Cycling Lisbon to Porto Via the Historic Interior

Duration
8 days
Site savings
$114
From
$3,686 USD

Starting from Lisbon and ending in Porto – Portugal’s two major hubs – you'll cycle from one idyllic medieval village to the next, along the way enjoying rural scenes and wild landscapes well off the beaten path. You will be challenged by some hilly terrain though always plentifully rewarded with quintessential Iberian wining & dining! Complemented with cozy accommodations and unique experiences, including a train ride and boat cruise in the Douro Valley, this is an epic Portugal cycling adventure designed for the discerning traveller.

  • Category
    Cultural & Historical
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    8 days
  • Culture Level
    Adventurous
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Rugged
  • Distance
    234.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    39.1 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    8 days
  • Main Destination
    Portugal
  • Distance
    234.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    39.1 miles
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Rugged

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Lisbon – Idanha-a-Nova

    You'll be picked up from your hotel in Lisbon in the early afternoon and transferred 3 hours to the town of Idanha-a-Nova located in east-central Portugal. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation, do a bike fitting, and take a stroll to the ruins of the town’s 13th-century medieval castle. Here you can also get a good lay of the land for the cycling days ahead as you relish in stunning views over the surrounding countryside. You'll cap off the day with a welcome dinner.

    • Hotel Estrela da Idanha
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2Idanha-a-Nova – Penamacor

    In the morning, you'll ride out of Idanha-a-Nova and, after an initial 10 km,  find yourself skirting along the southern shore of the Marechal Carmona Reservoir, offering scenic views over the calm waters. After another 5 km you'll arrive at the tranquil Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Almortão. From behind the Chapel, you'll dip into a lengthy stretch of back-country roads where you may encounter the occasional herd of cattle grazing on the edges of the extensive olive groves, vineyards, and wheat fields. At the 35 km mark, you'll reach the village of Idanha-a-Velha which bears impressive vestiges of continuous occupation from the ancient Romans to the Knights Templar. Just another 10 km cycle north lies yet another gem of a historic village: Monsanto. Perched atop a rocky hill, the entire village of Monsanto is locked in a harmonious coexistence with giant boulders, offering fascinating visuals! You'll pass more villages and smaller hamlets before arriving at your hotel near the town of Penamacor.

    • 41.6 miles
    • 236.2 ft
      3,802.5 ft
      3,566.3 ft
    • Hotel Termas de São Tiago
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Penamacor - Rapoula do Côa

    Today’s focus is east-central Portugal’s wild side as you cycle within the secluded Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve. As you enter the National Park outside of Penmacor, the scenery quickly changes from farmlands to dense Old World Mediterranean forest. This is the home of the elusive Iberian lynx as well as many other species of animals and vegetation. Expansive views abound, though be warned that it is a taxing gradual climb for the first 5 km, after which a relieving downhill section brings you to the beachy shores of Lake Meimão. Here the terrain flattens until you reach the village of Meimão where you’ll conquer a steep 3 km climb to the top of a ridge with towering windmills. After catching your breath you'll continue more leisurely at a higher elevation through a mix of rural areas and national park before arriving at your accommodation nestled in the countryside of Rapoula do Côa, renowned for its thermal springs in use since the time of the Romans. Indulge in a refreshing soak to reward your cycling efforts today!

    • 39.8 miles
    • 593.8 ft
      3,894.4 ft
      3,300.5 ft
    • The Cró Rural Hotel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Rapoula do Côa - Castelo Rodrigo

    The journey today takes you through the Côa Valley, where the hills are crowned with picturesque medieval fortresses. The first 15 km follow the course of the Côa River and you will cross the Ponte de Sequeiros, a beautifully arched stone bridge. As the route diverts from the river you'll begin to enter the hills, riding up and down as we hop from one hilltop castle – and the charming villages nestled within – to the next. The first of these is Castelo Bom with its ruins overlooking a vast, rugged hinterland. A further 15 km north and you'll find yourself entering the impressive gate of Almeida Castle, a true bastion renowned for its star-shaped defensive walls. From here you'll complete the final 25 km along narrow country lanes to the village Castelo Rodrigo. The serenity of this tiny cobblestoned village stands in sharp contrast to the remnants of the once fierce stronghold on which it sits.

