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
operated by
SpiceRoads Cycling
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  • Where does the tour start and finish?

    The tour starts in Lisbon and finishes in Porto.

    Fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport)/ fly out of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport).

  • How long is the tour? How many days of riding?

    This tour is 8 days long, with 6 riding days.

  • What's the tour like?

    This tour covers 378 km over 6 days of riding in Portugal's interior region in the east and north of the country. The first 5 cycling days cover mountainous and rugged terrain, with historic villages and hilltop castles dotted along the valleys and plateaus. Scenic stretches through more wild areas in the national parks also feature prominently. Days 6 and 7 are focused on the Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards which are not just a great backdrop but also fun to cycle through.

    The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.

    Suitability: The tour is suitable for cyclists possessing a good level of physical fitness as the average climb per day is more than 900 m. Fitness will be a huge asset on those long days and challenging climbs. The tour is guided and fully supported, and a transfer is possible at certain points during each stage for those that find the riding too difficult. As the tour visits many charming villages, towns and ruins as well as national parks and vineyards, riding is not the only focus and a fair amount of time will be spent off-saddle to explore these fascinating and picturesque places. This includes a train and boat ride as well!

    Biking Conditions: You'll ride an average of 63 km a day with average climbs of more than 900 m. The itinerary is roughly 60% tarmac and 40% off-road on double track / dirt roads / gravel roads. Except for day 7 in the Douro Valley (which is all on paved roads), the riding on the other days will contain a mix of surfaces. Throughout all days, the terrain is hilly and changeable with flat sections and a lot of climbs and descents. Some climbs can be gradual and up to 10 km while others are short but steep. Good handling skills will be an asset.

  • Do I have to pay if travelling alone?

    You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

  • What's the weather like?

    Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The country enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F) in winter and 25°C (77°F) in summer. The northern region experiences more rainfall and cooler temperatures, while the south has a drier and warmer climate. Coastal areas benefit from refreshing sea breezes, while inland regions can be hotter. Overall, Portugal's climate is generally pleasant, making it an attractive destination for sunseekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • What's the food and drink like on tour?

    Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

    Portuguese food combines fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Seafood plays a prominent role, with dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and sardines being popular. Meat lovers can savour dishes such as grilled meats and cozido à portuguesa (a hearty meat stew). Portuguese cuisine also features delicious pastries like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and regional desserts like arroz doce (rice pudding). Don't miss out on trying local specialties like caldo verde (kale soup), feijoada (bean stew), and the famous port wine.

    Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.


    Drink

    Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and a regular supply of refreshments are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price.

  • Are there any extra expenses?

    It is recommended that you tuck away a few extra Euros for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, it is suggested that €5-10 per person per day is appropriate.

    Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country, but that is not a guarantee, especially in mom-and-pop shops in rural areas.

    A Note on Portugal's Tourist Tax: The tourist tax in Portugal varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is between 1 - 5 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why it is not included in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.

  • Are helmets included when hiring a bike?

    Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.

Overall Rating:
4.9/5
Stephen Proudman
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The ride exceeded expectations. Each day exposed different landscapes and challenges. The routes explored areas with minimal traffic and remote natural beauty as well as small towns and the vineyards of the Duoro valley. The culinary experiences were fantastic. Guides top notch.

Michael Crehore
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Our tour, Lisbon to Porto, which we just completed was simply amazing. Our leader, José and support driver, Rita were great. They knew the history of the region, had done the trip before and had many great insights along the way. The area of travel was a great combination of…

Carina Benninga
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Our experience (again) with [the tour operator] has been excellent. The two guides that we had were so skillful in every way. That really made the tour complete. The beautiful route that we took in Portugal, we could have never found that ourselves. Really amazing and relaxing to feel that…