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. Highlights include:
Beautiful, serene historic hotels.
Roman ruins, rural paradise and one of the most ancient towns in Europe
Alqueva reservoir, one of the world's best places for stargazing
Artisan centers of pottery, wine making and marble work
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Roman cities, Undiscovered roads, A stay at one of Portugal's historic Pousada hotels, Active marble quarry, The ceramics of São Pedro do Corval, Medieval town of Evora
Keep in Mind: 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 throughout the ride than other regions in Europe.
Includes
7 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; shuttle from and back to Lisbon; 1 unique olive oil tasting; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
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 along the way, the tour leaders will fit bicycles, and lead a safety briefing, then it's off on a short loop ride around Elvas' impressive Roman Aqueduct, its well preserved 16th century walls, and its other fortifications. Tonight's hotel is built into the city's walls, and has a beautiful pool-a great spot to relax before or after your sumptuous welcome dinner.
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 your historic Pousada hotel, once a 16th-century convent.
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.
The September 26, 2020 departure will stay at the HS Milfontes Beach.
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.
We recommend flying into Lisbon Airport. (LIS)
We will be glad to arrange your pre- and post-tour stay at the Meeting Hotel for you upon request. Note that we will not sleep there as a group and the stay there is not included in the tour price.
Getting to the Meeting Hotel in Lisbon from the Lisbon Airport
Taxi or Uber (25 min/EUR 15-20)
or Aerobus (stop Tivoli Theater, right in front of the hotel) (50 min/EUR 3-4)
For more travel planning tips, including our packing lists, visit our Travel Planning Pages.
Day 8: Departure Information
Tour Ends
We spend our last night of the tour in Vilanova de Milfontes, about 115 miles from Lisbon.
The tour ends on the final day with an ExperiencePlus! shuttle drop-off at either
Lisbon airport (LIS); arrival at *12 p.m. (3-hour transfer)
Shuttle reservations 30 days prior to your tour start are required. Reserve by emailing us. If you can't make the shuttle, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
*Note: Book your flight out of LIS after 2:30 p.m.
Keep in Mind
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 throughout the ride than other regions in Europe.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
12 weeks before your tour begin your training program found on this page.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Fabulous experience. Expert guides. First class service. Always the perfect suggestions and accommodations. Meals were super.
Liz E., Wilmingon, DE - Oct 2019
This was my first bike tour and I was amazed at what a great experience we had. It is really the best way to see a country! An excellent way to experience Portugal. You get a great sense of the culture and see amazing sites. Plus you are treated first class with accommodations and meals.
Lori Z., Edmonton, Canada
Very well organized. Interesting information on the culture and history or Portugal. Great hotels and great food. We were very well taken care of.
Ellen M., Erie, CO - Sept 2019
In a word - wonderful. I would go back tomorrow. Biking, fellowship, great food and cultural enrichment.
Larry B., Charlottesville, VA - Sept 2019
The ideal way to get to experience the soul of a country. The chance to experience a country with two enthusiastic knowledgable proud Portuguese guides
Johann V., Newlands, Cape Town South Africa - Sept
Have a great ride, then a great meal then a great room, but mostly looking forward to what the next day will bring. There were often surprises awaiting us, all good!
Elise and Jeremy E., New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
I would say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. Loved riding through the quiet country side, never having to worry about knowing where I was going because of the excellent markings. The food was so good. The people on the trip were so friendly. I truly have nothing negative to say.
Thank you for making my first bicycle tour experience one that I will never forget.
Anne M., Lancaster, SC - September 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
A wonderful way to see a country and meet its people; also a very professional, personalized tour.
Marcelle H., Houston, TX - May 2018
My thanks and congratulations to EexperiencePlus! for planning a great tour, hiring spectacular guides and - where did you find so many intelligent, accomplished, sociable, sophisticated bikers to join this tour? The selection could not have been merely random.
Jeffrey W., Sherman, CT
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Fascinating, beautiful, fun, fabulous biking. Superb trip and cannot wait to plan the next one! Thank you to all!
Deborah S., Ossining, NY
It was a great experience! This was our 4th tour with EP. We look forward to our 5th.
Connie K., Houston, TX
Thanks for a great tour and fun memories
Angela D., Telluride, CO
Gentle
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Very hilly
Mountainous
