Portugal by bike: Alentejo wines
Description
Welcome to this exciting guided bike tour of beautiful Alentejo! Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and traditions of this world-renowned wine region.
For a week, you’ll explore the scenic hills, visit local wineries, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities: Évora, Vila Viçosa, and Monsaraz. At every turn, you’ll discover the authenticity of the white villages, towering medieval castles and sun-drenched plains that characterize the Alentejo.
Alentejo, recognized as the Best Wine Region in the world in 2014, will offer you not only a unique cycling experience, but also the opportunity to taste exquisite local wines and enjoy the delicious gastronomy of the region. From convents to the best restaurants, each stop will be an opportunity to mix luxury with authenticity.
Car-free roads and varied topography make the Alentejo a paradise for both beginner and experienced cyclists. You’ll have time to stop and explore the charming “Sobreiros” (cork oaks) and “Antas” along the way, immersing yourself in the rural life of the local farms.
The Alqueva Reserve and the “Herdade” of Wine and Oil Esporão will be featured stops, offering you the opportunity to live a unique experience on the largest artificial lake in Europe and explore one of the main wineries in the region.
In short, this bike trip through the Alentejo promises a week full of adventures, discoveries and culinary delights. Get ready to fall in love with the beauty and authenticity of this corner of Portugal!
Included:
- Comfortable transfer from the airport or your hotel to the starting point of the journey.
- Daily excursions guided by expert local cyclists, always adapted at your own pace.
- Accommodation for 6 nights in charming 5-star hotels, double/twin room with breakfast included.
- Delicious lunches and dinners in carefully selected restaurants.
- Provision of quality nutrition and hydration by Zipvit during the routes.
- Access to museums, wineries, and other outstanding experiences included in the package.
- Rental of road or hybrid bike (Scott Addict 20 or Scott Aspect 930 model), with GPS and helmet.
- Mechanical assistance and support vehicle for added peace of mind.
- Transport of your luggage between the different hotels.
- Personal accident insurance coverage.
- Wine tasting experience and winery visits.
- Fascinating boat trip through the Alqueva reservoir.
Itinerary
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- Itinerary: 40 to 100 km
- Accommodation: Hotel Vila Gale Alter Real
- Dinner: Gastronomic experience at the hotel's INEVITAVEL restaurant.
Start from the airport or Lisbon with a 2.30-hour transfer to Hotel Vila Gale Alter Real. Bike preparation and the beginning of the cycling tour through Alentejo, heading to the medieval city and fortress of Castelo de Vide, with a quick stop for coffee. Continue pedaling to the top of the fortified village of Marvão. Explore its narrow streets, visit the 9th-century castle and cistern, and enjoy the beautiful views of the S. Mamede mountain range. Midway stop for lunch. Return to Crato through the picturesque Beirã region. Free time to relax at the hotel in the afternoon.
- Route: Between 40 and 80 km
- Accommodation: Alentejo Marmoris
- Dinner: Dinner at the charming restaurant of the Marmoris hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and start of the bike tour from Alter do Chão, exploring the rolling hills of northern Alentejo to another medieval town: Estremoz, where lunch will be served. Later, head to the marble capital of Portugal, the city of Vila Vicosa. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city or relaxing at the charming hotel.
- Route: Between 40 and 80 km
- Accommodation: Alentejo Marmoris
Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the bike tour to the Garrison Border Town and Elvas, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. After a brief visit to the city and its churches, continue to the Juromenha castle on the Guadiana River, which also serves as the natural border with Spain.
- Route: Between 40 and 110 km
- Accommodation: Convento Espinheiro
Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the bike tour to Monsaraz, with privileged views of Lake Alqueva. After lunch, transfer to Évora to check into the luxurious 5-star Convento Espinheiro hotel.
- Route: Between 0 and 50 km
- Accommodation: Convento Espinheiro
- Dinner: Dinner at the Fialho restaurant in Évora
Breakfast at the hotel. Optional start of today's bike tour, a loop to Arraiolos, an astonishing white fortification on the outskirts of Évora, famous for its wool carpets. Cycle through the central plains of Alentejo, enjoying views of cork oaks, olive trees, and free-roaming cattle on the large estates, called Herdades. Lunch at a magnificent winery. Free afternoon to explore and shop in Évora and visit its impressive monuments.
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- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Lisbon (airport or hotel) for the conclusion of the trip.
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