Douro Valley by Bike FOODIES HISTORICAL WINE LOVERS SUMMER 2018 www.portugalnaturetrails.com info@portugalnaturetrails.com
Douro Valley by Bike FOODIES HISTORICAL WINE LOVERS SUMMER DESCRIPTION The oldest demarked wine region is ready to be discovered One of the most beautiful wine areas and also the oldest demarked wine region in the world, the Douro Valley is here to make you surrender to its outstanding beauty. The cycling through the immense valleys and the train journey from Porto to the Douro slopes which will lead you to amazing vineyard terrace sceneries, will mark this amazing experience. Find yourself in small wine producing villages on the slopes, with stunning views over the terraces. At night rest in wine farms, delight yourself with homemade dinners and drink the wines produced on the doorstep. Proud people, quality wine and traditional lifestyle make this a special place to all those who pass here. TRIP INFORMATION ACCOMMODATION Superior DISTANCE 17-37 km/ day TOUR GRADE FIT ROUTE 100% asphalt, except on day 2 with some off-road sections (100% paved option available) DURATION 8 Days 7 Nights START END Vidago Peso da Régua PROFILE Hilly TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Incredible landscapes classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites Old, typical villages on the mountains of the Douro Valley Traditional gastronomy and wines from the region Charming hotels and wine producing estates
THE ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL Our Guide will welcome you at the Porto Airport and drive you (1h30) to the hotel in Vidago. This town was a centre of mineral water treatments back in the late 19th century,. It was believed that some minerals contained in the water were effective in the treatment of digestive problems. You will stay at the famous Vidago Palace, which in the 20th century, with the popularity of the waters, was the retreat for some Portuguese monarchs. ACCOMMODATION Vidago Palace DAY 2 VIDAGO to VILA REAL A day full of beautiful landscapes and typical northern villages awaits you! This ride will be mostly made on and old railway line passing by abandoned train stations which will bring you back to nostalgic times. Halfway through the route in Vila Pouca de Aguiar the railway joins the Corgo River, which has its source here and is one of the affuents of the Douro River. Follow the railway until Vila Real, your destination for today, where you can relax and rest in a charming and eco-friendly country estate. ACCOMMODATION Casa da Levada BIKE 50km, + 550m
DAY 3 VILA REAL to SABROSA Today you will be riding through the mountains of the Douro region. Along the way find small isolated villages, hidden in the middle of the mountains and lost in time. Also pass by Mamoa de Madorras, a tumulus dating back to the Bronze Age, and the pretty chapel Nossa Senhora da Azinheira, right before arriving in São Martinho da Anta. This little town is the birthplace of Miguel Torga, one of the greatest Portuguese writers of the 20th century. Finally arrive in Sabrosa, the hometown of the famous navigator who first circumnavigated the Earth, Ferdinand Magellan. This will also be your home for the night. ACCOMMODATION Casa dos Barros BIKE 28km, + 550m DAY 4 SABROSA to PINHÃO Get ready to be amazed during your ride today, as you get your first mesmorizing sightings of the true Douro region landscapes. A long and scenic descent halfway through the route will take your breath away. You will be sourrounded by vines, have clear views of the Douro River and pass by characterful villages, like Covas do Douro, dependant on the Douro wine industry. All of this will fill your senses with the Douro atmosphere and stay in your memories for a long time. Arrive at the picturesque town of Pinhão famous for its incredible views and the beautiful, historic Pinhão train station. ACCOMMODATION Vintage House BIKE 30km, + 500m
DAY 5 PINHÃO Loop This day is reserved to explore the surroundings of Pinhão and its gorgeous landscapes which have given it the classification of UNESCO World Heritage Site. With two options to explore this fantastic region, you will pass by many wine estates and typical villages. On the longer route you will encounter Favaios Village, known for its Moscatel wine, but also for its archeological marks, stately homes and religious monuments, in addition to the mouthwatering cuisine. As you return to Pinhão and descende along the Pinhão River, you will realize why this is one of the most beautiful places of this wine growing zone. ACCOMMODATION Vintage House BIKE Short 17km, + 450m Long 37km, + 900m
DAY 6 COVELINHAS to PESO DA RÉGUA Today start the day with an immersive train journey from Pinhão to Covelinhas, or if you want to further improve your experience you have the possibility do a memorable private boat trip on the Douro River, where you can enjoy the serenity and appreciate the refinement of the landscapes and the beauty of the valley carved by these waters. Once in Covelinhas start riding on a panoramic route that follows the river with fantastic views that make this region a one in a kind. As the day before, you will have the choice between a shorter and a longer track. The longer one runs upstream through the Corgo Valley alongside the Corgo River. Both routes end with an easy descend towards Peso da Régua where you might want to visit the Douro Museum, before crossing the Douro River on an old, charming bridge before arriving at your accommodation, a wine-producing estate. What better way to end the day than with a wine tasting? ACCOMMODATION Quinta da Pacheca BIKE Short 15km, + 250m Long 28km, + 600m
DAY 7 QTA. DA PACHECA Loop This will be your last full day in the Douro region and it will be an amazing one. You can choose to ride once more along the Douro River on a fantasti- cally beautiful road, or to head up the mountain towards Lamego, an old city full of history and monuments to be visited. The São Pedro de Balsemão Chapel, the second oldest in Europe, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption are just some of them. Both programs are framed with the astounding landscapes filled with blue and green colors of the river and vines which will stay in the memories you will take back home. ACCOMMODATION Quinta da Pacheca BIKE Short 28km, + 500m Long 31km, + 550m
DAY 8 DEPARTURE Also the best things have to come to an end, but the transfer back to Porto can be a thing to remember. You have the opportunity to take a river cruise from Régua to Porto and end your visit of the Douro region on a high. Say goodbye to Portugal but keep the great memories with you as our Guide takes you to the airport. All programs are specially designed for adventure lovers. Amazing experiences are guaranteed. We aren t responsible for possible side effects, that may include moments of extreme happiness, sense of freedom and desire to continue with us. Contact us for more information. Portugal Nature Trails is a registered trademark of Caminhos da Natureza Registered Company as RNAVT (National Registry of Travel Agencies and Tourism) and RNAAT (National Registry of Animation Agent and Tourism) Rua 7 de Junho,58, Leceia, 2730-174 BARCARENA PORTUGAL