Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT representative in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Porto (approximately three hours). Along the way, you’ll stop to stretch your legs and have the opportunity to purchase a coffee or water. Arrive at the dock in Porto around noon and board your Emerald Cruises ship.

Your cabin may not be ready for you until 3:00 p.m. However, you are welcome to enjoy lunch on board, served between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m., relax in the ship’s common areas, take a walk, or head into town to explore or enjoy a traditional pastel de nata, Portugal’s famously delicious custard pastry, maybe with a coffee or a glass of port wine.

This afternoon, meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride in a nearby park. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner on board. Your river ship remains in Porto this evening.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect:

After a 3-hour drive to Porto, with a break to stretch your legs upon arrival at the ship. After lunch and orientation meeting, begin your short test ride on a bike path in a nearby park in Porto. Get acquainted with your bicycle, your route notes, and your Ride with GPS. This is your chance to check your brakes, get comfortable shifting your full range of gears, and perhaps chat with locals you meet along the way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 5 km (3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you sail upriver into the Douro Valley, Portugal’s spectacularly scenic wine region of sloping riverside vineyards. As you cruise, enjoy breakfast in the ship’s Reflection Restaurant and perhaps a stroll around the walking track on the top Sun Deck, admiring the views that pass you by. After lunch on board, disembark in Peso da Régua, situated at the westernmost edge of the demarcated port-wine region.

Your afternoon of cycling follows the Douro’s banks along a scenic roadway, leading you deeper into wine country. Gentle hills rise up all around you while the river ambles along to your left. Your destination is Pinhão, perched on a pretty bend in the river and producer of some of the world’s finest ports. The town’s charming train station is a pleasure to explore, with its artful azulejos, the country’s famous hand-painted tiles, depicting the harvest.

Pause for a glass of port wine in town, upon your arrival. As you’ve been cycling, your ship has been cruising upriver and will meet you in Pinhão. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. You dock overnight in this delightful town.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Peso da Régua to Pinhão — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

After lunch and disembarkation in Peso da Régua, start cycling along the famous N-222 national country road to Pinhão. The segment of road you ride was honored with the “World’s Best Road” award in 2015. Expect some car traffic, especially in the Peso da Régua area.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 km (16 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycle to two of the region’s most scenic villages today, each part of Portugal’s network of Historic Villages. After breakfast on board, travel to Penedoro, a 50-minute drive south of the Douro River. Then cycle a picturesque route past chestnut trees, vineyards, and olive and almond orchards to Trancoso, a stunning hilltop town that’s home to the oldest documented rural market in Portugal. The medieval stone wall that encloses the cobbled lanes of the Old Town dates to the 13th century, while the tower you’ll see is an echo of Moorish rule. During a guided walk, learn about Trancoso’s rich Sephardic-Jewish heritage.

After lunch in Trancoso, continue riding to Marialva, a sleepy little village overlooked by an imposing 12th-century castle. Take time to explore one of the oldest olive presses in Portugal and to taste some local products, before traveling back to the Douro River, where your ship greets you in Pocinho. As you recount the day’s adventure over dinner, you continue cruising upriver to Vega de Terrón at the Spanish border, where you dock overnight.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Penedono to Trancoso — 28 km (18 miles)

Afternoon: Trancoso to Marialva — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

After a 50-minute morning shuttle, cycle through the picturesque Portuguese countryside, passing chestnut trees, vineyards, and olive and almond orchards on your way to Trancoso. After a guided walk and lunch, continue cycling to Marialva along rolling hills with minimal traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 61 km (18 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy another abundant breakfast on board, then choose how you’d like to spend the day, joining a full-day excursion to Salamanca, Spain, or cycling amid Spain’s gorgeous countryside. Salamanca is a rare gem among Spanish cities. Its ornate, golden sandstone architecture is adorned with orange-hued Latin inscriptions—befitting a town that hosts the country’s oldest university. Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Old and New Cathedrals, some 300 years apart in age, and the vast Plaza Mayor.

For those who prefer more cycling, ride among the scenic vistas of Salamanca Province, a tranquil corner of Spain where most villages have a population of less than 300. Begin your ride in Vitigudino, a tiny Spanish village halfway to the city of Salamanca (the province’s capital). Then spend the day amid stirring landscapes of rolling hills and wide plains, passing through rustic villages hugging rivers or nestled among mountains. Pause for lunch in the small hamlet of Lumbrales before continuing back to Portugal and rejoining your ship.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vitigudino to Lumbrales — 40 km (25 miles)

Afternoon: Lumbrales to Ship — 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Join the private shuttle to Salamanca in the morning. If you choose to cycle, leave the bus with your VBT trip leaders in Vitigudino and cycle the Spanish countryside. Ride small paved roads, with almost zero traffic, to Lumbrales. You may encounter a few cars in the afternoon on your return to Portugal, with a long downhill at the end. An optional shuttle is provided for the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40 – 72 km (25 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit the Côa Valley Museum and Archaeologic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view the famed rock carvings that date to between 22,000 and 10,000 BCE. Thousands of images of horse, cattle, human, and abstract figures have survived millennia, providing insight into prehistoric lives in Iberia. After, travel to Penela da Beira for lunch. The tiny village is notable for the massive granite outcrop at its center.

