What you get on this adventure: 8-day guided Douro bike and wine tour by boat (6 days of guided cycling tours) 2 experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area (bike guide and driver/guide for the support van) All transportation during the tour as described in the itinerary Accommodation for 7 nights in selected category of cabin on the Alva, a state-of-the-art cruise ship (bathroom amenities, bathrobe and bottled water in the cabin) All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8 All drinks, with the exception of alcoholic beverages (plus mineral water on the excursions) Free use of on-board facilities such as fitness area and sauna (with 15% discount on treatments in the spa) Guided visits and tours as described in the itinerary Visit to a Port Wine Bodega & tasting in Porto Porto city tour by a local guide Guided visits with local guides and entrance fees in Porto, Lamego & Alameida Electric bike Support vehicle — service station accompanying bus with transfer option and technical support All port and passenger fees (tourist taxes) One-way transport from Porto to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) at the end of the tour CO2 compensation of the excursion package What’s not included: Transportation to Porto — transport from the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) to the boat can be arranged, let us know upon booking if you’re interested Helmet (if you’d like to rent one, let us know upon booking) Bike insurance Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended

How fit do I need to be?

This Douro bike and wine tour is well-suited for beginners with some biking experience. The e-bike route spans approximately 125-129 miles / 200-206 kilometers through wine-growing landscapes. To ensure a leisurely ride, transfers from the river bank to hilltops are arranged, as the inclines are too steep for casual cyclists, even with e-bikes. Despite Portugal’s mountainous terrain, the routes are generally moderate, with most days starting with a transfer to high points followed by mainly downhill rides offering spectacular views. Expect easy riding along rural roads with minimal traffic, except for brief encounters with more cars in Lamego and along a two-lane road on Days 5 and 6, respectively. On Days 4 and 7, the ship’s berthing times allow you to cycle long distances. Gradients are manageable with provided e-bikes—premium pedelecs equipped with Bosch or Shimano mid-mounted motor, making this tour easy to moderate depending on your preference and assistance level.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Duffle bag for all your personal belongings Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Comfortable biking clothes Running shoes Rain jacket Warm jacket or sweater Dinner clothes Swimwear Spare clothes for layering Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Be prepared for changeable weather, since you travel through a climatic region between mountains and sea. It can often be quite cool and temperature fluctuations between morning and evening are the rule—so you need clothing for both hot and cool conditions. Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket or sweater and rain protection, as weather changes and occasional rain showers are common in northern Portugal during spring and autumn.

What will the meals be like?

All meals are included throughout your Douro bike and wine tour, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last. Enjoy varied buffets with regional and seasonal specialties, daily live cooking and wine list adapted to the region. Lunch is provided either as a picnic or onboard buffet, depending on the itinerary. Enjoy buffet breakfasts and indulge in seven multi-course buffet dinners. If the weather allows, there will be a BBQ buffet on the sun deck. All beverages are included, except for champagne, bottled wine, and exclusive rarities. Special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free are easily accommodated.

What is the boat like?

The boat During this Douro bike and wine tour, you’ll be staying at ALVA Douro River cruise ship. The “ALVA” stands for the epitome of modern luxury, representing the newest addition to the esteemed A-ROSA fleet since its construction in 2018. Spanning 80 meters (260 ft) in length, the ship offers an expansive layout of public spaces. Onboard the A-ROSA ALVA you can find… Spacious sun deck with service and relaxed atmosphere Heated outdoor pool and outdoor shower Putting green Outdoor restaurant on the aft deck Panorama lounge with outdoor area Lounge bar and dance floor Sauna Relaxation room Gym with modern cardio equipment: Elliptical trainer, bicycle ergometer and treadmill Casual dress code With a maximum speed of 22 km/h (14 miles/h), the A-ROSA ALVA ensures a comfortable and peaceful cruising experience along the Douro River. Spa & fitness Participants of the Douro bike and wine tour also have an opportunity to experience the ultimate relaxation onboard the A-ROSA ALVA with the SPA-ROSA facilities. Indulge in a wide range of beauty and body treatments with high-quality BABOR products. Unwind in the sauna and chill out in the relaxation room—professionally trained spa and beauty team is at your disposal. For those seeking an active escape, the well equipped fitness room offers modern cardio equipment including elliptical trainers, bicycle ergometers, and treadmills. With awesome lounges and amazing views, find your holiday chill zone on this Douro bike and wine tour. Cabins The ship boasts 63 spacious, comfortable cabins accommodating up to 126 guests. There are three categories of cabins, and for your Douro bike and wine tour you can choose the one you prefer. All three cabin types are equally equipped and they have the same layout : they feature modern furnishings and amenities including air conditioning, safe, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, telephone, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, and bathrobe on request. The difference among cabin types is the deck and the windows . Category A cabins are the most basic ones—they are 12 m² in size, have windows which do not open and they’re on the lowest deck, where you’ll also find SPA area and sauna. Category C and D cabins are 13 m² in size and offer panoramic views through their large drop-down windows. Cabins in category C are on the middle deck with a gym and a restaurant. Cabins in category D are on the upper deck, where you’ll also find an outdoor area, lounge, bar, and many other amenities.

