Alentejo Wine country and Castles

On the first day of the tour, you will be transferred, from Lisbon to the quiet town of Monforte, known for its castle, Roman bridge, Madalena church, among other picturesque locations, from different architectural times. Farm Herdade da ordem or Hotel 5 *: Torre de Palma (included in premium option)

This cycling day will be mostly near agricultural fields. The first village you will find is, Cabeço de Vide. Much sought after, during the summer, for its pools and hot springs. Take some time and go to the Castle. Once in Estremoz (“white city”), explore the city, home of many kings and queens of Portugal, especially king Dinis and Queen Isabel. Take a walk into the city, admire the white marble cobblestones and visit the Castle and other monuments that the city offers. Hotel 4 *: Pousada de Estremoz or upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option

Going out of Estremoz on a bicycle will be a good feeling. A few kilometers further you will find a marble extraction point and after that continue your way to the next place called Arcos. The first half of the route it will be easy…enjoy the cork trees and then start a smooth climb till Borba, well know by the portuguese people because the wine, and then a little further finish your route in Vila Viçosa. These two places are also very connected to the marble industry. Explore Vila Viçosa, known as the “Princess of Alentejo”, and visit the Ducal Palace and the Castle Hotel 4 *: Pousada Convento Vila Viçosa or upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option

Although this is one of the longest day of cycling, after 4 kilometers, a long descent will guide you to the biggest artificial Alqueva’s lake. On the way some oleander flowers will paint some trees and shrubs. The route will take you to Outeiro Menhir, right before reaching Monsaraz Castle. Hotel 4 *: [Horta da Coutada ](http://www.hortadacoutada.pt/ or Farm: Herdade São lourenço do Barrocal (included in premium option)

This is probably the most difficult and long day of your cycling week tour. Although of that the route pass thru endless vineyards. The first stop will be Corval. This village is billed as Portugal’s largest pottery centre. In Reguengos de Monsaraz is possibel to visit Herdade do Esporão, that is a big producer of wine and olive oil in Alentejo. After Montoito village and some kilometers further is the mysterious Valongo Castle. At this point, half of the way is on your back and the route will be up and down in smooth climbs with a view of Olive trees. On the way to Évora you still can have a coffe in Nossa Senhora de Machete. Hotel 4 *: M´AR de Ar or 5 star Hotel Pousada Convento de Évora (included in premium option)

This great day will guide thru a winery for one more visit and to Arraiolos village, that is known because its carpets as well as the peculiar circular castle. The Olive Oil trees and Cork trees will be on your views again. The return to Évora will be fast, and you can have more time to explore it and visit on of the highlights that is the Bone Chapel dated from the XIII century. Hotel 4 *: M´AR de Ar or 5 star Hotel Pousada Convento de Évora (included in premium option)

This will be an Historical day. If you are interested in some pre historical sites and Roman ruins make the final effort and cycle to the biggest dolmen and a cromlech with over 5000 years. If that is not enough don´t miss the opportunity to go to the ruins of Tourega Roman village, near the lake. Hotel 4 *: M´AR de Ar or 5 star Hotel Pousada Convento de Évora (included in premium option)