Portugal

The Alentejo-Portugal

The tranquil way of life in the Alentejo makes it the perfect region for a biking holiday. On our way north we ride along the Spanish border, where the only traffic you'll encounter is that of ox-drawn carts and shepherds.  A common sight will be that of  the elderly women in traditional black dress, often balancing huge baskets on their heads. Cork trees and olive groves provide the beautiful designs on the hills below and the blue "azulejo"  trim on the white houses of the villages will catch your eye as we cycle by.  Every town has its own magic and charm and we’ll arrive each day with time to explore the treasures they offer. Join us on an adventure in Portugal and discover the colorful hand tapesteries of Arraiolos, the Moorish archways of Évora, the marble palaces of Vila Viçosa, the charming Old Quarter of Estremoz and the traditional pottery of Redondo. Pousada to pousada, your accommodations will thrill you with their classic elegance and comfort and the regional cuisine will make you wonder why it took you so long to get here!

2010 Dates: 
8  days/ 7 nights    see Tour Calendar
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Accommodations:  Manor houses, Pousada

Tour Details:
Meet and depart from Lisbon, 30-45 miles of rolling terrain each day.  One or two days have moderate climbs while others are much flatter and easier.
Meals Included:
All breakfasts,
one pic-nic,
2 dinners with wine
 
Itinerary
Day 1: Morning shuttle from Lisbon Airport to the village of Arraiolos, renowned for its traditional hand-tapestried carpets. Explore the village and rug shops, or just relax by the pool before our welcome dinner .  

Day 2: Easy bike ride across the rolling plains and visits to prehistoric dolmens and cave paintings en route to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Walking tour of the city's Moorish streets and architectural treasures, including the Roman temple of Diana, the Cathedral, and the Lóios Convent. 

Day 3: Bike through the Redondo wine region, stopping to tour and taste at the Roquevale vineyards and shop for colorful local pottery.

Day 4: Free day to explore Vila Viçosa, where local white marble is found on every building from the simplest home to the Paço Ducal. Guided tour of the 16th-century palace. An optional cycling loop leads to medieval castle ruins overlooking the Rio Guadiana and Spanish frontier.

Day 5: Morning ride to Estremoz, a classic market town with a charming Old Quarter. Vineyards, cork groves, and fields of wheat line our route. 

Day 6: Easy loop ride to the pretty villages of Alter do Chão and Crato. En route we'll tour the Coudelaria de Alter, a royal stud farm established 250 years ago to protect the Lusitanian breed.

Day 7: Cycle to Castelo de Vide, famed for its medieval castle, Renaissance-era fountains, and ancient Jewish quarter. Our final bike ride climbs through the forests to Marvão, truly the "