Region Overviews: Portugal Travel Guide: Overview
The oldest nation-state in Europe—it became the Kingdom of Portugal in 1139—Portugal is as steeped in history as it is in its own unique culture.
Biking
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This trip is filling up for the upcoming season! Check out our Portugal's Porto & Douro Valley Bike Tour with new dates just added.
Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Bike Tour
From Lisbon to Vineyards, Castles & Beaches
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,649 pp dbl occ
($1,150 for sgl occ)
An ancient land experiencing a renaissance. Rich in history and Mediterranean beauty. Linger in stylish Lisbon. A cool laid-back city with a hot new restaurant scene. Bike through peaceful Alentejo. Whitewashed villages and Moorish palaces. Olive groves and vineyards. Explore southern Portugal's paradise. You will be transformed.
Portugal Bike Tour map
Portugal
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Bike tour from the gateway city of Lisbon, Portugal's magnificent capital, where tradition and contemporary culture meet
- Ride quiet rural roads and enjoy extraordinary views from hilltop Monsaraz, considered the country's most beautiful village
- Cycle past picturesque and distinctly Portuguese architecture and landscapes, stopping to say hi to the locals
- Discover untouched beaches, ancient ruins, and postcard-ready white-walled villages
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Discover the allure of Lisbon, where old-world charm meets cosmopolitan culture | Bike past olive and cork trees and endless vineyards in Portugal's agricultural heart | Visit an olive oil farm and learn about the centuries-old process behind this regional delight | Relish a typical Alentejo-style dinner in one of the area’s most beautiful villages and enjoy luxury accommodations in historic Monsaraz.
Accommodations
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Monsaraz
| Premiere Hotel A luxuriously restored 200-year-old agrarian estate that offers stylish rooms, rustic charm, lush gardens and farm-to-table dining. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Description
Admire the warm tones of terra-cotta in Portugal’s pottery capital and fill up on souvenirs before picnicking at a traditional family-run herdade (farmhouse) | Bike amid a bucolic rolling landscape en route to Évora | Discover Alentejo's spectacular capital—a World Heritage site, vibrant university town and member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.
Accommodations
Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa
Évora
| Premiere Hotel A luxuriously renovated 15th-century convent with spacious rooms and elegant details, located just outside of Évora's World Heritage-designated town center. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Experience dramatically different landscapes in the neighboring Algarve region | Take in majestic coastal views from the Monchique Mountains toward honey-hued limestone cliffs | Enjoy the fragrance of orange blossom flowers as you bike quiet country roads | Swing through a Moorish hamlet before settling into our beachfront Relais & Châteaux hotel | Ride along the rugged coast near Sagres, protected by Costa Vicentina National Park | Adventure to Vasco da Gama's home port | Savor local flavors at our farewell dinner | Close out your journey with an early morning ride through a fishing village or a walk on the beach.
Accommodations
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
Portimão
| Premiere Hotel Adjacent to famed Praia da Rocha, this exquisite hotel seamlessly blends traditional and modern in a uniquely Portuguese fashion. A Relais & Château member. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
April 2023
Apr 2 - Apr 7
Sold out
Apr 16 - Apr 21
Sold out
Apr 23 - Apr 28
Sold out
Apr 25 - Apr 30
Sold out
May 2023
May 14 - May 19
Sold out
May 15 - May 20
Sold out
May 28 - Jun 2
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June 2023
Jun 4 - Jun 9
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September 2023
Sep 3 - Sep 8
Sold out
Sep 5 - Sep 10
Sold out
Sep 18 - Sep 23
Sold out
October 2023
Oct 10 - Oct 15
Sold out
Oct 15 - Oct 20
Sold out
Oct 16 - Oct 21
Sold out
November 2023
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Portugal's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys, and the continuously rolling terrain, as well as high heat in the summer months, can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This 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. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations & Service Standards
The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. Additionally, while the Premiere hotels we've chosen are some of the finest in the country, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also bit more rustic than other places we visit in Europe.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations & Service Standards
The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. Additionally, while the Premiere hotels we've chosen are some of the finest in the country, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, which is traditionally a celebration of local flavors but is also bit more rustic than other places we visit in Europe.
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