The Castles
Route
For thousands of years humans have been living and experiencing
adventures in the areas you will be visiting, leaving traces
of his life from pre-history to the present day, such as
Dolmens and Menhirs, Roman bridges and villas, Medieval
castles and paved paths or roads, villages of low whitewashed
houses and big noble family houses, rich churches and rustic
chapels, palaces and manor houses, all bringing memories
of an ancient way of life, believes, faiths and likes, traces
of those who lived here and passed by.
Castles leave no
doubt as to their role in the emergence
of the nation and, each in its own
way, in the long saga of love and war,
which has always characterized the
life of the people, specially of those
near the border with Spain who has
to fight the Spaniards after the Moorish.
Castles will also provide us great
reference points for keeping our bearings!
This tour is
designed to allow you to experience
life at castles in different ways,
you will depart from them for a day
ride, in some we will conquer them
by climbing up ancient paved paths,
travel between them as couriers, you
will sleep in their medieval villages
with luxury accommodation or you will
eat in them! Portugal al in Portugal
food is quite varied and rich in flavors,
with fish being popular by the sea
and meat meals in the country, local
wines are diverse but all of good quality.
Being in such places will generate
unforgettable charming memories.
Price includes: 8 days, 7 nights accommodation w/
breakfast, 6 dinners w/ wine or beer, 6 picnics, guide,
daily itinerary details, back-up vehicle w/ luggage shuttling
and transfers from/to Lisboa.
Day-by-day details
Day
1
We will be at
the airport to pick you and your bike
and transfer you to your accommodation
in Lisboa. Welcome Dinner.
(D)
Day
2
Castelo de São
Jorge, Lisboa
Warm-up ride from Monsanto Park, or
Pulmão de Lisboa (Lisbon's
lungs as it is known locally) with
stunning views of Lisboa below us.
You will climb up to the Saint Jorge's
Castle using the labyrinth of streets
in Lisboa's traditional neighborhoods
like Alfama or Castelo.
(40 k/25 m)
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3
Castelo dos
Mouros, Sintra - Natural Park
Ride the hill slopes and great Mediterranean
forest trails. The views along the
route are wonderful on clear days.
We will ride a loop that actually starts
and finishes right at a Moorish Castle.
Ride downhill to Sintra, a great place
for sightseeing and shopping.
(30 k/19 m)
(B) (L)
Day
4
Castelo de Monsanto
da Beira
The remote Castle of Monsanto da Beira,
built amidst granite boulders well
in the east of Portugal (near the border
with Spain). Our ride starts with 5
miles on the old Roman Cobblestone
road downhill — well worth it!
(40 k/25 m)
(B) (L) (D)
Day
5
Castelo de Marvão
I - Natural Park
Optional ride or sightseeing/shopping
in Castelo de Vide or Marvão
We will start riding right from the
medieval fortified town center of Marvão,
descending the cobblestoned ancient
trail! Marvão sits on the top
of the hill; we'll be surprised by
all the different views, and ending
the day with a visit to an ancient
Roman settlement.
(35 k/22 m)
(B) (L) (D)
Day
6
Castelo de Marvão
II - Visit Castelo de Vide
Riding from the castle of Marvão
to Castelo de Vide along ancient paved
paths — part of an immense network
of paved causeways whose discovery
has a particular flavor when made by
mountain bike! There, you can admire
the craftsmanship of the rugs, visit
the Synagogue and stroll through the
steep streets of the Jewish quarter.
(40 k/25 m)
(B) (L) (D)
Day
7
Castelo de Sesimbra
This last ride is on a very beautiful
nature reserve area of coastal trails
and towering sandstone cliffs. Don't
miss the opportunity to see Dinosaur
footprints! Discover beautiful Mediterranean
bays and little beaches. The castle
of Sesimbra announces its presence
before arriving to this ancient fishermen's
town.
Farewell Dinner.
(35 k/22 m)
(B) (L) (D)
Day
8 - Last Day
Transfers to Lisbon Airport and Departure
We will be happy to drive you and your
bike to the airport at a previously-arranged
schedule.
(B)
Next
ride
