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
- 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. 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
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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 PortoDay 1: Arrival to Porto and transfer to Pinhão
Porto is ancient and stikingly 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 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: 4* 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: 4* 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: 4* 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: 4* 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: 4* 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: 4* 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
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
The accommodations for this tour are 4-star boutique-level hotels in standard rooms. 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 the accommodations. Sea view or premium rooms may be requested for a supplement if available.
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
- 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
- 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 standard room
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- 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 standard room
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- 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 standard room
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto Airport
- 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
- Luggage transfer
- Support vehicle
- 6 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Complimentary cycling jersey
Guided
Guided Plus
What’s Not Included
Self-guided
- Meals & beverages, other than breakfast
- Guide & support
- 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
- Beverages
- Meals other than what is indicated as included
- Tips for your guide
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Guided
Guided Plus
All versions
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Confirmed guided departures
April 5 and October 15, 2023
Daily self-guided departures
Self-Guided*
Min. 1 participantGuided**
Min. 4 participantsGuided Plus***
Min. 4 participantsSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 3002 £ 1580 $ 2,609 € 1778 kr 263907 ₪ 7363 ¥ 286766 Mex$ 35560 NZ$ 3245 NOK 20849 kr 21538 $ 1,934 $ 3899 £ 2052 $ 3,388 € 2309 kr 342722 ₪ 9562 ¥ 372409 Mex$ 46180 NZ$ 4215 NOK 27076 kr 27971 $ 2,512 $ 5101 £ 2684 $ 4,433 € 3021 kr 448404 ₪ 12511 ¥ 487244 Mex$ 60420 NZ$ 5514 NOK 35425 kr 36596 $ 3,286 $ 659 £ 347 $ 572 € 390 kr 57887 ₪ 1615 ¥ 62901 Mex$ 7800 NZ$ 712 NOK 4573 kr 4724 $ 424 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 & September 26 to October 31$ 3171 £ 1669 $ 2,756 € 1878 kr 278749 ₪ 7777 ¥ 302894 Mex$ 37560 NZ$ 3428 NOK 22022 kr 22750 $ 2,043 $ 4068 £ 2141 $ 3,535 € 2409 kr 357565 ₪ 9976 ¥ 388537 Mex$ 48180 NZ$ 4397 NOK 28249 kr 29182 $ 2,620 $ 5270 £ 2773 $ 4,580 € 3121 kr 463247 ₪ 12925 ¥ 503372 Mex$ 62420 NZ$ 5697 NOK 36598 kr 37807 $ 3,395 $ 709 £ 373 $ 616 € 420 kr 62340 ₪ 1739 ¥ 67740 Mex$ 8400 NZ$ 767 NOK 4925 kr 5088 $ 457 High season
September 1 to September 25$ 3340 £ 1758 $ 2,902 € 1978 kr 293592 ₪ 8192 ¥ 319023 Mex$ 39560 NZ$ 3610 NOK 23195 kr 23961 $ 2,151 $ 4236 £ 2229 $ 3,682 € 2509 kr 372408 ₪ 10391 ¥ 404666 Mex$ 50180 NZ$ 4580 NOK 29421 kr 30393 $ 2,729 $ 5439 £ 2862 $ 4,726 € 3221 kr 478089 ₪ 13339 ¥ 519501 Mex$ 64420 NZ$ 5879 NOK 37770 kr 39018 $ 3,504 $ 760 £ 400 $ 660 € 450 kr 66793 ₪ 1864 ¥ 72579 Mex$ 9000 NZ$ 821 NOK 5277 kr 5451 $ 489 Summer season
June 26 to August 31$ 3424 £ 1802 $ 2,976 € 2028 kr 301014 ₪ 8399 ¥ 327087 Mex$ 40560 NZ$ 3702 NOK 23781 kr 24567 $ 2,206 $ 4322 £ 2275 $ 3,756 € 2560 kr 379978 ₪ 10602 ¥ 412891 Mex$ 51200 NZ$ 4673 NOK 30019 kr 31011 $ 2,785 $ 5523 £ 2907 $ 4,800 € 3271 kr 485511 ₪ 13546 ¥ 527565 Mex$ 65420 NZ$ 5971 NOK 38357 kr 39624 $ 3,558 $ 810 £ 427 $ 704 € 480 kr 71246 ₪ 1988 ¥ 77417 Mex$ 9600 NZ$ 876 NOK 5629 kr 5815 $ 522 *Solo traveler supplement: $ 473 £ 249 $ 411 € 280 kr 41560 ₪ 1160 ¥ 45160 Mex$ 5600 NZ$ 511 NOK 3283 kr 3392 $ 305 **Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
***Please note that the guided plus version is on request only, even with a minimum of 4 participants, as the availability of a driver must be confirmed.Self-guided departures
Daily departures are possible.
Confirmed guided departures
Guided departures on request. Dates to be announced.
