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Your guides for this tour will be Sergio: (+34) 654 09 80 39 and Remy: (+34) 610 85 03 97
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard for each individual guest is 7.5-10% tip of the trip price at the end of the tour. Local currency is preferred.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Your insurance policy number is xxxx. You can find your insurance documents here.
In order to ensure that there is enough space for everyone to travel comfortably in the van, we ask that you bring only one standard hold luggage size suitcase and one rucksack per person.
Click here for our packing suggestions for a guided bike tour.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Your insurance policy number is xxx. You can find your insurance documents here.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Monday, 14th September: Peñafiel, Spain
Route: 69.5 km/43.2 miles
Elevation: +420m/+1,379 ft
Accommodation: Castilla Termal Valbuena SPA
Meals included: Dinner
xxam: Sergio and Remy, your guides, will pick you up from xxx for your transfer to Sepúlveda.
This charming medieval town was most affluent in the 11th and 12th centuries, as evidenced by the splendid architectural legacy dating back to this era. The town boasts the oldest Romanesque church constructed in the province, dating back to 1093.
From Sepúlveda, we’ll continue to the stunning gorges of the Duratón river, Las Hoces del Duratón, set in their own protected Natural Park. Here, we’ll see the impressive 7th century Hermitage of San Frutos, carved into the rock, and possibly also spot some local eagles or vultures. Next, it’s time to start cycling!
Our route takes us around the Natural Park of Las Hoces del Duratón, following the course of the Duratón river past centuries-old castles and windmills and eventually through vineyards as we enter the Protected Designation of Origin wine region of Ribera del Duero.
We’ll pass by the ancient hilltop village of Fuentedueña, whose fortifications date back to pre-Roman times and boasts an impressive Celtic necropolis and a spectacular Romanesque basilica. Next, we’ll visit the picturesque village of Sacramenia, fortified during the Christian reconquest of Spain and whose impressive legacy of palaces and Romaneque churches are evidence of its importance during the late medieval period. We’ll enjoy lunch in one of these two towns (depending on our cycling speed), before following the river northwards towards our hotel.
We’ll spend the night in one of the best-preserved 12th century Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Overlooking the Duero River, the views from the hotel stretch across over the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together at the hotel.
As early as the 12th century, the Cistercian monks discovered water-bearing rock deep below the surface, whose mineral-medicinal waters were used to irrigate their countryside and vineyards. Almost ten centuries later, the hotel continues to employ these thermal waters in their in-house spa. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to book any treatments for you.
Tuesday, 15th September: Peñafiel, Spain
Route: 60.6 km/37.6 miles
Elevation: +455 m/+1493 ft
Accommodation: Castilla Termal Valbuena SPA
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Today’s route takes us through some of through the oldest vineyards of Ribera del Duero. We’ll visit the town of Pesquera del Duero, known for growing some of the best grapes in the region, and dedicated almost exclusively to wine production. The historic old town features a beautiful porticoed Plaza Mayor, as well as numerous palaces, decorated with the family crests of the aristocrats of centuries gone by.
Once here, we’ll follow the course of the Duero river through endless vineyards, finishing at the historic fortified town of Peñafiel, one of the region’s centres of wine production. The town’s castle, the oldest part of which dates back to the 9th century, has been repurposed into a Wine Museum. We’ll take a stroll around the winding streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, and visit the charming Plaza del Coso, which retains its original traditional wooden balconies. During the summer, the square fulfils its original medieval function as the town bullring.
From Peñafiel, we’ll head to a nearby bodega, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting, followed by a fabulous lunch of traditional Castilian fare.
1pm: Guided tour and lunch at Bodega Emilio Moro.
Tonight, we’ll head to a nearby town to enjoy a gourmet dinner of traditional fare in a refurbished historic windmill.
8:30pm: Dinner at Restaurante Fuente Aceña.
Wednesday, 16th September: Toro, Spain
Route: 47.3 km/29 miles OR 60 km/37.3 miles
Elevation: +235m/+772 ft OR +430m/+1410 ft
Accommodation: Valbusenda Hotel Bodega & Spa
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
In the morning, we’ll travel by van the short distance to Toro, known for the local variety of red wine: “Tinta de Toro”, which has its own Denomination of Origin status. Due to its strategic location, Toro has been of great importance over the centuries: a stronghold for the Moors and then the Christians in medieval times, as evidenced by its 10th century fortifications, and in later centuries a royal court. The town is built in the shape of a fan, and offers views of the surrounding fertile plains, known as the Oasis of Castile.
