Portugal Bike Tour

• Coastal cycling from south of Lisbon to the Algarve
• Mediterranean flora of Arrábida Natural Park
• Sunset sail on a traditional Portuguese galleon
• Roman ruins of Miróbriga
• Rugged sea cliffs of Cabo Sardăo and the Atlantic coast
• Algarve fishing villages and sandy beaches
• Boat ride through the sea grottoes of Lagos
• Shorebirds and barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park
• Accommodations in seaside pousadas and the Palacio de Estoi

Day 1: Morning transfer from Lisbon Airport to the 400-year-old Pousada de Săo Filipe, built by King Philip of Spain to protect the harbor in Setúbal. A warm-up spin in Arrábida Natural Park offers bird's-eye ocean views before descending to the coast. Sail back to Setúbal aboard the Galeo Requitum, a historic Portuguese galleon. (8 mi.)

Day 2: Cross the Rio Sado estuary to the Tróia Peninsula, where our bike route continues past sand dunes, rice fields, and pine nut trees. Two-night stay in Santiago do Cacém, whose Moorish past can be sensed in its steep winding streets and impressive castle walls overlooking the Serra de Grândola. (28 or 40 mi.)

Day 3: Pedal a tranquil backroads loop through cork plantations and olive groves. Along the way, tour a vintage working windmill and the beautifully preserved Roman ruins of Miróbriga. (0 or 26 mi.)

Day 4: Ridgetop views highlight our ride to the crescent beaches of Porto Covo. Picnic at the lighthouse overlooking the headlands of Cabo Sardăo, and pedal an off-road path high above the coastline for incredible views of sea stacks and the crashing Atlantic. In Zambujeira do Mar, our simple inn is just blocks from the beach. (28 or 53 mi.)

Day 5: Welcome to the Algarve! A backcountry route leads through vineyards and farmland to Aljezur, the last town to be reclaimed from the Moors. Continue down the coast to Sagres, where Prince Henry founded his 15th-century navigational school, and on to the towering cliffs of Cabo de Săo Vicente, the southwesternmost point in Europe. Overnight at the Pousada do Infante, where every room has an ocean view. (48 or 62 mi.)

Day 6: Bike through seaside Salema and tiny backcountry villages en route to historic Lagos. After lunch, relax with a boat trip through the sea grottoes or explore the Old Quarter, where fashionable shops contrast with ancient Moorish walls and the gilded woodwork of Santo António chapel. Late afternoon shuttle to our palace-turned-pousada, a Romantic Period gem overlooking the coast at Estoi (23 or 31 mi.).

Day 7: Almond, fig, and orange trees dot the hillsides of an inland route to Loulé and its traditional market. Afterwards, coast past fishing boats, colorful nets, and clay octopus pots along the Ria Fomosa estuary. Two-night stay in Tavira at a pousada artfully constructed around a historic monastery. (22 or 41 mi.)

Day 8: Free day in Tavíra to explore its medieval churches, Roman bridge, and inviting plazas. A final spin winds through Ria Formosa Natural Park to the turreted fortress of Cacela Velha. Tonight’s authentic Algarvian feast features cataplana, a savory seafood bouillabaise steamed in a copper clamshell-shaped pot. (0 or 20 mi.)

Day 9: Transfer to Faro for late morning flights or Lisbon for mid-afternoon flights.

"Southern Portugal is an undiscovered paradise."
E.C., Colorado

“A ‘10!’ I was not prepared for such a spectacularly beautiful coastline!”
– M.A., Alaska

“Windmills, cork trees, sheep herders, the waves crashing on the cliffs at Sagres—this trip exceeded our expectations.”
– J.I. & S.I., Maine

“The coastline of Portugal with endless rock cliffs, pristine beaches, and surf crashing on the shore is a spectacular sight I will long remember. Experiencing it on a bicycle made it that much better.”
– R.L., New York

“Our guides showed us beautiful countryside with terrific cycling, wonderful meals at the end of the day, and best of all, a great group of people to see it all with.”
– C.C., Virginia

• 8 nights accommodations in historic and contemporary pousadas and a seaside hotel (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 157 to 281 miles
• Two experienced, multilingual Portuguese guides
• Support van to carry luggage, provide snacks, and offer assistance and lifts
• Arrábida sailing cruise aboard the Galeo Riquitum
• Lagos sea grottoes cruise
• 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 cycling jersey and water bottle
• Airfare is not included.