On arrival at Porto Airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred inland to the town of Vidago (journey time 1hr 20 mins). In the late 19th century the local waters were thought to have healing properties and people travelled great distances to sample the waters of this small spa town. The spas are now closed but the magnificent Vidago Palace, built in 1910, still welcomes visitors to this day.

Today's pleasant ride follows the route of an old railway line along the Corgo river valley. Every now and then you pass long-abandoned train stations and signal platforms that can evoke a nostalgia for a bygone era. It's a ride of two halves with the first 27 kms gently ascending and the second half gently descending. At the halfway point, in Vila Pouca de Aguicar, the railway line joins the Corgo River at it's source. You continue along the idyllic cycle way down to tonight's overnight stop in the town of Vila Real. Be sure to visit the old town for a stroll along the winding cobbled streets.

Today's route leads you up into the Douro mountains where you will pass through a succession of small rustic villages. After an initial climb of around 10km the route levels out on a rural plateau offering far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. You'll pass Mama de Madorras, an ancient burial mound dating from the bronze age, before commencing a long and scenic descent down to the village of Sabrosa, birthplace of the famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan. The last few kilometres of today's ride are idyllic and level. The many vineyards on either side of the road confirm you have arrived in the Douro wine region - the Cima Corgo sub region to be precise. You will spend the night in the small hamlet of Vilarinho de São Romão.

Today's ride is real treat, full of captivating scenery as the Douro Valley begins to reveal its true beauty. After a gentle ascent, the majority of the ride is downhill allowing you to relax and drink in the expansive views of the stunning countryside. The terraced vineyards, so typical of the Douro Valley line the route as you free wheel down the twists and turns of the country road towards the Dour River itself. The last few kilometres, just above the river offer incredible iconic views of what many consider to be the most beautiful section of the Douro Valley. Your destination is the picturesque riverside town of Pinhão where you will spend the next two nights.

Today you can select from two circular routes or you can also choose to have a day off and simply enjoy strolling around Pinhão and it's immediate surroundings. The longer route leads you through the seas of vineyards of the Cima Corgo to the village of Favaios. Famous for its Moscatel wine and elegant homes, the village also enjoys a well-earned reputation for delectable cuisine. The shorter route treats riders to some superb views across the Douro Valley, the best undoubtedly being from the lookout point at Miradouro Casal de Loivos above Pinhão.

Today showcases the delights of the Douro River itself. There are again two options to choose from. The shorter route begins with a scenic train journey along the river bank to the village of Covelinhas. From here you ascend along a peaceful and very scenic road that offers incredible views along the river. After descending back to the river itself you briefly follow the course of Corgo River before arriving in the riverside town of Peso Da Régua where you will spend the next two nights. The longer version of today's ride starts from Pinhão itself and involves a quite challenging elevation gain of 1000m before descending back to the river at Peso da Régua.

For your final day in the saddle you again have two options, both of which offer roughly the same challenge. The first option leads you further downstream, along the riverbank on a beautifully paved road. The road then ascends through the vineyards, via some delightful little villages and returns to Peso da Régua, delivering superb valley views long the way. The second option leads you south, away from the river, to the charming and historic town of Lamego where you can discover some renowned and amazing sights. Admire, or climb, the 686 steps up to the baroque Church of our Lady of Remedies. The town's cathedral is also very impressive, particularly its very ornate interior. There is also the remains of an old castle standing guard over the town and you'll enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring the cobbled streets of this atmospheric old town. The route then leads you back through the vineyards to Peso da Régua.

This morning it is tiome to check out and head for home. After breakfast you are transferred back to Porto Airport for your flight home. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.