Your spin continues along quiet country roads to Trevões, a small patrician town whose church houses some beautiful frescoes. Take time to explore and perhaps chat with some locals before getting a lift back to the ship.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Penela da Beira to Trevões — 24 km (15 miles) | Penela da Beira to Trevões (with extra miles) — 41 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

The afternoon ride is across a hilly countryside, with a few moderate climbs and swooping downhills. Riding is on paved country roads with limited car traffic. An optional loop with extra miles will be offered as well.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 - 41 km (15 - 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark after breakfast for another spectacular day of cycling bucolic routes in and around the Douro Valley. After about an hour’s travel time to Cruz de Baixo, you begin an unforgettable ride on the Ecopista do Tâmega, a well-kept rail trail through the breathtaking countryside of Tâmega Valley. Pedal past forests, the rolling hills of the Marão Mountain Range, and historic villages before arriving in Amarante, the southern terminus of the rail trail. From here, take a short shuttle ride to a local wine producer, where you’ll learn about the production of the famous Vinho Verde, or “Green Wine.” Meet the owner and his family for a wine tasting and a delicious home-hosted lunch.

Later, travel back to your ship, which is waiting for you in Entre-os-Rios. This evening, celebrate your Douro River discoveries at the Captain’s Farewell Reception, followed by dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Ecopista Trail — 39 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride follows a well-maintained rail-to-trail bike path. The route is car-free and mostly flat, with an elevation gain of less than 1,500 feet over 24 miles.

Cumulative Distance Range: 39 km (24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake back in Porto this morning. For your final ride in Portugal, cycle to the Atlantic coast and enjoy a scenic, sea-kissed route along the ocean. Upon arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia, savor a fresh seafood lunch, with your meal sourced from the ocean that morning.

After lunch, visit a local port wine producer for a guided tour and tasting at his premises. Later, return to Porto on foot by crossing the iconic Ponte Luís I bridge. Bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers and VBT trip leaders over a cocktail reception and a final delicious dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Ride Along the Atlantic Coast — 40 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride has minimal elevation gain. You will cycle on a mix of paved roads and bike paths, finishing in an urban setting.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40 km (25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once you have finished your included breakfast, disembark the ship and conclude your bicycle tour of the Douro Valley with a private guided walk through the city’s highlights. Afterwards, you are free to explore more of Porto on your own. VBT provides city information with recommendations for your stay. Our centrally located hotel places the wonders of Porto right outside your door.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After your included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to Porto Airport will be provided. The drive takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Included Meals: Breakfast

You are responsible for making your own way to Porto, to meet your Emerald Cruises ship. Please arrive between 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. Please note that you cannot embark before 12:00 p.m., as the ship is being prepared for you. If you are late, you must contact the ship as soon as possible to make arrangements to meet the ship.

Your cabin may not be ready for you until 3:00 p.m. However, you are welcome to enjoy lunch on board, served between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m., relax in the ship’s common areas, take a walk, or head into town to explore or enjoy a traditional pastel de nata, Portugal’s famously delicious custard pastry, maybe with a coffee or a glass of port wine.

This afternoon, meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride in a nearby park. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner on board. Your river ship remains in Porto this evening.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect:

Your short warm-up ride follows a bike path through a nearby park in Porto. Use this time to get acquainted with your bicycle, your route notes, and your with Ride with GPS. This is also an opportunity to check your brakes, practice shifting through your full range of gears, and perhaps chat with locals along the way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 5 km (3 miles)

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

This morning you sail upriver into the Douro Valley, Portugal’s spectacularly scenic wine region of sloping riverside vineyards. As you cruise, enjoy breakfast in the ship’s Reflection Restaurant and perhaps a stroll around the walking track on the top Sun Deck, admiring the views that pass you by. After lunch on board, disembark in Peso da Régua, situated at the westernmost edge of the demarcated port-wine region.

Your afternoon of cycling follows the Douro’s banks along a scenic roadway, leading you deeper into wine country. Gentle hills rise up all around you while the river ambles along to your left. Your destination is Pinhão, perched on a pretty bend in the river and producer of some of the world’s finest ports. The town’s charming train station is a pleasure to explore, with its artful azulejos, the country’s famous hand-painted tiles, depicting the harvest.

Pause for a glass of port wine in town, upon your arrival. As you’ve been cycling, your ship has been cruising upriver and will meet you in Pinhão. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. You dock overnight in this delightful town.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Peso da Régua to Pinhão — 26 km (16 miles)

What to Expect:

After lunch and disembarkation in Peso da Régua, start cycling along the famous N-222 national country road to Pinhão. The segment of road you ride was honored with the “World’s Best Road” award in 2015. Expect some car traffic, especially in the Peso da Régua area.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 km (16 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycle to two of the region’s most scenic villages today, each part of Portugal’s network of Historic Villages. After breakfast on board, travel to Penedoro, a 50-minute drive south of the Douro River. Then cycle a picturesque route past chestnut trees, vineyards, and olive and almond orchards to Trancoso, a stunning hilltop town that’s home to the oldest documented rural market in Portugal. The medieval stone wall that encloses the cobbled lanes of the Old Town dates to the 13th century, while the tower you’ll see is an echo of Moorish rule. During a guided walk, learn about Trancoso’s rich Sephardic-Jewish heritage.

