What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough.Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage.Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable.Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food.If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

Saddle up for a memorable adventure through Douro

Discover a new rhythm amidst the vineyards

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Douro Valley Bike Tour

6 days / 5 nights

Cycle through Portugal’s Douro Valley, where vine-clad slopes, ancient towns, boutique wine estates, and farm-to-table indulgences are calling out to you.

Starting point

São João da Pesqueira

Finish point

Peso da Régua

Activity level

2/5

Season

From April to October

Cycle through Portugal’s Douro Valley, where vine-clad slopes, ancient towns, boutique wine estates, and farm-to-table indulgences are calling out to you.

Starting point

São João da Pesqueira

Finish point

Peso da Régua

Activity level

2/5

Season

From April to October

Highlights

Traverse the scenic vine-clad slopes from Alentejo to the picturesque Algarve
Delve into local flavors with farm-to-table cuisine and tasteful wine sojourns
Discover serene hillside villages nestled amidst olive groves and vineyards
Enjoy warm hospitality at charming wine estates and boutique hotels
Explore the historical allure of ancient towns like Lamego
Enjoy a self-guided expedition, tailored by our specialists to your preferences

Itinerary of the trip

Welcome to Portugal! Settle into your hotel amidst the serene beauty of the Douro Valley and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Take time to explore your surroundings, admire the verdant landscapes, or simply relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Gallery

Old typical houses at Sao Joao da Pesqueira

You will begin your cycling journey with a ride around Pinhão, a charming town surrounded by vineyards and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover its historic train station and enjoy stunning vistas of the region's terraced hills. You can visit the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel and, if you’re drawn to local flavors, indulge in a wine tasting at the prestigious Quinta do Bonfim estate by the river. Along the way, pass through quaint villages that showcase the region's heritage.

Gallery

Vista do Vale do Douro em Pinhão Portugal

Cycling

36 km and 785 m of elevation gain

As you travel toward Alijó, you will navigate through picturesque vineyards and villages, immersing yourself in the region’s vibrant culture. The day will include panoramic views from Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, showcasing the Douro Valley’s stunning beauty. In the village of Favaios, you will taste the locally produced Moscatel wine and savor the unique four-cornered bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Your journey will end in Alijó, where you can reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Gallery

Pequena capela no alto da montanha de Nossa Senhora da Cunha em Alijó, Portugal

scenery by douro river in porto, portugal at dusk

Cycling

33 km and 790 m of elevation gain

Today’s ride will take you through olive groves and historic terraced vineyards as you make your way to Vilarinho de São Romão. You will visit the town of Sabrosa, known for settlements that date back to before Portugal's founding. Ancient sites like Provesende will reveal traces of paleo-Christian heritage. The landscape will reward you with sweeping views of the Douro Valley, each turn unveiling the authentic character of the region.

Gallery

View on Vineyard in Provesende village in the Douro Valley region, Portugal

View of old village Provesende in heart of Douro river valley in autumn, wine making industry in Portugal

Oldest wine region in world Douro valley in Portugal, colorful very old grape vines growing on terraced vineyards, production of red, white and port wine.

Cycling

44 km and 615 m of elevation gain

After a delicious breakfast, you will cycle deeper into the heart of the Douro Valley, arriving at the historic town of Peso da Régua. The journey will take you past traditional homes and terraced vineyards that slope gracefully towards the river. You will learn about the town’s role in the port wine trade and stop at scenic viewpoints like São Leonardo at Galafura. In the evening, you can relax at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest wine estates in the region.

Gallery

The River Douro at Peso da Régua, Portugal

Douro river on Peso da Régua village in Portugal

Bridges in the Douro river valley in the city of Peso da Régua, Portugal

Cycling

42 km and 550 m of elevation gain

Your final cycling day will feature a ride along the Douro River, passing through rolling vineyards and scenic plateaus. You will visit Lamego, a city rich in history, with its Roman roots and 11th-century cathedral. As you traverse ancient trails and picturesque villages, you will soak in the beauty of the valley one last time before returning to Peso da Régua.

