DOURO VALLEY SELF-GUIDED TOUR
A 6-Day Gravel Tour
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DOURO VALLEY GRAVEL – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 6
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport: Porto
Km / day: 35-80km
Elevation gain / day: 800-1700m
Overall Difficulty: Intermediate
Accommodation: High Quality Rural Hotels
Are you a gravel rider and keen to explore Portugal’s most iconic wine region? Here’s our Douro Gravel Tour…
Douro Valley 6-Day Gravel Tour
Spectacular gravel cycling tour in the Douro Valley. Self-guided and instant download options are available. GPX route files only from just €250!
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most under-explored treasures — and a true paradise for cyclists. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Established in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal to safeguard the quality of Port wine, the Douro’s winemaking heritage stretches all the way back to Roman times. Today, its ancient terraced vineyards cascade down every hillside, offering unforgettable views around every bend of the road.
Your journey begins with the iconic Douro Valley train — a perfect introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The 1925 steam locomotive pulls five beautifully preserved carriages, gently weaving through the vineyards as you sit back, relax, and soak in the scenery.
Our tour focuses on the eastern side of the region, in the upper Douro Valley known as the Alto Douro, deliberately avoiding the busier roads near Porto. Upstream from Peso da Régua, the cycling is quieter, safer, and infinitely more scenic. This is where the Douro truly shines: peaceful roads, breathtaking viewpoints, rich local cuisine, and charming, authentic towns waiting to be discovered. Whilst the Douro is not known specifically for it’s gravel riding, its perfect as a tour for riders who prefer riding gravel bikes and like to explore down the ‘Eco Pistas’, little tracks, cobbled streets and the tiny old roads you wouldn’t take a regular road bike on!
How challenging is this tour?
This tour is designed for intermediate level cylists who are happy with some climbing! On average, the days are 60km long, but the hills in this stunning region result in daily elevation gain of 1250m on average.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can choose the level of support that suits you best. If you prefer a DIY approach, you can download this tour instantly — giving you access to the route files, accommodation suggestions, and our recommended restaurants and cafés.
Alternatively, you can book the self-guided option, where we handle all the logistics for you. Scroll down to explore both options in more detail.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
You will ride on quiet, low-traffic roads for the majority of this tour. Between 10-40% of the route is off-road, on smooth ‘Eco-Pistas’ and cobbled streets.
The Douro Valley is very hilly, therefore to experience it fully some climbing is essential! Most gradients are 5-7%, with a couple up to 10%.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
You will ride through stunning vineyards, spread over immaculate terraces and hillsides, and quaint fields and orchards stretching down to the great Douro River below. The towns and villages of this region are also rich in culture and fascinating to explore; you will spend a night in Lamego, a historic town with ornate baroque architecture,and in Torre de Moncorvo, with its beautiful old centre and cathedral, right on the Spanish border.
Are the roads safe in Portugal?
Yes, in Portugal, the roads we plan for our clients are generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having light traffic, especially outside of major towns. The road surfaces is mostly well-maintained, and drivers in Portugal are accustomed to cyclists.
We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
What type of bike is best for this tour?
A gravel bike, or a comfortable road bike with gravel tyres, is most suited to this tour. Don’t forget – we can provide bike hire too, including e-bikes. Just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Spring and autumn are perfect seasons to cycle here, with settled conditions and comfortable riding temperatures. The vines blossom from April to June, and form golden leaves from September to October. The wine harvest also takes place in September, and this is a really special thing to see.
If you are looking for a summer tour, this is also a good option, as the climate here is milder than the Algarve and Alentejo regions. The winter can be a little wet, so be prepared for this with a good jacket if you choose to travel here from November to February.
What type of hotels can I expect?
You will stay in fabulous 3-4* hotels, handpicked by our team. They offer an authentic Portuguese experience and fantastic value for money.
Douro Valley Gravel Tour Itinerary
Day by Day…
Porto to Peso da Regua
35km
900m
You will start your journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe – along the Douro River covered in vineyards to Peso da Regua, the heart of the wine growing region of the Douro Valley. Your train tickets are included in the cost of this tour.
If you feel ready, you might enjoy an easy spin during the afternoon to explore the area. Peso da Regua also has plenty of options for a wine or port tasting experience in the town, and we can arrange this for you if you like.
