Madrid to Porto Bike Tour
Spain's Castile & León to Portugal’s Northern Coast
Journey from northwestern Spain’s golden fields to Northern Portugal’s lush slopes. Compare and contrast the best of these countries as you see how each one has shaped its piece of the Iberian Peninsula.
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 $4,299 - $4,499/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Gaze in awe at stunning architecture in the World Heritage cities of Salamanca and Porto
- Cycle through a beautiful golden patchwork of Spanish pastureland, rolling hills and dehesa (grassland) landscapes
- Immerse yourself in dazzling shades of green as you bike through the terraced hillsides of the Douro River Valley
- Sample regional culinary delights, like Porto’s sweet Port wine and Spain’s jamón Ibérico
- Follow riverside country roads to the charming Portuguese village of Amarante, perched on the banks of the Tâmega
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Madrid Airport & Travel Details
- Try your first taste of classic Castilian cuisine at a local eco-farm and learn about efforts to rewild the Tormes River ecosystems
- Trace the Tormes River through Spain’s wild countryside
- Rest your head at a former convent turned hotel
- Bike through dehesa—vast expanses of pastureland dotted with holm and cork oak trees—to lunch at a traditional agriturismo
- Explore vibrant Salamanca’s elaborate sandstone architecture, baroque-style town square and lively restaurant culture.
Nights 1-2
Deluxe Hotel
Formerly the Convent of San Esteban, this romantic hotel combines tradition and modernity in a privileged location right next to Salamanca's Old Town and one of the city's biggest golf courses. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Cross the border into the Douro River Valley, a World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking scenery and premium wines
- Take in vineyards and terraced landscapes as you weave through Ervedosa do Douro and sit down to a traditional Portuguese lunch of classic dishes
- Settle in at our family-owned winery-hotel and enjoy its award-winning Port wines.
Night 3
Deluxe Hotel
Perched on the banks of the Douro River, this family-run hotel offers a charming blend of luxury and warmth along with premium wines grown from its carefully tended vineyards. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Follow the snaking Douro River on heavenly routes to a Portuguese-style lunch at a local quinta (winery)
- Swap rivers as we pedal to the verdant shores of the Tâmega
- Wander around charming Amarante, where Romanesque houses cluster on either side of the arched São Gonçalo bridge
- Continue exploring lush topography and endless mountains as you bike back to our exquisite hotel
- Toast to a wonderful week in Spain and Portugal at our gastronomic farewell dinner
- Extend your stay in picturesque Porto.
Nights 4-5
Deluxe Hotel
Rural charm abounds at this historic manor house, set on a family-run winemaking quinta (farm estate) in the heart of the Douro River Valley. (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, 4 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