Gallery

Azulejo decorated stairway to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedios in Lamego ,Portugal

Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Church, Lamego, Tras-Os-Montes, Portugal

a monumental water fountain on the stairway to Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary at Lamego city, district of Viseu, Portugal

Cycling

33 km and 740 m of elevation gain

Your journey through the Enchanted Valley will come to a close today in Peso da Régua. After a week of cycling past terraced vineyards and historic quintas, you will take this final morning to enjoy the river breeze. Depending on your departure time, you will have the chance to visit the Douro Museum, stroll across the bridge, or enjoy one last glass of Port wine at a riverside café before you will head home.

Gallery

A stunning aerial view of the winding roads and terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, with the river meandering through the lush landscape, Douro Valley scene

Terraced vineyards along a winding blue river valley under a clear sky

Douro Valley Bike Tour

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

INCLUDED

5 nights in a 3* hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your tour

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Accomodation upgrade

Airport transfer

E-bike

E-road bike

Gravel bike

MTB

Regular bike

Road bike

Single supplement

Indulge in a leisurely cycling expedition through Portugal’s iconic wine region, weaving through a picturesque canvas of rolling vineyards, olive groves, and quaint hillside villages.

Your journey unfolds amidst the serene trails of Alentejo, ushering you through the verdant landscapes onto the captivating terrains of the Algarve, and along the enchanting routes of the Douro Valley.

Your wheels will hum softly along the winding trails, guiding you through time-honored vineyards and olive groves that seem to stretch infinitely across the rolling hills. As you pedal through this ageless terrain, every bend reveals quaint villages, where traditional white-washed abodes cling gracefully to the hillside, embodying the enduring charm of Portugal's rural heritage.

Each day, the path leads you to delightful discoveries – from the rich historical tapestry of ancient towns like Lamego to the warm hospitality awaiting charming wine estates and boutique hotels.

Here, the essence of tradition melds seamlessly with modern comforts, offering a quaint retreat to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Indulgence awaits at every stop, with opportunities to relish farm-to-table culinary gems that tantalize your palate, alongside tasteful encounters at renowned wineries where the heritage of wine-making unfolds in every glass.

Take on a custom-designed adventure with our self-guided expedition, where our specialists craft a personalized itinerary aligning with your preferences, GPS routes and recommendations, granting you the autonomy to explore at your own rhythm.

Savor the liberty to pause and delve deeper as you wish, choosing your destinations along the journey!

TOP Places You’ll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Douro Valley

This is Portugal’s oldest wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro River winds through steep slopes covered in vineyards, where grapes have been grown and harvested for over 2,000 years. Riding here means constant views—vineyard terraces, stone villages, and river bends that seem made for postcards.

Pinhão Railway Station

This small station is a hidden gem. Its walls are covered in 24 hand-painted tile panels showing life in the Douro—grape harvests, rabelo boats, and terraced vineyards. Built in 1880 and decorated in 1937, it’s one of the most beautiful stops along the Douro line and a quick, memorable photo break on your ride.

A winery in Douro Valley, Portugal, as seen from the Douro river.

Traditional Quintas

The Douro is packed with quintas—family-run estates that grow grapes and produce wine on-site. Among others, you’ll stop at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the oldest and most respected in the region. Here you can walk the vineyards, taste the local wines, and learn how Port wine is made right where the grapes are grown.

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Built between the 18th and early 20th century, this sanctuary in Lamego sits high above the town and is famous for its grand staircase. It features 686 steps zig-zagging up the hillside, lined with fountains, statues, and traditional Portuguese tiles and is known as one of Portugal’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.

Landscape of the Douro river regionin Portugal - Vineyards

Douro Miraduros

The Douro is full of scenic overlooks known as miradouros. One of the best is Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, just above Pinhão. It’s a short but steep climb to get there, and the reward is huge—panoramic views over the river, the valley, and the endless vineyard terraces.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Black and red hybrid trekking bicycle isolated on white background

Trekking Bikes

Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces

These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

Blue trekking e-bike with rear rack and fenders isolated on white background

Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes

These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.

