If you have experience in going out on your own, enjoy navigation and like to travel at your rhythm, choose a self-guided cycling holiday. Ride at your own pace with your significant other or group of friends and explore your favorite region by cycling from hotel to hotel, following the best routes, enjoying our luggage transfers and our expert advice and support on how to make the most of your adventure. Start at your preferred date, for a minimum of two guests!
From start to finish this was a professionally orchestrated tour. The hotels were spectacular, particularly Convento de espinheiro and São Lourenço do Barrocal ( we could have spent a week in this location!). The riding was truly incredible - we have cycled on self-guided trips in multiple European countries and domestically, and this was some of the most unique and safe riding we have ever experienced. On some or the roads, you often could forget that cars occasionally also used the road. High quality scott addict road bikes with ultegra components were provided in excellent condition. Pedro provide a diligent briefing with great recommendations for stops and restaurants in multiple locations. We will return to do the Douro valley!
After we were picked up from the airport and driven to the hotel, the magical adventure began. Riding the Douro Valley was just magnificent. The scenery and landscape could not be compared to anything I've seen before. Riding consisted of 35 to near 50 miles each day with elevations of 3,000-4,500 feet gain at an average 5-8% grade. On the last day of riding, the most difficult of all, we experienced a 16% grade that seemed to go on forever. Every day presented itself with great challenges wonderful pleasures and fantastic downhills that would go for 6-7 miles at speeds of 25+ mph. WOW!!
Our group was small with 7 riders plus 2 guides. The locations we stopped at were local places giving you a sense of real Portugal.
The people running the tour couldn't be better. They address every need from the group. We used carbon bikes from Scott that performed flawlessly even when riding on cobblestone which was in almost every town or village.
I can't speak highly enough about this adventure. However, that said, be sure to come well trained with lots of hill climbing under your seat because it's challenging everyday.
