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.
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
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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 | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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