For your Douro bike and wine tour, your guides will provide e-bikes. The rental e-bikes have an aluminium frame and Bosch motors. You’ll also get additional gear such as bike locks. Standard bikes are also available for rental. If you want, you can also rent a helmet with your guides. Let us know if you’re interested upon checkout.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this group Douro bike and wine tour, there will be at least 2 guides. It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum number of participants is set at 16. This Douro bike and wine tour should be booked at least thirty days prior to the trip departure. While solo travelers are welcome, please note that a single supplement is mandatory (please contact us before booking as the price depends on availability and season). It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. If interested in joining solo, please let us know before booking! Douro bike & wine tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Douro bike & wine tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your Douro bike & wine tour, most people fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) , only 30 minutes from Porto. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus, taxi or metro to the city center. When booking a flight, please bear in mind that it should not arrive later than 3 pm, since your guide will welcome you aboard the ship at 4:30 pm and take you on a guided city tour afterwards. Your river cruise ship A-ROSA ALVA will be moored on the southern bank of the Douro River, with a wonderful view of the monumental old town and the Eiffel Bridge Ponte Dom Luís I., a symbol of Porto.

Safety measures in Portugal

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

DOURO RIVER | PORTUGAL

Discover Douro Valley: Bike & Boat in Portugal

5.00

Map of the Douro River bike and boat tour

Cruising by terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro River

Pastel de nata and Porto wine in the Douro Valley

From $4,100 ()

Duration

8 days

Season

April through October

Accommodation

Cruise ship

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
A-ROSA ALVA River Cruise Ship
Reviews
Things to know

Welcome to Portugal’s Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every turn reveals a new vista of breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. Imagine cycling through terraced vineyards, sipping world-renowned port wines, and cruising along the tranquil Douro River—all in one unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or history buff, this guided Douro bike and wine tour offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. With expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and mouthwatering meals included, get ready for an immersive experience that will leave you captivated by the charm and splendor of the Douro Valley. Prepare to pedal and pour famous local wines!

Adventure highlights

Scenic e-bike routes

Cycle along the riverbanks with unparalleled views of the Douro Valley, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cultural exploration

Immerse yourself in local culture as you explore charming Portuguese villages and historic towns
Authentic wine tasting

Sample the renowned port wine at local wineries and learn about the traditional wine-making methods of the Douro Valley

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

Bike & Boat Douro: Category A Cabins

You can choose between three cabin categories: category A, C, or D. By choosing this category A option, you will get a cabin on the lowest deck with fixed windows. More information on cabins is found in the Things to know section. Itinerary remains the same.

This Douro bike and wine tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Portugal’s Douro Valley, where guided bike tours and scenic boat cruises unveil the region’s rich wine-making heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Pedal through terraced vineyards, historic villages, and picturesque towns, and sample authentic port wines! With all-inclusive meals and gear provided, this guided bike and boat tour provides a seamless and immersive experience amidst the stunning beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ready for an active holiday? Upon arrival in Porto, the river cruise awaits on the southern bank of the Douro River. We will be welcomed aboard the A-ROSA ALVA at 4:30 pm. From the ship we can enjoy wonderful views of Porto’s old town—colorful, stacked houses on the steep slopes, as well as the Eiffel Bridge Ponte Dom Luís I., an iconic symbol of Porto. Before dinner onboard, we will explore the city proper with a local guide.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship leaves Porto before breakfast, cruising upriver to Peso da Régua, the main town of Alto Douro, the oldest protected wine-growing region in the world. Following lunch onboard, we will be transferred into the hilly hinterland and embark on our first bike tour, descending through scenic landscapes. Marvel at the views of the winding river valley as we pedal back to the riverbank. The ship docks in Pinhão for the night, a quaint wine-growing town at the heart of the port wine region, also famous for its “Quintas” (Manor houses) — and we’ll have dinner in one of them. How exciting is that?

