By Motorcycle Between Douro & Estrela

Breakfast included. Morning transfer to the rental agency (included in escorted package). Head for the Douro Valley, your guiding thread for the beginning of the trip. You’ll quickly get into the rhythm: plenty of twisties and superb views over the valley and its terraced vineyards. With one or two detours to reach a miradouro (viewpoint), such as São Silvestre de Cimo do Douro, perched at 530m.

After Peso da Régua, marking the start of the Upper Douro Valley, return to the southern bank for a beautiful climb to Lamego. Check-in at the hotel.

It was here that Afonso I was crowned King of Portugal in 1139. In the lower part of town you’ll find the cathedral and access to the majestic Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios—though you’ll need to climb 686 steps! Opposite the cathedral, the Lamego Museum features superb pieces, including remarkable azulejos.

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Lamego.

After breakfast (included), take time to visit Lamego if you didn’t do so the day before. Then cross the river again to reach the hidden little village of Covelinhas via magnificent back roads. If you don’t like twisties, this region isn’t for you—like Corsica, you count in hours, not kilometers!

Short detour to the Miradouro São Leonardo de Galafura for a grand panorama over the Douro Valley. You play hide-and-seek with the river, and the curves keep coming, revealing here and there beautiful quintas (wine estates).

Recommended stop on the small square in Provesende, then in Favaios—two charming villages perched above the Alto Douro. The route descends to Pinhão, an important hub for cruise boats on the Douro. Take the opportunity to admire the 25 azulejo panels in the train station depicting the grape harvest season.

Check-in at your hotel in Pinhão or at a nearby quinta. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Pinhão or nearby.

Breakfast included. Today you leave the Pinhão region and the Alto Douro vineyards to head northeast, toward the border with Castile. Because we love twisties and off-the-beaten-track routes, we’ve planned a bucolic stop near Vale de Figueira, where you cross the river again to enter the Bragança district.

Expect scenic winding roads and a few pleasant villages before reaching the beautiful border park of the Douro Internacional. Nature becomes wilder here, and the Douro—now back in your sights—forms a natural frontier between Portugal and Spain.

Your stop for the day is Miranda do Douro. The origins of this lovely town, at the confluence with the Rio Fresno, date back to Roman times. It is an ideal base for a cruise on the Douro or for canoe-kayaking. Its cathedral offers a superb viewpoint over the river. Check-in at the hotel.

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Miranda do Douro.

Breakfast included. Early departure for a longer stage. The route follows some of the finest roads of your trip and holds wonderful surprises!

You cross the Douro (which becomes the Duero...) to enter Castile. Viewpoints reveal sublime river vistas, including a dramatic horseshoe-shaped bend reminiscent of Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado near Lake Powell.

You cross the river (and the border) several times, returning one last time to the Spanish side via the Saucelle dam. The loop that follows winds through a mineral landscape of canyons and cacti—pure riding bliss!

Then ride south toward Castelo Rodrigo, a “historic” village like 11 other fortified, often hilltop towns that once defended the border against invasions. Your stop for the day is Trancoso, another charming village. Check-in at the hotel.

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Trancoso.

Breakfast included. Spend part of the morning strolling through the streets of Trancoso. Then head south to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

First stop in the charming historic village of Linhares da Beira, dominated by its castle fortifications. Continue to Gouveia, on the western side of the park, then enjoy another beautiful climb on a panoramic road to Manteigas, with its white façades, set in the heart of the park. Along the way, several viewpoints offer far-reaching panoramas.

Descend to Belmonte on the eastern side of the park. This is the birthplace of the great navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral, often considered the “discoverer” of Brazil (though it’s not quite that simple). A short ride brings you to Covilhã, a university town stretching upward along the eastern foothills of Serra da Estrela and featuring some impressive large murals.

Check-in at the hotel (2 nights). Dinner and evening not included. Overnight in Covilhã (or Belmonte).

Breakfast included. Several options today: relax at the hotel, explore the town on foot and leave the bikes in the parking lot—or, as we recommend, ride out to discover three stunning “historic” villages.

Start with Castelo Novo, with its walls and narrow lanes leading up to the castle keep.

Further east, Monsanto is the ultimate postcard village, perched on a hill near the Spanish border, famous for its granite houses wedged among boulders that sometimes serve as natural walls.

To the north, Sortelha is our favorite! Its small historic center, protected by fortified walls, is unforgettable, with façades interwoven with rock and stone. A real sense of serenity pervades the place, only lightly disturbed by the wind farm on the surrounding hills.

Return to Covilhã (or Belmonte) for your last night here. Dinner and evening at leisure.

Breakfast included. Today you head for the roof of Portugal: Mount Torre (1,993m), in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, the country’s only true mountain range (yes, you can ski here!). Panoramic views all along the road are magnificent.

After a thrilling descent full of switchbacks, the last 30 km—on a surface that can be a bit rough in places—take you to Piódão, shifting from mineral landscapes to lush green scenery. What a singular dark village clinging to the hillside, with schist-stone houses and blue window frames. All around, terraced fields sculpt the Serra do Açor slopes.

After a final stretch along the Mondego River, arrival in Coimbra. Built on the riverbanks, Coimbra—once Portugal’s capital—boasts a beautiful medieval old town. Must-sees include the splendid university, one of Europe’s oldest, and the Baroque Joanina Library.

Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Coimbra.

Note: it is possible to add 1 night in Coimbra to better explore the city. Please contact us.

Breakfast included. Those who wish may spend the morning exploring Coimbra and take the direct route to Porto (about 1h15 by highway). Those who prefer small scenic roads to end the journey in style will follow the suggested route.

The first part leads to the pleasant spa town of Luso, before enjoying another dose of twisties on the beautiful N336, once again a delight for riders!

Then head northwest toward Aveiro, a charming Atlantic coastal town with canals lined by colorful houses and its famous traditional boats, the moliceiros. After a short ferry crossing, continue north via the seaside resort of Furadouro.

About 30 km remain before reaching the rental agency to return the motorcycles. Transfer to your hotel in Porto (included in escorted package, otherwise allow about €15 for a taxi arranged by the rental agency). Check-in at your hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Porto.

Note: it is possible to add 1 or 2 nights in Aveiro and/or Porto. Please contact us.

Breakfast included.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule (included).

Return flight (not included: please contact us).

Please contact us for any stay extension / modification