Cycling holidays | from Serra da Estrela to Douro Valley
- Start: Unhais da Serra (Serra da Estrela); End: Armamar (Vale do Douro)
- 5 to 10 days | 4 to 9 nights
- 4 and 5 stars hotels
- Stages between 30 and 90 km (customisable to suit your preferences) | 900 climbing average
- mountain ebike
- Guided or self guided with GPS Tour
- From 1.800€ / pax
- Private and customisable bike trip (minimum 2 people)
- Difficulty: Easy to Hard depending on the personalisation of the stages
The bike tour of Portugal
What to expect on the bike tour from Estrela Mountains to Douro
In partnership with Historical Villages of Portugal.
From the Serra da Estrela to the Douro, you’ll discover some of Portugal’s most impressive natural landscapes. Both the Serra da Estrela and the Douro Valley are classified by UNESCO as Geoparks and World Heritage Sites respectively.
The route starts on the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in mainland Portugal. You’ll cross the entire mountain before heading north to the Douro Valley. On this journey you’ll also have the chance to visit some of Portugal’s Historic Villages: Linhares da Beira, Trancoso and Marialva. Visiting these Historical Villages is like travelling back in time and allows you to learn a little more about the history of the country with the oldest borders in Europe. Portugal.
This bike tour is completely customisable. The ebike routes can be customised according to your cycling experience and physical ability. The routes are always on dirt roads and back roads with very little traffic.
4 and 5 star hotels, the best in the region. All the selected hotels have a heated indoor pool and a spa to relax in after a day’s cycling.
Add extra nights for other experiences. A visit to the Historic Villages of Belmonte, Sortelha, Monsanto or Piodão, a walk with a traditional shepherd and his flock in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, a visit to a cheese factory, a visit to an organic wine and olive oil producer in Beira Alta or a Douro wine tasting with a visit to the winery and vineyards. You can find all the details about the extra activities in the detailed programme.
With our ebikes you can enjoy the rides without losing your breath. And you will have more time to enjoy the scenery and take advantage of the hotel’s indoor pool and spa.
This is the bike tour of Portugal. A journey that connects two of Portugal’s most fantastic nature destinations, the Serra da Estrela and the Douro. Along the way you’ll discover historic villages that were once the scene of disputes between Lusitanians and Romans, Christians and Muslims! A journey back to the beginnings of Portuguese nationality.
From Estrela Mountain to the Douro valley... Nature, Traditions and Heritage.
Day by day - Bike Tour from Estrela to Douro
In this section you’ll find a short description of what you’ll do each day on the Estrela to Douro bike tour. Some suggested activities are only available if you opt for the guided tour. For more detailed information, ask for the detailed programme.
Arrival at Vila Termal de Unhais da Serra. Transfer from Covilhã train or bus station to the hotel included.
You can get to Covilhã by train, bus, own/rented vehicle or private transfer. More information in the detailed programme.
Lunch at Taberna Laranjinha included if you opt for the guided tour.
Check in at the hotel.
Take the afternoon to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pools and spa.
Buffet dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: H2otel, Unhais da Serra in Double Room (up grade to suite available, + 50€/pax).
Extra night in Unhais da Serra: You can choose to stay an extra night in Unhais da Serra and opt for one of the following activities on the extra day:
30km to 46KM | 1000m to 1,700m climbing | 50% secondary roads and 50% dirt tracks
From the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela to its heart. You’ll walk through the glacial valleys of Alforfa and Zêzere, the greatest examples of glacial action in Portugal. Enjoy superb views of the highest points of Serra da Estrela and get to know some of the most beautiful forests on this mountain. You’ll reach the Penhas Douradas, one of the most beautiful areas of the Serra da Estrela.
Lunch at Queijaria de Manteigas included if you opt for the guided tour.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Casa das Penhas Douradas, Penhas Douradas in Junior Suite.
Hotel upgrade: Casa de São Lourenço (+80€/pax), Penhas Douradas in Premium Panorama room.
Extra night(s) in Penhas Douradas: You can choose to stay an extra night or two in Penhas Douradas and choose from the following activities on the extra day(s):
- Walk with the shepherd and his flock
- Cheese tasting (picnic on the mountain)
- Visit to a cheese dairy
- Ebike ride to the historic village of Piodão
- Visit to the Burel Factory
- Hiking in the Serra da Estrela, in the Massif Central in the higher altitude areas or on the Penhas Douradas Plateau.
40km to 95KM | 750m to 1,600m climbing | 25% secondary roads and 75% dirt roads
There are many options for this route, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to difficult.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll be travelling through lesser-known areas of the Serra da Estrela! You’ll pass through valleys inhabited by traditional shepherds for generations.
You’ll pass through the historic village of Linhares da Beira , still in the heart of the Serra da Estrela.
You continue your journey. As you leave the immense Serra da Estrela behind, you’ll travel through landscapes as diverse as riverbanks, deep valleys, plateaus with curious and imposing granite shapes and small villages with granite houses where time seems to have stood still.
