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$ 2952 £ 1555 $ 2,684 € 1778 kr 272600 ₪ 7285 ¥ 306081 Mex$ 32855 NZ$ 3221 NOK 21083 zł 7723 S$ 2653 kr 21096 $ 1,972 $ 3834 £ 2020 $ 3,486 € 2309 kr 354012 ₪ 9461 ¥ 397493 Mex$ 42667 NZ$ 4183 NOK 27379 zł 10030 S$ 3445 kr 27397 $ 2,560 $ 5745 £ 3027 $ 5,224 € 3460 kr 530481 ₪ 14177 ¥ 595637 Mex$ 63937 NZ$ 6269 NOK 41028 zł 15029 S$ 5162 kr 41054 $ 3,837 $ 648 £ 341 $ 589 € 390 kr 59794 ₪ 1598 ¥ 67138 Mex$ 7207 NZ$ 707 NOK 4624 zł 1694 S$ 582 kr 4627 $ 432 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 & September 26 to October 31$ 3118 £ 1643 $ 2,835 € 1878 kr 287932 ₪ 7695 ¥ 323296 Mex$ 34703 NZ$ 3403 NOK 22269 zł 8158 S$ 2802 kr 22283 $ 2,082 $ 4000 £ 2107 $ 3,637 € 2409 kr 369344 ₪ 9871 ¥ 414708 Mex$ 44515 NZ$ 4365 NOK 28565 zł 10464 S$ 3594 kr 28583 $ 2,671 $ 5911 £ 3114 $ 5,375 € 3560 kr 545813 ₪ 14587 ¥ 612851 Mex$ 65784 NZ$ 6450 NOK 42213 zł 15464 S$ 5311 kr 42240 $ 3,947 $ 697 £ 367 $ 634 € 420 kr 64394 ₪ 1721 ¥ 72303 Mex$ 7761 NZ$ 761 NOK 4980 zł 1824 S$ 627 kr 4983 $ 466 High season
September 1 to September 25$ 3284 £ 1730 $ 2,986 € 1978 kr 303264 ₪ 8105 ¥ 340511 Mex$ 36551 NZ$ 3584 NOK 23454 zł 8592 S$ 2951 kr 23470 $ 2,193 $ 4166 £ 2195 $ 3,788 € 2509 kr 384676 ₪ 10281 ¥ 431923 Mex$ 46363 NZ$ 4546 NOK 29751 zł 10899 S$ 3743 kr 29770 $ 2,782 $ 6077 £ 3202 $ 5,526 € 3660 kr 561145 ₪ 14997 ¥ 630066 Mex$ 67632 NZ$ 6631 NOK 43399 zł 15898 S$ 5460 kr 43427 $ 4,058 $ 747 £ 394 $ 679 € 450 kr 68993 ₪ 1844 ¥ 77467 Mex$ 8315 NZ$ 815 NOK 5336 zł 1955 S$ 671 kr 5339 $ 499 Summer season
June 26 to August 31$ 3367 £ 1774 $ 3,062 € 2028 kr 310930 ₪ 8310 ¥ 349119 Mex$ 37475 NZ$ 3674 NOK 24047 zł 8809 S$ 3026 kr 24063 $ 2,249 $ 4250 £ 2240 $ 3,865 € 2560 kr 392495 ₪ 10490 ¥ 440702 Mex$ 47306 NZ$ 4638 NOK 30356 zł 11120 S$ 3819 kr 30375 $ 2,839 $ 6160 £ 3246 $ 5,601 € 3710 kr 568811 ₪ 15202 ¥ 638674 Mex$ 68556 NZ$ 6722 NOK 43992 zł 16115 S$ 5535 kr 44020 $ 4,114 $ 797 £ 420 $ 725 € 480 kr 73593 ₪ 1967 ¥ 82632 Mex$ 8870 NZ$ 870 NOK 5692 zł 2085 S$ 716 kr 5695 $ 532 Solo traveler supplement (in addition to single supplement) $ 465 £ 245 $ 423 € 280 kr 42929 ₪ 1147 ¥ 48202 Mex$ 5174 NZ$ 507 NOK 3320 zł 1216 S$ 418 kr 3322 $ 310 *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 $ 1245 £ 656 $ 1,132 € 750 kr 114989 ₪ 3073 ¥ 129112 Mex$ 13859 NZ$ 1359 NOK 8893 zł 3258 S$ 1119 kr 8899 $ 832 $ 1245 £ 656 $ 1,132 € 750 kr 114989 ₪ 3073 ¥ 129112 Mex$ 13859 NZ$ 1359 NOK 8893 zł 3258 S$ 1119 kr 8899 $ 832 Included Meal Packages
Self-guided Guided Premium guided Dinner package (6 dinners) $ 498 £ 262 $ 453 € 300 kr 45996 ₪ 1229 ¥ 51645 Mex$ 5544 NZ$ 544 NOK 3557 zł 1303 S$ 448 kr 3560 $ 333 $ 498 £ 262 $ 453 € 300 kr 45996 ₪ 1229 ¥ 51645 Mex$ 5544 NZ$ 544 NOK 3557 zł 1303 S$ 448 kr 3560 $ 333 $ 913 £ 481 $ 830 € 550 kr 84325 ₪ 2254 ¥ 94682 Mex$ 10163 NZ$ 996 NOK 6522 zł 2389 S$ 821 kr 6526 $ 610 Lunch & dinner package (6 lunches & 6 dinners) Not available $ 913 £ 481 $ 830 € 550 kr 84325 ₪ 2254 ¥ 94682 Mex$ 10163 NZ$ 996 NOK 6522 zł 2389 S$ 821 kr 6526 $ 610 $ 1411 £ 744 $ 1,283 € 850 kr 130321 ₪ 3483 ¥ 146327 Mex$ 15707 NZ$ 1540 NOK 10079 zł 3692 S$ 1268 kr 10085 $ 943 Bike options & discounts
Standard touring bike, discount $ 398 £ 210 $ 362 € 240 kr 36796 ₪ 983 ¥ 41316 Mex$ 4435 NZ$ 435 NOK 2846 zł 1043 S$ 358 kr 2848 $ 266 Carbon road bike, supplement $ 374 £ 197 $ 340 € 225 kr 34497 ₪ 922 ¥ 38734 Mex$ 4158 NZ$ 408 NOK 2668 zł 977 S$ 336 kr 2670 $ 249 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 4600 ₪ 123 ¥ 5164 Mex$ 554 NZ$ 54 NOK 356 zł 130 S$ 45 kr 356 $ 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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