At a Glance
Be left captivated as you pedal through magnificent castles, beautiful golden beaches, historical towns, charming terrains and picturesque vineyards on a cycling adventure to explore the richness of the vast land of Portugal on this 6-day guided journey.
Your adventure begins in Lisbon where you’ll shuttle to the ancient town of Monsaraz, one of the country's oldest settlements in the heart of southern Portugal. Journey through traditional Alentejan towns on a guided adventure to the hilltop Monsaraza with a passionate archaeologist. Unlock the reassures of the historic city of Évora, a well-known World Heritage Site. From mountains to coast, immerse into the diverse and charming landscapes as you journey from Monchique Mountains toward the Algarve Coast. Explore the Costa Vicentina National Park along with one of Portugal's most beautiful coastlines. Round ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified on itinerary
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with helmet and accessories
- All luggage, hotel transfers and porterage
- 5 nights of accommodation in 5 star hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Following our meeting, we shuttle east to one of the country's oldest settlements in the heart of southern Portugal, the ancient town of Monsaraz. Here we're introduced to the region's hearty fare with lunch at a historic olive oil factory and charming local restaurant. |
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After this terrific lunch, the tour guides fit your bike and give a brief lecture on the various biking techniques and safety measures. We bike past vineyards, olive groves, and cork fields. We head to São Lourenço do Barrocal, a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the foothills of the mediaeval village of Monsaraz and nearby the Alqueva Lake. Your home for the next 2 nights, unwind and savour this spectacular property is set in a 780-hectare estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Done with the adventures of the day, settle in and relax at the hotel. Take a peaceful walk through the lush gardens, relax your muscles at the hotel’s spa or by the pool. Later, we meet again for a welcome reception before sitting down to dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where you’ll delight in delicious farm to fork traditional Alentejo cuisine. |
São Lourenço do Barrocal Hotel, Portugal (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: After a delightful breakfast this morning, explore Portugal's Alentejo region by bike. Journey through traditional Alentejan towns and past olive groves scattered across the landscape. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the heart of Redondo, an authentic village that offers a glimpse into rural life. Go ahead to the medieval hamlet of Alandroal, where we enjoy lunch prepared by our local guide and friend at a rural guesthouse, followed by an introduction to the ins and outs of the local cork industry, before heading back to the hotel. Drawn to the sparkling water of the Alqueva Dam? Head down the road from the hotel to the nautical centre to rent a canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Go on a horseback ride and continue to a quiet route through the countryside (all optional activities and not included in the trip price). |
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Later, together with an expert archaeologist, we embark on a guided tour to the hilltop Monsaraz. Perched high atop a hill, the views from this quaint city are magnificent, sweeping across the surrounding countryside and the Alqueva across the Spanish border. Tonight, tantalise your tastebuds with a dinner affair at a local favourite restaurant before retiring to the hotel. Make sure to try out one of these mouth-watering dishes; Polvo Salteado Com Azeite E Legumes, Pão de Rala, grilled mixed dark port meats, and a Reguengos bottle of wine. |
São Lourenço do Barrocal Hotel, Portugal (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy breakfast while savouring the morning light as we prepare for today's exploit. This morning we make a stop early in the ride for a brief pottery demonstration. Journey through quiet villages, past vineyards, and silvery-green olive trees to Herdade da Furada, a running farmhouse that only opens for us. There you'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the pool followed by an olive-oil tasting. Afterward, ride toward the region's capital city, historic Évora, a World Heritage site. This spectacular town is surrounded by mediaeval stone walls and is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. You are free to explore Évora's well-preserved commercial centre on foot, bargain, and shop for items here. Learn more about the city's interesting past on our evening guided tour. A vibrant university town today, Évora's rich and diverse history is visible in its architecture, influenced by Roman and Moorish cultures. |
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Our home tonight is Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, a 5-star converted 15th-century palatial convent just outside of the historic centre of Évora, surrounded by 80 000m² of beautiful gardens and known for its historical architecture. Relax at the hotel, visit the spa for a therapeutic session or go for a walk around town. We reconvene in the evening for a guided tour of Évora before dinner on your own– choose from the town's many delightful eateries. Your tour leaders are also happy to recommend one to you. |
Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, Portugal (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Saying "tchau" to Évora and "olá" to the Algarve today, we shuttle through a diverse landscape to this spectacular coastal region - ours to explore for the second half of our trip. Encounter charming terrains as you ride from Monchique Mountains towards the Algarve Coast, where along the way we stop to enjoy a family-style lunch at a favourite local spot. |
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Next, we shuttle to our hotel, or better still, you can continue riding to the magnificent Limestone Vale Beach for a well-deserved cocktail on the beach surrounded by honey-limestone cliffs. If you wish to go more kilometres, you can choose to ride to Bela Vista Resort & Spa, your exquisite Relais & Châteaux hotel, a 5-star stalwart Moorish-style mansion set over the breathtaking Praia da Rocha cliff. Bask on the recliners around its outdoor pool, lounge on a beach with direct access or pamper yourself at its famed spa by L’Occitane, a perfect sanctuary to soothe your muscles. Later, we take a short walk along the boardwalk to dinner at a favourite restaurant in the lively coastal town of Praia da Rocha. Enjoy delectable meals with a wide range of choice from Madeiran to English dishes. |
Bela Vista Resort & Spa, Portimão, Portugal (5*) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
First, we ride to a postcard-perfect beach known only to locals for coffee under the palm trees. Then we make our way toward the beachside village of Salema, where we stop for lunch. Moving on, go over the hills and continue riding back to the hotel, or opt for a lift in the shuttle if you wish to spend some extra time on the beach. We meet this evening for a toast to a superb week in Portugal before sitting down to a farewell dinner. |
Bela Vista Resort & Spa, Portimão, Portugal (5*)Breakfast, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft) After a fabulous week exploring Portugal's stunning coastline, our trip comes to an end with a lovely spin through an authentic fishing village. Go on one last ride across the small Arade Estuary around Ferragudo, a tiny fishing village. If you'd prefer a more leisurely morning, you can relax back at the hotel, go for a walk to the beach, or enjoy a spa treatment, after which you can freshen up before saying your goodbyes and shuttling to Lisbon. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
The departure and finish point is Lisbon
Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Lisbon. The closest major airport to Lisbon, Portugal is Lisbon international Airport, located 7km (4 miles) north of Portugal's capital. With daily flights to Lisbon International Airport from all over the world, it is one of the largest airports in Southern Europe and acts as the main gateway to Portugal's many attractions.
The terrain on this trip ranges from level to rolling, with some steeper ascents to hilltop towns. The routes are mostly on paved roads and although there is rarely heavy traffic, cars do tend to pass by rather quickly. Remember, take your time and go at your own pace...
Portugal is famous for its typical Mediterranean climate with warm days and year-round sunshine, although Lisbon can be quite cool with breezes off the coast. Be prepared for high temperatures and dry heat from late June through early September and more mild temperatures later in fall. Summer temperatures near sea level may average up to 76 °F (24 °C) but are rather lower at exposed higher elevations. Winter temperatures average 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) but tend to be milder south of the Douro. Annual rainfall averages more than 40 inches (1,000 mm).
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (13-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
The tour has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world. Please find the available bike options for this trip below:
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Touring Bike (included) A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike (included) A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Performance Bike (included) Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Carbon Bike (Extra Charge, Subject to Availability) The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike (Extra Charge, Subject to Availability) Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
