Luxury Northern Portugal & Douro Valley Cycle 6D5N (Ancient Porto & Valley Vineyards), Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 762 m (2500 ft)

Today you meet your tour leaders at the lobby of the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, Porto at 10.30 am. Please, come dressed in your biking clothes along with a daypack and anything else you might want for today’s adventure and your luggage will be transported to your first night’s accommodation.

From Porto we shuttle north to Brufe, a tiny settlement of stone houses nestled in the mountains in the Terras de Bouro region. Take your time to soak in this compendium of amazement before we have our first taste of the region’s heart-warming cuisine at lunch

After a delightful meal, your trip leaders will fit your bike and give you a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Spin through a winding road of lush greenery and wild hilly terrain of Penada Gerês National Park that serves as home to diverse biological life and offers excellent views of mountains, thick forestry and even more tiny villages of stone-walled houses.

Subsequently, at your own convenience, you might want to ride a few more kilometres to a point above the park that enables a real-nice view before we take our final ride to the classical Amares and Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro, a luxurious monastery turned hotel and a World Heritage site that perfectly combines serenity and modern convenience. This is your homely comfort for the night. Take your time to peruse the grounds with a lovely stroll in its quaint gardens or a dip in its outdoor pool.

Tonight, we come together for a welcome reception in the age-old outdoor cloisters after which we wine and dine in the hotel’s classical dining room, where you will delight in exquisite Portuguese cuisine.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 47 km (29 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 63 km (39 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 884 m (2900 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 77 km (48 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 975 m (3200 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 92 km (57 miles), 5-7 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1463 m (4800 ft)

For our tour today, we set out on a spectacular ride towards Vieira do Minho after a pleasant breakfast at the hotel. Riding down the mountainous Penad Gerês National Park terrain, we approach the iconic Vinho Verde (green wine) region in the Tâmega River Valley to witness a view of the vineyard manufacturing the distinctive “Vinho Verde”- a fine, crisp and effervescent wine peculiar to this region due to the conducive environmental factors that help the vine thrive and of course to have a taste of this precious nectar.

Going ahead we ride into Vieira do Minho and through roads bordered by exquisite natural phenomena- forests, green terraces and by tiny hillside villages. Just before noon, we ride by Arco Baulhe and get wowed at the sight of brilliant artistic and historic collections in a small train museum before trailing the Tâmega Ecotrail, an historical train-line-turned-bike-path that practically oozes tranquility.

We take a stop for lunch at an astounding 17th century manor, a family farm estate in the heart of the Basto region, where we will learn historical facts of the region and savour some local delicacies from the farm. After lunch, we continue our ride on the path following the Tâmega River, through mini-villages, catching immaculate views of the definitive vine terraces, canyons with thick forests of the Tâmega and Marão mountains.

We then ride all the way to Amarante with its charm and beauty, to the exquisitely luxurious Casa da Calçada, a baroque-style, 5-star 16th century hotel located in the heart of the town of Amarante and your home for the next two nights. Soak in the grandeur with a lovely stroll in its 100-year-old garden and private vineyard or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

Later in the afternoon, in the company of a guide, you take a walking tour through Amarante and learn as you revel in the magnificence of the town before having dinner on your own in any fancy restaurant of your choice. Your tour leaders are also happy to share their recommendations.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 732 m (2400 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 61 km (38 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1067 m (3500 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 90 km (56 miles), 5-7 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1554 m (5100 ft)

After getting energised with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we journey from the core of Amarante, following the Tâmega River on a quiet winding road to access the depths of wine country.

We take an exciting ride through a rugged road that leads ultimately to the renown Douro River Valley and the reputable Quinta de Covela, a distinguishable winery that equally offers an amazing view of the town. After a delicious lunch, accompanied with breathtaking views, we taste some of Douro’s delicious wines. After which, we shuttle back to the hotel. Spend time to sooth your muscles lazing by the pool, venture into town to catch more stunning sceneries or ride on a little longer by yourself after we retire from exploring for the day.

We enjoy a luxurious dinner at the hotel’s stylish Michelin-starred restaurant that is based on the Portuguese regional fine cuisine.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 33 km (21 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 670 m (2200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 55 km (34 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 914 m (3000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 68 km (42 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 975 m (3200 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 87 km (54 miles), 5-7 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1372 m (4500 ft)

After breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, we shuttle to the very heart of Alto Douro region to explore scenic views of mini-villages that are known for their unique wine production.

Riding off through villages perched on the cliff with wonderful views of neatly aligned vine terrains, we come to the Trás os Montes region of extensive plateaus and desolate landscapes with notable aesthetic features. Aside from the agricultural qualities, this region offers typical traditional and cultural values as well as natural qualities that add up to the exquisite flavour of the peculiar red wine produced here.

Lunch is at a rustic and typically cultural tavern in the region where a fun-classic picnic inspired by the delicacies of northern Portugal will be held.

Having gathered sufficient energy from such a flavoursome lunch, we press on with our ride with an exciting descent en route to Vidago and to the deluxe Vidago Palace Hotel that blends the Belle Epoque style with modern luxuries and will serve as your home for the next two days. Steeped in history, unwind in your sophisticated rooms boasting exquisite artwork and furniture.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 45 km (28 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 670 m (2200 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 69 km (43 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1006 m (3300 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 89 km (55 miles), 5-7 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1554 m (5100 ft)

Beginning with an exhilarating, circular ride through pine forests, we finally ride down and into Chaves town where we individually get to have lunch on our own and to explore the vast appreciable qualities of this remote town that is just adjacent to the border with Spain.

Chaves is noteworthy for its historic quality that dates as far back as Roman times. Roam through and around this awe-inspiring town and appreciate the remarkable features of monuments like the mediaeval castle and the magnificent bridges of classical values like the arched Roman Bridge over the Tâmega river. Then, we ride back to the hotel past beautiful small villages. Or if you are up for a challenge, make your way up to Boticas before heading to the Vidago Palace.

Spend the afternoon savouring the luxury facilities of the hotel. Engage in a thrilling game of golf with new friends, delight your tastebuds at the onsite wine cellar, indulge in a pamper session at the thermal spa or soothe your tired muscles with a massage.

Level 2, Approx. 26 km (16 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)

We conclude our adventure this morning as we transverse the incredible fairy-tale forest that encircles our hotel. You might as well be more leisurely with the morning and choose to rather rest in your hotel room or take a walk through the gardens or better still opt in for an enjoyable morning spa treatment.

Freshen up after and bid farewell to your tour leaders as you board the shuttle to Porto where this adventure ends.