You will then arrive at the Historical Village of Trancoso. A stroll through the streets of the historic centre of this small town, full of heritage and history, will certainly not leave you indifferent.
Picnic lunch in Trancoso included if you opt for the guided tour.
After the visit to Trancoso, you can choose to continue by ebike or transfer to the Historical Village of Marialva, in the Douro Interior.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Casas do Côro in a superior double room (up grade to Suite available, + 40€/pax)
Extra night in Marialva: You can choose to stay an extra night in Marialva and choose between the following activities on the extra day:
- Visit to organic olive oil and wine production
- Ebike ride around Marialva
- Visit to Marialva Castle and Citadel
35 to 65KM | 400 m to 1200m climbing 60% dirt roads and 40% secondary roads
On this day you’ll reach the Douro!
You can choose between two very different but equally beautiful routes;
1) A short (35 kilometres) ebike ride from Marialva to Pocinho, along the banks of the River Douro, and a trip on the viewpoint train. This train journey along the banks of the river is one of the most beautiful in Portugal (option only available if you opt for the guided tour).
2) Ebike route from Marialva to Pinhão. Through vineyards, chestnut trees and olive groves, you’ll head towards the Douro Valley. At the end of the route the panoramic views will certainly surprise you.
Picnic lunch along the way included if you opt for the guided tour.
Arrival in Pinhão. Transfer to the hotel in Armamar.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel with a selection of drinks included.
Hotel: Quinta São José do Barrilário in a River Deluxe double room, (up grade to Junior Suite available +50€/pax)
Extra night inArmamar: You can choose to stay an extra night in Armamar and choose between the following activities on the extra day:
- Panoramic ebike tour of the Douro Valley
- Wine tasting
- Visit to the São José do Barrilário farm
- Private Rabelo boat trip
Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to Pocinho train station or to Unhais da Serra included. Private transfer to any location in mainland Portugal on request.
Enjoy the silence in the authenticity of deep Portugal!
Price list - Bike Tour from Estrela mountains to Douro
Minimum 2 people. The prices shown may change during the high season (June to September) and on festive dates.
After you contact us with your choice of options and extra days, we will send you the final price within 48 hours.
Bike tour Self-guided
From 1.800€/ pax
Bike tour with local guide
From 2.450€/pax
4 nights stay in 4 and 5 star hotels.
4 dinners in restaurants in the hotels selected for the stay (drinks not included).
2 lunches in restaurants and 2 picnics (selection of drinks included).
Food reinforcement during ebike rides.
Hire of ebike, helmet and tool kit.
Garmin GPS with selected route tracks.
Not applicable.
Local guide on ebike tours.
500 € / group.
Support van.
Briefing with a local guide on the day of arrival.
Luggage transfers between hotels.
Telephone support available every day.
Not applicable.
Replacement ebike.
Technical assistance, if required.
Transfers to/from public transport at the beginning and end of the tour. *
Upon request.
Private transfers to the start or end of the tour. **
Upon request.
600 €
Supplement for single room.
600 €
Upon request.
Extra night(s).
Upon request.
*Transfers from Covilhã or Belmonte to Unhais da Serra; transfers from Armamar to Serra da Estrela.
**Private transfers to places outside the tour area (Serra da Estrela; Marialva; Douro – Armamar).
Day by day
In this section you’ll find a short description of what you’ll do each day on the Estrela to Douro bike tour. Some suggested activities are only available if you opt for the guided tour. For more detailed information, ask for the detailed programme.
Day 1
Arrival at the thermal village of Unhais da Serra. Transfer from Covilhã train or bus station to the hotel included.
You can get to Covilhã by train, bus, own/rented vehicle or private transfer. More information in the detailed programme.
Lunch at Taberna Laranjinha included if you opt for the guided tour.
Check in at the hotel.
Take the afternoon to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pools and spa.
Buffet dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: H2otel, Unhais da Serra in Double Room (up grade to suite available, + 50€/pax).
Extra night in Unhais da Serra: You can choose to stay an extra night in Unhais da Serra and opt for one of the following activities on the extra day:
Day 2
30km to 46KM | 1000m to 1,700m climbing | 50% secondary roads and 50% dirt tracks
From the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela to its heart. You’ll ride through the glacial valleys of Alforfa and Zêzere, the greatest examples of glacial action in Portugal. Enjoy superb views of the highest points of Serra da Estrela and get to know some of the most beautiful forests on this mountain. You’ll reach the Penhas Douradas, one of the most beautiful areas of the Serra da Estrela.
Lunch at Queijaria de Manteigas included if you opt for the guided tour.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Casa das Penhas Douradas, Penhas Douradas in Junior Suite.
Hotel upgrade: Casa de São Lourenço (+80€/pax), Penhas Douradas in Premium Panorama room.
