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The Douro wine region is one of the oldest and most beautiful wine regions in Europe. Old stone villages, terraced vineyards, olive groves and the Douro River itself compete for your attention as you take on the rise and falls of this wonderful route. After 5 days of cycling, the final day is spent afloat, cruising down the Douro River back to Porto on the Atlantic Coast.
This carefully planned route begins in the historic old town of Bragança, in the far north-east of Portugal. For the first two days, the route traverses the remote landscapes of the Trás-os-Montes regon with its quiet lanes, rolling hills, and traditional stone villages. Each day offers challenging climbs and rewarding descents, passing olive groves, vineyards, and chestnut forests.
Pinhão village
The route then follows the course of the Sabor River to it's confluence with Douro River at Foz do Sabor. After cutting across country, the views of the river and surrounding terraced vineyards, as you descend to the charming wine village of Pinhāo, are truly breathtaking. The route then wends its way uphill, through sun- drenched, terraced vineyards, with a final long descent back to the river at Covelinhas and ending at Peso da Régua, considered the capital of the Douro port wine region.
The last day is spent on a boat, drinking in the stunning views of the valley from a different perspective as you cruise downstream to Porto for the final night of your holiday.
Each day of this tour includes several notable climbs so you will need a good level of fitness to enjoy the route on a regular hybrid bike. An e-bike will take the sting out of the climbs and is highly recommended for anyone who has reservations about their fitness levels. The route follows quiet rural lanes, with only a few short sections on busier roads where this is unavoidable.
On arrival in Bragança, take a stroll through the streets of the old town, maybe stopping for a drink in one of the pleasant squares. Be sure to also stroll up to the well preserved castle and fortifications close to the centre. The views from the ramparts of the town and surrounding countryside are well worth the climb.
Your first-day's route leads you south along a combination of quiet lanes and gravel paths. Almond trees and olive groves line the route and every now and then, the rolling countryside gives way to a small hamlet or traditional stone village. After one last climb, near the village of Sendas, you can relax and enjoy the next, gently descending, 20 kms to the small town of Macedo de Cavaleiros where you will spend the night.
A gorgeous, peaceful cycle path leads you out into the countryside. Soon, seas of olive groves and plantations of cork oak trees cover the rolling hills that surround the route. Every now and then, a small village comes into view and you can decide whether to stop for a coffee and a slice of sweet chestnut cake or carry on to the next village. Today's route ends in the small, charming town of Villa Flor.
The day starts with a highly enjoyable and picturesque downhill ride, past vineyards and olive groves contained by old, dry-stone walls. After roughly 20 km of this, mostly effortless cycling you reach the Sabor River and follow it to its confluence with the Douro River. If it's warm you may be tempted to go for a dip from the small beach before taking on the climb to the charming Renaissance town to Torre de Moncorvo. This is a good spot to stop for lunch before freewheeling down to the Douro River again. From the village of Pocinho, gorgeous vineyard lined lane leads you along the valley floor before ascending to the bustling little town of Vila Nova de Foz Côa where you will stop for the night.
After leaving Vila Nova de Foz Côa, a gentle ascent reveals ever-more impressive views of the surrounding rolling countryside. Vineyards, olive and almond groves compete for space on the steep hillsides as you travel west. After a challenging climb, the pleasant village of São João da Pesqueira is a good place to stop for a spot of lunch. A little further on, the morning climbs are rewarded with stunning views of Douro River far below. The descent to the river is exhilarating, surrounded by verdant terraced vineyards, with the sparkling river wending its way along the valley floor. Your destination today is the pretty village of Pinhão, occupying an idyllic location amongst the vineyards on the banks of the Douro River.
Today's route is stunning and showcases the beauty of the Douro wine growing region. The route leads you along the river to start with before turning uphill, meandering through the vineyard terraces offering more panoramic views along the Douro Valley. Eventually the route returns to the river at the charming riverside village of Covelinhas and concludes in the busy little town of Peso da Régua. The town owes its existence to the port wine industry and still plays a fundamental role in the production and sale of this famous product today. You will spend the night in this fascinating little riverside town.
Today, you relax aboard a riverboat for a full day's cruise along the Douro River, back to the city of Porto. Admire the vineyard covered hillsides and whitewashed villages from a different perspective as you motor downstream. The boat passes thick forests, narrow gorges and two huge locks as it makes its way towards Porto and the Atlanitic Ocean. The last night of your holiday is spent in Porto. Make your way to the vibrant Ribeira district for picturesque, waterfront dining and cool bars close to the Ponte Luis bridge.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular Plus bike or an electric bike.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 148cm. If you wish to have a male specific bike with crossbar, the minimum height is 165cm.
The regular Plus bike offers a step up in terms of components (hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11, Shimano Deore XT) and the crossbar frame provides a more sporty riding position. High quality, suntour suspension forks ensure a comfortable ride on these bikes. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 155cm.
Electric bikes with unisex frame are also available. Minimum height: 148cm
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels
Bragança: Pousada de Bragança
Macedo de Cavaleiros: BHB Boutique House
Vila Flor: Quinta da Pereira
Vila Nova de Foz Cōa: A flor da Rosa
Pinhāo: LBV House Hotel
Peso da Rēgua: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Douro
Porto: Vila Gale Porto Ribeira
Fly to Porto Airport and then take the bus or metro to Porto's Campanhã station (20 or 30 min journey). From here catch an express bus directly to Bragança (3hrs to 3hrs 30mins, depending which service you catch).
After your final night in Porto you can catch the public bvus out to the airport (25 min journey) or take a taxi (14 minutes)
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