Alentejo Bike Tour

Our Alentejo bike tour has you cycling past castles under dazzling blue skies, rolling through fields of wildflowers, olive and cork trees. This delightful bike tour celebrates the Alentejo wine region, an area of Portugal that many consider to be the last vestige of old Iberia.

Medieval walled villages, white-washed and trimmed in blue, dot the hilltops while plains of wheat and oats spread out below, freckled with small flocks of sheep and goats.

The Alentejo was the scene of some of Portugal's bloodiest battles with Romans, Moors and later Spaniards. Now it's rapidly building a reputation for its phenomenal wines and exquisite gastronomy.

We'll experience the majestic tranquility of Alentejo towns and villages; from the graceful town of Évora with its Roman & Moorish heritage to delightful Castelo de Vide with its picturesque medieval Jewish quarter and tiny synagogue - the oldest in Portugal.

You'll be left with unforgettable memories of this lovely region - its serenity and heart-stopping beauty and, of course, days of idyllic cycling. Our last night finds us in old Lisbon where we'll celebrate and say "goodbye" with a farewell, Fado dinner.

Highlights

• Ride across the rolling Alentejo plains studded with centenial olive trees and ancient cork oak forests.
  
• Taste the hidden gems of peninsular wines - excellent, full-bodied, luscious reds & whites and be amazed.
  
• Stay in whitewashed medieval Castle towns and spend a night in a regal Marble Convent.
  
• Explore the village of Castelo da Vide with its heart-breaking remnant of its pre-Inquisition Jewish quarter.
  
• Sample the mouthwatering food of the Alentejo, it's unique fusion gastronomy blends arab, jewish and roman traits.
  
• Relax as you slip into a slower pace of life, where the bells on sheep replace the honking of city traffic.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Évora

After an AM pickup in Lisbon, we shuttle to the grand old town of Évora, spiritual heart of the Alentejo and one of the most photogenic towns in Portugal. Évora is a fascinating mixture of Roman, Moorish and medieval styles. In fact, so extraordinary for its beauty and history that the whole town is a World Heritage Site. We'll have plenty of time to visit many of the unique sights to see, while wandering the labyrinth of cobbled Moorish streets. Group welcome dinner.

Activity: 2 hour guided Évora walking tour
Highlights: Old town Évora, Welcome dinner
Accommodations: M'ar De Ar 
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 - Évora to Monsaraz

We cycle through rolling countryside to the the ancient walled village of Monsaraz, virtually unchanged since the middle ages. En route we'll examine Celtic dolmens rising from a cornfield and begin our acquaintance with the Alentejo - cork and olive groves, whitewashed houses with their blue trim, and the black clothed figures patiently tilling the fields. We'll get to Monsaraz in time to explore this charming village and to enjoy the spectacular views all the way over to Spain.

Activity: 43 miles / 69 km
Highlights: Monsaraz castle, Celtic dolmen
Accommodations: Hotel Estalagem de Monsaraz
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 3 - Monsaraz to Estremoz

A wonderful ride today across the Serra da Ossa, a gently rolling hill range considered the lungs of the region. Eventually we pop out almost smack bang in front of Estremoz. Estremoz is a startling beautiful hilltop walled city. The city is strikingly white largely due to the amount of marble in the region. It’s one of the three marble towns, the other two being Borba and Vila Viçosa which will have the opportunity to visit on the loop ride.

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km
Highlights: Marble lined streets of Estremoz, Arrábida coastline
Accommodations: Pousada de Estremoz
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 4 - Marble Loop

We head out of Estremoz on a beautiful road that takes us through the heart of the 2 things this area is famous for - wine and marble. The best wine of the region comes from here and the marble excavated from the hills is among the world’s finest. Carrera marble in Italy is now more likely to be marble from this area. Marble is used for everything here - even curbstones! Afterwards, we head on to the sweet little castle town of Alandroal with a fine 14th C castle. Returning to Estremoz, we ride past many wineries and small villages in the open country.

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km
Highlights: Marble quarry visit, Winery visit
Accommodations: Pousada de Estremoz
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 5 - Estremoz to Flor da Rosa

Today we ride north to the tiny village of Flor da Rosa and its impressive 14th century monastery. Riding through the peaceful countryside full of Cork tree's we'll stop to visit the Royal Stud farm in Alter do Chão, where the beautiful Lusitanian horses have been bred for over two hundred years. Between stops, will be easy riding through some of the oldest olive groves in Portugal. Group Dinner.

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km
Highlights: Royal stud farm, Crato monastery
Accommodations: Pousada do Crato
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 6 - Flor da Rosa to Castelo de Vide

Our last day of riding will be through the beautiful oak-forested slopes of the Serra de São Mamede to the medieval spa town of Castelo da Vide with its enchanting Jewish quarter. Riding onward and upwards through the Serra we'll reach the breathtaking walled village of Marvão, high above the Alentejo plains before we ride on to lovely Castelo de Vide. Here we'll visit the tiny 13th century synagogue in the Jewish quarter set amid medieval cottages. 

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km
Highlights: Marvão castle, Castelo de Vide old town
Accommodations: Casa Amarela
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 7 - Lisboa

Today we'll transfer to old Lisboa where we'll have the day free to shop around, enjoy the esplanades or join a walking trip around town. Farewell dinner at one of the greatest Fado houses in Alfama.

Activity: 2 hour Lisbon walking tour
Highlights: Lisbon walking tour, Fado farewell dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Heritage Liberdade
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 8 - Farewell

We offer an AM transfer to the airport, train or bus station.

Included

• Hybrid or Road bicycle hire for the tour duration (e-bikes or race bikes available as optional extras).
• Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners, and en route snacks available at all times from the van.
• Carefully selected local wine or beer with every delicious meal.
  
• Expert guides with extensive local knowledge, who go above and beyond to cater to your every need.
• Entrance fees to all scheduled historic sites, museums, and scenic natural parks.
  
• Pick up and drop off before and after your tour from convenient locations.

At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. may change if required to ensure or improve the trip experience.