Explore Portugal’s south-central lands and west coast with undulating wheat fields, cork and eucalyptus trees, olive orchards and vineyards. As the western outpost of continental Europe, this region harmonizes centuries of ancient, Roman, Arabic, Medieval and Renaissance influences, delicately framed by stunning beaches and endless blue sky. Highlights include:
Beautiful, serene historic hotels
Roman ruins, rural paradise
Alqueva reservoir, one of the world’s best places for stargazing
Artisan centers of pottery, winemaking and marble work
Rugged coastline, surfing and the continent’s most southwestern point
***Sound like a great tour but you don’t have enough time to do the entire ride? Check out Bike Across Portugal tour which includes the first 8-days of this itinerary.***
Highlights
Roman cities
Undiscovered roads
A stay at one of Portugal’s historic Pousada hotels
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
This is a rural region and on some days there will be fewer towns along the ride than other regions in Europe.
Penciling in on a tour is a great way to temporarily hold a space while you think about your travel logistics and find some friends to join you. We encourage you to book your space on the tour dates that interests you as soon as possible. Many departures are already sold out.
After arriving in Lisbon, you’ll take our morning shuttle east to Elvas, a fortified city just a stone’s throw from the Spanish border. After a light lunch together, the tour leaders will fit bicycles, and lead a safety briefing, then it’s off on a short loop ride around Elvas’ impressive aqueduct, its well preserved 16th century walls, and its other fortifications.
Consider today’s short ride down to the river a warm-up for the excitement of the days ahead! You’ll pedal with views into Spain before turning west, riding toward Vila Vicosa through wheat fields and olive orchard dotted with cork-oak trees. This semi-arid region is one of the country’s least populated, and is known for its agricultural production, though today’s short climb ends at a town famed for its marble. The beautiful rose-colored Vila Vicosa marble can be seen everywhere in town-including the street pavers! This afternoon, you can log extra mileage, visit the marble museum where we learn about the history of production and extraction, or give yourself in to poolside relaxation at tonight’s hotel.
Highlights: Alqueva reservoir, castles and fortified town of Monsaraz, marble area
Departing the rose-colored city, we’ll stop to visit an active marble quarry to learn more about its properties, history and extraction process. Our ride heads south to the castle town of Monsaraz, which overlooks the Alqueva reservoir. The largest reservoir in Europe, this body of water straddles the Spanish-Portuguese border, and was designated in 2012 as one of the first Starlight Tourism Destinations for its ideal star-gazing conditions and exceptionally low light pollution. Enjoy dinner together tonight, then bask in the inky night sky.
Today’s ride to Evora includes a pleasant stop in São Pedro do Corval, a well-known pottery town where you’ll have the opportunity to browse several workshops and visit with the artists who run them. Upon your arrival in beautiful Evora, notice how its Roman aqueducts and ruins blend with the Medieval walls and Renaissance churches. Inhabited for more than 2000 years, Evora is on the roster of most ancient towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll spend two-nights here which will allow you to take in some of its most notable sights.
Highlights: Visit Evora, or take a loop ride to Azaruja
Today’s optional ride leaves Evora along a towering aqueduct into the heart of the Portuguese cork industry. We’ll visit the factory where cork is transformed beyond bottle stoppers; you’ll see purses, dresses, and business cards created from this amazing bark. This evening you’ll enjoy a guided walk through the old part of Evora.
Highlights: Rolling hills of the Alentejo, cheese tasting
As you leave the city you’ll pass through several small towns and the ancient castles that safeguarded them during the 13th century. Your rural destination for tonight is an expansive farm, raising goats and cork. As we get closer to the coast, the wide-open spaces become dotted with sea pines revealing the varied character of the Alentejo. Get ready for a hearty Alentejo dinner.
We leave rural Alentejo for coastal Alentejo today. As you get to the coast, you’ll see signs of more recent Portuguese development including Sines and its modern harbor which was once famed as the birthplace of Portugal’s most famous sailor – Vasco da Gama. A gentle sea breeze will be your first indicator that you are getting close to the beach and the Rio Mira confluence to the sea.
