Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

An easy going ride, suitable for all cycling abilities with optional rides available.
Suitable for beginner riders with a couple of climbs (some optional), mostly riding on rolling hills.

Traveller 

Looking to be away from the crowds, in a countryside setting, but not far from towns,
And those interested in Heritage, rich gastronomy and wine.
The Alentejo is known for its slow pace, small whitewashed villages, castle towns, vast plains and rolling hills.

Terrain

Mostly paved, includes options with hard packed gravel ways and rails to trails bike lanes.
Riding on rolling hills with some hilltop castles and scenic climbs with great views from the top!

Day by Day

Day 1
Optional loop ride to Megalith Sites: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 450 m – 1477 ft

Day 2
Option 1: includes Megalithic Sites: 51 kms – 32 miles > Gain: 600 m – 1969 ft
Option 2: includes Rails to Trails: 26 kms – 16 miles > Gain: 285 m – 935 ft

Day 3
Arraiolos to Estremoz: 66 kms – 40 miles > Gain: 580 m – 1093 ft

Day 4
Estremoz to Vila Viçosa: 21 kms – 13 miles > Gain: 250 m – 820 ft

Day 5
Vila Viçosa to Monsaraz (Telheiro): 48 kms – 30 miles > Gain: 430 m – 1410 ft
Including climb to Monzaraz Castle: 56 kms – 35 miles > Gain: 600 m – 1969 ft

Day 6
Monsaraz to Evora: 62 kms – 39 miles > Gain: 450m – 1477 ft

Access

This tour starts and finishes in Evora, a district capital in the Alentejo Region.
Closest international airport is Lisbon.

Public Transport:

It can be easily accessed from Lisbon, either by train or bus, with various connections throughout the day.
Intercity Train from Lisbon takes around 1h30m > more info on www.cp.pt
Bus Lines from Lisbon take about 1h30m > more info on www.rede-expressos.pt

Private Transfer:

We can help you organize a private transfer with a third-party provider.

Weather and what to expect throughout the year

The weather in Alentejo tends to be quite dry throughout the year.

Spring:

Temperatures tend to be mild and chance of precipitation low.
The fields are filled with colorful wildflowers.

Summer:

Warm to hot temperatures, best time of the day to ride is before lunch and later in the afternoon.
Days are longer and allow more time to explore. You can also take part in a Wine Harvest.

Autumn:

Mild temperatures, may still be quite warm.
It is time to try the “new wine” while contemplating the landscapes turning to yellow and brownish colors.

Winter:

Temperatures drop and there are more chances of rain.
It is the perfect opportunity to learn about the olive oil production and taste some great varieties.

Eat & Drink

Bread, olive oil and herbs are the basis of the Alentejo Gastronomy.
Black Iberian pig is must try. Acorn fed on open fields gives its distinct nutty flavor.
So are the Açordas, variations of bread soup, the broth seasoned with crushed garlic, corriander, salt and olive oil. It can also include seafood or eggs.
Sopa de Cação, dogfish stew is also a popular dish!

For Petiscos, or tapas, smoked meat and various cheeses.

Dessert brings conventual sweets, with origins from the convents;
Where there was an excess of eggs, sugar, milk, etc.
Try the Sericaia, a soft cake served with a syrupy sweet plum or
Pão de Rala a small treat made with almonds and pumpkin.

Alentejo offers renowned wines recognized all over the world,
With red wines that tend to be intense while the white wines are fresh and aromatic.

Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?

A Self-Guided Tour brings you the opportunity of an independent trip,
without having to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to plan a great tour!
Additionally, there is no need to join groups or follow any schedules.

Ride and explore a thoughtfully planned itinerary, researched and tested by our local teams.
Therefore, enjoying the most suitable roads, ways and tracks.
You certainly won’t miss that great spot that so many have never heard of!
We choose hotels that cater for cyclists needs. Being so, we take in consideration their location, comfort and amenities.

You will ride great Bikes, along an amazing itinerary. Ultimately, all you need to do is to enjoy the ride!

Getting Bikes & Gear:

Your Bikes & Gear are delivered ahead to the first hotel and will be waiting for you!
Bikes will be ready to ride straight away, delivered fully assembled.

Navigating the itinerary:

The Tour tracks are uploaded into the Garmin® GPS unit.
It also includes waypoints along the route as well as the hotels where you will stay.
Being so, all you need to do is follow the tour track line!
To better help those with less experience, we provide instruction on how to use the GPS
You can also check online for some extra tips!

We supply a Region Map and a Tour Booklet with suggestions and info on points of interest along the way.
We do not offer turn by turn directions, GPS navigation is easier and highly effective!

Premium Tour option:

For the Daily Luggage transfer Service, you will need to drop off your luggage at the Front Desk by 10am.

On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.