Rota Vicentina Bike Tour

Suggested Dates: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, and Oct

Duration: 8 nights / 9 days

Accommodation: Restored manor house, Country B&B, Small Hotels

Daily Mileage: 46 km Average

Activity Level: Level 1 | Beginner

Tour Interests: Grilled Fish!, Wines, European Discoveries

€3.795,00 EUR

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Our Rota Vicentina bike tour explores the beautiful and rugged Atlantic west coast of Portugal, cycling through white washed villages and cork forests along the way.

We first ran our popular Blue Coast bike tour back in 1986, when the Rota Vicentina did not even exist. Now, as all those years ago, this classic tour has you coasting along quiet back roads from Lisbon to Lagos and the brilliant beaches of the Algarve.

You'll experience a memorable montage on this sea side bike tour of Portugal: magnificent coastal seascapes, pastoral farmlands, working windmills, tiny fishing villages and historical monuments such as Henry the Navigator's Navigational School perched on a wild headland over the blue waters of the Algarve.

Highlights

Embark on a thrilling journey as you cycle the rugged headlands of the wild Atlantic shores, feeling the salt-laden breeze on your face while witnessing the untamed beauty of the ocean meeting the land.
Retrace the footsteps of the world's most famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Magellan, absorbing the fascinating history, captivating stories, and enduring legacy that have shaped our understanding of the globe.
Journey through the serene villages of Portugal's Costa Vincentina, where time appears to have paused, preserving their unique charm and offering an immersive experience of a culture and lifestyle that remain largely untouched by modernity.
Indulge your taste buds with the day's freshest catch grilled to perfection, accompanied by one of Portugal's unparalleled wines, offering a gastronomic experience that is a delightful fusion of local flavors, tradition, and passion.
Explore the intriguing ruins of Henry the Navigator's School for Mariners, situated on the windswept headland of Europe’s furthermost southwestern corner.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Azeitão

Late morning transfer by private coach from Lisbon to our 16th century manor house in the little village of Azeitão. Lunchtime finds us feasting on the local catch of the day in Sesimbra, a nearby fishing village nestled under huge rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Later we'll visit a hand-painted tile factory and winery, and still have time to fit our bikes. This evening we enjoy a festive champagne reception and welcome dinner.

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 2,247 feet / 685 meters
Highlights: Setúbal market, Arrábida coastline
Accommodations: Rio Arte Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 2 - Azeitão to Setubal

A fantastic ride through the hills of the Arrábida Peninsula overlooking the sea, and then on to the ancient port city of Setúbal. We spend the night in the heart of the old quarter near the waterfront. Rest of the day is free to explore Setúbal's maze-like streets with their colorful shops, sight see or go for some extra kilometers cycling along the beach.

Activity: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 2,247 feet / 685 meters
Highlights: Setúbal market, Arrábida coastline
Accommodations: Rio Arte Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 3 - Setubal to Santiago de Caçem

Today we take a ferry to the peninsula of Troia and its endless sandy beaches. This was the site of an ancient Roman settlement. Mostly flat riding today, with plenty of time for a swim at one of the beautiful deserted beaches off the main road. Evening finds us settled in to our luxury farm, one of Portugal's lovely Pousadas, just below the town of Santiago de Cacem.

Activity: 40 miles / 64 km
Highlights: Setúbal ferry, Comporta white sand beaches
Accommodations: Octant Hotel Santiago
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 4 - Santiago de Caçem to V.N Milfontes

After a tour of the haunting Roman ruins of Mirobriga, we head out along the Costa Azul to a delightful beach with its own fortress. An ideal lunch stop with stunning sea views and a chance to soak up some rays. After a climb around the fort it's on to Vila Nova de Milfontes. We stay 2 wonderful nights in a hotel with breathtaking views perched over the estuary. Free evening to explore this charming little town.

Activity: 31 miles / 50 km
Highlights: Roman ruins, Milfontes coastline
Accommodations: Guarda Rios Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 5 - Milfontes Loop Hike

There's ample time today to roam the village, laze around the castle, walk the vast expanses of dunes, hit the beach or to do a favorite loop hike along the Atlantic coastline. In the evening an award-winning dinner at our favourite local tavern.

Activity: 23 miles / 37 km
Highlights: Atlantic coastal hike, White sand beaches
Accommodations: Guarda Rios Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 6 - Milfontes to Aljezur

Today we continue south along the headland high above the blue Atlantic to the little village of Zambujeira do Mar nestled on a headland high above a dramatic beach. Good lunch stop here at one of the outdoor restaurants with views of the ocean before heading on to the old Moorish town of Aljezur along quiet roads. Evening finds us at the little hillside hotel outside of Aljezur in Vale da Telha.

Activity: 43 miles / 70 km
Highlights: Coastal villages, Atlantic beaches
Accommodations: Hotel Vicentina
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 7 - Alezur to Lagos

Today we make our way to Cape Saint Vincent, straddling the wild Atlantic and the warm Mediterranean; this was the site for the school of Prince Henry the Navigator. We'll have time to tour the site before we continue to Lagos, a lively walled town where many of the Portuguese Discoverers left from. Lots of time in the p.m. to explore the old centre and its many fascinating sights.

Activity: 51 miles / 82 km
Highlights: Sagres point, Old town Lagos
Accommodations: Hotel Tivoli Lagos
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 8 - Lagos

Enjoy a leisurely morning strolling through town or join us on one of the Algarve's many splendid beaches for a little fun in the sun. Later, spend a lazy afternoon sailing the crystal waters along the Algarve's grotto-strewn coast on a magnificent 2-masted schooner. Afterwards, you'll have time to wander the pretty streets of Lagos and pick up some souvenirs. This evening we'll say farewell at one of Lagos's most elegant restaurants.

Activity: 3 hour Sailing boat excursion along the coat
Highlights: Grotto exploration, Farewell dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tivoli Lagos
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 9 - Farewell

We'll offer one early morning shuttle to the airport in Faro for those of you catching early flights. If you have some time to spend - you couldn't do better than Lagos for a few days of solo R&R.

Included

Hybrid or Road bicycle hire for the tour duration (e-bikes or race bikes available as optional extras).
Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 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.