Stroll, relax, cycle, or shop today – or all of the above. It’s up to you! Those who want to get on the bike can enjoy an exhilarating loop ride towards tiny Sao Luis and Porto das Barcas. We’ll recommend a spot for a delicious seafood lunch on the water.
Coastal hills separate the central Alentejo from the North Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll pedal through this rugged area today. A majority of this area, including its beautiful beaches and sheer cliffs, is designated as Costa Vicentina National Park, so there are just a few roads that take you to the coast. We’ll loop towards secluded beaches so there are opportunities for picnics and swimming. Or wait and hit the hotel pool, or take the walk from the hotel to the ocean.
Despite the attention given the Algarve in southern Portugal, many surfers would argue that the Costa Vicentina boasts some of the best surfing in Europe – and one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Today you’ll ride south, weaving across the main road, through little farm villages and larger towns. Our secluded hotel is surrounded by green hillsides and is located at the gateway of a serene valley.
Highlights: Cabo San Vicente lighthouse, Sagres fortress, bicycle Algarve
A short ride today allows for plenty of time for one last walk on the beach, or an extra-leisurely ride to Cabo San Vicente – the famed “end of the world,” when the world was thought to be flat. Europe’s most southwestern point still features a lighthouse and a fortress. From there, it’s just a few kilometers to the town of Sagres, the final destination of your cycling adventure in Portugal. Celebrate the spirit of the Alentejo and the Algarve with a lively group dinner and a restful night in another luxurious hotel, built on Sagres’ promontory with a memorable view of the fortress and the beach.
Stick around and enjoy another day (or two) at the beach, or if you must head home we wish you boa viagem! We’ll offer a shuttle to Lisbon this morning for anyone flying out or heading back to the capital.
Meals : Breakfast
Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.
Surcharge: $300 for 6-8 days; $375 for 9-15 days; $600 for 16+ days
Frame : Carbon frame with carbon fork
Type : E-Road
Plan your trip
Your tour starts with a shuttle pick-up on Day 1 (your spot is already reserved on this shuttle and we will expect you):
Meeting Time: 9:15 am
Meeting Hotel: Hotel NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade We do not stay at this hotel as a group and would recommend you book your preferred arrangement directly if you wish to stay there. See other hotel recommendations in Lisbon and throughout Portugal.
Note: As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are – in rare cases – subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
Airport: We recommend flying into Lisbon Airport. (LIS)
How to get from Lisbon Airport to the meeting hotel:
Aerobus (get off at the stop “Tivoli Theater”, right in front of the hotel) (50 min/EUR 3-4)
Or
Taxi or Uber (25 min/EUR 15-20)
We spend our last night of the tour in Sagres, about 200 miles from Lisbon. If you wish to stay in Sagres, where the tour ends, or head to other locations, note that Sagres is poorly connected by public transportation. The best option is to rent a car and the hotel can assist with this option. Buses are available but seasonal schedules apply and most schedules are restricted to morning hours as opposed to the afternoon.
The tour ends on the final day with an ExperiencePlus! shuttle drop-off at either
Lisbon airport (LIS); arrival at 2 p.m. (4-hour transfer). Book your homebound flight after 4:30 p.m.
Shuttle reservations 30 days prior to the tour start are required. Reserve by emailing us. If you can't make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
An outstanding cycling tour to experience Portugal – beautiful terrain and coastline, interesting history and fantastic food and wine.
Dennis D., Calgary, AB – May 2024
The best way to see and be immersed in a part of a country. Ex Plus is down to earth
Becky H., Fort Collins, CO – May 2024
Fantastic food & wine, great cycling, reasonable prices, friendly people and gorgeous vistas.
Donna L., Fort Collins, CO – May 2024
Wonderful food, fantastic scenery and excellent guides.
Brian G., Alberta, CA – May 2024
Really fun, mostly low-traffic roads, amazing food. Fun and interesting cultural experiences throughout. It’s not a “luxury” trip, it’s adventuresome and down to earth.
Ginny S., Fort Collins, CO – October 2023
This biking tour is the best way to travel and experience a country away from the tourists?.beautiful paths and chalk mark arrows made the navigating care free. Dream tour guides.
