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.
Best for ages 9+ (Ages 4+ ok) | Min. age to ride own bike: 9+ | Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Family — Teens & Kids
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,399 pp dbl occ
($1,000 for sgl occ)
Warm beaches and sun-drenched landscapes. Portugal has unlimited ways to venture beyond the crowds. Bring your family and pedal through serene hillsides. Hike coastal trails along windswept cliffs and sparkling sea. Learn to surf the rolling waves. Sample classic Portuguese cuisine. Wander friendly local towns filled with artists and farmers. Indulge in the fresh catch of the day, every day. This is the good life.
Start/End Lisbon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Meet in stylish Lisbon | Journey toward the Alentejo, Portugal's agricultural heart | Bike through the Serra de Grândola on a mellow ride past streets lined with pine and cork trees | Stand-up paddleboard over the glittering surface of an azure lagoon | Visit photographic Cais Palatifica, full of wooden buildings, long narrow piers and gorgeous waterfront view | Hike through enormous rice fields and forests of pine and cork trees | Kids will love catching a wave at a beginner's surf class | Unwind at our sumptuous getaway, mere steps from white-sand beaches.
This extraordinary wellness resort was designed by Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins whose dedication to honoring traditional structures and the natural environment is matched only by his keen eye for detail. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Set off on rugged cliffside trails in Costa Vicentina | Follow winding paths on wide cliffs towards unspoilt beaches and crashing Atlantic waves | Don't forget to bring a bathing suit—if the weather is right, this is the perfect place for an impromptu family dip! | Enjoy a seafood lunch in the fishing village of Arrifana | Weave through breathtaking grottoes and honey-hued rock formations as you kayak among the Algarve caves | Relax and dine together at our scenic hotel.
Nestled in a breathtaking landscape that stretches from a plateau to the ocean, this nature-inspired refuge is the perfect place to rejuvenate. (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.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
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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.
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! 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.
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.
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.
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+
Included in your trip price
Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture its own line of kid's bikes. While the wheels might be small, the performance is big—it's the perfect choice for kids. On our Family Trips, you'll find 20" and 24" bikes.
Included in your trip price
The Burley Kazoo trailer bike, for children up to 85 pounds, attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort! It's ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
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. That 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.
Due to variable ocean tides and weather conditions, the day and time of activities may vary somewhat by departure. Rarely, an activity may be canceled because of bad weather and/or conditions. If this is the case, your leaders will have alternative options planned.
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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