VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
Portugal: Minho & the Douro Valley
Guided Walking
On this Douro River adventure, Country Walkers takes you beyond the river to discover the hospitality of Portuguese royalty and the charm of ancient hilltop villages. Explore the famous vineyards of the Douro Valley—tasting superb vintages and enjoying a relaxing boat cruise along the river’s sunlit banks.
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Portugal: Sintra & Rota Vicentina
Self-Guided Walking
You won’t find many walking adventures that let you explore Portugal’s romantic Alentejo—a remote region less well-traveled than the neighboring Algarve, but just as scenic. Stay in exceptional boutique accommodations and enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine, rich wines, and a wealth of optional activities.
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Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
Guided Biking
No need to choose: on this vacation, you can enjoy two of Portugal’s most renowned regions. Pedal deep into the cork forests and charming, white-washed villages of Alentejo before riding along the Algarve’s beautiful coastal region.
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Spain & Portugal: Coastal Camino de Santiago
Guided Biking
To cycle the coastal portion of the Camino de Santiago from north to south, this VBT vacation is the only game in town! On this historic route, you’ll meet VBT’s many local friends and experience the charm of Spanish traditions during your stay in distinctive historic lodgings—including noble residences and medieval fortresses.
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Portugal: Porto, the Silver Coast & Lisbon
Self-Guided Biking
If you’re looking for an independent cycling tour featuring warm Portuguese hospitality, this action-packed self-guided tour is it! Cycle from inn to inn on your own timetable—lingering on the beach at Nazaré or pausing to enjoy a vibrant sunset in the historic town of Óbidos.
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Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley
Guided Bike & Boat
If you’re dreaming of a Douro Valley River cruise with a rich bouquet of cycling options and authentic Portuguese culture—this is the one! Indulge in the luxury of your five-star ship as you enjoy invigorating rides to medieval villages, experience an exclusive port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, and discover Spain’s “Golden City” of Salamanca.
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Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$4,945
No need to choose: on this vacation, you can enjoy two of Portugal’s most renowned regions. Pedal deep into the cork forests and charming, white-washed villages of Alentejo before riding along the Algarve’s beautiful coastal region.
Portugal: Porto, the Silver Coast & Lisbon
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,845
If you’re looking for an independent cycling tour featuring warm Portuguese hospitality, this action-packed self-guided tour is it! Cycle from inn to inn on your own timetable—lingering on the beach at Nazaré or pausing to enjoy a vibrant sunset in the historic town of Óbidos.
Spain & Portugal: Coastal Camino de Santiago
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$5,195
To cycle the coastal portion of the Camino de Santiago from north to south, this VBT vacation is the only game in town! On this historic route, you’ll meet VBT’s many local friends and experience the charm of Spanish traditions during your stay in distinctive historic lodgings—including noble residences and medieval fortresses.
Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley
Guided Bike & Boat
Starting from 8 days at
$7,095
If you’re dreaming of a Douro Valley River cruise with a rich bouquet of cycling options and authentic Portuguese culture—this is the one! Indulge in the luxury of your five-star ship as you enjoy invigorating rides to medieval villages, experience an exclusive port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, and discover Spain’s “Golden City” of Salamanca.
Spain: Landscapes from the Camino de Santiago
Guided Walking
Starting from 8 days at
$4,695
Immerse yourself in the history and cultures of northern Spain as you explore scenic local paths and highlights from the Camino de Santiago, the Way of Saint James. Start in the heart of Basque Country, then walk along the dramatic coastline of Cantabria and into the wild green hills of Galicia—ending in Santiago de Compostela.
Portugal: Minho & the Douro Valley
Guided Walking
Starting from 7 days at
$4,595
On this Douro River adventure, Country Walkers takes you beyond the river to discover the hospitality of Portuguese royalty and the charm of ancient hilltop villages. Explore the famous vineyards of the Douro Valley—tasting superb vintages and enjoying a relaxing boat cruise along the river’s sunlit banks.
Discover Portugal
Portugal is the perfect destination for any active traveler, with a wealth of geographical beauty, a storied past and a vibrant culture to experience. From its Roman ruins and medieval fortresses to its lush landscapes, bustling cities, and delicious food and wine; there’s no better way to experience it than a walking or cycling tour of Portugal with VBT.
Portugal’s urban centers show off its storied past as a maritime superpower and as well as its current cultural wealth. The seven hills of Lisbon and their breathtaking miradouros (viewpoints) offer ample opportunity to take in the colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and stunning cathedrals that make up this enchanting city. Explore the beautiful city of Porto and marvel at the iconic Ribeira neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the winding alleys of its historic heart, to its eclectic modern architecture and vibrant public art, Porto is a cultural treasure.