Margo L., Niguel, CA – May 2023
Beautiful country, beautifully run tour, excellent guides. A well oiled machine
Carla D., Reno, NV – May 2023
Great historical and cultural trip through parts of Portugal many visitors do not see. It?s full of surprises.
Terry B., Larkspur, CA- May 2023
Awesome!!! The arrow system makes enjoying the route really special! Enjoying dinners together with the group brought us all together, not to mention, learning about the food and wines of Portugal. Having guides teach you about Portugal, support you on rides and just adding to the fun of the adventure made it worth so much more!
Janet M., Carson City, NV- May 2023
Great Adventure. Lots of excellent meals.
Bruce M., Greenwood Village, CO – April 2023
My son and I had so much fun cycling across the Portugues landscape, eating the local food and drinking the wine from the Alentejo.
Tim L., San Anselmo, CA – April 2023
A history lesson while cycling the countryside and enjoying delicious food and warm, independent-minded people.
Terri R., Cherry Hills Village, CO – September 202
If you want to experience Portugal this is the way to do it. Great rides, great scenery, and great food.
Jeffrey B., Philadelphia, PA – May 2022
A cultural and dining feast on a bike.
Terry G., Annapolis, MD – September 2021
Fantastic vistas from two wheels of olive orchards, cork tree fields, golden fields of grain, and rich blue skies, with nary a cloud. All amongst UNESCO World Heritage sites, hilltop castles and forts, ocean views, some hotels and excellent wines. You will experience the meaning of “saudade” once you depart.
Joan M., Healdsburg, CA – September 2021
Amazing with the arrows. Varied terrain and weather between the border and the coast. No busy roads to ride on. I loved the coast and the wild and water, and not worying about following a map.
JoAnne P., Tacoma, WA – Sept 2019
Favorite experiences: Some of the rides with long winding descents! The food and wine was very generous and absolutely delicious, especially at the castle. The accommodations were varied and high end (at least the best that the area could offer). The marble quarry and the cork factory was fascinating!
Carolyn M., Frelighsburg, Quebec – Sept 2019
I felt spoiled every day with the fantastic food, fun, cycling, accommodations and activities. Really exceeded all of my expectations.
Stacey H., Edmonton, Canada – Oct 2019
Essential Portugal. A beautiful cycle through the cork and olive trees of the east to the dramatic coastline in the west, together with fantastic food and wine – a great experience.
Dennis D., Calgary, ALB, Canada – Sept 2018
Another great trip from Experience Plus!
Jeff C., Pace FL – October 2018
I loved exploring a new part of the world with knowledgeable and fun guides. Excellent!
Margaret M., Salt Lake City, UT – October 2018
Overall we had a great trip and will be back for (many) more.
Carol O., Menlo Park, CA – October 2018
Wonderful food with delicious wine and olive oil. The people were friendly, the guides awesome, and the cost of expenses very reasonable. Thanks!
Kevin M., Salt Lake City, UT – October 2018
The food, hotels, country roads, villages, beaches, cycling, sunny weather every day of the tour, learning more about the history and culture of Portugal were all great experiences; but I think the people were fantastic and such a relief from my “everyday” life.
Lynne P., Darcut, MA – September 2018
As always the tour guides were wonderful and the planning always exceptional.
Valerie H., Pace, FL – October 2018
Thank you for making my first bicycle tour experience one that I will never forget.
Anne M., Lancaster, SC – September 2018
Lovely countryside, lovely people. Even my wife, the non-biker, has brought up the idea of another tour!
Tom H., Concord, MA – September 2018
Great rides, beautiful countryside and a wonderful coast with spectacular beaches.
Britt S., Calgary, Alberta, Canada – September 201
Trip of a lifetime. Cultural, beautiful, very nice people, courteous drivers towards bikers. This was my 4th trip with ExperiencePlus and I hope to continue to do more trips. Thank you, once again, for a fabulous vacation.
Elaine L., Ayer, MA – September 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
An interesting experience; Portugal still seems “old world”. Interesting culture, diverse scenery and delicious food and wine. Another great ExperiencePlus Tour!
Thank you!
