Your journey begins in Porto, Portugal's charismatic northern capital, where the River Douro meets the Atlantic. You'll be met for a private transfer that carries you deep into the Portuguese countryside, to the tranquil spa town of Vidago. Nestled in the rolling green hills of Trás-os-Montes, Vidago has been renowned since the 19th century for its mineral springs and curative waters.

At your hotel — most often, the legendary Vidago Palace, once a royal retreat — you'll meet our local representative for a detailed orientation and bike fitting. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, explore the surrounding parklands, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village. Dinner might feature northern Portugal's specialties: cod baked with olive oil and garlic, or a comforting bowl of caldo verde soup. End the evening with a glass of crisp Vinho Verde beneath the stars.

Today's ride offers a serene introduction to the landscapes and lifestyle of inland Portugal. Leaving Vidago, you'll trace an old converted railway, now a peaceful cycling path that threads through forests, meadows, and small villages untouched by time. Granite bridges and abandoned stations serve as quiet reminders of the past, while the Corgo River flows alongside for much of your journey.

Midway through, stop in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, known for its medieval castle ruins and traditional stone houses. The route then gently descends through valleys lined with olive and chestnut trees, offering long, open views over the Douro foothills. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Vila Real, a lively university town perched on a plateau, surrounded by vineyards and dramatic gorges. Take time to explore its historic quarter or sip a coffee on a sunny terrace before retreating to your eco-friendly country estate for the night.

Your journey continues into the heart of the Douro mountains, where the landscape rises in waves of stone and vine. The morning begins with a ride through oak forests and quiet farm tracks dotted with tiny hamlets. The air is filled with the scent of wild herbs and pine resin, and the occasional shepherd waves from hillside pastures.

You'll pass Mamoa de Madorras, an ancient Bronze Age tumulus, and visit the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Azinheira, set against an endless horizon. Pause in São Martinho da Anta, birthplace of poet Miguel Torga, whose words echo the spirit of these rugged hills. Later, roll into Sabrosa, home of the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, where you might stop for a glass of local wine at a family-run adega.

A final stretch through olive groves brings you to Vilarinho de São Romão, a tranquil village of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. Peaceful, quiet, a world away from all those worries of modern life.

Today's ride is one of contrasts — from mountain ridges to the shimmering Douro River below. Leaving Vilarinho, you'll glide through terraced slopes alive with vineyards, where the sunlight dances across the leaves in hues of green and gold. The route winds through Provesende, a stately hilltop village known for its granite mansions and aristocratic charm, before descending toward Covas do Douro, where life still moves to the rhythm of the harvest.

Each turn of the road reveals a postcard view: rows of vines cascading toward the valley, with the river glinting far below. Stop at a traditional quinta for a tasting of tawny Port or to learn about the centuries-old art of grape pressing.

Your destination, Pinhão, lies at the very heart of the Douro Valley, where steep hills cradle the town in a breathtaking amphitheater of vines. Don't miss the train station's famous azulejo tiles depicting scenes of the grape harvest — a masterpiece of Portuguese craftsmanship.

This day invites you to slow down and truly savor the Douro's delights. Your loop begins with a gentle climb from Pinhão, offering expansive panoramas of the river valley below. The air grows sweet with the scent of grapes as you ascend toward Favaios, a village celebrated for its Moscatel wine and its rustic pão de Favaios, a dense country bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Visit the local wine cooperative or a small producer for a tasting that captures the flavor of the region.

Continue toward Casal de Loivos, where one of Portugal's most famous viewpoints opens before you — the Douro spreading like a ribbon of silver through tiered vineyards. The descent back to Pinhão is pure exhilaration: curving roads, stone terraces, and glimpses of the river flashing between cypress trees.
Spend your evening at leisure — perhaps aboard a short sunset cruise on the Douro, or dining on grilled

The river becomes your constant companion today as you follow its serpentine course downstream toward Peso da Régua, the region's cultural and logistical hub. Departing Pinhão, you'll ride through terraced vineyards and riverside quintas where workers tend the vines by hand — a tradition unchanged for centuries.

You can opt for the longer route directly from Pinhão or enjoy a short scenic train ride to Covelinhas to shorten the climb. Along the way, take in sweeping views of the valley and stop at a riverside café for a fresh lemonade or espresso.

Arriving in Peso da Régua, visit the Museu do Douro, an excellent introduction to the valley's natural and human history, or relax along the promenade where boats once carried barrels of Port toward Porto. The evening invites a celebratory meal — perhaps local roasted lamb and Douro red — as twilight paints the hills in deep violet tones.

Your final cycling day offers two distinct experiences. The first route follows the banks of the Douro River, offering a gentle and contemplative ride that is ideal for soaking up the peaceful rhythm of the landscape. Vineyards tumble down the slopes to the water's edge, and small chapels gleam in the sunlight above the river bends.

The second option challenges you with a rewarding climb to Lamego, one of the Douro's most storied towns. Its baroque architecture, elegant avenues, and monumental Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios — reached via a staircase of nearly 700 steps — make it well worth the effort. Stroll through Lamego's old quarter, visit a sparkling-wine cellar, or linger over lunch at a traditional tasca before gliding back down to the valley.

Whichever route you choose, the day feels like a celebration of all that the Douro embodies — beauty, balance, and the quiet joy of discovery.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Douro. A private transfer will return you to Porto, where the river widens to meet the sea and the rhythm of city life resumes. If time allows, stroll along the Ribeira district or raise one last toast with a glass of vintage Port overlooking the water — a fitting finale to your week among the vines