Black road bike with drop handlebars isolated on a white background

Road Bikes

Best for: Paved routes, longer distances, and climbs

Our road bikes are lightweight, fast, and built for endurance. They typically feature carbon or high-quality aluminium frames, smooth gearing, and reliable components—often Shimano 105 or similar. Well-suited for long days in the saddle, they’re perfect for climbs, steady cruising, and covering serious distance on tarmac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you.However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations.Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Ratings & Reviews

+105

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

We loved our cycling trip! Cycling Holland were very helpful and responsive. We chose regular bikes and cycled over 5 days from Amsterdam to Bruges. The bikes were excellent - good quality and no issues at all. Our luggage arrived before us each day. The bike paths in The Netherlands are exceptional, we felt safe at all times, even when cycling in/out of big cities. If deciding between regular bikes or e-bikes, consider the wind in The Netherlands. We were on regular bikes and on a couple of days the wind slowed our pace down to around 10km/hr. It was a super fun adventure, we’ll definitely be back for another one!

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Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Mountain bikes parked near blue and white crosswalk in European alpine village street

Wet, narrow street in a European town leading to a church spire, backed by a forested mountain.

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River flowing through a European town with historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

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Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

I was able to tailor a bike tour itinerary along the Adriatic coast that suited our group during the shoulder season. We added individual pre and post-trip activities which went smoothly. Our trip included stops in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The trip planner, guide and support team were great.

Group posing in front of Pula Arena with a stone wall and parked car.

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Black and white cat with green eyes looking up from light gray tiled floor

Maroon gravel bike resting against a low stone wall in grassy terrain

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Gravel bike with rear rack and phone mount resting against a dry-stacked stone wall outdoors.

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John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Cyclist riding on dirt path under green leafy archway toward open field

Cyclist with panniers riding up a narrow cobblestone street in a historic town.

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Toasting with white and red wine glasses outdoors with greenery in the background

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

I would highly recommend anyone doing this tour take the e-bike option. There were only 3 of us on our tour who completed this on regular bikes. Four others who started out on regular bikes swapped over to e-bikes after the first day. The climbs are long and steep. There is pretty much only up or down, not much flat or undulating road. It is doable, but very challenging. If you are on an e-bike then this also helps with the group staying together and no-one having to wait too long for others to catch up. The bikes were really good and had great gearing that was capable of handling the steeper climbs. When we booked we were unaware that we would be riding in a group of 20plus at all time. Thankfully our group had prior group riding experience but we did observe other large groups with less than desirable riding behaviours.Others in our group were extremely understanding and supportive. Our guide, David, was very adamant about staying safe on the road. He was flexible with the itinerary and made changes to suit the weather conditions and to ensure we got in as much riding as possible. He was vey knowledgeable about Croatian history and agriculture and taught us lots about the country he is so passionate about. Our captain, Tolma, was also amazing and along with his awesome crew, made our cruise an enjoyable experience.

View from sailboat bow approaching coastal town with white buildings and green hills under blue sky.

Sailboat on the water during a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the sea.

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Large sailboat named Toma loading bicycles from a dinghy near a forested coastline.

Jek Cooper

Verified customer · 4 days ago

Show all 12 photos

Bill Wright

Verified customer · 5 months ago

John Woeste

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Highly recommend the bike trip from Bled to Pula. It was well planned. We did a small group self-supported. Big fun. Bikes, hotels, route selection and communication with the company was great.

Show all 3 photos

Mystie Pineda

Verified customer · 5 months ago

Show all 19 photos

barney barnhart

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Brilliant planning, great communication, terrific hotels and accommodations, interesting cities and beautiful scenery plus amazing routes.

Show all 11 photos

Alison Booth

Verified customer · 6 months ago

Show all 3 photos

Douro Valley Bike Tour

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Douro Valley

Day 2: Pinhao Loop Ride

Day 3: Quinta do Ventozelo – Alijó

Day 4: Alijó – Vilarinho de São Romão

Day 5: Vilarinho de São Romão – Peso da Régua

Day 6: Peso da Régua Loop Ride

Day 7: Departure from Douro Valley

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

TOP Places You’ll See

Our Bikes

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

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Unbeatable Support

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Local Experts

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Douro Valley

Day 2: Pinhao Loop Ride

Day 3: Quinta do Ventozelo – Alijó

Day 4: Alijó – Vilarinho de São Romão

Day 5: Vilarinho de São Romão – Peso da Régua

Day 6: Peso da Régua Loop Ride

Day 7: Departure from Douro Valley

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

Ratings & Reviews

Jek Cooper

Mystie Pineda

Bill Wright

barney barnhart

John Woeste

Alison Booth

Jek Cooper

Bill Wright

John Woeste

Mystie Pineda

barney barnhart

Alison Booth

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