After lunch in Trancoso, continue riding to Marialva, a sleepy little village overlooked by an imposing 12th-century castle. Take time to explore one of the oldest olive presses in Portugal and to taste some local products, before traveling back to the Douro River, where your ship greets you in Pocinho. As you recount the day’s adventure over dinner, you continue cruising upriver to Vega de Terrón at the Spanish border, where you dock overnight.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Penedono to Trancoso — 28 km (18 miles)

Afternoon: Trancoso to Marialva — 33 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

After a 50-minute morning shuttle, cycle through the picturesque Portuguese countryside, passing chestnut trees, vineyards, and olive and almond orchards on your way to Trancoso. After a guided walk and lunch, continue cycling to Marialva along rolling hills with minimal traffic.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 61 km (18 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy another abundant breakfast on board, then choose how you’d like to spend the day, joining a full-day excursion to Salamanca, Spain, or cycling amid Spain’s gorgeous countryside. Salamanca is a rare gem among Spanish cities. Its ornate, golden sandstone architecture is adorned with orange-hued Latin inscriptions—befitting a town that hosts the country’s oldest university. Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Old and New Cathedrals, some 300 years apart in age, and the vast Plaza Mayor.

For those who prefer more cycling, ride among the scenic vistas of Salamanca Province, a tranquil corner of Spain where most villages have a population of less than 300. Begin your ride in Vitigudino, a tiny Spanish village halfway to the city of Salamanca (the province’s capital). Then spend the day amid stirring landscapes of rolling hills and wide plains, passing through rustic villages hugging rivers or nestled among mountains. Pause for lunch in the small hamlet of Lumbrales before continuing back to Portugal and rejoining your ship.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vitigudino to Lumbrales — 40 km (25 miles)

Afternoon: Lumbrales to Ship — 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Join the private shuttle to Salamanca in the morning. If you choose to cycle, leave the bus with your VBT trip leaders in Vitigudino and cycle the Spanish countryside. Ride small paved roads, with almost zero traffic, to Lumbrales. You may encounter a few cars in the afternoon on your return to Portugal, with a long downhill at the end. An optional shuttle is provided for the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40 – 72 km (25 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit the Côa Valley Museum and Archaeologic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view the famed rock carvings that date to between 22,000 and 10,000 BCE. Thousands of images of horse, cattle, human, and abstract figures have survived millennia, providing insight into prehistoric lives in Iberia. After, travel to Penela da Beira for lunch. The tiny village is notable for the massive granite outcrop at its center.

Your spin continues along quiet country roads to Trevões, a small patrician town whose church houses some beautiful frescoes. Take time to explore and perhaps chat with some locals before getting a lift back to the ship.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Penela da Beira to Trevões — 24 km (15 miles) | Penela da Beira to Trevões (with extra miles) — 41 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

The afternoon ride is across a hilly countryside, with a few moderate climbs and swooping downhills. Riding is on paved country roads with limited car traffic. An optional loop with extra miles will be offered as well.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 - 41 km (15 - 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark after breakfast for another spectacular day of cycling bucolic routes in and around the Douro Valley. After about an hour’s travel time to Cruz de Baixo, you begin an unforgettable ride on the Ecopista do Tâmega, a well-kept rail trail through the breathtaking countryside of Tâmega Valley. Pedal past forests, the rolling hills of the Marão Mountain Range, and historic villages before arriving in Amarante, the southern terminus of the rail trail. From here, take a short shuttle ride to a local wine producer, where you’ll learn about the production of the famous Vinho Verde, or “Green Wine.” Meet the owner and his family for a wine tasting and a delicious home-hosted lunch.

Later, travel back to your ship, which is waiting for you in Entre-os-Rios. This evening, celebrate your Douro River discoveries at the Captain’s Farewell Reception, followed by dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Ecopista Trail — 39 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride follows a well-maintained rail-to-trail bike path. The route is car-free and mostly flat, with an elevation gain of less than 1,500 feet over 24 miles.

Cumulative Distance Range: 39 km (24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake back in Porto this morning. For your final ride in Portugal, cycle to the Atlantic coast and enjoy a scenic, sea-kissed route along the ocean. Upon arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia, savor a fresh seafood lunch, with your meal sourced from the ocean that morning.

After lunch, visit a local port wine producer for a guided tour and tasting at his premises. Later, return to Porto on foot by crossing the iconic Ponte Luís I bridge. Bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers and VBT trip leaders over a cocktail reception and a final delicious dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Ride Along the Atlantic Coast — 40 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride has minimal elevation gain. You will cycle on a mix of paved roads and bike paths, finishing in an urban setting.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40 km (25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying your included breakfast, disembark the ship and conclude your bicycle tour of the Douro Valley. You may choose to join a private guided walk through the city’s highlights. Afterward, you are free to explore more of Porto on your own or continue with your travel arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast