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Route:
Route Characteristics:
Route Profile: Medium. Some days have distances as long as 81 kilometers, but a transfer can be arranged to shorten the distance. Overall terrain is on well paved roads and some dirt roads as well.
Distance: 180 - 309 km
Travel Season: Self-Guided: Departures Saturdays from January 8 – December 17, 2023
It’s a cycling tour combining the convenience of the accommodation at our lovely country house, cycling through Alentejo and great weather for most of the year. The days are all very different and rides include visits to wineries, artisans and producers of local specialities. You will feel rewarded with the high knowledge of your local guide and the gorgeous landscape around our country guesthouse. Even if you choose the self-guided option, we will meet you every day to help you organise. You don’t have to pack and unpack every day. Every morning you will meet your guide after a delicious breakfast and indulge on a beautiful bike ride.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Portugal
Accommodation and dinner at our guesthouse.
Day 2
The Famous Carpets Cycling from our guesthouse to Arraiolos and back 26 - 63 km
Along the ecotrail, a bike lane built on an old railway, through small farms, you'll get to Graça do Divor, a very well preserved white and blue village. Good place to stop for a drink and try the delicious meat pies of Mrs. Ilda!
From here, this bike tour heads to Arraiolos village, with its rich historical centre, famous carpets and delicious Pastéis de Toucinho. The views from its castle are unforgettable. It’s now time for a winery visit with a fantastic private carriage collection.
Day 3
The Wine and Cork Route Cycling from our farm to S. Miguel de Machede 42 - 74 km
The bike tour leaves the farm direction of Igrejinha, a very white village where all houses have stripes with different colors, given a great painted look to the place. Here there is a very beautiful winery you can visit. It includes the visit to an old olive mill. Continue and discover all about the Prickly Pear plantation, on a very interesting visit with Susana or Jose. You can sample prickly pear juice or tea made with this flower, depending on the season. From here cycle to the cork factory, which will surely be the highlight of the day. See how cork is transformed and learn about all you can do with it! From here ride to S. Miguel de Machede, another small countryside village where you should stop for a drink in a local café. Here there is another very nice winery you can visit, ending your day with a glass of wine.
Day 4
Megalithic Monuments Cycling from our guesthouse to the megalithic area 35 - 70 km
In the morning we cycle to Évora and unravel the amazing history of this old beautiful city, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. We propose a visit to the surreal Bone chapel and to the impressive cathedral, originally from the 13th century. Finish with a wine tasting in the Évora Wine Tour Shop. After ride to the country side discovering beautiful holm oak forests and vast meadows. A peaceful landscape of grazing cattle and cheerful birds. Cycle to Zambujeiros' Dolmen – the biggest in Europe, the Almendres' Cromelech - the oldest megalithic monument in Europe with a beautiful view over Évora, the Almendres Menhir and Mitras' Church. A very complete day!
Day 5
Conquest of Valongo Castle Cycling from our guesthouse to Valongo 40 - 60 km
The bike tour starts on a road with plenty of olive groves, gently up and down until Nossa Senhora de Machede. We will visit a traditional leather factory and, during the season (October/November), an olive oil mill. (out of season by special request). We then follow to Valongo to visit the outside of its mysterious castle, built in the middle of nowhere. From here we invite you to discover the countryside at its best, following a dirt road until the gorgeous Moinho do Alcaide (a water mill) and then following along the river side passing by several mills until we reach the main road. We can visit a winery at the end of the tour, which makes a very interesting and original wine tasting.
Day 6
The Mediaeval Village Cycling from Reguengos to Monsaraz 30 - 50 km
Transfer to Reguengos in the morning. Today’s bike tour destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defense of our nation just by the border with Spain. On the way we will visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed. Try the work shop! Then with Spain in sight lunch by the biggest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva dam reservoir. Then it’s time to conquer the castle, use all your energy to climb up to Monsaraz. Enjoy the peaceful streets and return home with our transfer.
Day 7
The Wine and Marble Route 30 – 50 km
The day’s ride will lead to the marble capital of Portugal. The marble triangle will mark the landscape for the bike day. The so called white gold is the main economy driver of the region. Its richness is a constant presence in the wide streets and tall buildings. Enjoy the rare sight over distinct colored lagoons that appear on abandoned quarries. Visit a working one as well and wonder about the men that look like ants down at the bottom of the huge holes. You may choose to visit the impressive Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa. Finish the day with the visit to the fortified sanctuary of Terena.
Day 8
Individual Departure
Prices
Included:
Self-Guided:
- 7 nights in double room with breakfast
- Transfer from Évora bus station and drop off on last day
- Welcome regional snack of wine, cheese and olive oil
- Bicycle, helmet, back rack and pannier or similar
- Basic tools for fixing small problems
- 24 hour phone support
- 5 transfers including 1 from Monsaraz or Estremoz
- Maps, route descriptions and history notes
- 3 dinners (drinks not included)
- Tasty gastronomic surprises each day
- Souvenir
- Souvenir cycle jersey
- Personal accident insurance
- VAT tax
Guided:
- Everything included in the Self-guided tour
- Entrance fee for the Bones chapel in Évora
- Entrance fee for the Évora's cathedral
- Entrance fee for the Vila Viçosa's Ducal Palace
- 2 wine tastings in wineries
- 1 cheese and liqueur tasting
- Cycling guide
- Water and fruit
- First aid support
Not Included:
- Insurance for bikes – not available in Portugal
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not included in program
- Support van
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