Portugal Biking
From Ancient Towns to Douro Valley Vineyards
Peel back layers of history and tradition as you journey through this captivating corner of northern Portugal. Pedal along pastoral lanes from the ancient market town of Ponte de Lima to Guimarães, a World Heritage site and the birthplace of Portugal. Spin into the stunning Douro Valley, where wine has been produced for nearly two millennia. Explore historic landmarks, climb pine-covered mountains, and encounter friendly locals on horse-drawn carts. Along the way, sample delectable port wine and fresh seafood, and overnight in grand pousadas and a stylish hotel, all brimming with hospitality.
Trip Planning Links
- Roman ruins, baroque manors and medieval castles
- Glide on quiet roads in the Douro Valley with river views
- Dine, lodge and dance with Count Francisco at his home
- Gerês National Park, where a tableau of pine, heather, granite and water stretch to the horizon
- Guimarães, a World Heritage site-town considered the birthplace of the nation
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Ponte de Lima
Meet in Porto 
Shuttle north to Paredes de Coura and lunch in the town’s main square Ride past lush gardens, vineyards and quaint granite homes, perhaps sharing the road with ox-drawn carts Try the refreshing vinho verde, a sparkling wine served cold Our gracious host Francisco, the Count of Calheiros, joins us for a feast at his distinguished manor home.
Day 2 Amares
Descend to the market town of Ponte de Lima, named for the 14th-century Roman bridge that spans the Lima River Ride through quiet farmland and up winding climbs to Caldelas, the first of the spa towns in the Penedes-Gerês region Discover the finer nuances of port during a private tasting.
Day 3 Guimarães
Our route leads through pine and eucalyptus forests to medieval Guimarães Folkloric fado musicians accompany our dinner of Portuguese specialties served in a 17th-century building.
Days 4-6 Lamego
Explore the picturesque town of Amarante, founded by Romans in 360 BC Spin past vineyards and orchards of olives and almonds in the Alto Douro wine region, where grapes have been cultivated for 2,000 years Refresh with a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a massage Bike through the heart of port wine country, stopping to taste as you feel inspired Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Douro River Head into the hills for a final ride or relax at the hotel.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Overall, Portugal is a beautiful spot for biking -- the quality of the light on the olive groves, oak trees and vineyards will be etched in my memory forever. I would not have felt this connection with the landscape traveling by any other means.- North Yarmouth, ME More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Portugal Biking
HISTORIC HAVENS: Premiere Inns
Paco de Calheiros
Ponte de Lima (1 night) A traditional country manor house owned by the Calheiros family, the inn features a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Pousada de Amares Santa Maria do Bouro
Amares (1 night) A 12th-century Cistercian monastery, beautifully restored under the direction of famed architect Eduardo Sorto and featuring courtyards, fountains and a pool.
Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha
Guimarães (1 night) This 12th-century Augustin monastery with lovely gardens is considered one of Portugal’s architectural treasures.
Aquapura Douro Valley
Lamego (2 nights) Stroll among centenarian cedar and cypress trees, swim in the heated outdoor pool and indulge at the spa - this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, nestled in vineyards along the Douro River and adorned in contemporary décor, has it all.
Portugal Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 30, 42 miles
- 1000 - 2400 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 26, 48, 61 miles
- 1200 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 22, 29, 38, 52, 79 miles
- 1000 - 2400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Option Available
- 19, 38, 46 miles
- 300 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 11 miles
- 1600 feet elevation gain