At a Glance
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Immerse into the historical and natural wonders of Northern Portugal and Douro Valley as you cycle along breathtaking scenery from ancient Porto to picturesque valley vineyards. Be spell bounded by its magnificent culture and delight in the ever-lingering flavours of its exquisite wines on this 6-day thrilling bike adventure.
Your adventure begins in Porto where you’ll shuttle to explore the scenic mountain village of Brufe. Digest pleasurable natural sceneries en-route to the Peneda Gerês National Park, an enclosure of stupendous diversity of life. You’ll be left astonished by the Vinho Verde wine region with its characteristic vine that produces its peculiar savoury flavour as you delight your tastebuds to its relishing taste. Revel in mesmerising natural and artifactual outlooks on your way to Vieira-do-Minho. Learn the inspiring story of the Basto ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- All luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers
- 5 nights of accommodation in 5 star hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Sejam bem-vindos! Today you meet your tour leaders at the lobby of the The Hilton Porto Gaia, at 10.30 am. Please, come dressed in your biking clothes along with a daypack and anything else you might want for today’s adventure and your luggage will be transported to your first night’s accommodation. After meeting in Porto, we shuttle north into the mountains of the Serra do Gerês. As you spy clusters of stone cottages nestled between green mountainsides, you may find yourself thinking you're in Ireland rather than Portugal! We arrive at our lunch spot, where we're offered our first taste of the region's simple hearty cuisine. Then it's time for fitting your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. When you're ready, set off on two wheels into the lush rugged terrain of Peneda-Gerês National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve and Portugal's only national park. Open mountain views, dense forest and remote villages mark the route as we make our way along a winding road through the park. |
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Afterward, we all ride (or shuttle!) the same beautiful final climb to Pousada de Mosteiro Amares, our elegant home. for the night. This restored 12th-century monastery has panoramic views of the greenery surrounding it, and an eye for tasteful interior decor. With your bike retired for the day, settle into your room at the hotel. Spend some time lounging by the pool, or relax with a book on the patio with views of the mountains. Later, we reconvene for a welcome reception before a festive welcome dinner. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today we set off straight from our hotel for the long, winding descent out of the mountains of Peneda-Gerês— with plenty of climbing along the way too! As the elevation drops, we watch the landscape slowly change. Say adeus to the rocky high-mountain slopes covered with pines, and olá to the encroaching presence of cypresses, eucalyptus trees and creeping vines. Our first stop of the morning is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Take the monumental elevator to the hilltop where this World Heritage site commands an impressive eyrie, framed by its sweeping 381-foot Baroque staircase. Each zig-zag of the stairs symbolically represents a Bible episode, a tenet of the teachings of Jesus Christ or a host of other contemplative topics which guide pilgrims in their ascent. Whether or not you have a spiritual connection to the site, you're sure to be moved by the grand vision it took to create this special place. After descending from the sanctuary, head to lunch nearby at a charming country restaurant. Then our route continues through the increasingly lush hills towards our destination of Guimarães. Those who are interested may stop along the way at intriguing Citânia de Briteiros. This Iron Age site's reconstructed cottages and mystical standing stones offer a glimpse of the ancient Celts who inhabited Portugal millennia ago. |
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Feel free to jump in the shuttle here and skip the last busier stretch into Guimarães—or, of course, to retire your bike at lunch if an afternoon of road-tripping and sesta is on your agenda. Alternately, the afternoon ride to the hotel takes you on the scenic route to Guimarães, with plenty of winding climbs and descents to test your mettle and satiate your need for speed. Check in Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães for the next two night stay, an impressive property housed in a converted monastery and palace. Explore historic halls, ornate gardens & peaceful cloisters once home to monks. A unique hideaway.This evening, we come together for another delicious dinner. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast at the hotel we set off to explore the Serra da Cabreira mountain range which flanks Guimarães. We begin at an old railroad track turned into a bike path with sweeping views of the green mountains extending all around us. Our route passes through deep leafy forests and across rushing streams on old stone bridges built by the Romans, a hallmark of this area. The Serra da Cabreira was only recently linked to the rest of Portugal by a paved road. It's still home to timeless pastoral scenes of cows being paraded to the fields, crops stored in espigueiros (stone sheds on stilts) and of course, row after row of vines heavy with wine grapes. |
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We enjoy lunch at a country agroturismo where the ingredients come directly from the garden to the table. Then shuttle or pedal back to the hotel to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a massage. (Massage requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Massage and spa treatments are not included in the price of the trip.) Afterward the night is yours to take to the streets of Guimarães. First we all meet for a quick shuttle into town and a walking tour of the historic center, lined by palm trees and watched over by an impressive castle. Then dinner is on your own at one of the many enticing restaurants lining the tiled alleyways. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Savor a morning coffee and breakfast, then hop on your bike and get ready to swap regions again as we make for the verdant shores of the Douro River. The fragrant smells of dry grass and oak leaves waft over our route as we pedal through the countryside, connecting quaint villages whose streets are ensconced in whitewash and dusty tile. Our morning route ends in charming Amarante, where Romanesque houses with wrought-iron balconies hang precariously over the waters of the Tâmega River. Take a break from the saddle here and stroll the town's peaceful center in search of a place that entices you to grab lunch on your own. Then ride onward through the increasingly dry landscape of brush and olive trees as the elevation continues to drop. In this sun-swept countryside, the views over wrinkled mountains seem to go on forever. |
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Of course, you're also welcome to shuttle straight from lunch to our destination, the gorgeous Casa da Lavand'eira. This country house-style retreat drips with luxe modern furnishings and dreamy gardens, with bowers of wisteria and grapevines hanging over the traditional central courtyard. Spend the golden hours of the afternoon lounging by the pool, relaxing in your room, or treating yourself at the spa before we gather in the evening and head to a restaurant hidden in an old stone village house for dinner. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today is all about the lifeblood of the Douro river valley: wine. Our cycling route follows heavenly winding roads through the terraced vineyards that cling to the steep hillsides of this lush region, creating a breathtaking cultivated landscape—no wonder it's recognized as a World Heritage site. The climatic influence of the river and the nearby coast keeps the valley humid and green, a stark contrast to the dry hills through which you descended yesterday afternoon to arrive here. We stop for a picnic at a winery to taste the local elixir. The Douro is most famous for producing the fortified port wine which has taken its great city's name. However, the slopes above the river also make excellent table wines such as Tinta Roriz (better known by its Spanish name Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon-like Touriga Nacional, and of course young Vinho Verde. |
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Some of these varieties will accompany our lunch as we picnic among the vines, refueling for this afternoon's ride back to the hotel. Of course, you're also welcome to retire your bicycle at lunch and return to Casa da Lavand'eira for an afternoon contemplating the property's sweeping views of the Douro River. Tonight, we reconvene at the hotel to toast to a wonderful week in Portugal's captivating north before sitting down to a farewell dinner in the hotel's stunning dining room overlooking the valley. |
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Level 2, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft) After a week of riding through some of Northern Portugal's finest landscapes, we complete our journey with one last spin along the meandering Douro. If you'd prefer a more leisurely morning, relax over a long breakfast or catch some last rays in the courtyard or pool deck of the hotel. Freshen up after and bid farewell to your tour leaders as you board the shuttle to The Hilton Porto Gaia where this adventure ends. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
The departure and finish point is Porto, Portugal
Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Porto. The nearest airport to Porto is Porto International Airport which is 10.9 km away. Other nearby airports include Vigo Airport, 119.7 km and Santiago de Compostela Airport, 195 km.
Portugal is famous for its typical Mediterranean climate with warm days and year-round sunshine, although Lisbon can be quite cool with breezes off the coast. Be prepared for high temperatures and dry heat from late June through early September and more mild temperatures later in fall. Summer temperatures near sea level may average up to 76 °F (24 °C) but are rather lower at exposed higher elevations. Winter temperatures average 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) but tend to be milder south of the Douro. Annual rainfall averages more than 40 inches (1,000 mm).
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-5.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.