Country
Portugal
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Profile
Mountainous
Supported Tour
Van support
Private Tour
Your group. Your dates.
Portugal Cycling: From Douro Valley Vineyards to Serra da Estrela Peaks
Experience the ultimate Portugal cycling tour through a land of dramatic contrasts, where ancient traditions meet legendary climbs. This van-supported journey begins in the historic riverside town of Amarante before taking you through the rugged Alvão mountains to the breathtaking Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will ride through the heart of the vineyards to reach Pinhão, famous for its terraced hillsides and world-class port wine estates, where panoramic views reveal the golden light reflecting off the river’s winding curves.
As you transition from the riverbanks to the high plateaus, the air grows crisp and the scenery shifts toward alpine majesty. Your adventure continues south toward the ‘roof’ of mainland Portugal in the Serra da Estrela, conquering granite passes that challenge the legs and inspire the mind. Before the journey’s end, you will discover the Portugal soul hidden in the ‘schist’ villages, like the timeless stone gem of Piódão, where history is etched into every narrow lane. Designed for cyclists seeking both physical challenge and refined discovery, this tour blends professional logistics with authentic Portuguese hospitality and refined local gastronomy. Let the road unfold from the green North to the granite summits, supported every kilometer by Veymont Travel’s expert team.
We will meet you at Porto airport at a predetermined time before transferring you to your hotel in the historic town of Amarante, gracefully perched on the banks of the Tâmega River. Your journey begins in this architectural gem, known for its Romanesque bridge and vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will perform custom bike adjustments and a safety briefing, followed by a welcome dinner to prepare you for the most authentic Portugal bike tour experience.
Meals: Dinner
Accomodation: Casa da Calçada Relais & Chateaux 5* – Amarante
Your cycling trip in Portugal officially hits the road as you traverse the high ridges of the Alvão Natural Park toward Vila Real. This stage offers a perfect blend of fresh mountain air and quiet backroads, far from the typical tourist trails. You’ll weave through small hamlets and ancient granite formations on the plateau, experiencing the quiet wilderness before the grand descent into the vine-covered valley tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast · Picnic / Lunch · Dinner
Route: 80 km / 1800 m Elevation Gain
Accomodation: Borralha Hotel 4* – Vila Real
Today marks your spectacular entry into the heart of the Douro Valley. Leaving the plateau of Vila Real, you will plunge into a world of endless panoramic views as you descend toward Pinhão. The scenery shifts from mountain scrub to the hand-built stone terraces that have made this region a UNESCO treasure. This is the golden heart of the region, where the river meets the most prestigious wine estates.
Meals: Breakfast · Picnic / Lunch · Dinner
Route: Option 1 : 75 km / 1200 m Elevation Gain – Option 2: 95 km / 1500 m Elevation Gain
Accomodation: The Vintage House Hotel 5* – Pinhao
Leaving the Douro Valley, you climb toward the southern ridges, crossing a landscape of olive groves and ancient almond trees. This stage connects the lush river valley to the medieval silence of Marialva, one of Portugal’s twelve historic villages. Cycling through these borderlands offers a profound sense of “slow travel,” where every hilltop castle tells a story of the country’s foundation.
Meals: Breakfast · Picnic / Lunch · Dinner
Route: Option 1 : 65 km / 1300 m Elevation Gain – Option 2: 100 km / 2000 m Elevation Gain
Accomodation: Casas do Côro 4* – Marialva
Transition into the Serra da Estrela mountains, leaving the olive groves for a world of dense forests and ancient granite rocks. As the road winds upward through a unique moonlike landscape, you’ll reach your premium accommodation, perfectly positioned for endless panoramic views over the massif.
Meals: Breakfast · Picnic / Lunch · Dinner
Route: 90 km / 2000 m Elevation Gain
Accomodation: Casa de São Lourenço / Burel Panorama Hotel 5* – Serra da Estrela
The final day is the crowning achievement: you will reach the summit of Serra da Estrela, the highest point in mainland Portugal. After conquering the “Roof of Portugal,” you will dive into the Portugal soul by visiting the iconic terraced village of Piódão, famous for its dark schist houses. After a final epic descent, you will arrive at the Aqua Village wellness resort for a premium recovery session.
Meals: Breakfast · Picnic / Lunch · Dinner
Route: Option 1 : 75 km / 1850 m Elevation Gain – Option 2 : 105 km / 2300 m Elevation Gain
Accomodation: Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa 5* – Oliveira do Hospital
After a final breakfast, we provide a private transfer back to Porto airport. This marks the end of your van-supported cycling tour in Portugal, an unforgettable journey from the Amarante and the Douro vineyards to the granite peaks of the Serra, carrying with you the very essence of the Portuguese soul. For those seeking the ultimate challenge, it is possible to extend your adventure further south. You can continue across the rolling plains of the Alentejo or ride all the way to Algarve and Cabo San Vicente to complete a legendary full Portugal crossing.
Meals: Breakfast
IncluDED
Accomodation
- 4 nights in 5* hotels in double occupancy
- 2 nights in 5* hotels in double occupancy
Meals
- 6 breakfasts
- 5 picnics / lunches
- 6 dinners
- Sport nutrition for every day of cycling
Guiding
- 1 guide-driver with van who supports the group all along the tour
Activities
- 5 bike rides
- Wine tasting
Equipment
- Garmin GPS rental : 1 for 4 pers.
- 1 bottle
- 1 Veymont Travel cycling jersey
Support & Transfer
- Transfer of people
- Transfer of luggages
- Transfer of bikes
- Mechanical assistance
- Pick up and drop off at predeterminated places
Non Inclus Séjour Liberté
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Plane/train tickets and transportation to/from predetermined pick up/drop off locations
- Accomodation before and after the stay
- Personnal effetcs purchased during the stay
- Activities not planned by Veymont Travel
- Meals not mentionned in the “meals” section
- Wine and dinks in bars, hotels and restaurants
- Bike rental
- Cycling guide
Guaranteed departure from 4 participants. Less than 4? More than 8? Contact-us !
In option:
- Bike rental and equipment
- Room in Single occupation
- Cycling guide