Cycling in Portugal - South Alentego Tour

Alentejo Coast and Country

Freedom Holiday

Self Guided

Grading

8 days/7 nights

Price - £645pp

Tour Code PT004

The Alentejo is an extensive region covering almost a third of Portugal. It stretches from the river Tagus flowing out of Lisbon in the North; to the Algarve hills in the South. In the East the Alentejo shares a border with Spain, and to the West it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. Essentially rural and sparsely populated, it offers a landscape that is uncommonly well preserved.

Includes

7 nights in 2/3 star hotels (based on 2 people sharing)
7 x breakfast
1 welcoming dinner
Bike hire
Luggage transfer
Maps and route information

Excludes

Flights
Cycling Helmets

Optional extras

Insurance £22pp
Single supplement £POA
Extra night in Vila Nova £POApp (based on 2 sharing)
Transfers to/from airport POA

How to get there

Fly to Faro or Lisbon.

Departure Dates in 2009 - Any day during the year except July and August

To book this holiday CLICK HERE

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Make your way from Faro or Lisbon airport to the guesthouse at Vila Nova de Milfontes. This beautiful town on the Mira estuary will be your start and finish point and is well worth exploring. It is alleged that it was where Hannibal landed with his elephants to start his European trek.

Day 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Zambujeira, 19 miles (30 km).

After breakfast your bikes will be distributed and the cycling to Zambujeira starts. Via coastal tracks you will pass the unique cliff-nesting storks at Cavaleiro lighthouse en route. The night will be spent in a Pensão (Guesthouse) on the cliffs of the fishing village of Zambujeira.

Day 3: Zambujeira to Aljezur, 24 miles (38 km).

The route continues south along the coast over the border of the Alentejo into the 1st Algarvian town of Odeceixe. A good place to explore the estuary and eat fresh fish for lunch! You then cycle through traditional farmland to the castle town of Aljezur where you will stay overnight. There are stunning views from the Moorish Aljezur fort towards the Monchique mountains.

Cycling Portugal Day 4: Aljezur to Monchique, 22 miles (35 km).

From Aljezur the back roads over the wooded hills will lead you to the Algarvian spa town of Monchique where you can take the waters. The night will be spent in a traditional Guest House. 22 miles

Day 5: Monchique to Santa Clara, 31 miles (50 km).

Leaving Monchique you will return to the Alentejo through the rolling hills of pines, eucalyptus and rock roses to the lake of Santa Clara. The night will be spent at a lakeside Guesthouse.

Day 6: Santa Clara to Odemira, 25 miles (40 km).

From Santa Clara you will ride through the gentle hills of Sabóia and onto the county town of Odemira nestling on the tidal Mira River. Overnight in a Guesthouse in Odemira.

Day 7: Odemira to Vila Nova de Milfontes, 24 miles (38 km).

Your last days ride will take you along the eastern banks of the river Mira passing windmills and villages back to the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes where you will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 8: Depart from Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Trip ends after breakfast and you make your way back to Faro or Lisbon

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Alentejo Coast and Country