Difficulty Rating : 6 Start: Lisbon Finish: Lisbon Terrain: Some Hilly days in National parks Daily Average: 46km Weekly Average: 234km Tour Type: Group Teaser: Portugal, like its neighbour Spain is a land of wonderful contrasts. Considered a Mediterranean country - mostly for its way of life and passion
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Portugal, like its neighbour Spain is a land of wonderful contrasts. Considered a Mediterranean country - mostly for its way of life and passion for the marine environment, it's truly distinct and surprisingly global - on account of its historic ties with Asia, India, Africa and South America. Once at the forefront of navigation and world discovery, Portugal remains an intriguing place where history, landscape, gastronomy and a humble, soft-spoken culture welcomes visitors to its sun swept corners.

This week of diverse cycling takes us through the heart of Portugal's best kept secrets. From breathtaking coastlines, rural landscapes to enchanting hilltop palaces. We observe Manueline architecture, verdant National Parks and visit century old vineyards and farmsteads - hearing tales of chivalry & Templar Knights. Of course opportunities to sample Portugal's tasty local dishes, its superb wines and delicious pastries are part of the experience! For music and art aficionados, Portugal's unique Sado comes rich in musical storytelling and ceramic, classic paintings and architecture add to the cultural richness of the nation.

Join us on this unique exploration by bicycle of Portugal's hidden gems. Daily rides of 40-60 km have been carefully chosen to ensure our rides are on quieter back roads and at a level beginner to intermediate riders can both enjoy.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Sunday Arrival Day Lisbon

Group meets 7pm at Hotel in Lisbon´s central– Orientation with Trip Leader and Dinner. If you arrive in Lisbon earlier, you may wish to visit the Sao Jorge Castle, the Gulbenkian Museum and wander the streets of the Bairro Alto. Welcome Dinner included.

Day 2

Monday Lisbon Interpretive tour and Estoril / Cascais coastal town 25 km easy gradient

Starting with a morning guided tour of Lisbon on bike that inlcudes a cycle to Belem (where Vasgo de Gama set sail from), followed by a short van transfer (30 minutes) onto Cascais – a beautiful coastal town west of Lisbon. This afternoon you can also stroll the seafront promenade with great pubs & shopping right from the hotel.

Day 3

Tuesday Cascais, Cabo da Roca and the Parque Natural of Sintra 55 km hilly

Today we ride the stunning coastal route between Cascais and Ericeira, taking in a number of sun swept coastal villages and enjoying the vast flora and bird life of this historic part of Estremadura. A highlight is a visit to Cabo da Roca, continental Europe´s most westerly point.

Day 4

Wednesday Ericeira to Sintra 45 km moderate

Estremadura´s rural inland settlements and medieval townships. A scenic spin through the region´s pasturelands and agricultural landscapes arriving to Sintra, a virtual fairytale kingdom and once home to generations of Portuguese Royalty seeking solitude in this verdant mountain hideaway. The Mafra National Palace is a worthy visit on today´s ride. In Sintra. we have a 2 night stay offering plenty of time to explore the palaces, Moorish fortress and boutique shops and cafes of this lovely area. Accommodation in a heritage style mansion (Dinner included).

Day 5

Thursday FREE DAY Sintra

Today you have the option of exploring many of Sintra´s natural and cultural wonders such as the forested paths leading to a Moorish Fortress and of course, La Pena Palace – an extraordinary site. This fairytale village is adorned with medieval treasures, tidy boutique shops, tea houses and eateries built into stone walls and laden with sweeping, colorful flora. Alternatively, you can relax around the hotel pool or self explore on bike as there are many riding options including the Montserrat Monastery or the coastline itself.

Day 6

Friday Palmela, Parque Natural of Arrabida and the Vineyards of Setubal 50 km moderate

Today we transfer to the wonderful highlands of the Arrabida Park and ride through the woodlands of Setubal, passing traditional windmills and visiting (optional) a wonderful family run vineyard – tasting their wines and homemade cheese before continuing over the highlands - bringing us into Setubal, a thriving city set on the Rio Sado – home to the country´s most abundant wildlife (bird) sanctuary. Riding distance approximately 50 km – undulating with optional scenic but challenging headland ascent add on! (Dinner included)

Day 7

Saturday Troia Peninsula, the cork forests and Santiago do Cacem 59 km flat, easy terrain

Starting with a 20 minute ferry crossing over the Rio Sado, today´s ride visits long dune stretches, rice paddies, remote beaches and forested back roads. Troia Peninsula has some of Portugal´s most remote coastline (great for dolphin and whale watching). We continue south, following cork forests to the historic Moorish town of Santiago do Cacem, a colorful sleepy Alentejo village in woodlands where little has changed in centuries. Tonight your trip leader bids farewell to the group.

Day 8

Sunday Santiago do Cacem - Lisbon

This morning after breakfast, a private group transfer returns us to Lisbon (1 hour 30 min). Normally the transfer brings us directly to the Lisbon Airport but a central drop off can be arranged, too. The tour begins and ends in Lisbon, with some transfers in the form of a minibus, public bus and train required bypassing areas of high traffic volume. These are included in your tour package. Total distance is approximately 220 km over 5 days riding. Overall grade Easy to Moderate.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
- 3 dinners
- Guide in support van
- Daily baggage transfer
- Daily riding notes & map
- Helmet hire
- Gel seat pads, toe clip option on request
- Transfers as per itinerary

Please note that in 2022 bike hire is not included in the tour price.
(€100 supplement for 21-speed bike, €225 supplement for an e-bike)

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It was wonderful. Matt and Jeff the best. We felt well taken care of and " pampered" .  I would highly recommend this trip to folks who want to explore Portugal by bike. It had a few more hills that what I thought but no worries we made it through!