Ann G., Fort Collins, CO – May 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
– beyond amazing in terms of ability to ride without stress, everything taken care of and enough and the greatest food of any trip I”ve been on!!!
Estelle K., Aurora, CO – May 2018
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
A favorite is hard to select. Everyday had some special moments. I did enjoy the stay at Herdade do Touril where we helped with dinner, sang, drank, and then listened to Fado. My favorite bike ride was the 48 miles to Alentejo. So much fun! We will be coming back. Thank you for your wonderful service.
Betty H., Hurricane, UT – May 2018
Don”t change a thing. Will remember the trip, tour members and guides very fondly.
Ken H., Hurricane, UT – May 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Fun, interesting, easy. Great group and great leaders.
Scott W., Williamsburg, VA – May 2018
An excellent trip into rural Portugal exploring inland and coastal villages less affected by tourism than the Algarve. This was our 14th trip with Experience Plus and we are looking forward to our 15th! We would not consider another company, which speaks for itself!
Heather B., Kirkcaldy, Scotland – May 2018
What was your favorite experience on this trip? The beginning , middle and everything in between. Superb trip and the guides were very special. You will love it—just follow the chalk (arrows).
Joey A., Charlotte, NC – May 2018
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Being out in the countryside, away from heavy traffic and seeing the beautiful views. Once we got to the coast I looked forward to every opportunity to see the high, rocky coastline. I loved learning about marble industry and seeing where it comes from as well as learning about cork, where it comes from and seeing how it is processed. So easy to follow the route with the chalk marks that I love! Beautiful scenery, lovely and comfortable accommodations.
Caroline C., Chapel Hill, NC – May 2018
I loved everything about this trip, and cannot think of a way in which it could be improved. Best cycling I”ve done on a bike tour. Great food all along the way. Thank you for such an amazing cycling trip.
Jona S., Ukiah, CA – May 2018
I appreciated the amount of cycling. Your competitors shuttle people frequently, where we cycled the whole distance.
We had some favorite hotels, the Herdade do Touril and the Memmo(in Sagres) were fantastic. It”s a real cycling tour full of great experiences and the best leaders.
Marty S., Princeton, NJ – May 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Ride is through a lot of pretty countryside, with some interesting towns, plus a few days along the Atlantic coast which was spectacular. We also learned a lot about the culture and history of Portugal.
Phil C., Centennial, CO – October 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Wonderful! Do it! Experience Plus! is the best! All of the guides were extraordinary.
Linda W., Triadelphia, WV – October 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Experience the real Portugal before it is over run with more tourists. It will happen in the near future.
Peter P., Tacoma, WA – October 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Lovely rides that are not super challenging, great hotels, meals, and guides.
Steve M., Boulder, CO – October 2017
We”ve done self guided and self supported bicycle tours and felt very pampered on this one. Hotels and meals were exceptional in comfort, and more importantly for me, in their variety and display of Portuguese culture. Tour leaders superb, both as personailties and in their conveyance of info on local culture, activities. Very well done.
Hans J., Lafayette, CO – September 2017
Well organized, Fun, great learning experience. Guides were so good about sharing their country – I loved it.
Joan M., Lafayette, CO – September 2017
Beautiful country – rolling hills/wine country to spectacular beach and seaside cliff scenery; moderately difficult ride; fabulous guides; very friendly, welcoming people; amazing food and wine. Exceptional trip.
Deena B., Incline Village, NV- May 2017
This was one of the most enjoyable tours we”ve done – a perfect combination of beautiful scenery, culture, terrain, and the way how it”s run.
Dana S., Fairport, NY – May 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Wonderful. We fell in love with Portugal and hope to do the Northern Portugal trip sometime in 2018.
Jim B., Incline Village, NV – May 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Nice road surface, varied scenery, friendly people, beautiful ocean, wonderful food and great guides. I loved all of it.
Betsy I., Boulder, CO – May 2017
Great guides, great route, good hotels, good food and drink, beautiful scenery, and excellent camaraderie among the riders.