From Toro, we’ll jump on our bikes and enjoy a gentle ride through picturesque, agricultural countryside with lots of sprawling vineyards. Toro is a relatively new wine-making region, which is slowly gaining recognition. Today’s route ends with a delicious lunch at a local winery in Toro.
1:45pm: Lunch at Restaurante Carpe Diem and visit to Bodega Divina Proporción.
Tonight, we’ll stay at the luxurious Valbusenda Hotel Bodega and Spa*****, where you can enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding vineyards from your room, and pamper yourself with the soothing properties of the local grape at the wine spa. Your room package includes unlimited access to the hotel’s spa circuit; if you would like to book any spa treatments, these will be payable separately. Please let us know if you would like us to reserve any treatments for you.
Dinner tonight is included at the hotel restaurant.
Thursday, 17th September: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal
Route: 41.8 km/26 miles OR 68.4 km/42.5 miles
Eevation: +463m/+1521 ft OR +1160m/+3806 ft
Accommodation: Colmeal Countryside Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
It’s time to say adiós Spain, and olá Portugal!
After breakfast, we’ll travel by van through the spectacular area of the La Almendra dam, one of the biggest in Europe. The impressive dam was built between 1964 and 1970 and forms part of the hydroelectric system knows as the “Duero Drops”.
Our van will drop us off at the hamlet of Villasbuneas, from where we’ll continue by bike, following the course of the river across the border into Portugal. Our cycle route takes us through the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to the huge variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the area. Keep a look out for the famous black storks! We can also enjoy spectacular scenery as the river courses through a deep canyon, which marks the division between Spain and Portugal.
After crossing the border near the Salto de Saucelle dam, we’ll follow the river (now called the Douro in Portuguese) towards the beautiful riverside town of Barca d’Alva, surrounded by terraced vineyards and picturesque olive and almond groves. This area offers some of the best birdwatching in Portugal: buzzards, falcons, swifts, and black storks and nesting eagles! We’ll enjoy lunch in Barca d’Alva before travelling by van to our final destination, the beautiful medieval village of Colmeal, which is just a stone’s throw away from our eco-friendly hotel for the night.
Optionally, we can make a quick trip by van to visit the historic town of Castelo Rodrigo, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Here, we can visit the well-preserved 12th century Gothic castle, which once played an important role as a frontier outpost during centuries of border battles between Spain and Portugal.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner of locally-sourced traditional fare at our hotel.
Friday, 18th September: Pinhão, Portugal
Route: 74.4km/46.2 miles
Elevation: +1237m/+4060 ft
Accommodation: Vila Galé Douro Vineyards
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Our day begins with a visit to one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Europe. The Côa Valley is home to over a thousand outcrops with rock art, predominantly from the Upper Paleolithic, dating back to 30.000 years ago. The valley comprises a fascinating open-air prehistoric art gallery, set in a spectacular location above the Douro river, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From here we make our way to the start of today’s bike ride, a beautiful route along quiet roads, with vineyards blanketing the landscape. We’ll reach the Douro River Valley at the beautiful town of Pinhão, where we’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the terraced vineyards that cover the valley slopes. We’ll make a stop here for lunch, before continuing to pedal through beautiful landscapes to our hotel, set in a vineyard of its own.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel, paired with locally-produced wines.
Saturday, 19th September: Porto, Portugal
Route: 47.5 km/23.9 miles
Elevation: +967m/+3172 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Wine and Books
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, spa, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
This morning, we’ll enjoy a beautiful final ride along the course of the river, which offers us glimpses of the many fortresses that dot the surrounding landscape. This area is at the heart of port wine production in Portugal.
On arrival in Peso da Regua, known as the Port wine capital, we will visit a beautiful port wine quinta, for a guided wine tasting and a lunch of delicious local fare – the perfect opportunity to relive the week’s biking adventures.
1:30pm: Lunch, guided visit and special grape harvest experience at Bodega Quinta Pacheca.
After lunch, you will travel by van to the colourful city of Porto, where you will spend your final night of the tour. Here, your guide will say goodbye to you, as they make their way back to Madrid.
Evening at leisure in Porto.
Click here for our Google Maps recommendations in Porto!
The city of Porto, built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro river, is an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. The historic centre, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take the funicular up to the Batalha (old town) and explore the narrow streets and colourful buildings. Don’t miss the Sé, Porto’s fortress-like hilltop Cathedral (open daily 9am – 6:30pm).
