Client quote

Thank you so much for making my first cycling trip such an enjoyable one. Your impeccable organization with the hotels and restaurants ensured that everything went smoothly. I felt totally spoilt... The food was always irresistible and the scenery spectacular. Martin is a superb guide. He was always patient,encouraging and flexible, making sure that I was safe... He varied the ride so that it was interesting and challenging for me - particularly the last day. I look forward to many future trips with you and I hope Catherine can join us next time.

Elaine Li, VA, Canada

Douro Wine Valley

Enjoy six delectable nights in the valley of the Douro, sampling Vintage Ports, fine wines, peppery olive oils and spectacular scenery so spectacular that the whole valley was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This elegant valley is steeped in traditions that date back to the Romans but it wasn’t until the 18th C when Port became the favourite drink of the English aristocracy that the Douro gained its regal reputation.

Our tour will take us through the most stunning landscapes with breathtaking views of this unique valley. We will have the opportunity to visit the most acclaimed wineries and to meet the oenologists, tour the largest array of outdoor Palaeolithic rock art, visit a traditional olive oil cooperative and soak in the river views from our leisurely river boat cruise.

Our accommodation includes the sumptuously decorated former warehouses of Taylor’s Port resting on the banks of the river surrounded by lavender, a stunning 18th C “Quinta”, and a fabulous working manor house where everything is organic!

Trip Highlights

• Sample some of the rarest & most sought after wines in the world.
• Explore a spectacular UNESCO world heritage site.
• Experience a leisurely river cruise along the beautiful Douro river.
• See the birthplace of the famous navigator Magellan.
• Taste some of the finest olive oils in a local cooperative.
• Visit a remarkable array of outdoor Palaeolithic rock art.
• Enjoy world-class accommodations that will have you not wanting to leave.

Complete Trip Itinerary

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Cruising to Pinhão

We begin our trip by literally dipping in the Douro; after meeting in our Hotel we head over to the docks to catch our cruise boat. Deeper into the Douro valley you’ll begin to see “Quintas” of all the wine producers, nestled on hillside terraces surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. Overnight in the splendid Vintage House right on the banks of the river. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will be served on board the boat.

Day 2
Pinhão to Sabrosa Loop ride of 59km / 37m

After an AM bike fitting we head out on a gently rolling road riding parallel to the north bank of the river heading for the town of Sabrosa, birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan. The riding becomes easier and just before the best downhill will stop for a tasting at Quinta do Portal - one of the finest producers of Port and table wine. We then coast downhill all the way back to Pinhão.

Day 3
Pinhão to Vila Flôr ride of 73km / 45m

Today we leave behind Pinhão and cycle up through the vineyards with breathtaking views of the sweeping terraces down to the river. Our first stop is a little medieval walled town. It also happens to be an excellent base for a picnic! Continuing through rolling hills of vineyards we reach our night’s destination: a charming 1700's Quinta, with a wonderful pool to cool off.

Day 4
Vila Flôr to Freixo ride of 64km / 40m

Today’s ride is one of the most spectacular of the trip, rolling through the hills of the Douro until our first stop - a historic town with charming medieval streets, worth taking a little time to explore. We continue winding our way to our night’s destination on the border of the Douro National Park, an area of great environmental importance as it sustains a Mediterranean microclimate.

Day 5
Freixo to Vila Nova de Foz Côa ride of 65km / 40m

Riding away from the National Park we cut across the Serra do Reboredo on gentle back roads stopping for a picnic on the way. Remarkably this area due to the Mediterranean microclimate produces some of the finest olive oil, almonds, fruit and cheese. Tonight’s destination boasts the oldest array of Palaeolithic art in Europe. We’ll visit one of the sites tomorrow on a superb guided tour.

Day 6
Vila Nova de Foz Côa to Porto

Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes as we transfer in 4X4 and on foot to visit the spectacular and unique Palaeolithic rock art sites! After sampling some of the finest local olive oil & wines, we'll catch the very scenic train back to Porto. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stroll along the World Heritage waterfornt before our farewell dinner in the Port wine lodge of Taylors offering unbeatable views of Porto by night.

Day 7
Farewell

We offer shuttles to the airport, train station or bus station. For those of you staying on we’d be delighted to help with your continuing travels in anyway we can - or why not stay another day and explore all that Porto has to offer?

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Trip Details

Douro Wine Valley