Guided Group Dates
19th - 26th May 2018 - Available
2nd - 9th June 2018 - Available
14th - 21st July 2018 - Available
22nd - 29th Sep 2018 - Available
13th - 20th Oct 2018 - Available
Daily Programme
1st Day - Arrival
Arrival at Faro or Lisbon airport and transfer to Odeceixe.
2nd Day - The Wild Beaches
Cycling from Odeceixe to Aljezur.
3rd Day - From Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys
Cycling from Aljezur to Pedralva.
4th Day - Infant D. Henrique and the Sea Discoveries
Cycling from Pedralva to Sagres.
5th Day - Beach Roller Coaster!
Cycling from Sagres to Lagos.
6th Day - The Charming Villages
Cycling from Lagos to Tavira.
7th Day - The Local Economy
Cycling from Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António.
8th Day - Departure
Transfer to Faro Airport.
The days are filled with visits to places such as the Fisherman’s museum, the cape of Sagres and several fortresses. Besides cycling and enjoying the amazing scenery, we invite you also to learn about the local economy. A visit to an organic farm where fruit is grown and transformed into jams, chutneys, cakes and chocolates is one of the learning highlights. Passing the salt mines of Ria Formosa and to a sweet end a visit to a pastry factory where you will have the chance to make some cakes (cooking on guided tours only)!
During the first days visit beautiful and wild beaches with impressive steep cliffs and during the latter days visit beaches which offer quiet and crystal blue waters with some hidden gems. Though the Algarve relatively flat there are several short ups and downs along the day, so you should be fit enough to handle the hills. In Spring and Autumn the Algarve is slightly warmer than the rest of the country so don't rule out a swim in later October or early April!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Algarve's picturesque and lively historical centers
- Cycling through incredible and wild scenery on the coast of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicente National Park
- Backwaters and salt mines of Ria Formosa
- Visit an organic farm and local pastry factory
- Tasty picnics served at the beach or at local restaurant
1st Day - Arrival
Arrival at Faro or Lisbon airport and transfer to Odeceixe.
If you arrive early (flight to Faro) we suggest a visit to the historic centre of Faro before the transfer to Odeceixe.
Arrival to Odeceixe in time for a drink at the little square and maybe to visit the windmill or a short cycle to the beach, classified as one of the seven wonder beaches of Portugal.
Dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only Accommodation in a nice guesthouse in the centre of the village.
2nd Day - The Wild Beaches
Cycling from Odeceixe to Aljezur.
Cycle along the river until we reach the gorgeous beach of Odeceixe. Enjoy the stunning views and the rock formations near the beach. Then travel through farmland with cornfields of green and yellow depending upon the season to reach another wild beach.
A typical café will be found for a stop to enjoy a cool drink and a light lunch while watching the surf schools in action. Have a swim and then cycle to the village of Aljezur which was one of the last to conquer the moors. The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local museums.
If you want a liuttle more exercise it is possible ride to another beach or along a beautiful farmland valley.
Distances: 32kms
Total ascent: 350 mts
Level: Easy
Terrain: Secondary roads with no traffic at all. Some dirt tracks. One more adventurous descent where some people may prefer to walk but very short and easy (300m).
Optional extra kms: 4 + 20 (to ride to the extra beach)
Lunch and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only.
ACCOMMODATION
Vicentina Aparthotel 4*with swimming pool.
3rd Day - From Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys
Cycling from Aljezur to Pedralva.
Start by conquering the Castle of Aljezur enjoying the beautiful views over the village and its neat and tidy vegetable gardens. Then cycle to the coast again visiting a fortress with stunning views over the cliffs. From here we can see the "needle rock", an imposing rock standing in the middle of the ocean.We go inland again and start our dirt track adventure. First between eucalyptus, later between the wild endemic bushes and finally along a gorgeous little lake and along a valley. Completely wild, surprising and breathtaking. Cycle to Bordeira, a lovely hamlet with a Manueline style church, and then ride along another enchanting valley until Carrapateira. Here you will be stunned by the incredible views and rough coast line. Cycle for a few kms along the cliffs. Take time to stop and enjoy the veiw. Picnic lunch will be served on a beach (on guided tours only).
The fisherman's museum is a visit not to be missed, with fantastic pictures of the man hanging from rocks to catch the famous local delicacy "percebes". Learn about the lives of the people from the region that risk their lives to catch the best fish for your meal!Riding along another green valley we reach tonight's accommodation, a lovely hamlet where half of the houses were carefully renovated for tourism.
Distances: 44kms
Total ascent: 650 mts
Level: Medium
Terrain: Difficult start with some steep climbs, always on asphalt. Then dirt tracks, most of them flat or down. One technical descent (400m) where some people may prefer to walk.
Optional extra kms: 4 with 150 mts ascentPicnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only.
ACCOMODATION
Aldeia da Pedralva rural tourism, with swimming pool.
4th Day - Infant D. Henrique and the Sea Discoveries
Cycling from Pedralva to Sagres.
Leave Pedralva through a dirt road along the valley. Pass under teh towering modern wind farms and reach the sanctuary of Guadalupe. Here learn about the interesting life of Infant D. Henrique, the sea discoveries prince amd then cycle through a couple of pretty villages to reach the wild coast again.Have a swim at the beach and then cycle to the Cape of S. Vicente, the most SW point of Europe. Stop for a swim again at a fantastic beach surrounded by huge cliffs. After visiting the Fortress of Sagres we continue to our very nice hotel with panoramic views over the cliffs and the fortress.