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 16 miles / 25 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Day 3 begins with a morning bike tour north of the river valley, passing through the mountainous hinterland and the birthplace of Magellan, Sabrosa. We’ll return to the ship through scenic vineyards along the river loops of the Rio Pinhão, which flows into the Douro River.

After lunch, enjoy the beautiful river landscape from the sundeck as the ship heads east towards Spain. Barca d’Alva, the last place before the Spanish border, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and remote beauty within the Douro Natural Park. Dinner will be served onboard, concluding a day filled with exploration and stunning scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 15 miles / 23 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Today, our ship anchors in the Spanish-Portuguese border region, offering a chance to explore historic fortress towns. After breakfast, we will drive south to Almeida (44 kilometers / 27 miles), known for its well-preserved star-shaped city walls.

On the return, we’ll cycle through serene valleys and farming communities, passing by an impressive fortress atop a hill, Castello Rodrigo. As we near the ship in Barca d’Alva, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Douro Valley while biking downhill along the Águeda river, parallel to the Spanish-Portuguese border. Dinner awaits onboard as the ship moors overnight at the border.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 37 miles / 59 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship will stay on the Spanish border until midday, so we’ll use the morning and start our day with a cycle tour. We’ll be driven up the steep serpentines to the high plateau of the north bank of the Douro. From Poiares, we’ll ride back to the boat and down into the river valley, exploring the wild gorge and panoramic views. After lunch on board, we can relax on the sundeck as the boat cruises through the heart of the Alto Douro wine region, revealing spectacular river bends. We’ll arrive in the charming village of Pinhão in the evening for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 10 miles / 16 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
After breakfast, we leave Pinhão and the ship returns to Régua. From there, a minibus will take us to Lamego, a historic pilgrimage site south of the Douro Valley. We’ll visit the impressive “Nossa Senhora dos Remédios” church atop a hill on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy a beautiful view before going on a panoramic cycling tour through Lamego’s old town, winding back to the riverbank in Peso da Régua. Lunch will be served onboard as the ship continues back to Porto.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 14 miles / 22 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
We will wake up in Porto, where our Douro River bike and wine tour began. Hop on e-bikes directly from the ship and head towards the Atlantic shore. Cycle along sandy beaches, through pine forests, and past dune landscapes towards Furadouro, a charming seaside resort. Enjoy a café break by the beach before returning to Porto by bus, a journey of about 45 minutes.

In the evening, join a guided walk to a port winery in Vila Nova de Gaia district, known for its impressive wine cellars. We will taste port wine and visit a traditional Port winery. We’ll conclude our journey with a final onboard dinner in Porto, where the ship stays overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 28 miles / 45 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Following a lavish breakfast buffet, you have the option of a free transfer to the airport, departing around 9 am. The airport is 20 km away, and the drive lasts approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can consider extending your stay in Porto.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Due to maritime regulations, ships are only allowed to sail during daylight hours, which may lead to adjustments in the time allocated for shore excursions, particularly in the fall season. In such cases, the guides modify bike routes to accommodate shorter daily programs.

Bike & Boat Douro: Category C Cabins

You can choose between three cabin categories: category A, C, or D. By choosing this category C option, you will get a cabin on the middle deck with a drop-down panorama window. More information on cabins is found in the Things to know section. Itinerary remains the same.

Ready for an active holiday? Upon arrival in Porto, the river cruise awaits on the southern bank of the Douro River. We will be welcomed aboard the A-ROSA ALVA at 4:30 pm. From the ship we can enjoy wonderful views of Porto’s old town—colorful, stacked houses on the steep slopes, as well as the Eiffel Bridge Ponte Dom Luís I., an iconic symbol of Porto. Before dinner onboard, we will explore the city proper with a local guide.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship leaves Porto before breakfast, cruising upriver to Peso da Régua, the main town of Alto Douro, the oldest protected wine-growing region in the world. Following lunch onboard, we will be transferred into the hilly hinterland and embark on our first bike tour, descending through scenic landscapes. Marvel at the views of the winding river valley as we pedal back to the riverbank. The ship docks in Pinhão for the night, a quaint wine-growing town at the heart of the port wine region, also famous for its “Quintas” (Manor houses) — and we’ll have dinner in one of them. How exciting is that?

