 3588 kr 28773 $ 2,649 $ 5918 £ 3125 $ 5,353 € 3560 kr 546158 ₪ 14590 ¥ 609740 Mex$ 65678 NZ$ 6502 NOK 42439 zł 15638 S$ 5303 kr 42521 $ 3,914 $ 698 £ 369 $ 632 € 420 kr 64434 ₪ 1721 ¥ 71936 Mex$ 7749 NZ$ 767 NOK 5007 zł 1845 S$ 626 kr 5017 $ 462 High season
September 1 to September 25$ 3288 £ 1736 $ 2,974 € 1978 kr 303455 ₪ 8107 ¥ 338783 Mex$ 36492 NZ$ 3613 NOK 23580 zł 8689 S$ 2946 kr 23625 $ 2,175 $ 4171 £ 2202 $ 3,773 € 2509 kr 384918 ₪ 10283 ¥ 429730 Mex$ 46288 NZ$ 4583 NOK 29910 zł 11021 S$ 3737 kr 29968 $ 2,758 $ 6084 £ 3212 $ 5,503 € 3660 kr 561499 ₪ 15000 ¥ 626868 Mex$ 67523 NZ$ 6685 NOK 43631 zł 16077 S$ 5452 kr 43715 $ 4,024 $ 748 £ 395 $ 677 € 450 kr 69037 ₪ 1844 ¥ 77074 Mex$ 8302 NZ$ 822 NOK 5364 zł 1977 S$ 670 kr 5375 $ 495 Summer season
June 26 to August 31$ 3371 £ 1780 $ 3,049 € 2028 kr 311126 ₪ 8311 ¥ 347346 Mex$ 37414 NZ$ 3704 NOK 24176 zł 8908 S$ 3021 kr 24223 $ 2,230 $ 4255 £ 2247 $ 3,849 € 2560 kr 392742 ₪ 10492 ¥ 438465 Mex$ 47229 NZ$ 4676 NOK 30518 zł 11245 S$ 3813 kr 30577 $ 2,815 $ 6167 £ 3256 $ 5,579 € 3710 kr 569170 ₪ 15205 ¥ 635432 Mex$ 68446 NZ$ 6776 NOK 44227 zł 16297 S$ 5526 kr 44313 $ 4,079 $ 798 £ 421 $ 722 € 480 kr 73639 ₪ 1967 ¥ 82212 Mex$ 8855 NZ$ 877 NOK 5722 zł 2108 S$ 715 kr 5733 $ 528 Solo traveler supplement (in addition to single supplement) $ 465 £ 246 $ 421 € 280 kr 42956 ₪ 1148 ¥ 47957 Mex$ 5166 NZ$ 511 NOK 3338 zł 1230 S$ 417 kr 3344 $ 308 *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 $ 1247 £ 658 $ 1,128 € 750 kr 115061 ₪ 3074 ¥ 128457 Mex$ 13837 NZ$ 1370 NOK 8941 zł 3295 S$ 1117 kr 8958 $ 825 $ 1247 £ 658 $ 1,128 € 750 kr 115061 ₪ 3074 ¥ 128457 Mex$ 13837 NZ$ 1370 NOK 8941 zł 3295 S$ 1117 kr 8958 $ 825 Included Meal Packages
Self-guided Guided Premium guided Dinner package (6 dinners) $ 499 £ 263 $ 451 € 300 kr 46025 ₪ 1230 ¥ 51383 Mex$ 5535 NZ$ 548 NOK 3576 zł 1318 S$ 447 kr 3583 $ 330 $ 499 £ 263 $ 451 € 300 kr 46025 ₪ 1230 ¥ 51383 Mex$ 5535 NZ$ 548 NOK 3576 zł 1318 S$ 447 kr 3583 $ 330 $ 914 £ 483 $ 827 € 550 kr 84378 ₪ 2254 ¥ 94201 Mex$ 10147 NZ$ 1005 NOK 6557 zł 2416 S$ 819 kr 6569 $ 605 Lunch & dinner package (6 lunches & 6 dinners) Not available $ 914 £ 483 $ 827 € 550 kr 84378 ₪ 2254 ¥ 94201 Mex$ 10147 NZ$ 1005 NOK 6557 zł 2416 S$ 819 kr 6569 $ 605 $ 1413 £ 746 $ 1,278 € 850 kr 130403 ₪ 3484 ¥ 145584 Mex$ 15682 NZ$ 1552 NOK 10133 zł 3734 S$ 1266 kr 10153 $ 935 Bike options & discounts
Standard touring bike, discount $ 399 £ 211 $ 361 € 240 kr 36820 ₪ 984 ¥ 41106 Mex$ 4428 NZ$ 438 NOK 2861 zł 1054 S$ 357 kr 2867 $ 264 Carbon road bike, supplement $ 374 £ 197 $ 338 € 225 kr 34518 ₪ 922 ¥ 38537 Mex$ 4151 NZ$ 411 NOK 2682 zł 988 S$ 335 kr 2687 $ 247 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 4602 ₪ 123 ¥ 5138 Mex$ 553 NZ$ 55 NOK 358 zł 132 S$ 45 kr 358 $ 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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