Brad H., Falls Church, VA – May 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
In a word… Peaceful. The countryside is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the food/wine are YUM, the shoreline is breathtaking, and traffic is minimal and courteous. Make it last forever 🙂
Jarmila G., Idledale, CO – May 2017
Thanks for the memories!
Steve S., Pasadena, CA – April 2017
Well worth it! And Portugal did not disappoint!
Carol S., Pasadena, CA – April 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Awesome. Have been talking about it since I returned.
Patricia S., Alexandria, VA – April 2017
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Too hard to pick! A typical excellent ExperiencePlus! trip, with an exceptionally congenial group. Group meals were a lot of fun. Arrows are the best!
Susan C., Berkeley, CA – April 2017
Great riding, even better guides, good food, great group.
Ron C., Berkeley, CA – April 2017
Cuisine, culture all while cycling!
Barbara P., Lafayette, CA – April 2017
This trip was a fun trip with a really good group of people. The guides were great , informative and helpful. The scenery was beautiful and varied from countryside to seaside. I learned lots about Portugals”” wines, food, olives and cork trees/industry
Deb D., Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Wonderful trip. The amount of cycling is enough, but still leaves plenty of time to enjoy the town at the end of the day. Food was amazing with plenty of variety at both breakfasts and dinners. The arrows provide a seamless ride, so no need to stop and examine a map. The coast is an area not to be missed!
Margaret V., Boulder, CO
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Beautiful country with diverse scenery. Wonderful history, culture and people. Scenic, low traffic bike routes on good roads. Hotels, food and wine were all very good.
Anne K., Portsmouth, RI
Great guides. The (navigational) arrows make the tour much more enjoyable. I enjoyed having the “ridewithgps” maps on my Garmin. We plan to ride again next fall.
Joe V., Boulder, CO
It was fantastic. We rode through the flower-filled countryside, ate local food and drank local wines. The route was great with just enough ups and downs.
John H., Colorado Springs, CO
Wonderful scenery, good roads, and friendly people. Tour leaders went beyond expectations to ensure a safe trip and an enjoyable vacation.
Dave G., Denver, CO
Portugal is a must-see and no better way to see it than on bike.
Jane C., Lucca, Italy
Excellent route, neat country, beautiful, great beer and wine prices. Really impressed with the bike set-up.
Sonny L., Aurora, CO
A pleasant trip through beautiful country.
Be sure to go in the spring, the wildflowers are awesome.
Chris H., Huntington Beach, CA
It”s a ride through beautiful scenery on perfect biking roads with no traffic. The daily distances are very comfortable and you never have to worry about getting lost. And the people you meet are consistently friendly and interesting.
Steve I., Aurora, CO
I loved this trip! Loved Portugal! Hotels were varied and wonderful! Food was amazing, wine was outstanding and the guides were over the top!!!
Jennifer R., Longmont, CO
We had full days with great food and wine and leaders that always went above and beyond to please.
Scott B., Hatfield, PA
Elvas! Monsaraz! Vila Viscosa – all were delightful hill towns with interesting features. The beach towns – Porto Covo, Touril, Sagres – and rides were great.
Sandra S., Sacramento, CA
I had a great time!
Susan B., Groveport, OH
Fabulous introduction to a beautiful part of Portugal. The landscape was rugged and pristine, and the people were proud and welcoming.
Sari R., Glastonbury, CT
A good sampling of the southern region of Portugal and the western coastline. Learn about Portugal”s long history, sample its delicious food, stay in interesting hotels, enjoy pristine beaches, and learn about cork and marble.
Linda M., Livermore, CA
A great ride.
Lyndon J., Trafalgar, Victoria, Australia
As my first experience I can only say that the trip was wonderful. The people I met and the support given for me to achieve each day”s ride was so encouraging. The bikes and support were outstanding the hotels mostly luxurious and the additional cultural aspects additional bonuses.
Jan R., Mt Waverly Victoria
Yet another great ExperiencePlus! tour. What did I enjoy most? The final dinner as it reflected the culmination of great cycling in an historic country, an experience shared by a collegial group and the great food and wine consumed en route.
Diane C., Gabriola Island, BC
Loved the landscape, quiet roads and wild flowers…. very pastoral… good variety of riding.