Douro Cycling Retreat: A 3-day bike tour in the heart of the wine country
Experience the beauty of cycling in Douro on a captivating 3-day journey through Portugal’s most famous wine region. Based in Pinhão, at the heart of the Douro Valley, this tour takes you along the Douro River, past UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards (socalcos) that create one of the world’s most stunning cycling landscapes.
Ride through historic villages like Peso da Régua and Pinhão, once bustling wine-trading ports where Rabelo boats carried barrels of Port wine to Porto. Pedal scenic backroads lined with century-old vines, stopping at renowned wineries to taste the region’s famous Port, red, and white wines. Get a firsthand look at winemaking traditions, from grape stomping to cellar tours in family-owned estates.
Savor the authentic flavors of the Douro, from rustic tascas to Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy local specialties like Posta Mirandesa (grilled beef), slow-cooked meats, and regional cheeses, perfectly paired with the valley’s award-winning wines.
Unwind in charming accommodations—once wineries or medieval estates—now transformed into boutique hotels with modern amenities and relaxing spas. For a different perspective of the Douro, glide along the river on a traditional boat tour or climb to panoramic lookouts offering breathtaking views of the valley.
This Douro cycling holiday is fully customizable, with options for longer or shorter rides each day. Whether you're seeking an active getaway or a leisurely ride through Portugal’s wine country, cycling in Douro promises an unforgettable experience of history, culture, and spectacular scenery.
I really enjoyed my 3 day Duoro valley ride. They have a great app and well maintained bikes. They were also ...
I had a wonderful bike trip in the Douro River area in October in a guided cycling group. The area is ...
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.
Our E-bike road fleet is composed of Scott Addict E-ride 20 bikes, equipped with a Mahle 36V-236Wh battery, that will allow you to ride longer and climb higher! These lightweight carbon road bikes, equipped with disc brakes and electronic shimano gears provide a great option for our road bike tours.
A country is best discovered at the dinner table! And we'll reserve you a space at the best gastronomical temples, from Michelin star restaurants to the most simple and authentic food of the region you are exploring
/ 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.
Our guides and support vans will provide you with nutrition and hydration along all our guided tours so that you can better enjoy your ride.
Ricardo "El capitán" Costa is the"roadie" in charge of designing this tour. Having ridden all over the world, from Malaysia to the USA, it is in Portugal that he found some of the best rides in the planet. Ricardo has picked some of the best roads in the region, that will introduce you to his favorite vineyards, coffee stops, viewpoints, hotels and other secret spots.