Day 2: Peso da Regua to Pinhão
63km
1200m
You will start your tour with an amazing steady 20km climb of ‘Eco Pista do Corgo’ – an easy gravel trail that was once the old railway line to Vila Real. This is a fantastic local town with a beautiful central square, ideal for a coffee or lunch break.
From you here you will keep climbing gently back into the vineyards and descend a really quiet way into Pinhão. The second half of the day is all on tarmac on very small backroads.
Day 3: Pinhao to Torre de Moncorvo
85km
1600m
Out of Pinhão, you will head south, crossing the Douro river and continue on the south side of the river all day to Torre de Moncorvo. You will pass the Valley of Côa, which is famous for it’s incredible ancient engravings found there, dating back 20,000 years.
Torre de Moncorvo is a stunning ancient town, right close to the Spanish border, with a beautiful old town centre, cathedral and some fantastic restaurants.
Day 4: Torre de Moncorvo to Tua
60km
830m
From Peso da Regua you will follow the beautiful N222 road for most of the day to Epsanadedo.
The accommodation for this night will be spectacular – a stunning old house that has been transformed into a luxury guesthouse overlooking the river below.
Day 5: Tua to Tabuaço
68km
1700m
Cycling from Tua to Tabuaço will take you through some of the most picturesque roads of the Alto Douro, including a section right along the riverside itself.
At Tabuaço you will stay at a winery, and have the option of experiencing a wine tour and tasting from the beautiful estate.
Day 6: Tabuaço to Lamego
53km
1700m
Your last riding day will involve even more stunning riding through some of the oldest vineyards in the region, hidden forested valleys which are like going back in time, finished off with a stunning climb up to Lamego, the world-famous sanctuary ‘Nossa Senhora dos Remedios’ on the top of the hill.
We have deliberately made this ride short enough for you to explore the town and sanctuary in the afternoon should you wish, but of course we can lengthen this day too.
What's the best option for you?
🗺Self‑Guided Tour |
⚡Instant Download Tour |
|
|---|---|---|
| GPX Files | ✅ | ✅ |
| Detailed Daily Overview & Route Preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended Cafés en Route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Points of Interest | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Luggage Transfers | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| 24/7 WhatsApp Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Restaurant Booking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Breakfast | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bike Rental | Optional extra | Recomended Providers |
6-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Optional Extras
*Please note that the self-guided tour prices above are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. For anyone sleeping in their own room, the single supplement applies.
High Season Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Medium Season Single Supplement €130/night pp extra
Low Season Single Supplement €110/night pp extra
Other Optional Extras
Luggage transfers and mechanical support vehicle: €360 per group per riding day
Luggage transfers: €150 per group per riding day
Guiding: €260 per group per riding day
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other ‘off-the-bike’ activities: €on request
⚡Download this tour now! ⚡
Budget-conscious and happy managing your own logistics? Check out what's included here and get our instant download package to start your planning right away!
CUSTOM, CLUB AND LARGE GROUP CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with organising a group or club trip?
We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, either point to point or staying in one or two places.
Club pricing can start as low as €925 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others. Get in touch using the form below to request a quote, or arrange a call to discuss your requirements further.
Liked the sound of this tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal...
Liked the sound of our N2 Portugal Cycling Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday
For the gravel riders. Enjoy an unforgettable off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
Alentejo Adventure Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour
For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes - west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.
Price range: €795,00 through €1.295,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and landscapes too!
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
Price range: €1.550,00 through €1.950,00
FAQ’s
Where can I find the self-guided tour prices?
Each self-guided cycling tour has it's own pricing - just head to the specific tour page and you will find all the details there. Costs will depend on group numbers, as well as time of the year.
Can I request specific GPX files for my own trip?
Yes! We now have GPX files ready to download instantly on some self-guided tours. We can also create custom GPX files for you too.
Do you have tours for beginners too?
Yes! For example our EcoVia Self-Guided Coast Tour is perfect for cyclists who want a relatively flat cycle. We'd recommend starting with this one!
I would like to create my own custom holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB's
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
You can book in confidence with a very flexible cancellation policy which can be read in detail here.
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Where are you based?
We are based in the central Algarve, in the south of Portugal. But we run road and gravel tours all over the country!
Do you take clubs or large groups?
We LOVE large groups! The more the merrier. Contact us and lets us know what you are thinking of and we will do our best to turn your ideas into a reality.
