Embark on a captivating 3-day Douro Cycling Retreat based in Pinhão, the jewel of Portugal’s wine country. Pedal along the Douro River, framed by UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards known as ‘socalcos,’ capturing breathtaking views of this historic wine region.
Discover the rich history rooted in Porto, a city settled in the 4th century, and witness the centuries-old winemaking traditions that have shaped the landscape. Immerse yourself in the world of Douro wines, from the acclaimed Port wines to exquisite red and white varieties. Experience the wine production process firsthand, from stomping grapes in traditional fashion to visiting farms and wineries.
In this bike tour, you’ll explore authentic villages like Peso da Régua and Pinhão, once vital ports for trading grapes and wine via the traditional ‘Rabelo’ boats. Immerse yourself in the world of Douro wines, from the acclaimed Port wines to exquisite red and white varieties. Experience the wine production process firsthand, from stomping grapes in traditional fashion to visiting farms and wineries.
Indulge in the diverse and delectable local gastronomy, whether dining in Michelin-starred restaurants or charming ‘tascas.’ From the famed ‘Posta Mirandesa’ to oven-baked and smoked meats, savor the flavors of the Douro Valley.
Retreat to your charm hotel, once wineries or medieval castles, now offering modern amenities and spas. Glide along the Douro on a boat, gaining a unique perspective of the region. Climb lookouts for privileged views of the world’s most beautiful wine-growing landscape.
Customize your adventure with shorter or longer rides each day, setting your own pace and destinations, with the option to extend your stay for another night in the Douro. This Douro bike tour promises an unforgettable blend of cycling, cultural immersion, and the extraordinary beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Day 1: Arrival in Porto – Transfer from Porto hotel/airport to your hotel in Pinhão. Optional fternoon ride: Pinhão – Casal de Loivos – Alijó – Favaios – Pinhão (40 km, 800 metres of accumulated climbing).
Private morning transfer from Porto airport/hotel to Pinhão, for check-in at your local hotel. Briefing and bike fit provided by our local guide. During the afternoon, you can opt for a ride embarking on a scenic route along the picturesque river Pinhão, a tributary of the Douro. Ascend to the breathtaking "Casal dos Loivos" viewpoint before continuing your journey to Alijó, where you can explore the wine and olive oil cooperative. From there, pedal to the charming town of Favaios, renowned for its delectable liqueur wine.
Return to Pinhão, reaching your hotel by the river. In the afternoon, unwind by the pool and have dinner at a local restaurant in the Douro river marina.
You will stay either at the Quinta de La Rosa or the Vintage House Douro, a 5-star hotel on the Douro River.
Hotel: Quinta de La Rosa or Vintage House Douro (Premium option)
Day 2: Douro Bike Tour – Pinhão to Tabuaço – Adorigo – Peso da Régua – Pinhão (41 to 70km, 765 to 1100 meters of accumulated climbing)
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a captivating loop along the N222, renowned as one of the world's most scenic roads. Ascend towards Tabuaço, tracing the Távora River and relishing panoramic views of the picturesque vineyards. Pause in Tabuaço to explore the charming town center before descending to Adorigo and Peso da Régua.
Return to the tranquil riverside, cycling back to your hotel in Pinhão to complete the loop. In the afternoon, indulge in a visit to the Quinta do Seixo winery and cellar, where you can savor some of Sandeman's finest ports. Alternatively, opt for a serene Douro river cruise, appreciating the enchanting beauty of the river.
Hotel: Quinta de La Rosa or Vintage House Douro (Premium option)
Day 3: Douro bike tour: Pinhão -Provesende – Gouvinhas – Pinhão (51 km, 1200 metres of accumulated climbing). Transfer to Porto
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a morning of cycling bliss from Pinhão, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The journey takes a delightful turn as you ascend to Provesende, a charming village with ancient landmarks and picturesque manor houses, showcasing the region's rich history and economic strength. Venture westward, climbing to the highest point of the day and unveiling hidden backroads leading to Paradaela de Guiães – navigate the winding roads with a fabulous descent toward the Douro, a 20 km stretch of sheer cycling pleasure, culminating near the Ferrão train station. Upon reaching the Douro, embrace a 5 km challenging climb, marvelling at Quinta Nova's entrance. Continue the ascent to the quaint village of Covas do Douro, followed by an exhilarating downhill ride towards Pinhão, tracing the enchanting "Vale do Inferno" —a perfect ending to a tour filled with scenic wonders and cycling delights.