Outside of Portugal’s cities, travelers can saunter along the hallowed tracks of pilgrims and shepherds through sun-splashed pastures, terraced vineyards and near-forgotten villages. Ancient olive groves, almond trees, cork forests, and fragrant orange orchards line peaceful, bucolic riverside trails. Terraced vineyards climb from Douro River banks, and quintas, or wine-producing country estates, dot the hillsides and produce world-class vintages.
One of the country’s biggest draws is its 500 miles of breathtaking coastline. Dramatic cliffs, golden sand, crashing surf and calm sapphire waters—there are beaches for every taste along these seemingly endless shores.
Country Highlights
- Walk the pilgrim’s path along a section of the Way of St. James
- Taste a flight of elegant wines at a hilltop quinta, or wine estate
- Cruise down the Douro River on a traditional rabelo boat
- Explore high mountain valleys and tiny farming hamlets forgotten in time
- Cycle past acres of cork and olive trees
Fado
Spend an evening inside a pub, cafe, or restaurant listening to Portugal’s expressive folk music and you’ll experience the very soul of this country. Fado traces back to the 1820s in Lisbon, and is still popular today. Whether you book a spot at a professional show at an adega típica, or take in an open-mic style performance at a tasca, you’ll enjoy a unique Portuguese experience.
Food and Wine
Olive oil, wine, cheese, seafood, and pastries—the Portuguese have perfected these culinary arts and many others. Sit down at a Portuguese table and enjoy traditional dishes like cataplana (seafood stew), alheira (sausage with breadcrumbs), or pastéis de nata (custards tarts), and wash it all down with a vinho verde.
Cork Plantations
More than half of the world’s cork supply comes from the Alentejo region of Portugal. On your VBT tour, follow scenic country roads bordered by cork forests. Wander these ancient groves and learn about the fascinating sustainable harvest process that has been going on for centuries.
Our Trip Leaders Make The Difference
Local Leader.
Partner in Discovery.
New Friend.
Your VBT Trip Leaders are passionate about travel and devoted to sharing new discoveries with you. Each is a multi-lingual resident of your destination who intimately knows the history, cultural heritage, and traditions of your surroundings.
Your Trip Leaders also bring insiders’ knowledge of the best places to explore, dine, and shop—along with insight into local customs and lifestyles to help you make the most of your cultural experience. With keen organizational skills, a splendid sense of humor, and a talent for making you and your fellow travelers thrive within your group dynamic, your VBT Trip Leaders will be invaluable resources—and treasured friends!
Manuela
Manuela Ciri was born and raised on a farm in Umbria where she continues lead cooking lessons and olive oil tastings. Educated both in Italy and in the US, she is a botanist, herbal healer, and certified environmental guide. Her vast knowledge of nature, agriculture, and traditional food is warmed by her sunny smile and joyful nature. When not guiding, she teaches environmental education in public schools, works on landscape engineering projects, or can be found scouting new trails around the mountains and hills of central Italy.
David
Despite being a true French Canadian, David Bazin’s accent might surprise you with it’s Australian twang with a bit of British and even some French! One might say that he is well traveled, but, as he likes to say : “as long as we understand each other”! The mountains are David’s first love, although his passion for wildlife is a close second. His dedication to and knowledge about the environment are true assets as he takes you to some of the most spectacular places in Canada.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first VBT experience. The tour route was very well laid out and we cannot not say enough about how impressive our tour leaders, David and Frederico, both of whom are natives of Portugal. Kudos to VBT for the way they planned and conducted our tour!
Spain & Portugal: Coastal Camino de Santiago
We loved this trip! Beautiful and varied biking routes; knowledgeable, competent and engaging guides, top-notch hotels, delicious food and interesting cultural activities. I wish I could do it all over again!
Spain & Portugal: Coastal Camino de Santiago
Stories from Portugal
View All StoriesA Cycling Cruise with a Banquet of Options along Portugal’s Douro River
For travelers who love the luxury and convenience of VBT’s Bike & River Cruises and also yearn to put their cycling skills to the test, VBT’s Portugal & Spain Bike...
Continue ReadingWhy Eric Loves Self-Guided Biking
Eric, a senior VBT staff member, recently took his family on our Portugal: Porto, the Silver Coast & Lisbon Self-Guided Biking Vacation. Here’s what he has to say about our...
Continue ReadingA Glossary of Terms to Know in Portugal
Looking for VBT Walking Vacations? All VBT Walking Vacations have moved to our sister company, Country Walkers. The same tours you know and love, plus exciting new itineraries, are available...
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