Cycle along magical Douro

Arrival in Porto on your own. Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in the center is included. Depending on when you land, you may have time to explore Porto during the afternoon. While the city displays a modern dynamism, a unique atmosphere is hidden on its medieval streets, squares or on its quays, and it is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll.

Accommodation in Porto

The day begins with a transfer (approx 1h30) to Pedras Salgadas. From here you cycle along the thermal baths before joining the international "ecovia" of Tamega and Corgo, a cycle path built on an old railway track. The route follows the Corgo valley, crossing fields and pastures, dotted with villages with their "espigueiros", traditional granaries made of granite. After the small town of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, the Corgo valley transforms into forest before you finally reach Vila Real.

Accommodation in Vila Real

The day begins with a guided tour of this architectural jewel of northern Portugal, a masterpiece by the Italian architect Nasoni. After a walk through the castle's beautiful gardens, the cycle path continues towards the sculpted Corgo valley. Old railway stations and villages line the route through forests and terraced vineyards.

Accommodation in Peso da Regua

You travel either by train or transfer to the small train station Mosteiro, downstream along the Douro. The route then continues upstream along the Douro. Left bank, then right bank, over bridges and dams, through tributaries and villages where it feels like time stands still, amid vineyards and terraced olive groves. Each turn offers a new perspective. Along the way you have the opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to "rabelos", the traditional boats used for navigation on the Douro river.

Accommodation in Peso da Regua

Today you cycle upstream along the Douro river, in the heart of the demarcated region of Great Port Wines, to the symbolic village of Pinhão. Along the route you will have the opportunity to stop at several "quintas", the vineyards that have produced and exported port wine all over the world since the 1700s. The steep hillsides have been sculpted into terraces for centuries, justifying the classification of this exceptional landscape as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return by bicycle, train or transfer (with your bicycle) to Regua.

Accommodation in Peso da Regua

You start the day with a transfer (1h30) to Porto. You cross the Eiffel Bridge in Porto to reach Vila Nova de Gaia, where the cellars of all the major port wine houses stand by the river. You then travel along the Douro estuary with its small harbor before it reaches the sea and its long beach where enormous granite blocks emerge. You follow the coastline southward via a cycle path along the sea. Return then by bicycle, train or transfer to Porto.

Accommodation in Porto

The trip ends with transfer to Porto airport.