Distances: 41kms
Total ascent: 500 mts
Level: Easy
Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs. Steep climb on asphalt to come back from the beach where we have our lunch (guided trip only).
Optional extra kms: 4 Picnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only
ACCOMMODATION
Charming "Pousada", with swimming pool.
5th Day - Beach Roller Coaster!
Cycling from Sagres to Lagos.Today the route goes along the south coastline, visting wild beaches. Several stops for swims and drinks can be enjoyed. The ocean here is warmer and more tranquil than the west coast. The cliffs change colour, from the black schist to the orange sandstone. The villages are bigger and more touristic, with many cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities. We pass a couple of fortresses with fantastic views and go up and down narrow secondary roads. The last few kms is an amazing ride along the cliffs from where we can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion has formed arches, caves and beautiful shapes. Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture.Visit the local museum, the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Distances: 43kms
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: Medium
Terrain: Start with flat dirt track with some rocks to challenge our senses. This is a real dirt track! Steep valley passage to be done walking by everyone. Steep down and steep up, too technical to ride. (but what a gorgeous views!!!). Then asphalt roller coaster, always steep up and down but always short. Maximum 80 meters each time. In the end optional flat cliff dirt track or asphalt. Picnic included in van-guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Tivoli 4* with swimming pool.
6th Day - The Charming Villages
Cycling from Lagos to Tavira.
The day starts with a train ride along the coast, the salt production lakes and the farmland away from the coast. Arriving to our destination we unload our bikes and cycle to a charming little village famous for its pottery.Then cycle back to the coast and have a drink by the lagoon of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Cycle along this lagoon and enjoy the quietness and watch the bird life.
It's usual to see fisherman catching clams and razors in low tide and boats arriving from a fishing day in high tide.
Tavira is probably the prettiest and most traditional town in the Algarve. Its architecture is charming, the atmosphere relaxing. Save time to explore and buy some arts and crafts.
Distances: 30kms
Total Ascent: 220 mts
Level: Easy
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Picnic included in van-guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
ACCOMMODATION
Charming "Pousada", with swimming pool.
7th Day - The Local Economy
Cycling from Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António.
From Tavira we cycle along the Natural Park again, passing several beaches and golf resorts that make it such an attractive tourist location. Beaches here are busy and lively. the lagoon sits between the maniland and the beach.To reach the beach you either walk over long wooden bridges over the river or take a charming little train or a local boat. Visit the charming Cacela-a-Velha and the views over the lagoon and then cycle inland to Castro Marim.
On the way we will visit a biological farm and learn about the fig and carob trees, and the local produces that are made from their fruits. In this farm the motto is “waste nothing”..everything the trees produce is harvested. After we visit the salt marshes (or salines) and learn about the local production process. Later we cycle to our final destination, Vila Real de Santo António, where the second language is the Spanish! All restaurants have the menus in Spanish as this is the main tourism market as Spain is literally across the river! On arrival we have one last surprise and the opportunity to visit a local pastry factory. On guided groups, besides visiting, you will have the chance to make some pastries and, of course, taste them!!!!
Distances: 37kms
Total Ascent: 250 mts
Level: Easy
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Optional extra kms: 13 Picnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Apolo 3* with swimming pool
8th Day - Departure
Departure day.
Transfer to Faro Airport.
Additional Information
On Van-guided tours the guide will be the driver. He/she will guide you from a distance. The car will be near enough so that you can see it on the junctions. The guide will stop at important or interesting places to give history explanations or tell a story. Some people call this a supported tour, though in our case it is more than that because you are actually being guided.
On Guided tours groups are accompanied by one or two cycling guides, besides a guide who takes the support car, prepares the picnics and transports your luggage. Lunches are picnic type with traditional foods from the area where we are cycling. Some times we also use local restaurants. With dinners arranged by us, you can be sure you will try the best gastronomy as we choose restaurants well known to us for their excellent traditional food. No 'touristy' places includedOn van guided or guided cycling tours you can expect full service from your guides. They will do their best to make your holiday an unforgettable one.
Our guides are all Portuguese and know our region very well. They are very service mindedand most of them have been working with us for many years. They are bikers themselves and love to go cycling on their holidays, so they know what you expect from them! On van guided or guided cycling tours you can expect full service from your guides. They will do their best to make your holiday an unforgettable one.
Prices
7 Day Tour - Self-Guided
From £1350 per person
7 Day Tour - Van-Guided
From £2290 per person
7 Day Tour - Guided
From £2175 per person
Holiday Prices
2017 Guideline Prices are per person based on 2 persons sharing a room and include:
Self-Guided Tour
- Flight to Lisbon and return from Faro (other UK airports available)
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Odeceixe and Vila Real San Antonio to Faro
- 7 nights based on a double room at hotels (as specified in itinerary) including breakfast
- Bicycle with helmet, front bag, back rack, tool kit and pannier or similar
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Detailed maps, route descriptions and history notes
- 24 hour phone support
- Personal accident and third party insurance for the tour days
Van-Guided Tour
Includes all of the above for the Self Guided Tour plus:
- Support car during the 6 cycling days
- Guide who drives van and meets cyclists enroute giving advice and information
- Water and Fruit each day
- 6 Lunches (including 4 catered picnics)
- 5 Dinners with wine or soft drinks
- 1 Liqueur Tasting
- Train from Lagos to Olhao
- Entrance to 3 historical sites/museums
- Free Portugal Best Cycling Jersey
Guided Tour
Includes all the above for the Van Guided Tour plus:
- Guide to ride with each group (one or two guides depending on group size.
