The Douro Valley by bike
Wine tasting, picture perfect landscapes and charming villages in the Douro Valley
Highlights
The landscapes of the Douro Valley classified as UNESCO heritage
Tasting of Douro Valley wines, among the most famous in the world
The typical mountain villages of the Douro Valley
The generous Portuguese gastronomy
Charming accommodation
The story behind the trip
Passionate about wines and cycling routes winding through the vineyards, fans of olive oil… when our team at Abicyclette Voyages heard about this region which produced both and offered a beautiful natural space to discover, we felt an urgency to go and give our wheels a spin there. The meeting with the country and our partners did the rest: a generous sharing of their passion for their regions, the love of beautiful things and good products from the land and the sea. We fell in love for this region of northern Portugal, very welcoming and with an easy way of life. We participated in the finishing of this circuit on site by putting in the miles. Also we are happy to share with you this beautiful trip in the Douro Valley.
The Douro Valley by bike: its spectacular landscapes and famous vineyards
This cycling route takes you to discover the charms of the Douro Valley, its wines and its spectacular landscapes classified as UNESCO heritage
Cycling through the Douro Valley is to discover exceptional landscapes and a region rich in wine-growing expertise that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. It is no coincidence that the Upper Douro vineyards have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2001.
The terraced vineyards are typical of the Upper Douro region. Around Pinhão and Peso la Regua, you cycle through these landscapes, unique in the world. Sublime panoramas over the Douro Valley complete this unspoiled scene in shades of green and blue. A feast for the eyes!
It is near Pinhão that the majority of the famous Douro and Porto wine producers are located. The 2 nights planned in Pinhão allow you to visit wine estates and taste superb wines, often unknown. And yet, the winegrowers of the Douro Valley need not be shy of their quality work. Proof of the region’s long wine-growing history, Douro wine benefits from the oldest appellation contrôlée in the world, awarded in 1756!
In addition to the ubiquitous vineyards, you also cross vast forests as well as crops of almond and olive trees which grow in abundance on the fringes of the Douro Valley. The charming towns and villages clinging to the rock also punctuate your Portuguese getaway. Vila Real, Lamego, Peso de Regua, Pinhão, Sabrosa are the most picturesque.
If the decor is magnificent and the tasting possibilities numerous, the relief is steep. Depending on your physical abilities, the electric bike option may be an good alternative for this stay, which has a sporty profile with significant elevation changes, although the stages are not very long (from 18 to 52 kilometers maximum).
As a reward for your efforts, Portuguese cuisine is tasty in its simplicity. The spotlight is on fish (notably the famous cod, sardines, octopus, etc.) and beef, cooked in a thousand and one ways but always generously accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a good glass of wine.
The hospitality and generosity of the Portuguese, who often speak English, allow you to travel in peace and sail like a rabelo (Portuguese flat-bottomed boat built to navigate the Douro) to discover the Douro Valley and its make your cycling trip in Portugal unforgettable.
Fit From VIDAGO to VILA REAL 52km 570m 
You leave Vidago heading south along an old railway line. It will guide you for a good part of the day through the hilly landscapes and typical villages of northern Portugal. Halfway through you reach the village of Vila Pouca de Aguiar. Now the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro which has its source here, guides you to Vila Real where you spend the night.
From VILA REAL to VILARINHO DE SAO ROMAO 32km 700m
From VILARINHO DE SAO ROMAO to PINHAO 30km 400m
PINHAO, BOUCLE DE PINHAO 18km 380m
Looping around Pinhão, you set off to explore the splendid and UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of the Douro Valley. The opportunity to visit wine estates and learn more about local wines.
- For a few more km 38km 770m
With the long version, you pass through the village of Favaios, famous for its Moscatel wine but also for its archaeological remains, its religious heritage and its tasty cuisine. You return to Pinhão along the river among the vineyards in a breathtaking setting.
From PINHAO to PESO DA REGUA 27km 600m
You take the train to Covelinhas. Then from this pretty village, you cycle towards Peso da Regua.
The scenic route offers breathtaking viewpoints over the Douro Valley. The end of the route to Peso da Regua is downhill which is very pleasant after climbing hills during the day. In Peso da Regua do not miss the Douro Museum before returning to your accommodation located in a wine estate.
- For a few more km 47km 970m
You cover the entire stage between Pinhao and Peso da Regua by bike. The Douro and the rows of vines accompany you throughout the stage.
PESO DA REGUA, BOUCLE DE LAMEGO 31km 540m
This route takes you to the heights in Lamego, an old town rich in monuments and with a fascinating history. It will delight lovers of history and heritage. Do not miss the São Pedro de Balsemão Chapel, the second oldest chapel in Europe and the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
PESO DA REGUA, BOUCLE DU DOURO 27km 600m
This alternative route gives you an additional opportunity to pedal along the banks of the Douro. The blue of the river and the green of the vines take you on a romantic and bucolic getaway.
From PESO DA REGUA to PORTO (AIRPORT), transfert aéroport, journée sans vélo
End of your stay to discover the Douro Valley. After breakfast, a shuttle will take you to Porto airport. Journey time is approximately 1h30.
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1295€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1770€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- 7 nights (breakfast included)
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports :
- An app to follow the itinerary step by step
- A practical and descriptive road book in English including all our recommended addresses.
- (GPS rental possible as an option)
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - PORTO (AIRPORT) - VIDAGO
- Day 8 : Private shuttle - PESO DA REGUA - PORTO (AIRPORT)
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks during dinners (unless otherwise stated), visits not listed in “The price includes” and other personal expenses
- Tourist tax
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in cycling holidays in Portugal:
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from trafic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accomodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide that will provide you the travel documents (reception in English)
- Telephone assistance from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital road book to find all useful addresses, recommended restaurants and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- (for an optional fee): rental of a GPS to ease tracking without using your smartphone.
And also:
- Rental of technical and comfortable bikes, ideal for this varied route combining roads and paths.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bikeFrame: rigid aluminium Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspension: SR Suntour Tyres: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeFrame: rigid aluminum Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspensions: SR Suntour Tires: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Battery: Yamaha or Bosch Power Tube 500 Wh Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : PORTO (AIRPORT)
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 9h from BORDEAUX
- at 14h from LYON
Coming by train
- Porto Campanha train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Porto airport
Arrival city : PORTO (AIRPORT)
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 9h from BORDEAUX
- at 14h from LYON
Coming by train
- Porto Campanha train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Porto airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From January 4th to December 15th
Destination Portugal
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
From PORTO (AIRPORT) to VIDAGO, transfert aéroport, journée sans vélo
Welcome to northern Portugal.
A private shuttle will take you from Porto airport to Vidago, a small town famous for its healing mineral water.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.