Kathy Hatcher (Lisbon Group Sept 2018)

The Portugal/Lisbon tour was everything I hoped for. The accommodations were all very comfortable, esp those hotels with a swimming pool on the days of biking. The food was good, and the guides Matt and Jeff were exceptional. I look forward to next year's vacation.

Andrew Untch (Portugal to Lisbon group 2015)

2022 GROUP TOUR PRICE:
€1695 per person sharing
€1945 for single occupancy
(If traveling on your own, we will endeavour to find a room mate for you)

Self Guided Tour Information

Self guided tour is not available on this route.

How to get to the start point in Lisbon: 

Flights to Lisbon airport are frequent and we recommend flying here. 

For airport transfer expect to pay approx €15 taxi fare or slightly more if travelling at night.
There is also very efficient and rapid airport shuttle bus to the city center – costing about 2-3€ person for the one way trip.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

1st Night – HOTEL FENIX URBAN (4 STAR)

A very comfortable and centrally located hotel in Lisbon.  Here we find all mode conveniences and a number of superb attractions right out the door including the park of Marques de Pombel and 10 minutes walking to the Gulbenkian Museum and Gallery.  There are frequent metro and bus connections only 2 minutes from the hotel (Free Wifi) www.hfhotels.com/es/hf-fenix-urban

1st Night – HOTEL FENIX URBAN (4 STAR) image 11st Night – HOTEL FENIX URBAN (4 STAR) image 1

2nd Night – HOTEL BAHIA CASCAIS (3 STAR Beach front)

A superb location both in the centre of Cascais and on the beach itself.  The Bahia is in the heart of town with cafes, boutique shops and fisherman´s pubs right out the door.  Enjoy the indoor heated pool and the outstanding views from the terraces of the hotel (Free Wifi). Sea view rooms are available here for a small supplement.  http://www.hotelbaia.com/en

2nd Night – HOTEL BAHIA CASCAIS  (3 STAR Beach front) image 12nd Night – HOTEL BAHIA CASCAIS  (3 STAR Beach front) image 1

3rd Night – HOTEL VILA GAL ERICEIRA (4 STAR Beach front)

Ericeira´s premier hotel and with a seaside/town centre location that´s hard to beat!  Enjoy the pool and terraced areas while the Atlantic chus swell into the walls below.  Visit the bar and lounge areas with incredible views or stroll around the old quarter right out the hotel door.    (Free Wifi) http://www.vilagale.co.uk/pages/hoteis/index.php?lang=2&hotel=10  

3rd Night – HOTEL VILA GAL ERICEIRA (4 STAR Beach front) image 13rd Night – HOTEL VILA GAL ERICEIRA (4 STAR Beach front) image 1

4-5th Nights – HERITAGE HOTEL SINTRA JARDIM (Heritage class / mansion & gardens)

Sintra has only a few old mansions style hotels with rambling gardens and pools.  The Sintra Jardim is the top rural stay and it´s located in a botanical paradise only minutes walking from the town center.  Here we enjoy the large, traditional ´Quinta´ design rooms or you can sit out in the shaded garden next to the pool, It really is a comfortable stay that offer insight into Sintra´s once elegant times.  (Free Wifi) http://residencialsintra.blogspot.com.es

4-5th Nights – HERITAGE HOTEL SINTRA JARDIM (Heritage class / mansion & gardens) image 14-5th Nights – HERITAGE HOTEL SINTRA JARDIM (Heritage class / mansion & gardens) image 1

6th Night - HOTEL ALBERGUERIA SOLARIS, SETUBAL (3 Star city center)

Setubal´s classic ´azulejo´ decorated city inn offers all mode conveniences and comfort.  It has great access to all the sites of this historic town right out the door.  Situated in a colourful barrio near the old quarter, where a multitude of Brazilian and Angolan immigrants set up homes decades ago, the Solaris is a welcome break after a big day in the Arrabida hillside and vineyards  (Free Wifi)  http://www.solarishotel.com.pt/website/index2.php?s=1&lang=2

6th Night - HOTEL ALBERGUERIA SOLARIS, SETUBAL (3 Star city center) image 16th Night - HOTEL ALBERGUERIA SOLARIS, SETUBAL (3 Star city center) image 1

7th Night - HOTEL DOM NUNO, SANTIAGO DO CACEM (3 Star city center)

Santiago do Cacém is a historic region with plenty do and see. Our hotel is in the centre of the town and a stone's throw from the old town with all the little cafes and restaurant lining the street. it a fine place to spend an afteoon. The hotel has refreshing and spacious rooms. It even has a pool to cool down after a day on the bike. 

7th Night - HOTEL DOM NUNO, SANTIAGO DO CACEM (3 Star city center) image 17th Night - HOTEL DOM NUNO, SANTIAGO DO CACEM (3 Star city center) image 1

Tour Date Options

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We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.