Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
This self-guided cycling holiday in the Douro will acquaint you with fascinating and magical surroundings, delicious cuisine and some of the world's finest wines (including, of course Port Wine, for which the region is famous). Enjoy a night in Porto before a transfer takes you to Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval village close to where Portugal borders Spain, and home to an ancient castle and arched palace gates. Your cycling heads across the highland plain to the Spanish border and on through historical villages to the River Douro. You'll cycle through uniquely terraced vineyards and take in the typical towns and villages of the region, including Peso da Regua, from where the wine barrels were transported in Rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia. The accommodation is all chosen with the greatest care and you'll stay in different types, from delightful rural houses to 4 star hotels.
Routes are mainly on quieter country roads, with some short sections on busier roads and some sections on cobbled roads.
Arrive at your hotel and set out to explore the riverside city of Porto.
You stay at Hotel Vila Gale.
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A few minutes away from the historic center and the main tourist attractions, as well as from Lordelo do Ouro, a picturesque fishing area, Vila Galé Porto Ribeira is a boutique hotel, resulting from the rehabilitation of four buildings in the area of Cais das Pedras, near the Old Customs House of Porto and about 15 kilometers from the Sá Carneiro airport. Themed after the art of painting, this hotel in Porto stands just opposite the Douro, with a superb view of the river. Completely integrated into the urban reality of Cais das Pedras, it draws on its proximity to the riverside area of Porto.
Spend the morning exploring Porto before a transfer from Porto to the easternmost point of your holiday; Castelo Rodrigo. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and scenery that unfolds along the way, entering the fascinating landscape of the Douro River Canyon and its 200 metre high cliffs. The historical village of Castelo Rodrigo deserves an exploratory walk, with its cobbled streets, palace ruins, old walls and ogival arched gates, 16th century pillory and medieval church. Your hotel is located in Castelo Rodrigo with great views over the surrounding plains, mountains and all the way to the border with Spain.
You stay at Casa da Cisterna.
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For the most of us, living in a luxury condominium means living within a modern infrastructure with a selected and closed environment that should include a swimming pool. But for Ana and António, two biologists who came from Lisboa fascinated by the rural charms, the luxury condominium concept is a bit different: in Castelo Rodrigo, the beautiful fortified village they live in, the walls have centuries of history and are opened to whoever wants to come in. The people in the neighbourhood always stand a smile and the swimming pool is a monument – the ancient cistern that once served as water reservoir for the village and now gives name to Casa da Cisterna. Different perspectives, different rhythms of life...
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
The first day of cycling takes you across high plains to the historical village of Almeida, one of the most important strongholds in Portugal's history. Although it had been occupied by humans since the Palaeolithic era, it was only during the Arabic period that the name of the village came about - Al Meda meaning 'the table'. There is an ancient tale that a sumptuous table embedded with precious stones once stood in this spot. However, Almeida's military importance was yet to come...taken and re-taken many times during battles between the Portuguese and the Castilians, in 1296 a new castle was built by the Portuguese, then in 1640 an enormous star-shaped fortress was built around the town to defend against Spanish and French attacks. Eventually falling to Napoleon's armies it was later used by the Portuguese as a political prison. Also visit the village of Vilar Torpim, with it's chapel and manor house, and Escarigo, right on the Spanish border. Return to Castelo Rodrigo for your overnight.
At the beginning of the day, cycle around the Serra da Marofa mountain range. Experience stunning views over the Iberian Plateau and from the top you can also see the Douro river system (which, beyond this river, includes Coa and Agueda rivers), to the East. Continue on to Aldeia do Juizo, a rural village with 2 chapels, several wineries and a community oven that is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and almond orchards. On the banks of the river, there are vegetable-gardens, where the locals produce a wide variety of agricultural products. Stay in a delightful village house, part of a rural tourism complex of restored houses, all with private bathroom facilities.
You stay at Casas do Juizo.
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Located in the centre of the village of Juizo, Casas do Juízo - Turismo Rural is a rural tourism complex of 8 rustic houses. Houses have been fully recovered maintaining their original characteristics and each can accommodate 1 to 8 people. Each feature private bathroom facilities and are equipped with flat-screen TV with 30 channels, sofas, fireplace, wardrobe and dining areas. Guests staying at Casas do Juízo - Turismo Rural will be able to prepare their own meals since each house includes a fully equipped kitchen. In addition Taberna do Juiz can serve meals upon previous request. The complex where Casas do Juízo - Turismo Rural are set includes a greenhouse, a vegetable garden, fruit trees, werehouses, garages, a glass-covered terrace, 2 fountains and a waterwell. Guests can enjoy the tranquillity and unique landscapes of Beira Alta.
On the ride today you cycle through two historical villages, Marialva and Meda before your approach to Penedono, with views of its almost hexagon castle, perched on an outcrop. After the first 10 km you will be able to see the Castle of Marialva. When you reach the village, explore the streets, lined with buildings that have stood the test of time and which lead to the citadel surrounded by ancient walls. The next highlight is Meda - in medieval times this village was essentially a border town and the setting for hard-fought skirmishes between Christians and Muslims. The watchtower was one of the most important strategic defence points in the region and combined with the castles of Marialva and Longroiva. Today the village is quiet and the main activity is farming and wine-making. Continue on to Penedono and its medieval castle, a unique example of military architecture that dominates the surrounding countryside.
You stay at Hotel Medieval de Penedono.
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Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of Portugal, Hotel Medieval® de Penedono**** offers you an elegant and cozy atmosphere with a stunning view of Penedono’s Castle. It is this combination of modern and traditional that gives the hotel its identity and unique charm. Housed in a historic building whose original facade was maintained, Hotel Medieval® de Penedono**** invites you to discover the beauty of this historical region where Douro meets Beira Alta.
The Alto Douro winemaking region is most famous for its Port wine, but the region also produces world-famous wines from the Touriga grape. The terraced vineyards are so typical of the region that they are listed a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a delight to behold. The neatly-kept wine estates rise proudly amidst the vineyards, their names clearly visible to everyone who passes.The last stop is at the town of Peso da Regua. The town's name originated from the name of a Roman house that once stood here - the 'Villa Reguela'. Its great development only began however after 1756 with the creation of the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (Royal Company of Vine-Growers from the Alto Douro Region), which set up the world's first-ever demarcated region for wine production.
Today you cycle to Lamego, a picturesque town that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty and cultural charm. This enchanting city boasts a rich historical heritage that dates back to Roman times. Its well-preserved historic centre, characterised by narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old churches, offers a glimpse into Portugal's past. The city is graced by the imposing Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, a Baroque masterpiece perched on a hill and accessed by a grand staircase decorated with intricate azulejos (tiles). Lamego is also renowned for its role in the production of Portugal's famous wines, particularly Port. We recommend you have lunch in Lamego before heading back towards Peso da Regua.
This morning you check out from your hotel and are transferred back to Porto.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £226.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Porto airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
Flights
available
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