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 16 miles / 25 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Day 3 begins with a morning bike tour north of the river valley, passing through the mountainous hinterland and the birthplace of Magellan, Sabrosa. We’ll return to the ship through scenic vineyards along the river loops of the Rio Pinhão, which flows into the Douro River.

After lunch, enjoy the beautiful river landscape from the sundeck as the ship heads east towards Spain. Barca d’Alva, the last place before the Spanish border, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and remote beauty within the Douro Natural Park. Dinner will be served onboard, concluding a day filled with exploration and stunning scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 15 miles / 23 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Today, our ship anchors in the Spanish-Portuguese border region, offering a chance to explore historic fortress towns. After breakfast, we will drive south to Almeida (44 kilometers / 27 miles), known for its well-preserved star-shaped city walls.

On the return, we’ll cycle through serene valleys and farming communities, passing by an impressive fortress atop a hill, Castello Rodrigo. As we near the ship in Barca d’Alva, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Douro Valley while biking downhill along the Águeda river, parallel to the Spanish-Portuguese border. Dinner awaits onboard as the ship moors overnight at the border.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 37 miles / 59 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship will stay on the Spanish border until midday, so we’ll use the morning and start our day with a cycle tour. We’ll be driven up the steep serpentines to the high plateau of the north bank of the Douro. From Poiares, we’ll ride back to the boat and down into the river valley, exploring the wild gorge and panoramic views. After lunch on board, we can relax on the sundeck as the boat cruises through the heart of the Alto Douro wine region, revealing spectacular river bends. We’ll arrive in the charming village of Pinhão in the evening for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 10 miles / 16 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
After breakfast, we leave Pinhão and the ship returns to Régua. From there, a minibus will take us to Lamego, a historic pilgrimage site south of the Douro Valley. We’ll visit the impressive “Nossa Senhora dos Remédios” church atop a hill on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy a beautiful view before going on a panoramic cycling tour through Lamego’s old town, winding back to the riverbank in Peso da Régua. Lunch will be served onboard as the ship continues back to Porto.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 14 miles / 22 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
We will wake up in Porto, where our Douro River bike and wine tour began. Hop on e-bikes directly from the ship and head towards the Atlantic shore. Cycle along sandy beaches, through pine forests, and past dune landscapes towards Furadouro, a charming seaside resort. Enjoy a café break by the beach before returning to Porto by bus, a journey of about 45 minutes.

In the evening, join a guided walk to a port winery in Vila Nova de Gaia district, known for its impressive wine cellars. We will taste port wine and visit a traditional Port winery. We’ll conclude our journey with a final onboard dinner in Porto, where the ship stays overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 28 miles / 45 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Following a lavish breakfast buffet, you have the option of a free transfer to the airport, departing around 9 am. The airport is 20 km away, and the drive lasts approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can consider extending your stay in Porto.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Due to maritime regulations, ships are only allowed to sail during daylight hours, which may lead to adjustments in the time allocated for shore excursions, particularly in the fall season. In such cases, the guides modify bike routes to accommodate shorter daily programs

Bike & Boat Douro: Category D Cabins

You can choose between three cabin categories: category A, C, or D. By choosing this category D option, you will get a cabin on the upper deck with a drop-down panorama window. More information on cabins is found in the Things to know section. Itinerary remains the same.

Ready for an active holiday? Upon arrival in Porto, the river cruise awaits on the southern bank of the Douro River. We will be welcomed aboard the A-ROSA ALVA at 4:30 pm. From the ship we can enjoy wonderful views of Porto’s old town—colorful, stacked houses on the steep slopes, as well as the Eiffel Bridge Ponte Dom Luís I., an iconic symbol of Porto. Before dinner onboard, we will explore the city proper with a local guide.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship leaves Porto before breakfast, cruising upriver to Peso da Régua, the main town of Alto Douro, the oldest protected wine-growing region in the world. Following lunch onboard, we will be transferred into the hilly hinterland and embark on our first bike tour, descending through scenic landscapes. Marvel at the views of the winding river valley as we pedal back to the riverbank. The ship docks in Pinhão for the night, a quaint wine-growing town at the heart of the port wine region, also famous for its “Quintas” (Manor houses) — and we’ll have dinner in one of them. How exciting is that?

