Embarking on a guided cruise along the scenic Douro River promises an enchanting voyage through a landscape of unparalleled beauty. As the river meanders towards the Atlantic Ocean, it unveils a dramatic panorama characterized by deep gorges and steep terraced slopes adorned with vines, olive groves, and almond orchards. This picturesque setting bears witness to over 2,000 years of wine culture, nurtured by the region's mild climate.
The Douro Valley's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site speaks volumes about its exceptional significance. Walls of slate, meticulously erected to support the gravity-defying vineyards, stand as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and dedication. Each stone, laid by hand, contributes to the creation of a stunning and unique landscape that captivates the senses.
Exploring this remarkable region aboard an electric bike offers a blend of convenience and immersion. It allows travelers to leisurely traverse the rugged terrain, soaking in the rich tapestry of history and nature at their own pace. From the land of explorers and kings to the birthplace of port wine, every turn of the pedal unveils a new chapter in the Douro's storied past.
In conclusion, a guided cruise along the Douro River promises an unforgettable journey, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by the richness of its cultural heritage. It's no wonder that the Portuguese proudly acclaim it as one of the most exquisite wine regions in the world.
Highlights
- Beautiful and historic Porto (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Pinhão, heart of the oldest certified wine region in the world: "Alto Douro"
- Spectacular panoramic bike routes along the Spanish border, through steep vineyard hills and along the Atlantic coast
- Port wine tasting in Porto
- Accommodation on the ALVA, a state-of-the-art small cruise ship
- Stress-free battery assisted cycling with support vehicle
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Day 1: Arrival in Porto - World Capital of Port Wine
You'll begin your adventure with a private flight to Porto, conveniently located just 18 km north of the city center. Your flight should touch down no later than 15:00. Upon arrival at 16:30, your guide will extend a warm welcome as you step aboard the ALVA.
Docked on the south bank of the Douro River, the cruise ship offers a stunning view of Porto's monumental Old Town and the iconic Ponte Dom Luis I, a magnificent structure designed by Eiffel himself, which stands as a symbol of the city's allure.
Porto's history dates back to ancient times, thriving as a bustling metropolis even during the Roman era. Its strategic position at the mouth of the Douro River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, contributed to its significance as a vital trading port. Today, it continues to enchant visitors with its charming display of colorful houses lining the steep riverbanks.
Before dinner, you'll embark on a guided tour of Porto's atmospheric old town, situated on the north bank of the river. Here, your local guide will share captivating tales of Porto's rich history, infused with her contagious enthusiasm for the city.
As the evening unfolds, you'll indulge in a delicious dinner and settle in for your first night aboard the ship, which will remain docked in Porto overnight, allowing you ample time to immerse yourself in the historic charm of this vibrant city.
Day 2: Into the Douro Valley, Porto - Pinhão | 16 miles (25 km)
Your journey continues as the boat departs Porto before breakfast, setting sail upriver towards Peso da Régua, the capital of the Alto Douro, renowned as the oldest protected wine region in the world. The river valley unfolds in breathtaking beauty, characterized by its steep terraced slopes, which have been sculpted over centuries.
After indulging in lunch on board, you'll venture a few miles into the picturesque hinterlands, where your first biking excursion awaits. The route descends gently towards the banks of the Douro, with the majority of the journey being leisurely and downhill. While the initial few kilometers may present some mild inclines, the latter part of the ride offers expansive vistas of the winding river valley, sure to inspire awe and prompt you to reach for your camera.
As you pedal into Pinhão, you'll reunite with your boat. Despite its small size, Pinhão holds significant importance as the geographical heart of the Port Wine region. Many renowned names in the Port wine trade boast "Quintas" (Manor houses) in this area, adding to its allure.
Tonight, the ships extends an invitation to a delightful dinner and Portuguese evening hosted in one of these charming Quintas Manor houses, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.
