7-Nights Portugal's Douro River Cruise Bike Tour
Splendid Salamanca to Historic Porto
The Douro River Valley—an idyllic place to venture off the beaten track. From Spain to Portugal, discover old-world Europe along this enchanting river. Jumbled hillside villages and sun-soaked vineyards. Churches clad in gleaming azulejos. Port wine in Porto. Experience one of Europe's best-kept secrets with us.
7 nights from $6099 per person
Supplier: Backroads
Featured Destinations
Porto
Porto (Oporto), Portugal's second largest city, is full of interest, and the district it heads offers the visitor plenty to see. Along the coast, there are resorts like the cosmopolitan beach of Espinho, busy ports like Matosinhos, with splendid seafood, or traditional fishing towns like Póvoa de Varzim, and there is also an animated casino. Charming Amarante has 17th century mansions overlooking the river and is famous for a sweet egg pastries called "papos de anjo" (angel bellies). In Vila Nova de Gaia, there are lodges where Port wine is blended and aged and where tasting are offered, or visitors may take a river cruise along the Douro. The whole district is filled with prosperous towns, but there are also many calm roads with wonderful views over the river and a rugged and still unspoilt coastline.
Peso da Regua
Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.
Pinhao
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
Vega de Terron
Tours of the wine country along the Douro River often include stops at this peaceful town on the way to Salamanca, Spain.
Pocinho
No information currently available.
Valid Travel Dates
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Expert Backroads Trip Leaders, on ship and on shore
- Off-the-beaten path exploration
- Access to all ship amenities
- Impeccable and personalized service from ship staff and Backroads Leaders
- Exclusive activities that amplify your appreciation and understanding of the local culture
- Exclusive biking routes with multiple options at varied paces
- Custom Titanium bike
- Gratuities on ship and on shore handled by your Backroads Leaders
- Exploring lesser known routes away from busy ports
- Dedicated support vans
- Easy-to-use route directions so you're free to explore independently
- Private walking tours with expert guides
- Access to all ship activities and excursions
- Wine included with all onboard meals
- Private cocktail/wine receptions
- Off-ship lunches in genuine settings
Vacation Highlights:
- Behold Porto's colorful history, with its splendid plazas, churches and houses adorned with brilliantly tiled façades
- Bike amid terraced vineyards along some of the wildest parts of the Douro River valley, which are best accessed by boat
- Savor the full-bodied reds, crisp whites and luscious aromatic Port of this world-renowned wine region
- Connect with the rich history of Portuguese music and its fascinating Fado roots
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Company Info
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