Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
2025: Oct-Nov 2026: Mar-Jun, Aug-Nov
Heart of Spain to Portugal's Famed Wine Country
Cycle through the enchanting Iberian Peninsula as you trace rivers, explore evocative villages and watch the scenery transform from Spain’s golden Castile-León to Portugal’s lush Douro.
Highlights
- Keep an eye out for toros bravos (bullfighting cattle) and black Iberian pigs grazing in the rolling dehesa grasslands of rural Spain
- Gaze in awe at stunning Gothic, Moorish and baroque structures in the World Heritage cities of Salamanca and Porto
- Behold a seemingly endless palette of greens as you bike through the slanted hillsides of the magnificent Douro Valley
- Compare and contrast the innovative and fresh flavors of culinary hotspots in Spain and Portugal
- Relax at a wine hotel nestled among acres of vineyards, where you’ll explore centuries-old winemaking traditions and taste Portugal’s famous Port and Vinho Verde
Start Madrid
End Porto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Meet in bustling Madrid to kick off the first half of your two-country cycling journey • From the Tormes River, bike through rolling hills filled with wheat and brilliant yellow sunflowers • Explore the medieval town of Ledesma, home to an ancient fortress and rich history • Cycle expansive Iberian pastureland to reach a charming masía (country farmhouse) • Sample acorn-fed ibérico ham alongside cheese made on-site at our extraordinary hotel • Explore vibrant Salamanca, a World Heritage city known for its elaborate sandstone architecture, baroque-style town square and lively restaurant culture.
Nights 1-2
Known for its farm-to-table dining and ample vineyards, Hacienda Zorita has been a haven for travelers since its creation in 1366. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Cross the border into the vast plateaus and enchantingly open landscapes of Portugal’s interior • Sample traditional regional flavors as you savor lunch in a local adega (tavern) • Dine, swim and unwind at a working vineyard and wine hotel—a quintessential Douro Valley experience • Sample fortified Port wines, known for their sweet taste profile and complex flavors.
Night 3
An active vineyard and winery dating back to the 1700s, this beautiful property is renowned for its immersive Douro experience and award-winning wines and ports. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
In the breathtaking Douro Valley, ride past small granite hamlets and patchwork fields of vines, olive groves and orchards • A beautiful loop takes you through the eucalyptus forests and lush paths of the Paiva River valley • Pedal across rural landscapes and pause in some of Portugal’s oldest and best preserved villages • Unwind with river views at our modern hotel • Toast to a wonderful week in Spain and Portugal, sitting down to a gastronomic farewell dinner • Extend your stay in the colorful city of Porto.
Nights 4-5
Built in schist and glass on a terraced hillside, this supremely luxurious getaway offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a sense of union between the hotel and the natural world. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The Old World legacy of Spain and Portugal is beautifully reflected in the hotels and restaurants featured on this trip. While we've handpicked some of the region's finest lodgings and eateries, you may find them simpler than what's typical on other Backroads Premiere trips in Europe. The relaxed lifestyle that defines this region can also result in slower service.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Known for its farm-to-table dining and ample vineyards, Hacienda Zorita has been a haven for travelers since its creation in 1366. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
An active vineyard and winery dating back to the 1700s, this beautiful property is renowned for its immersive Douro experience and award-winning wines and ports. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Built in schist and glass on a terraced hillside, this supremely luxurious getaway offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a sense of union between the hotel and the natural world. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Share Your Adventure!
Tag @backroadstravel or use #MyBackroadsTrip to submit your photos.
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $400 rental fee
- Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
- Custom upgraded wheelset
- Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
