We are currently working with the Portugese Tourism Commission and will be offering a new tour in Portugal in 2018/19. Stand by for more information.
Portugal - Bike tour: The Douro Valley
It was, in 1756, the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world. The wild slopes of the valley transformed themselves, through the work of generations, in terraces to plant the vines that produce the famous Port, excellent DOC Douro wine, sparkling wine and Muscat.
This impressive landscape was considered World Heritage by the UNESCO in 2001, as a living evolving cultural landscape - the Douro Valley. In the Valley of the river Douro and its tributaries, the harmonious interaction between Man and Nature coexists with another, possibly more natural or derelict - the one of the National Parks of Douro International, of Alvão or, yet even further, the Geopark of Arouca.
The River Douro flows from the Spanish border to the east of Porto and, depending on the time of the year, its slopes may be decorated with Almond or Cherry blossom trees.
Here are some of our recommendations for a visit to the Douro Valley.
Visit the Douro Museum in Régua or the Casa de Mateus Foundation in Vila Real and the many quintas that produce Port Wine and Douro Wine thanks to the microclimate in the Valley. If you are coming in Harvest Labour season, you can witness the grapes being picked or explore the Douro International Natural Park (85000 ha) and the Alvão Natural Park (7220 ha). Located in the Upper Douro, Vila Nova de Foz Cõa saw its name cross borders due to the discovery of its Paleolithic open air Rock Art. These rocks are estimated to be over 20000 years old. As World Heritage, this form of prehistoric art got much fame and currently is one of the reasons tourists visit. The art covers an area of 17km.
The Rock Art of Côa Valley and the Archeological Park, Douro International Natural Park and the Alvão Natural Park, the Douro Valley, The Douro Museum, the Côa Museum, Monuments, the harvest, gastronomy and wine, the Douro cruises, the Casa de Mateus Foundation, the Monastery of Salzedas and the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédio are all worth further exploration if you have the time.
For those of you interested in exploring the rich gastronomic culture of the region, you could do worse by trying the traditional recipes accompanied by the highly respected Wines in quintas or in the excellent local restaurants.