Portugal Bike Tour

• Bike Portugal’s heartland in its most beautiful seasons
• Springtime fields of wildflowers, poppies, and roses
• Autumn grape harvest
• Picturesque hilltop villages untouched by time
• Walking tour of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City
• Shop for Arraiolos carpets and Alentejana pottery
• Purebred Lusitano horses and falconry demonstration at the Coudelaria de Alter stud farm
• Tour the palace of the Dukes of Bragança in Vila Viçosa
• Historic pousada accommodations in converted monasteries, manor houses, and a 14th-century fortress

Day 1: Morning 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. (0 or 8 mi.)

Day 2: Easy ride across the rolling plains visits prehistoric dolmens 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. (31 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. Relax in regal style at the Pousada Dom João IV, located next door to the town’s most famous landmark, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. (27 or 44 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 Bragança palace, 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 pastoral route to Flor da Rosa for a two-night stay at its fortress-pousada. (39, 54, or 58 mi.)

Day 6: Tranquil loop ride to the pretty villages of Alter do Chão and Crato. Stop for a tour, picnic, and falconry demonstration at the Coudelaria de Alter, a royal stud farm established 250 years ago to preserve the Lusitano horse. (0 or 26 mi.)

Day 7: Cycle to Castelo de Vide, famed for its medieval castle, Renaissance-era fountains, and ancient Jewish quarter. Our final 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. (32 mi.)

Day 8: Transfer to Lisbon Airport for early afternoon flights.

"If you like great trip leaders; historical, luxurious pousadas; beautiful countryside and coastlines; and eating fabulous meals, the Alentejo is the bike trip for you."
- D.H., California

"The tour guides were the best of any trip I have ever taken."
- R.H., Louisiana

“The Alentejo region has a peaceful beauty that I never expected. I still wonder whether the trip was a dream.”
– M.M., Massachusetts

"The pousadas were absolutely fantastic - a highlight of the trip."
- M.M., California

“The wildflowers were unreal, the rolling hills a delight, the pousadas just magnificent, and our guides, well, they simply rocked.”
– L.S., Germany

“A gorgeous region! Experiencing the Alentejo by bike is the best way to do it—it matches the pace of life there.”
– B.C., Massachusetts

“An absolutely wonderful immersion into the life of the Portuguese countryside. The fields of purple and yellow flowers were too lovely to be imagined.”
– J.T., North Carolina

• 7 nights accommodations in historic manor houses, restored monasteries, and a former 14th-century fortress (double occupancy, private bath)
• 6 dinners with wine, 2 picnic lunches, and all breakfasts
• Use of a top-quality 27- speed Marin hybrid bicycle
• Detailed maps, written directions, and background information
• Choice of mileage options on most days; total mileage of 129 to 241 miles
• Two experienced, multilingual Portuguese guides
• Support van to carry luggage, provide snacks, and offer assistance and lifts
• Falconry demonstration, Lusitano stud farm tour
• Admission to the Ducal Palace.
• Transfers to and from Lisbon Airport at specified times
• Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals
• Comprehensive tour preparation information and training tips
• Easy Rider T-shirt and water bottle
• Airfare is not included.