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Portugal
Colors of the Alentejo

Mar 15-22, 2008
Apr 12-19, 2008
May 10-17, 2008
Sep 20-27, 2008
Oct 12-19, 2008
Price: US$3450 for 8 days/7 nights.
Includes 6 dinners with wine, 2 picnics, and all breakfasts.
Terrain: Moderate.
Arrive: Lisbon Airport
Depart: Lisbon Airport

With its rolling plains, medieval hilltop castles, and charming villages, one might think of the Alentejo as the Provence of Portugal. The rich hues of the Portuguese heartland deepen with the changing of the seasons. Spring brings emerald hillsides carpeted in wildflowers, in contrast to the red-brown trunks of cork trees and silvery leaves of the olive. In autumn, crimson grapevines and golden fields of wheat are silhouetted against an infinite blue sky. Whitewashed buildings are tiled with ornate azulejos, and every balcony is crowded with pots of scarlet geraniums. Even the pottery and handmade carpets for which the Alentejo is famous reflect the vivid colors of its Moorish heritage.

The easy pace of life in the Alentejo makes it perfect for exploring by bike. As we make our way north along the Spanish border, we'll share the road with ox-drawn carts and women in traditional black dress, often balancing huge loads atop their heads. Groves of olive and cork trees form a graceful pattern on the low hills. Crowning the horizon are gleaming whitewashed villages with characteristic blue trim, many with their medieval walls and castles still intact. Each town has its own fascinating story to tell, and we'll end each day with plenty of time to explore their treasures, from the Moorish archways of Évora to the marble palaces of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz. Our final ride traverses the lush hillsides of the São Mamede Mountains en route to the village of Marvão, whose castle walls appear chiseled out of the craggy mountaintop itself.

Our historic accommodations, exclusively in Portuguese pousadas, reflect a harmonious blend of past grandeur and present-day elegance. The shady cloisters of Pousada de Dom João IV are a gentle reminder of its origins as a convent in the 16th century. The majestic Pousada Flor da Rosa served as a fortress for the Hospitaller Knights centuries before being transformed into a luxurious inn. And at trip's end, the Pousada de Santa Maria's fairy-tale setting overlooking the stunning Serra de Marvão is sure to inspire fond Alentejana memories.

Portugal Bicycle Tours
Spring in the Alentejo Itinerary

Day 1: Morning van transfer 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 of Alentejana specialties. Overnight at the Pousada Nossa Senhora da Assunção, a stunning restoration of a 16th-century monastery.

Day 2: Easy bike ride across the rolling plains visits 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. We'll stay in another architectural gem, the 15th-century Pousada dos Lóios. (28 or 40 mi.)

Day 3: Bike through the Redondo wine region, stopping to tour and taste at the Roquevale vineyards and shop for colorful local pottery. Two-night stay in Vila Viçosa ("shaded town"), named for its tree-lined avenues and public squares. Overnight at the regal Pousada Dom João IV, located right next door to the town's most famous landmark, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. (33 mi.)

Day 4: Free day to explore Vila Viçosa, where local white marble adorns every building from the simplest home to the Paço Ducal. Guided tour of the 16th-century palace, which was the favorite residence of Portugal's last royal dynasty. An optional cycling loop leads to medieval castle ruins overlooking the Rio Guadiana and Spanish frontier. (0, 18, or 33 mi.)

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 to Flor da Rosa for a two-night stay at its fortress-pousada. (40, 55, or 59 mi.)

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. (0, 26, or 31 mi.)

Day 7: Cycle to Castelo de Vide, famed for its medieval castle, Renaissance-era fountains, and ancient Jewish quarter. Our final bike ride ascends through mountain forests to Marvão, literally the "high point" of the Alentejo! Spectacular sunset views and farewell dinner celebration at the Pousada de Santa Maria. (25 or 35 mi.)

Day 8: Van transfer to Lisbon Airport for early afternoon flights.

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Portugal Colors of the Alentejo

Portugal
Colors of the Alentejo