Extra night(s) in Penhas Douradas: You can choose to stay an extra night or two in Penhas Douradas and choose from the following activities on the extra day(s):
- Walk with the shepherd and his flock
- Cheese tasting (picnic on the mountain)
- Visit to a cheese dairy
- Ebike ride to the historic village of Piodão
- Visit to the Burel Factory
- Hiking in the Serra da Estrela, in the Massif Central in the higher altitude areas or on the Penhas Douradas Plateau.
Day 3
40km to 95KM | 750m to 1,600m climbing | 25% secondary roads and 75% dirt roads
There are many options for this route, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to difficult.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll be travelling through lesser-known areas of the Serra da Estrela! You’ll pass through valleys inhabited by traditional shepherds for generations.
You’ll pass through the historic village of Linhares da Beira , still in the heart of the Serra da Estrela.
You continue your journey. As you leave the immense Serra da Estrela behind, you’ll travel through landscapes as diverse as riverbanks, deep valleys, plateaus with curious and imposing granite shapes and small villages with granite houses where time seems to have stood still.
You will then arrive at the Historical Village of Trancoso. A stroll through the streets of the historic centre of this small town, full of heritage and history, will certainly not leave you indifferent.
Picnic lunch in Trancoso included if you opt for the guided tour.
After the visit to Trancoso, you can choose to continue by ebike or transfer to the Historical Village of Marialva, in the Douro Interior.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Casas do Côro in a superior double room (up grade to Suite available, + 40€/pax)
Extra night in Marialva: You can choose to stay an extra night in Marialva and choose between the following activities on the extra day:
- Visit to organic olive oil and wine production
- Ebike ride around Marialva
- Visit to Marialva Castle and Citadel
Day 4
35 to 65KM | 400 m to 1200m climbing 60% dirt roads and 40% secondary roads
On this day you’ll reach the Douro!
You can choose between two very different but equally beautiful routes;
1) A short (35 kilometres) ebike ride from Marialva to Pocinho, already at the banks of the River Douro, and a trip on the Miradouro “Douroview” Train. This train journey along the banks of the river is one of the most beautiful in Portugal (option only available if you opt for the guided tour).
2) Ebike route from Marialva to Pinhão. Through vineyards, chestnut trees and olive groves, you’ll head towards the Douro Valley. At the end of the route the panoramic views will certainly surprise you.
Picnic lunch along the way included if you opt for the guided tour.
Arrival in Pinhão. Transfer to the hotel in Armamar.
Check in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel with a selection of drinks included.
Hotel: Quinta São José do Barrilário in a River Deluxe double room, (up grade to Junior Suite available +50€/pax)
Extra night inArmamar: You can choose to stay an extra night in Armamar and choose between the following activities on the extra day:
- Panoramic ebike tour of the Douro Valley
- Wine tasting
- Visit to the São José do Barrilário farm
- Private Rabelo boat trip
Day 5
Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to Pocinho train station or to Unhais da Serra included. Private transfer to any location in mainland Portugal on request.
Price List
The prices shown may change during the high season (June to September) and on festive dates.
After you contact us with your choice of options and extra days, we will send you the final price within 48 hours.
Price per person (minimum 2 people).
Bike tour with local guide, from:
2450 €
- 4 nights’ stay in 4 or 5 star hotels.
- 4 dinners in restaurants in the hotels selected for the stay (drinks not included).
- 2 lunches in restaurants and 2 pic nics (selection of drinks included).
- Food reinforcement during the ebike routes.
- Hire of ebike, helmet and tool kit.
- Local guide on the ebike rides.
- Support van.
- Briefing with local guide on the day of arrival.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Replacement ebike.
- Transfers to/from public transport at the start and end of the tour (transfers from Covilhã or Belmonte to Unhais da Serra; transfer from Armamar to Serra da Estrela).
- Private transfers to the start or end of the tour – Upon request.
- Supplement for single room – 600€.
- Extra night(s) – Upon request.
- Transport costs to the starting point of the bike trip (Covilhã/Unhais da Serra).
- Private transfers to places outside the tour area (Serra da Estrela; Marialva; Douro – Armamar).
- Consumption and personal expenses of participants
- Other activities and/or meals not mentioned as included
Self guided bike tour, from:
1800 €
- 4 nights’ stay in 4 or 5 star hotels.
- 4 dinners in restaurants in the hotels selected for the stay (drinks not included).
- Bike hire, helmet and tool kit.
- Garmin GPS with tracks of the selected routes.
- Briefing with a local guide on the day of arrival.
- Telephone support available every day.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Replacement ebike.
- Support van – 500€ / group.
- Transfers to/from public transport at the start and end of the tour (transfers from Covilhã or Belmonte to Unhais da Serra; transfer from Armamar to Serra da Estrela).
- Private transfers to the start or end of the tour – On request.
- Supplement for single room – 600 €.
- Extra night(s) – On request.
- Transport costs to the starting point of the bike trip (Covilhã/Unhais da Serra).
- Private transfers to places outside the tour area (Serra da Estrela; Marialva; Douro – Armamar).
- Consumption and personal expenses of participants.
- Other activities and/or meals not mentioned as included.
Book your trip now
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