Self-Guided*
Min. 1 participantGuided**
Min. 4 participantsGuided Plus***
Min. 4 participantsSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 3002 £ 1580 $ 2,609 € 1778 kr 263907 ₪ 7363 ¥ 286766 Mex$ 35560 NZ$ 3245 NOK 20849 kr 21538 $ 1,934 $ 3899 £ 2052 $ 3,388 € 2309 kr 342722 ₪ 9562 ¥ 372409 Mex$ 46180 NZ$ 4215 NOK 27076 kr 27971 $ 2,512 $ 5101 £ 2684 $ 4,433 € 3021 kr 448404 ₪ 12511 ¥ 487244 Mex$ 60420 NZ$ 5514 NOK 35425 kr 36596 $ 3,286 $ 659 £ 347 $ 572 € 390 kr 57887 ₪ 1615 ¥ 62901 Mex$ 7800 NZ$ 712 NOK 4573 kr 4724 $ 424 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 & September 26 to October 31$ 3171 £ 1669 $ 2,756 € 1878 kr 278749 ₪ 7777 ¥ 302894 Mex$ 37560 NZ$ 3428 NOK 22022 kr 22750 $ 2,043 $ 4068 £ 2141 $ 3,535 € 2409 kr 357565 ₪ 9976 ¥ 388537 Mex$ 48180 NZ$ 4397 NOK 28249 kr 29182 $ 2,620 $ 5270 £ 2773 $ 4,580 € 3121 kr 463247 ₪ 12925 ¥ 503372 Mex$ 62420 NZ$ 5697 NOK 36598 kr 37807 $ 3,395 $ 709 £ 373 $ 616 € 420 kr 62340 ₪ 1739 ¥ 67740 Mex$ 8400 NZ$ 767 NOK 4925 kr 5088 $ 457 High season
September 1 to September 25$ 3340 £ 1758 $ 2,902 € 1978 kr 293592 ₪ 8192 ¥ 319023 Mex$ 39560 NZ$ 3610 NOK 23195 kr 23961 $ 2,151 $ 4236 £ 2229 $ 3,682 € 2509 kr 372408 ₪ 10391 ¥ 404666 Mex$ 50180 NZ$ 4580 NOK 29421 kr 30393 $ 2,729 $ 5439 £ 2862 $ 4,726 € 3221 kr 478089 ₪ 13339 ¥ 519501 Mex$ 64420 NZ$ 5879 NOK 37770 kr 39018 $ 3,504 $ 760 £ 400 $ 660 € 450 kr 66793 ₪ 1864 ¥ 72579 Mex$ 9000 NZ$ 821 NOK 5277 kr 5451 $ 489 Summer season
June 26 to August 31$ 3424 £ 1802 $ 2,976 € 2028 kr 301014 ₪ 8399 ¥ 327087 Mex$ 40560 NZ$ 3702 NOK 23781 kr 24567 $ 2,206 $ 4322 £ 2275 $ 3,756 € 2560 kr 379978 ₪ 10602 ¥ 412891 Mex$ 51200 NZ$ 4673 NOK 30019 kr 31011 $ 2,785 $ 5523 £ 2907 $ 4,800 € 3271 kr 485511 ₪ 13546 ¥ 527565 Mex$ 65420 NZ$ 5971 NOK 38357 kr 39624 $ 3,558 $ 810 £ 427 $ 704 € 480 kr 71246 ₪ 1988 ¥ 77417 Mex$ 9600 NZ$ 876 NOK 5629 kr 5815 $ 522 *Solo traveler supplement: $ 473 £ 249 $ 411 € 280 kr 41560 ₪ 1160 ¥ 45160 Mex$ 5600 NZ$ 511 NOK 3283 kr 3392 $ 305 **Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
***Please note that the guided plus version is on request only, even with a minimum of 4 participants, as the availability of a driver must be confirmed.Extra Options
Bike options & discounts
Hybrid touring bike (instead of electric bike), discount: $ 405 £ 213 $ 352 € 240 kr 35623 ₪ 994 ¥ 38709 Mex$ 4800 NZ$ 438 NOK 2814 kr 2907 $ 261
Carbon road bike, available on request.
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 $ 51 £ 27 $ 44 € 30 kr 4453 ₪ 124 ¥ 4839 Mex$ 600 NZ$ 55 NOK 352 kr 363 $ 33 Pending Bike options & discounts
Hybrid touring bike (instead of electric bike), discount: $ 405 £ 213 $ 352 € 240 kr 35623 ₪ 994 ¥ 38709 Mex$ 4800 NZ$ 438 NOK 2814 kr 2907 $ 261
Carbon road bike, available on request.
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 $ 51 £ 27 $ 44 € 30 kr 4453 ₪ 124 ¥ 4839 Mex$ 600 NZ$ 55 NOK 352 kr 363 $ 33 Pending 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 hybrid 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.
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.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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