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 16 miles / 25 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Day 3 begins with a morning bike tour north of the river valley, passing through the mountainous hinterland and the birthplace of Magellan, Sabrosa. We’ll return to the ship through scenic vineyards along the river loops of the Rio Pinhão, which flows into the Douro River.

After lunch, enjoy the beautiful river landscape from the sundeck as the ship heads east towards Spain. Barca d’Alva, the last place before the Spanish border, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and remote beauty within the Douro Natural Park. Dinner will be served onboard, concluding a day filled with exploration and stunning scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 15 miles / 23 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Today, our ship anchors in the Spanish-Portuguese border region, offering a chance to explore historic fortress towns. After breakfast, we will transfer south to Almeida (44 kilometers / 27 miles), known for its well-preserved star-shaped city walls.

On the return, we’ll cycle through serene valleys and farming communities, passing by an impressive fortress atop a hill, Castello Rodrigo. As we near the ship in Barca d’Alva, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Douro Valley while biking downhill along the Águeda river, parallel to the Spanish-Portuguese border. Dinner awaits onboard as the ship moors overnight at the border.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 37 miles / 59 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
The ship will stay on the Spanish border until midday, so we’ll use the morning and start our day with a cycle tour. We’ll be driven up the steep serpentines to the high plateau of the north bank of the Douro. From Poiares, we’ll ride back to the boat and down into the river valley, exploring the wild gorge and panoramic views. After lunch on board, we can relax on the sundeck as the boat cruises through the heart of the Alto Douro wine region, revealing spectacular river bends. We’ll arrive in the charming village of Pinhão in the evening for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 10 miles / 16 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
After breakfast, we leave Pinhão and the ship returns to Régua. From there, a minibus will take us to Lamego, a historic pilgrimage site south of the Douro Valley. We’ll visit the impressive “Nossa Senhora dos Remédios” church atop a hill on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy a beautiful view before going on a panoramic cycling tour through Lamego’s old town, winding back to the riverbank in Peso da Régua. Lunch will be served onboard as the ship continues back to Porto.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 14 miles / 22 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
We will wake up in Porto, where our Douro River bike and wine tour began. Hop on e-bikes directly from the ship and head towards the Atlantic shore. Cycle along sandy beaches, through pine forests, and past dune landscapes towards Furadouro, a charming seaside resort. Enjoy a café break by the beach before returning to Porto by bus, a journey of about 45 minutes.

In the evening, join a guided walk to a port winery in Vila Nova de Gaia district, known for its impressive wine cellars. We will taste port wine and visit a traditional Port winery. We’ll conclude our journey with a final onboard dinner in Porto, where the ship stays overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Biking: 28 miles / 45 km
Accommodation: River cruise cabin
Following a lavish breakfast buffet, you have the option of a free transfer to the airport, departing around 9 am. The airport is 20 km away, and the drive lasts approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can consider extending your stay in Porto.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Due to maritime regulations, ships are only allowed to sail during daylight hours, which may lead to adjustments in the time allocated for shore excursions, particularly in the fall season. In such cases, the guides modify bike routes to accommodate shorter daily programs

Discover Douro Valley: Bike & Boat in Portugal

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Terranova Bike Tours

Founded in 1979, Terranova Bike Tours is still a family-owned and operated business offering supported, guided, or self-guided bicycle tours. They offer a wide range of tours in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, with a focus on historical, cultural, and gastronomic elements of the region. Terranova Bike Tours’ expert and local guides will take you on an unforgettable journey and lead you to places you won’t find inside guidebooks!

A-ROSA ALVA River Cruise Ship

The boat

A-ROSA ALVA is a state-of-the-art cruise ship and the newest of the A-ROSA fleet. Some of the amenities you can find on board are…

- Spacious sun deck with relaxed atmosphere
- Heated outdoor pool
- Putting green
- Outdoor restaurant on the aft deck
- Panorama lounge with bar and dance floor

There are three categories of cabins on the ship, and you can choose the one you prefer. All cabins feature modern furnishings and equipment including air conditioning, toilet, TV and hairdryer. Cabins in category C and D have drop-down windows.

