Bike Touring in Douro Wine Country

A bike touring experience designed for moderately experienced bike touring fans, by the Douro river’s demarcated wine region. Ride to the wine villages of Provesende, Pinhão, Peso da Régua and along the Douro the river, enjoying its trademark UNESCO world heritage “socalcos” or terraced vineyards and experiencing the secular traditions of this region. Visit the vineyards, wine cellars, taste some of the best port and Douro wines and discover traces of the early history of Portugal, staying two nights in the same hotel in order to get a deeper knowledge of the area.

– The sheer history of this region, starting in Porto, one of the oldest city centres in Europe, settled in the 4th century during the roman occupation when it was named Portus Cale, to the UNESCO world heritage “socalcos”, that hold the wine farms on the steep hills of the Douro river, and to its own unique traditions, architecture, port wines and cellars.

– The beautiful landscapes and vantage points over the Douro River, also a UNESCO world heritage, with its trademark “socalcos” or terraced vineyards; Visit the authentic and picturesque wine villages of Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Provesende, all close or on the riverbank of the Douro “expressway” and were historically focused on the commerce and transportation of the grapes and the wine, to and from Porto, in the traditional “Rabelo” boats that docked in their ports.

– Taste all the different wines of the Douro wine country, from the world famous and acclaimed vintage Port wines, which were recently nominated 2014’s best wines in the world to the prized red and white Douro wines. Experience the wine production system: help the farmers stomp the grapes in traditional fashion, visit the farms and the wineries and observe as the “Rabelo” boats carry the wine towards the city of Porto. Indulge in the local gastronomy, always varied and tasty, whether in Michelin starred restaurants or local “tascas”. Meat lovers won’t forget the “Posta Mirandesa” or the oven baked and smoked meats.

Day 1: Transfer to Provesende 

Pick-up at the airport/train station in Porto. At the scheduled time, transfer to Provesende, a wine village in the heart of the demarcated wine region of the Douro (around 1h30m drive). Bike fit, private briefing and check-in at your hotel, “Morgadio da Calçada”, a XVth century manor house now converted into a charm hotel (included in the premium option) or the familiar “Quinta das Manhãs do Douro”, both located in a picturesque village overlooking the Pinhão river. Optional ride towards São Martinho da Anta, or enjoy your day relaxing or walking in some of the trails of this village. Hotel: Quinta Manhãs do Douro or Morgadio da Calçada (premium option)

Day 2: Provesende – Ferrão – Pinhão – Provesende (25km to 65km – 300 meters to 1100 meters accumulated height) (or optional rest or walking day)

Breakfast at the hotel.Start of your ride towards Sabrosa (birthplace of Portuguese Navigator Ferdinand Magellans), and then towards São Martinho das Antas, to observe the megalithical monuments and views over the Alvão and Marão Sierras. From then on, it’s downward to the Douro, to Gouvinhas and Quinta do Crasto where you can stop to have lunch and a wine tasting (included in the premium option) in this amazing winery with commanding views over the Douro river. Head on to Ferrão for a shorter option, catching the scenic Douro train, or ride on to Pinhão, where you can get a lift back up to Provesende, or if your are feeling well, tackle the beautiful climb up to Provesende, overlooking the Pinhão river. If you prefer, take the day off the bike to relax and visit Provesende and explore one of the walking trails of the region, leading you to Pinhão and back. Hotel: Quinta Manhãs do Douro or Morgadio da Calçada (premium option)

Day 3: Provesende –Favaios – Pinhão (54km, 600 meters accumulated height)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your ride going north, towards Sabrosa and then to Parada do Pinhão, on a beautiful plateau overlooking Pinhão river. Turn east, towards Favaios, for a quick pitstop to taste the famous local fortified wine (ask for a “Favaíto” with your espresso) and then turn south towards Pinhão, on one of the most epic descents of the region. Reaching Pinhão, check in at “The Vintage House” Douro (included in the premium option), a 5 star scenic hotel by the riverside in the center of Pinhão or at the charming Quinta de La Rosa, on the famous “Vale do Inferno”. Hotel: Quinta de La Rosa or Vintage House Douro (premium option)

Day 4: Pinhão – Casal de Loivos – Alijó – Foz do Tua – Pinhão (35km, 850 meters accumulated height or optional rest day)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start riding north, on a steep uphill towards “Casal de Loivos”, a viewpoint overlooking the Douro river on a small village that’s really worth the climb! Keep riding east, towards Alijó, and then descend back to the Tua river. When the Tua meets the Douro, there are some nice lunch options, after which you can choose to ride back to Pinhão or even catch the scenic Douro train or boat (included in the premium option) back to Pinhão. Hotel: Quinta de La Rosa or Vintage House Douro (premium option)

Day 5: Pinhão – Tabuaço – Peso da Régua (optional ride, from 35km to 55km and 300 to 800 meters accumulated height)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the ride by the N222. This is a flat stretch of road that connects the 2 riverside villages of Régua and Pinhão. You’ll be able to cruise along the river enjoying the scenery and getting yourself acquainted with this wine region. We’ll turn left to climb towards Tabuaço along the Távora River, checking the amazing views over the vineyards. Stop in Tabuaço to visit this small village, old city centre and start descending towards Adorigo and the river. Ride back to your hotel in Régua, Quinta da Pacheca (included in the premium option), a restored manor house with beautiful vineyards or “Casa do Relógio do Sol”. Hotel: Casa do Relógio do Sol or Quinta da Pacheca( premium option)

Day 6: Régua – Lamego – Régua (28km, with 650 meters of accumulated height or optional rest day)

Breakfast at the hotel. Ride to Lamego, a city connected to the birth of the nation and where Afonso Henriques we declared by the noblemen of the land as the first king of Portugal. At the top of the hill and commanding over the town is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remédios, with its majestic staircase connecting to the city centre. In the afternoon, you can visit Quinta da Pacheca wine farm and wine cellar and taste some of their best Port, red and white wines (included in the premium option). Hotel: Casa do Relógio do Sol or Quinta da Pacheca (premium option)

Day 7: Free day – Transfer to Porto – End of tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and, at the scheduled time, private transfer to Porto Airport/ train station. End of tour.