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€1634 Rates
- Book This Trip
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.
Still today, there is a focus on the handmade. It is common to find local estates where grapes are still harvested by hand and crushed with bare feet.
For the first time in her cycling career, Hennie used an electric bike for a tour and she was glad she did. 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 hybrid 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
Don’t forget that Tripsite provides many amazing bicycle tours in Portugal along with 100s of other bike tours in Europe.
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 PortoDay 1: Arrival to Porto and transfer to Pinhão
Porto is ancient and was already a metropolis in Roman times. The favorable location at the mouth of the Douro in the Atlantic owes its importance as an important trading port and today 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 that you book an extra night before your tour in beautiful Porto so that you can check in and recover from your long flight. You can participate in a guided walking tour of Porto. Just ask.Preferred accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa
Day 2: Pinhão – Vila Nova de Foz Côa, 46 mi. (74 km)
This is the land where the cave paintings are classified as World Heritage and also the region that produces the famous Douro wine. The route begins heading towards Ervedosa do Douro and continues to São João da Pesqueira so that you can truly enjoy the river. Once at your final destination, you will be able to 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 scent of almond blossoms.Elevation:
Min: 37 m
Max: 736 m
Ascent: 1266 m
Descent: 1507 mToday you will travel on shared roads. During busy hours, exiting or entering towns, you may encounter moderate traffic.
Preferred accommodation: Longroiva Hotel
Day 3: Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, 26 mi. (42 km)
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.Elevation:
Min: 164 m
Max: 642 m
Ascent: 919 m
Descent: 594 mToday you will cycle on secondary roads only used by locals to access their homes or farms.
Preferred accommodation: Colmeia Countryside
Day 4: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo – Marialva, 38 mi. (60 km)
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).Elevation:
Min: 354 m
Max: 741 m
Ascent: 1289 m
Descent: 1322 mOn this day, you will again travel on secondary roads but always keep in mind that when entering and exiting towns, some traffic is unavoidable.
Preferred accommodation: Casas do Coro
Day 5: Marialva – Penedono, 17 mi. (27 km)
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.Elevation:
Min: 572 m
Max: 407 m
Ascent: 913 m
Descent: 225 mSecondary roads but always keep in mind that when entering and exiting towns, some traffic is unavoidable.
Preferred accommodation: Penedono Hotel
Day 6: Penedono loop or free day, 25 mi. (40 km)
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.Elevation:
Min: 553 m
Max: 913 m
Ascent: 759 m
Descent: 755 mSecondary roads but always keep in mind that when entering and exiting towns, some traffic is unavoidable.
Preferred accommodation: Penedono Hotel
Day 7: Penedono - Régua, 32 mi (52 km)
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.Elevation:
Min: 78 m
Max: 759 m
Ascent: 921 m
Descent: 1437 mSecondary roads but always keep in mind that when entering and exiting towns, some traffic is unavoidable.
Preferred accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca
Day 8: Train transfer from Régua to Porto
View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
The accommodations for this tour are 4-star boutique-level hotels. For example on the evening of Day 1, you will stay in the Quinta de la Rosa, a family-owned winery in the heart of a Unesco World Heritage site. On the evening of Day 2, you will accommodate at the Longroiva Hotel and Thermal Spa. The renovation project, designed by the architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade, rebuilt the old neoclassical thermal building, providing contemporary elegance. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred accommodation. If the hotel indicated is fully booked and not available, you will be offered an establishment of equal standard. Important to note, especially for self guided cyclists, accommodations are located out of the towns….dinners many times out of necessity must be at accommodations.
Bicycles
Electric Bike
KTM Macina
- Bosch motor
- 500 Wh battery
- 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
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Hybrid Bike
Kross Trans 5.0
- Aluminum touring frame (available in men's and women's frame)
- 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
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Trail Bike
Trek X- Caliber 7
- Aluminum frame
- 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
- 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
Guided Plus
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Transportation from/to Porto airport to tour start & from tour end (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Electric bike rental with accessories
- Cycling guide
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Support vehicle
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Complimentary cycling jersey
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Transportation from/to Porto airport to tour start & from tour end (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Electric bike rental with accessories
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Cycling guide
- Van support with a minimum of 8 people
- Complimentary cycling jersey
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Transportation from/to Porto airport to tour start & from tour end (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Electric bike rental with accessories
- Basic tool kit for quick repairs
- GPS
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Train ticket from Santiago to Porto or Lisbon
Guided
Self-guided
What’s Not Included
Guided Plus
- Beverages
- Meals other than what is indicated as included
- Tips for your guide
- Support vehicle (will be added free of charge with minimum of 8 people)
- Beverages
- Meals other than what is indicated as included
- Tips for your guide
- Meals & beverages, other than breakfast
- Guide & support
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Guided
Self-guided
All versions
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Departures are possible every day in 2021
Self Guided*
Guided**
Min. 4 participants requiredAll-inclusive Guided
Min. 4 participants requiredSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 2586 £ 1450 $ 2,500 € 1634 NZ$ 2798 kr 16906 $ 1,997 $ 3117 £ 1748 $ 3,014 € 1970 NZ$ 3373 kr 20382 $ 2,408 $ 4084 £ 2290 $ 3,949 € 2581 NZ$ 4419 kr 26703 $ 3,155 $ 475 £ 266 $ 459 € 300 NZ$ 514 kr 3104 $ 367 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 and September 26 to October 31$ 2744 £ 1538 $ 2,653 € 1734 NZ$ 2969 kr 17940 $ 2,119 $ 3275 £ 1836 $ 3,167 € 2070 NZ$ 3544 kr 21417 $ 2,530 $ 4242 £ 2378 $ 4,102 € 2681 NZ$ 4590 kr 27738 $ 3,277 $ 521 £ 292 $ 503 € 329 NZ$ 563 kr 3404 $ 402 High Season
September 1 to September 25$ 2902 £ 1627 $ 2,806 € 1834 NZ$ 3140 kr 18975 $ 2,242 $ 3434 £ 1925 $ 3,320 € 2170 NZ$ 3716 kr 22451 $ 2,652 $ 4400 £ 2467 $ 4,255 € 2781 NZ$ 4762 kr 28773 $ 3,399 $ 570 £ 319 $ 551 € 360 NZ$ 616 kr 3725 $ 440 Summer Season
June 26 to August 31$ 2981 £ 1671 $ 2,883 € 1884 NZ$ 3226 kr 19492 $ 2,303 $ 3513 £ 1969 $ 3,397 € 2220 NZ$ 3801 kr 22968 $ 2,713 $ 4480 £ 2512 $ 4,331 € 2831 NZ$ 4847 kr 29290 $ 3,460 $ 617 £ 346 $ 597 € 390 NZ$ 668 kr 4035 $ 477 *Solo traveler supplement: $ 443 £ 248 $ 428 € 280 NZ$ 479 kr 2897 $ 342 **Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
Extra Options
Discount for using a hybrid bike: $ 237 £ 133 $ 230 € 150 NZ$ 257 kr 1552 $ 183
Road bike rental: $ 237 £ 133 $ 230 € 150 NZ$ 257 kr 1552 $ 183
Extra nights are possible upon request
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy electric bike tour through the Douro Valley. Though the terrain is difficult, on an electric bike we are giving this tour an easy rating. On your electric bike tour 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 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 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 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 hybrid touring bike (non-electric) or a road bike. See bike descriptions! Discount applies.
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.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*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.
Guided plus: You cycle in a group with a guide and support vehicle. Six lunches and six dinners are also included in your 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?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback