Madrid to the Douro River & Porto Bike Tour
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.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,299 - $5,899/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
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 rich palette of greens as you pedal the terraced hillsides of the Douro’s deep river canyon, the defining feature of this legendary wine region
- Compare the differences between these nations’ beloved traditional dishes, from Portuguese bacalhau (salted cod) to the Spanish omelet
- Relax at a wine hotel nestled among acres of vineyards, where you’ll explore centuries-old wine-making traditions and taste Portugal’s famous Port and Vinho Verde
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Madrid Airport & Travel Details
- 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
Luxury 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)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Cross the border into the vast planalto (high plain) and enchantingly open landscapes of Portugal’s interior
- Sample traditional regional flavors as you savor lunch at a local agritourismo
- Pedal through iconic terraced landscapes and past historic hamlets
- 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
Luxury 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)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Spin a scenic loop through the eucalyptus forests and river paths of the Paiva River valley, stopping at villages that offer a window into traditional Portuguese life
- Savor a slow lunch at a century-old home and family winery that produces Vinho Verde (green wine)
- Relax at our modern hotel, with wonderful river views
- 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
Luxury 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)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Porto Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-5
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