Cabins

There are three categories of cabins, and for your Douro bike and wine tour you can choose the one you prefer. All three cabin types are equally equipped and they have the same layout: they feature modern furnishings and amenities including air conditioning, safe, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, telephone, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, and bathrobe on request. The difference among cabin types is the deck and the windows.

- Category A cabins are the most basic ones—they are 12 m² in size, have windows which do not open and they’re on the lowest deck, where you’ll also find SPA area and sauna.
- Category C and D cabins are 13 m² in size and offer panoramic views through their large drop-down windows.
  - Cabins in category C are on the middle deck with a gym and a restaurant.
  - Cabins in category D are on the upper deck, where you’ll also find an outdoor area, lounge, bar, and many other amenities.

5.00(3 reviews)

couple A. from Kulmbach

The Douro River bike tour in Portugal by bike and boat was an unforgettable experience. We explored the countryside by bike and visited many historical places and vineyards. The overnight stays on the boat were very comfortable and the food was really delicious. The guides were also super knowledgeable and told us a lot about the region and its culture. If you want to experience Portugal from a different perspective, this trip is for you.

miss F. from Zeitz

We did a very relaxing and breathtaking bike tour along the Douro River in Portugal, including overnight stays on a boat. The scenery was breathtaking, the cycle paths were great and the food on board was delicious. Thank you for putting the trip together so well!

couple R. from Bad Münder am Deister

Active discovery of Portugal on the Douro River bike tour. Great scenery, charming villages, vineyards, comfortable overnight stays on the boat and delicious food. Recommended for anyone who enjoys cycling.

Show all reviews

couple A. from Kulmbach

miss F. from Zeitz

couple R. from Bad Münder am Deister

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - 8-day guided Douro bike and wine tour by boat (6 days of guided cycling tours)
  - 2 experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area (bike guide and driver/guide for the support van)
  - All transportation during the tour as described in the itinerary
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in selected category of cabin on the Alva, a state-of-the-art cruise ship (bathroom amenities, bathrobe and bottled water in the cabin)
  - All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
  - All drinks, with the exception of alcoholic beverages (plus mineral water on the excursions)
    Free use of on-board facilities such as fitness area and sauna (with 15% discount on treatments in the spa)
  - Guided visits and tours as described in the itinerary
    
    Visit to a Port Wine Bodega & tasting in Porto
    
    Porto city tour by a local guide
    
    Guided visits with local guides and entrance fees in Porto, Lamego & Alameida
  - Electric bike
  - Support vehicle — service station accompanying bus with transfer option and technical support
  - All port and passenger fees (tourist taxes)
  - One-way transport from Porto to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) at the end of the tour
  - CO2 compensation of the excursion package
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Porto — transport from the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) to the boat can be arranged, let us know upon booking if you’re interested
  - Helmet (if you’d like to rent one, let us know upon booking)
  - Bike insurance
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
This Douro bike and wine tour is well-suited for beginners with some biking experience. The e-bike route spans approximately 125-129 miles / 200-206 kilometers through wine-growing landscapes. To ensure a leisurely ride, transfers from the river bank to hilltops are arranged, as the inclines are too steep for casual cyclists, even with e-bikes.

Despite Portugal’s mountainous terrain, the routes are generally moderate, with most days starting with a transfer to high points followed by mainly downhill rides offering spectacular views. Expect easy riding along rural roads with minimal traffic, except for brief encounters with more cars in Lamego and along a two-lane road on Days 5 and 6, respectively. On Days 4 and 7, the ship’s berthing times allow you to cycle long distances.

Gradients are manageable with provided e-bikes—premium pedelecs equipped with Bosch or Shimano mid-mounted motor, making this tour easy to moderate depending on your preference and assistance level.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Duffle bag for all your personal belongings
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Comfortable biking clothes
  - Running shoes
  - Rain jacket
  - Warm jacket or sweater
  - Dinner clothes
  - Swimwear
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Be prepared for changeable weather, since you travel through a climatic region between mountains and sea. It can often be quite cool and temperature fluctuations between morning and evening are the rule—so you need clothing for both hot and cool conditions.

Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket or sweater and rain protection, as weather changes and occasional rain showers are common in northern Portugal during spring and autumn.
All meals are included throughout your Douro bike and wine tour, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last. Enjoy varied buffets with regional and seasonal specialties, daily live cooking and wine list adapted to the region. Lunch is provided either as a picnic or onboard buffet, depending on the itinerary.