    • 46 miles
    • 364.2 ft
      3,156.2 ft
      2,792 ft
    • Casa da Cisterna
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  5. Day 5Castelo Rodrigo - Freixo de Espada à Cinta

    A thrilling day awaits as you'll conquer roads and trails impressed upon the plateaus, escarpment and valleys of the Douro International Natural Park, an important wildlife corridor stretching north along both sides of the Portuguese-Spanish border. Descending from Castelo Rodrigo, you'll ride 30 km along narrow off-road trails that dissect olive groves, shrubland and rocky outcrops. Greeting you at the end of this stretch is the small town of Barca D’Alva, which rests on the banks of the dreamy Douro River. You'll then cycle up meandering roads and sweeping curves leading to the ridge of Penedo Durão. Here the views peer deep into the gorges and mountains of neighbouring Spain and soaring above you may spot eagles and vultures. After taking in this incredible scene you'll backtrack briefly and then turn north to ride along the vineyards and almond tree farms surrounding the historic town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta – your final destination for today.

    • 39.8 miles
    • -1,000.7 ft
      3,481 ft
      4,481.6 ft
    • Freixo Douro Superior Hotel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  6. Day 6Freixo de Espada à Cinta - Pocinho – Peso da Régua

    Today you'll head west into the heart of the Douro wine region, combining cycling with a scenic train ride. You'll start by almost immediately trading paved roads for narrow rural trails as you climb steadily to the rustic village of Mazouco, commanding panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll then cut across the Trás-os-Montes plateau, passing countless farms and villages, before rolling into the old mining town of Torre de Moncorvo. From here you'll follow a winding mountain bike path to rendezvous again with the Douro River, this time near the village of Pocinho which is the terminus of the Douro railway line. You’ll pack up the bikes and board the train for an enriching finale to the day. Relish in endless scenes of the wide Douro River and terraced vineyards etched into the steep, sun-kissed hills. After roughly two hours you'll disembark in the wine-rich town of Peso da Régua; your home for the final 2 nights of the tour. How about a glass or two of authentic port wine to unwind?

    • 37.3 miles
    • -1,128.6 ft
      2,352.4 ft
      3,481 ft
    • Original Douro Hotel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  7. Day 7 Douro Wine Region Loop

    For the last cycling day, you'll use your hotel in Régua as a base and ride a wide loop all along paved roads through the surrounding wine region. You'll begin with a bridge crossing and then follow the course of the Douro River downstream, enjoying a relatively flat ride flanked by vineyards, orange groves and estates. After around 12 km you'll begin the climb into the hills, meandering along the centuries-old schist walls that give shape to the Douro valley’s famed – UNESCO World Heritage awarded – terraced vineyards. Once you reach the top, you’ll enjoy a long stretch of more gently undulating riding, accompanied by uninterrupted views of the river valley. At around 35 km you'll reach the storied city of Lamego and its baroque-era church perched atop a hill with a massive and intricate stairway leading up to it. From here we conclude the ride with a pleasant downhill back into Régua. Tonight’s dinner will be a feast to celebrate the unforgettable cycling journey of the last six days!

    • 30.4 miles

    • 3,116.8 ft
      3,116.8 ft
    • Original Douro Hotel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  8. Day 8Douro River Cruise to Porto

    Having traversed a large swath of inland Portugal over the past week, the time has come to head to the coast and end the tour in Porto. And you’ll do so in true style: aboard a boat cruising down the storied Douro River. The total cruising time is around 6 hours and includes lunch on board. Starting directly from the pier in Régua, simply relax and unwind as you take in a never-ending photo reel of terraced vineyards carved into the surrounding hillsides. You might even see some Rabelo boats - historically used to transport wine along the river – darting by as you leisurely meander downstream. Our ship will pass through some impressive river locks before arriving at the pier in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city located on the Atlantic Coast.

    The tour concludes with a shared transfer to your hotel in Porto (feel free to ask for recommendations!). It is suggested you spend at least 2 days in this stunning city.

    • Breakfast and Lunch