At the end of your morning ride, transfer from your hotel in Pinhão to Porto's airport or hotel – or opt for an extension of this tour for an additional day to explore more of the Douro valley.
EXTENDED STAY IN PORTO or PINHÃO: If you want to enjoy the region for longer and space out these rides, you can add additional nights in Pinhão, on request
This Douro Valley cycling tour offers a captivating mix of terrain, combining challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and tranquil riverside roads. The routes navigate through some of Portugal's most scenic wine country, with winding paths through terraced vineyards and along the iconic Douro River. Riders will encounter rolling hills and steep ascents, such as the climbs to Casal dos Loivos and Provesende, which reward with breathtaking panoramic views. The gentle descents, like the 20 km stretch near Paradaela de Guiães, provide thrilling moments against a backdrop of lush valleys and historic Quintas. Quiet backroads and well-paved routes make the rides enjoyable, blending cultural exploration with the natural beauty of the Douro.
Private rides:
If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.
Customized rides:
If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.
For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We work with Specialized to equip our tours with high-performance bicycles designed for comfort, reliability and exceptional riding experiences on Portugal’s most beautiful cycling routes.
Road Bikes - Specialized Tarmac SL8
For our road cycling tours, we use the Specialized Tarmac SL8, one of the most advanced performance road bikes available today. These lightweight carbon bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, whether climbing mountain roads or cruising along Portugal’s scenic coastal routes.
Equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, the Tarmac SL8 offers precise gear changes, excellent control, and exceptional ride quality.
Click to learn more about our road bike fleet.
Gravel Bikes - Specialized Diverge
Our gravel bike fleet features the Specialized Diverge, a versatile bike built for adventure and mixed terrain riding. With its Future Shock front suspension, carbon fork, and stable geometry, the Diverge delivers comfort and confidence on both paved roads and gravel tracks.
This makes it the ideal choice for exploring Portugal’s quiet countryside roads, coastal paths and scenic gravel routes.
Click to learn more about our gravel bike fleet.
Electric Touring Bikes - Specialized Turbo Vado
For riders looking for extra assistance on hills or longer distances, our electric touring fleet features the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 IGH Step-Through.
These comfortable e-bikes combine smooth pedal assistance with a powerful motor and long-range battery, allowing riders to enjoy Portugal’s landscapes with ease while still experiencing the joy of cycling.
Click to learn more about our electric touring bike fleet.
E-Road & E-Gravel Bikes - Specialized Turbo Creo
Our Specialized Turbo Creo fleet offers the perfect balance between performance and electric assistance. Designed as a lightweight e-road and e-gravel bike, the Creo provides subtle motor support while maintaining the feel and agility of a traditional performance bicycle.
This makes it an excellent option for riders who want to tackle longer routes and climbs while still enjoying a dynamic cycling experience.
Click to learn more about our E-road and E-gravel bike fleet.
Mountain & Touring Bikes - Specialized Rockhopper
For adventure rides and mixed terrain routes, we offer the Specialized Rockhopper Comp, a recreational mountain bike designed for stability and comfort.
With its relaxed geometry, front suspension and wide tires, the Rockhopper is perfect for exploring countryside trails, natural parks and scenic rural roads.
Click to learn more about our mountain and touring bike fleet.
Professionally Maintained and Fitted to Every Rider
All bikes are carefully prepared and adjusted for each guest before the start of the tour. Our team ensures every rider enjoys the correct bike fit for maximum comfort and efficiency during the trip.
The exact bike model used on your tour may vary depending on availability. All bicycles in our fleet are carefully maintained and prepared by our mechanics to ensure reliability and performance. At the start of your tour, each bike is individually fitted to every rider for optimal comfort and efficiency. If you have a specific bike preference or special request, please feel free to contact us.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.
At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.
/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;
Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.
/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Portugal!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER
While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.
RIDER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
3 EXPERT
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Cycling holidays Portugal for all.