Hop over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the myriad of port wine cellars to discover the secrets of the regional vintage. Popular options include Sandeman’s, Taylor’s and Cockburn’s.
Pay a visit to Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (open daily 9am – 7:30pm), or climb the 225 steps of the nearby Clérigos tower (open daily 9am – 7pm) for fabulous views over the city.
Estação de São Bento: Porto’s train station is so much more than a transport hub! This former convent combines a Belle Epoque facade with an iconic interior decorated with 20,000 painted tiles.
Take a walk (or a tram) up to Foz de Douro, and enjoy an afternoon on the beach! This seaside district is full of fabulous restaurants serving up the freshest grilled seafood: try Restaurante Pedro Lemos for a Michelin star option (open Tues – Thu 7pm – 11pm and Fri and Sat 12:30pm – 3pm/7pm – 11pm) or Casa Vasco (open Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3:30pm/7pm – 10:30pm).
Watch one of Europe’s most spectacular sunsets from one of Porto’s many miradouros (viewpoints). Popular options include Miradouro das Virtudes, Jardim do Morro and the Luis I bridge.
Set in the hilltop old town, Patio 44 serves up high-quality traditional Portuguese cuisine (open Tue – Sat 7pm – 11pm, prior booking essential).
Visit Brasão Coliseu (open daily 12pm – 3pm/7pm – 11:30pm) to try a traditional Porto francesinha: an enormous sandwich made with a variety of meats and melted cheese!
Local favourite Restaurante Roma (open Mon – Sat 12pm – 3pm/7pm – 10pm) is a down-to-earth option where the daily menu is determined by the catch of the day.
Family-run Casa Expresso (open Mon – Sat 8:30am – 10:30pm) serves timeless Portuguese fare in a no-frills setting.
Porto classic Adega São Nicolau serves up delicious fresh seafood in the colourful riverfront district (open Mon – Sat 12pm – 1:30pm, prior reservation recommended).
Treat yourself to a special dinner at one of Porto’s seven Michelin star restaurants.
Sunday, 20th September: Porto
End of tour
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our services come ot an end. We hope that you had a wonderful time discovering the wine regions of the Duero with us!
Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
Right at the heart of Ribera del Duero, this hotel – the first spa with 5 stars status in Castilla y León – is located in one the best preserved Cistercian monastery of the 12thcentury in Europe.
The Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena provides 79 rooms, all of them of high quality, a spa centre and hot spring bath, an outdoor pool, children’s playground and terrace.
Hotel Valbusenda
The luxurious Valbusenda Hotel Resort & Spa is 5-star hotel located in the beautiful region of the Vega de Toro.
Located 12 km from Toro village, and few meters away from the banks of the Duero River in Valbusenda winery complex. This spectacular wine resort with futuristic design is the perfect place to enjoy a unique experience in this famous wine area. It offers luxury rooms with minimalist decor and exceptional views of the vineyard.
Colmeal Countryside Hotel
Colmeal Countryside Hotel, “welcome to the land of silence”. This unique hotel is located right in the heart of the nature, where its architecture melts with the landscape.
The historical and uninhabited village of Colmeal is located on a farm spread over more than 650 hectares. This hotel, located in the middle of nature, it´s well-know for its unique design and for being as a “silence hotel”. They take seriously the concept of silence and tranquility .At the Colmeal Countryside Hotel, we do not make strict vows of silence but of serenity. Welcome to the land of silence. Find what you need to switch off from the world. And connect to yourself.
There is a pool, a spa and beautiful surroundings for activities such as hiking or cycling.
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards
In the heart of the Douro region, Vila Galé Douro Vineyards is set in the centuries-old Quinta do Val Moreira. The property features an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with scenic views over the Douro and the Tedo rivers.
Producing its own wines, the property features a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, serving regional cuisine. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or take a tour of the wine cellars, where wine tastings are available daily.
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards stands out for its location, charm and exclusivity. Enjoy walking among the vineyards, the olive groves or the almond tree groves.
Hotel Wine and Books
In Porto’s most fashionable area, the Wine & Books Porto celebrates the city’s cultural heritage while being incredibly contemporary. The classic yet modern interiors have a discreet luxury and provide timelessness to the atmosphere.
Relax at the hotel’s elegant spa, enjoy breathtaking views over Porto from the roopftop bar, or visit the hotel restaurant, Tasca da Memória for a modern take on traditional Portuguese cuisine.