You'll spend your second night on board, with the ship moored overnight in Pinhão, allowing you to soak in the tranquil ambiance of this enchanting wine town.
Day 3: Pinhão - Douro Natural Park to Spain | 15 miles (23 km)
Before the ship sets sail eastward again for lunch, the morning presents an opportunity for another delightful bike tour north of the river valley. Beginning in the mountainous hinterlands of the river, the bike route leads through the quaint village of Sabrosa, boasting the distinction of being the birthplace of the renowned explorer and first circumnavigator of the globe, Magellan. As you pedal through vineyards and alongside the meandering bends of the Rio Pinhão, which converges with the Douro at the village bearing the same name, you'll make your way back to the awaiting boat.
In the afternoon, as the ship gracefully navigates towards the Spanish border, you're invited to bask in the serene river scenery from the sun deck. The Douro stands as the river with the highest water volume on the Iberian Peninsula, offering navigability up to 14 km into Spain. However, further travel is impeded by a towering 60-meter-high hydroelectric power station without a lock at Vega de Terron.
Barca d'Alva serves as the final town before the Spanish border, where the dividing line between the two nations runs through the middle of the river. Here, amidst the tranquil Douro Natural Park, one can't help but feel a sense of seclusion, as if standing at the edge of the world.
As night descends, dinner awaits aboard the ship, marking your third night on board. The vessel is moored at the Spanish border, offering a unique vantage point to soak in the beauty and tranquility of this captivating region.
Day 4: Barca d'Avla, between Portugal and Spain | 37 miles (59 km)
Today, our ship remains anchored in the remote Spanish-Portuguese border region, affording us the opportunity to explore this rugged terrain. We'll embark on an adventurous cycling journey, traversing a longer distance through this isolated landscape and visiting two historic fortified towns along the way.
After breakfast, your guides will lead you southward towards Almeida, a distance of approximately 27.5 miles (44 km). Steeped in centuries of conflict between Portugal and the Muslim Caliphate of Cordoba, Almeida boasts formidable fortifications dating back to its early history. The city walls, shaped in a star formation around the city center, remain a testament to its strategic importance and are remarkably well-preserved. The fortress last played a pivotal role during the Napoleonic Wars, adding to its storied past.
As we journey back towards the banks of the Douro, we'll traverse secluded valleys and pass through quaint farming communities. Dominating the landscape from atop a hill, you'll catch sight of another fortress along our route: Castello Rodrigo. The final stretch of our ride descends gracefully, offering panoramic views of the Douro Valley as we parallel the Spanish-Portuguese border formed by the river Águeda. Before reuniting with our boat in Barca d'Alva, you'll be treated to magnificent vistas of the Douro Valley, serving as a fitting conclusion to our exploration of this remote and captivating region.
Day 5: Barca d'Alva - Pinhão, Wild Gorge & Return to "Alto Douro" | 10 mi. (16 km)
Our boat remains anchored at the Spanish border until midday, allowing us to make the most of the morning with another exhilarating cycling adventure, this time on the north side of the river. We'll be transported up the steep serpentines to the high plateau of the north bank of the Douro. From the charming hamlet of Poiares, our bike journey begins, leading us back to the boat and descending into the river valley. Along the way, we'll traverse a wild, secluded gorge, treated to a breathtaking panoramic descent offering dramatic and beautiful views at every turn.
After our invigorating morning ride, we'll reconvene on board for a delicious lunch as the Alva sets course downstream through the heart of the Alto Douro wine region. The afternoon promises a leisurely and scenic journey on the sundeck, where we can bask in the splendor of the spectacular, steep river bends that characterize this renowned wine region.
As evening approaches, we'll arrive once again in the small, picturesque wine village of Pinhão, where we'll dine and spend our fifth night on board, anchored in the tranquil embrace of this enchanting locale.
