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Our Portugese Castles and Wine BIKE TOUR will live up to its name!
Most nights will be passed either in a castle or an old convent, now beautiful charming hotels. Along the way, the great ancient city of Évora, world heritage sites and small fortified hamlets which tell the stories of wars with moors and Spain. The Spanish border is right beside you on the other side of Alqueva, the biggest artificial lake in Europe.
The loveable Alentejo people, the Mediterranean typical gastronomy along with the wonders of cork, marble, olive oil and other crafts will enrich your experience. And the wine… well come and judge for yourself…
All this in safe backroads with some easy bits cycling off the asphalt, with us by your side.
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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1

Arrival to Arrailos
Arrive to Arraiolos ,a medieval village with a beautiful castle. Airport transfer inluded from Lisbon on supported & guided tours and optional transfer from Lisbon Airport for €75.00 for self guided clients. A chance to check into your hotel and relax for the afternoon. At 6 p.m. there is a briefing of your bike tour
Day 2

Arraiolos~ Évora ( 42kms )
The bike tour starts cycling through Arraiolos village with its rich historical entre. Climb to the castle, one of the few round shaped in the peninsula, and conquer its unforgettable views from there.
On the way to Évora its time to visit the Fita Preta winery, located in a medieval property with a 14th century’s palace, recently restored after several years left to apandonment. A lot of prized wines here! Or, alternatively, an aromatic herbs farm, where you will taste delicious teas, honey and olive oil. Distance: 30 km if you sleep in Évora. 45 km if you sleep at our guesthouse.
Day 3

Megalithic Route around Évora
If you are intrigued by the enormity of some Neolithic constructions or wondered about the magical meaning of some pre historical sites, than this cycle is for you. Our Cycle includes visiting the biggest dolmen and one of the most important cromlech in Europe with over 5000 years of history. The ride finishes in Évora, where you will have the chance to wonder around and get immersed in this ancient pre-roman settlement. One of the highlights will be the visit to the surreal XIII century bone chapel.
Day 4

Évora ~ Reguengos de Monsaraz
Leaving Évora a more barren landscape unfolds. The cycle takes you between olive groves to reach the small and traditional village of Nossa Srª de Machede. After a pause for a cold drink or coffee you can a visit to an old working leather factory. After lunch the mysterious castle of Valongo will provide shade while it unveils its Roman past. A cycle through easy backroads sets the tone to the day’s final destination. Before dinner a visit to a local winery where the scent of the brewing clay pots fills the air with the ancient knowledge that makes great wine.
You may cycle 10 kms more and stay at Herdade de S. Lourenço do Barrocal, a charming country hotel with an architecture prize, which produces their wine and olive oil. If you chose this option we recommend that you stay for two nights, and we will adapt your cycling route to Monsaraz.
Day 5

Monsaraz
Today’s destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defence of Portugal, just by the border with Spain. On the way you can visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed.
Then, with Spain in sight, lunch by the biggest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva dam reservoir. Finally it’s time to conquer the castle and climb up to Monsaraz!
Day 6

Monsaraz ~ Vila Viçosa
The day’s cycle will lead you to the marble capital of Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. The marble triangle will mark the landscape for the next tour days. The so called white gold is the main economic driver of the region. Its richness is a constant presence in the wide streets and tall buildings. A visit to an impressive fortified sanctuary with an interesting tale will close the morning. Then a rare sight over distinct coloured lagoons finishing with accommodation in an aristocratic convent.
Day 7

Vila Viçosa ~ Estemoz
Today’s cycle is relaxing so you can take this opportunity to taste some local delicacies: Petiscos (Snacks). From tavern to tavern the ride will undoubtedly delight every sense! The rest of the day will be spent in meandering through beautiful countryside until your arrival in Estremoz, the final destination of the journey. The final leg of your journey is to climb up to the marble Donjon tower of the castle where you will sleep!
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Self guided Tours:
€1,090 per person sharing on self guided tours (based on 2 people traveling)
€1,560 single room occupancy (based on 2 people traveling)
€930 per person sharing on self guided tours (based on 4)
€1,400 single room occupancy (based on 4)
High Season - 1st June to 30th September:
€1,160 per person sharing on self guided tours (based on 2 people traveling)
€1,760 single room occupancy (based on 2 people traveling)
€1,000 per person sharing on self guided tours (based on 4)
€1,600 single room occupancy (based on 4)
Supported Tour (support van en route)
Low Season, year round
€2,465 per person sharing ( based on 2 travelling )
€1,845 per person sharing ( based on 4 travelling )
€470.00 single supplement
High Season 1st June to 30th September:
€2,535 per person sharing ( based on 2 travelling )
€1,915 per person sharing ( based on 4 travelling )
€600.00 single supplement
Guided Tour (support van and cycling guide on set tour dates)
Low Season, year round
€2,500 per person sharing
€470.00 single supplement
High Season 1st June to 30th September:
€2,570 per person sharing
€600.00 single supplement
Guided Private Tour (support van and cycling guide on a date of your choice)
Low Season, year round
€2,930 per person sharing (based on 2 travelling)
€2,590 per person sharing (based on 4 travelling)
€470.00 single supplement
High Season 1st June to 30th September:
€3,000 per person sharing (based on 2 travelling)
€2,660 per person sharing (based on 4 travelling)
€600.00 single supplement
Self Guided Tour Information
Tours start on a Saturday year round.
Non Saturday starts are possible for an €80.00 supplement
How to get to the start point
Lisbon Airport is the closest airport. Airpor transfers are included in supported tours. For self guided tours, its possible to book transfers:
Airport transfer to first hotel: €75
Airport transfer from last hotel: €75
Arraiolos
Tonights you are staying in one of two hotels.
The Pousada de Arraiolos, built in a wonderful 16th century convent, with swimming pool, 2 kms from Arraiolos ( image to the left )
or
Casa do Plátano, a very charming guest house in the village centre ( image to the right )
Evora
In Evora among the options for tonights accommdation are:
Monte do Serrado de Baixo, our lovely guesthouse, with swimming pool ( image to the left )
Hotel Mar de Ar Muralhas, a 4* hotel in Évora historical center, with a swimming pool
LUXURY OPTION
You may upgrade your stay to the 16th century recovered convent, Hotel Mar de Ar Aqueduto ( image to the right )
Reguengos de Monsaraz
Accommodation tonight is in Solar de Alqueva, with a swimming pool ( image to the left )
LUXURY OPTION
You may cycle 10 kms more and stay at Herdade de S. Lourenço do Barrocal, a beautiful country hotel with an architectural prize ( image to the right ).
If you chose this option we recommend that you stay for two nights, and we will adapt your cycling route to Monsaraz.
Monsaraz
Casa Dona Antónia, is tonights preferred accommoadtion, a charming bed & breakfast in the medieval castle
Vila Viçosa
A wonderful opportunity to stay in the Pousada D. João IV, built in a convent, with a swimming pool
Estemoz
A final night and staying in another magnificient Pousada Rainha Stª Isabel, built in a palace, with a swimming pool