Enjoy buffet breakfasts and indulge in seven multi-course buffet dinners. If the weather allows, there will be a BBQ buffet on the sun deck. All beverages are included, except for champagne, bottled wine, and exclusive rarities. Special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free are easily accommodated.
The boat

During this Douro bike and wine tour, you’ll be staying at ALVA Douro River cruise ship. The “ALVA” stands for the epitome of modern luxury, representing the newest addition to the esteemed A-ROSA fleet since its construction in 2018. Spanning 80 meters (260 ft) in length, the ship offers an expansive layout of public spaces.

Onboard the A-ROSA ALVA you can find…
- - Spacious sun deck with service and relaxed atmosphere
  - Heated outdoor pool and outdoor shower
  - Putting green
  - Outdoor restaurant on the aft deck
  - Panorama lounge with outdoor area
  - Lounge bar and dance floor
  - Sauna
  - Relaxation room
  - Gym with modern cardio equipment: Elliptical trainer, bicycle ergometer and treadmill
  - Casual dress code
With a maximum speed of 22 km/h (14 miles/h), the A-ROSA ALVA ensures a comfortable and peaceful cruising experience along the Douro River.

Spa & fitness

Participants of the Douro bike and wine tour also have an opportunity to experience the ultimate relaxation onboard the A-ROSA ALVA with the SPA-ROSA facilities. Indulge in a wide range of beauty and body treatments with high-quality BABOR products. Unwind in the sauna and chill out in the relaxation room—professionally trained spa and beauty team is at your disposal.

For those seeking an active escape, the well equipped fitness room offers modern cardio equipment including elliptical trainers, bicycle ergometers, and treadmills. With awesome lounges and amazing views, find your holiday chill zone on this Douro bike and wine tour.

Cabins

The ship boasts 63 spacious, comfortable cabins accommodating up to 126 guests. There are three categories of cabins, and for your Douro bike and wine tour you can choose the one you prefer. All three cabin types are equally equipped and they have the same layout: they feature modern furnishings and amenities including air conditioning, safe, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, telephone, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, and bathrobe on request. The difference among cabin types is the deck and the windows.
- - Category A cabins are the most basic ones—they are 12 m² in size, have windows which do not open and they’re on the lowest deck, where you’ll also find SPA area and sauna.
  - Category C and D cabins are 13 m² in size and offer panoramic views through their large drop-down windows.
    
    Cabins in category C are on the middle deck with a gym and a restaurant.
    
    Cabins in category D are on the upper deck, where you’ll also find an outdoor area, lounge, bar, and many other amenities.
For your Douro bike and wine tour, your guides will provide e-bikes. The rental e-bikes have an aluminium frame and Bosch motors. You’ll also get additional gear such as bike locks. Standard bikes are also available for rental.

If you want, you can also rent a helmet with your guides. Let us know if you’re interested upon checkout.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this group Douro bike and wine tour, there will be at least 2 guides.
  - It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum number of participants is set at 16.
  - This Douro bike and wine tour should be booked at least thirty days prior to the trip departure.
  - While solo travelers are welcome, please note that a single supplement is mandatory (please contact us before booking as the price depends on availability and season). It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. If interested in joining solo, please let us know before booking!
Douro bike & wine tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Douro bike & wine tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your Douro bike & wine tour, most people fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), only 30 minutes from Porto. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus, taxi or metro to the city center.

When booking a flight, please bear in mind that it should not arrive later than 3 pm, since your guide will welcome you aboard the ship at 4:30 pm and take you on a guided city tour afterwards.

Your river cruise ship A-ROSA ALVA will be moored on the southern bank of the Douro River, with a wonderful view of the monumental old town and the Eiffel Bridge Ponte Dom Luís I., a symbol of Porto.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of seventy-five percent (75%) of trip cost.
  - For cancellations one hundred nineteen (119) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of sixty percent (60%) of the trip cost.
  - For cancellations fifty-nine (59) to thirty-one (31) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of forty percent (40%) of the trip cost.
  - For cancellations thirty (30) to fifteen (15) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of the trip cost.
  - For cancellations fourteen (14) to five (5) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of five percent (5%) of the trip cost.
  - After that deadline or in the event that the Client doesn’t show up, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.