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Day 6: Pinhão - Bitetos, Panoramic ride from Lamego down to the River | 14mi. (22 km)
In the morning, we bid farewell to Pinhão and set sail for Régua after breakfast. Upon arrival, our minibus awaits to transport us to the renowned pilgrimage site of Lamego, nestled south of the Douro Valley, a journey spanning approximately 11 miles (18 km). Lamego, elevated to a bishopric in the 7th century, flourished during the 18th century with the rise of the wine trade.
Perched atop a hill on the city's outskirts, a monumental Baroque double staircase leads to the church of "Nossa Senhora dos Remédios," dedicated to the Virgin Mary, drawing pilgrims from near and far. The panoramic view from this vantage point over the city and the sweeping Douro Valley beyond is nothing short of magnificent!
Our bike ride commences from this lofty perch, winding through the charming old town of Lamego before tracing a picturesque route back to the riverbank, ultimately leading us to Peso da Régua, where our awaiting boat beckons.
As we enjoy lunch on board, our vessel continues its journey towards Porto, making a stop for the night at the quaint river port of Cais da Lixa. Here, amidst the tranquil waters, we'll dine and spend our sixth night on board, savoring the final moments of our unforgettable journey along the Douro River.
Day 7: Bitetos - Porto, Along the Atlantic Ocean | 29 mi. (45 km)
As the ship arrives back in Porto during the morning, we waste no time in embarking on our next adventure directly from the heart of this vibrant city. Our bike tour commences, leading us along a scenic route to the mouth of the river and onward to the captivating ocean coast.
Traversing through pine forests, dune landscapes, and quaint seaside towns, our journey offers glimpses of the diverse beauty of this coastal region. Our destination is the stunning beach of Furadouro, where we'll pause for a revitalizing coffee break amidst the serene coastal ambiance before being transferred back to the enchanting city of Porto.
In the evening, our guide will lead us through the district of Vila Nova de Gaia to a renowned Port Winery. These cellars, often referred to as "cathedrals of wine," hold centuries of tradition and craftsmanship within their walls. Here, amidst the district of the wine barons, we'll indulge in a tasting of exquisite Port wines and delve into the rich heritage of this revered beverage through a visit to a traditional Port Winery.
As the sun sets on our final day, we'll gather for a memorable final dinner aboard the ship, savoring the flavors of our journey along the Douro River. The vessel will spend its last night of this unforgettable cruise docked in Porto, providing a fitting conclusion to our remarkable voyage through this picturesque region.
Day 8: Departure or extension in Porto
After enjoying a rich breakfast buffet, you will be offered a complimentary transfer to the airport. The bus transfer takes place once in the morning at about 9:00 a.m. The distance is 16 miles and it takes 25-40 minutes.
If you are staying longer in Porto or need to leave earlier, you will need to take a taxi to the airport (approximately EUR 25-30).
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STRAIGHT TALK
The river cruise on the Douro takes you through a wonderful, dramatic and beautiful river landscape! The Douro Valley is deeply cut with steep slopes planted with terraced vineyards and olive tree gardens. However, this spectacular topography also forces us to always start first with a transfer from the river bank up to the hills on the right or left of the Douro. Even with an e-bike, the inclines from the bank would not be manageable for leisure cyclists! For this reason, we often ride long downhills (with few uphill climbs) on beautiful panoramic routes with wide views of this unique landscape. On the 4th and 7th days, the ship's berthing times allow us to cycle long distances. The fact that the other cycling days are significantly shorter is due to the ALVA schedule, which we cannot change. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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EBIKE TRIP - ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance by e-bike is approx. 116-125 miles (185-200 km). Although the north of Portugal is very mountainous, our routes are not particularly strenuous, as we often cycle above the river valleys and cycle much more downhill than uphill. Most of the time you drive on small, low-traffic country roads. On the 6th day, at the beginning of the stage, we drive through the village of Lamego, where there is of course more traffic. On the 5th day there can also be a little more traffic than usual. All gradients are easy to ride with e-bikes!
