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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Portugal Bike Tour
From Lisbon to Vineyards, Castles & Beaches
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. Ride through peaceful Alentejo. Whitewashed villages and Moorish palaces. Olive groves and vineyards. Explore southern Portugal's paradise. You too will be transformed.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$4,799 pp dbl occ
($1,000 for sgl occ)
Portugal
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Journey from the gateway city of Lisbon, Portugal's magnificent capital, where tradition and contemporary culture meet
- Bike 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
- Please note that select departures have hotel variations in Alentejo and do not travel south to Algarve's coast. View the Detailed Itinerary or call us at 800-462-2848 for more information.
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
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 luxury accommodations in historic Monsaraz.
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
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) | Ride 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.
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
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 and the edge of what was once the known world | 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.
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
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS | An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | Call us to book your Rendezvous.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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.
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Performance Road Bike
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.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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.
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