Alentejo Wine country and Castles
Exploring an untouched region full of history, vineyards and much more
The start of Alentejo cycling tour is in Estremoz, the city of marble. Mainly in paved and quite roads, the scenery of this cycling holiday will take you to the ancient times. Abandoned and occupied Castles, Monastery’s, old churches are very characteristic of every place you will visit in the district of Évora, also known one of Portugal’s hottest region. The Alentejo Wine is very known by the portuguese people and very appreciated. The experience will also take you thru nature where you can see cork and olive oil trees. Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don´t miss the most important cromlech in Europe with over 5000 years of history. Explore the city of Évora, still enclosed by medieval walls and many monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple.
Route description:
- Mostly rolling hills in safe backroads
- 85 % of the route is in paved roads and 15 % is in unpaved and smooth paths.
- If you rent a road bicycle the route will be 100% in paved roads.
- 1790 meters of cumulative gap climbs
Itinerary:
Day 1: Reception in Lisbon and transfer to Monforte
Day 2: Monforte – Estremoz : 60 km
Day 3: Estremoz -Vila Viçosa :35 km
Day 4: Vila Viçosa – Monsaraz: 55 km
Day 5: Monsaraz – Évora: 61 km
Day 6: Évora Loop – Arraiolos - Évora: 47 km
Day 7: Évora Loop: 36 Km, 44 km or 55 km
Day 8: Departure
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 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)
*Season:
- LS - Low season: Nov 01 to Mar 25
- RS - Regular season: Mar 26 to 25 Jun and Set 26 to 31 Oct
- HS - High Season: Set 01 to 25 Set
- SS - Summer Season: Jun 26 to August 30
Observations:
- Prices are based for 2 people sharing the same standard room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due high season, holidays or weekends
- Beverages are not included in Self Guided and Guided option when meals are booked
- Selected drinks are included in Premium package when meals are booked
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Electric bicycles price: 270€
- Supplement for single room: LS: 390€, RS: 420€, HS: 450€, SS.480€
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)
Gallery
What People Are Saying
Tracy Marks, South Africa,Sergio and his team offer a professional and organised
Service
Equipment provided is of a high quality
The app for directions was really good and easy to use
We really enjoyed a self guided cycle through alentejo
And would definitely book with them again
Ivan Carasco, USA - Chicago,Top Bike is Top Drawer! They charge about the same as the other tour companies yet their tours are better organized with every possible contingency well thought out. We did a self-guided tour and it could not have gone any smoother. I plan to book another trip with Top Bike Portugal, who also has some trips in Spain.