Mrs Princep says...
We had a wonderful holiday in the Douro Valley. The route was really scenery was beautiful and the choice of accommodation excellent. We felt well ...
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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). The ride begins in 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 Pinhao, where many of the famous Port wine estates are located. The accommodation is all chosen with the greatest care and you'll stay in different types, from delightful rural houses to 3 and 4 star hotels.
Pick up a shared transfer from Porto airport (included at 14.20) 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 de Cisterna (Breakfast and Evening meal included)
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.
Distance covered: 53 km / 33 miles
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.
Distance covered: 30 km / 19 miles
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.
Distance covered: 39 km / 24 miles
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. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip (payable locally) on a 'Rabelo', a traditional 'gondola-shaped' boat that in earlier days transported up to 50 barrels of wine at a time, downriver, to Porto. The Port wine town of Pinhao is your next stop, with its exquisite train station, the ceiling covered in azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue ceramic tiles). You spend the night in Pinhao.
Distance covered: 40 km / 25 miles
The route today takes you along the magnificent and enchanting Douro Valley. The views are nothing less than breathtaking, as if the Douro Valley is ensuring that you will never forget its magical beauty! Head along the riverside and enjoy a guided visit of an 18th century wine estate, at the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers, and a wine tasting at Quinta do Tedo. At the end of today's cycle you will arrive back in Pinhao.
Distance covered: 40.5 km / 25 miles
This morning you check out from your hotel and are transferred back to Porto; here you can choose to spend some time in this cosmopolitan city, or go straight back to the airport for your flight home. Extra nights in Porto can be requested at the time of booking.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
We had a wonderful holiday in the Douro Valley. The route was really scenery was beautiful and the choice of accommodation excellent. We felt well supported by staff and the high quality of equipment. Although the trip was graded challenging, it wasn't impossible but taking into account the length and steepness of the climbs we consider it to be accurate. Would highly recommend this holiday to people who cycle regularly.
You start in an unspoilt, beautiful part of NE Portugal and gradually work your way down to the Duoro valley. The wildflowers in May are stunning. There are some challenging climbs but it is worth it.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 6 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
All breakfasts and one evening meal.
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions
Headwater navigation app
Bike hire
Luggage transfers between hotels
Visit and wine tasting on day 6
Airport transfers
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' button below.
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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6th Apr 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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13th Apr 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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20th Apr 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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27th Apr 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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4th May 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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11th May 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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18th May 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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25th May 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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1st Jun 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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2nd Jun 2023 | US$3199 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3199 Single supp: US$480 |
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8th Jun 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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15th Jun 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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22nd Jun 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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29th Jun 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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7th Sep 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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14th Sep 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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21st Sep 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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28th Sep 2023 | US$3049 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3049 Single supp: US$480 |
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5th Oct 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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12th Oct 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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19th Oct 2023 | US$2749 | US$317 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$317 |
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11th Apr 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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18th Apr 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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25th Apr 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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2nd May 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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9th May 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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16th May 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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23rd May 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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30th May 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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6th Jun 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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13th Jun 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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20th Jun 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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27th Jun 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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4th Jul 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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11th Jul 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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18th Jul 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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25th Jul 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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1st Aug 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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8th Aug 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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15th Aug 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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22nd Aug 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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29th Aug 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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5th Sep 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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12th Sep 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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19th Sep 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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26th Sep 2024 | US$3249 | US$480 | Tour only: US$3249 Single supp: US$480 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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3rd Oct 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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10th Oct 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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17th Oct 2024 | US$2949 | US$480 | Tour only: US$2949 Single supp: US$480 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Thursdays from 6th Apr 2023 to 17th Oct 2024, for 6 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts and one evening meal.
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £122 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tour only
Standard transfers can be arranged for all flights arriving before 14:20. Standard transfer on the return can be arranged for all flight departures after 14:00.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' button below.