Cycling from Marvão to Castelo de Vide.

We start by visiting the beautiful fortified village of Marvão with incredible views to the Natural Park of Serra de S. Mamede.

Along the day the landscape is marked by granite rock boulders and pre-historic monuments made with the same rock. The menir of Meada, a single standing stone of 7.15 meters stands out, being the tallest in the whole Iberian Peninsula.

The highlights of the day will probably be the visits to the artisan beer factory and the olive oil mill of Galegos. Here olive oil is already made with modern machines, but you can still see how it was made in the old times. Learn all about the healthiest fat you can eat and try a locally made olive oil. With the famous Alentejo bread, of course!

The train station of Beirã is another of our favorites. It was the first train station after crossing the border from Spain to Portugal, and so they decorated it with tile panels representing the most emblematic places of the country, for “marketing” purposes!

Castelo de Vide, our destination, is unexpectedly lively. A tiny village selected by many foreigners as a hiding isolated paradise, it has a kind of a cosmopolitan vibe. Make dure to have a beer at the Barona bar, where artisanal beers are served and where Portuguese people mingle with already local foreigners. There are a lot of nice restaurants and the square as plenty of modern art statues. Make sure to stroll around up to the castle, one of the best preserved medieval town in Portugal.

 Distance: 61 km
  Total ascent: 1062 mts
 Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: secondary asphalted roads, some climbs
Picnic included in van guided and guided bike tours only.
Dinner included.
Accommodation: A Burguesa Guest house

Cycling from Castelo de Vide to Arronches

Today we go south, crossing the wonderful Natural Park of São Mamede. Narrow secondary roads lead us way to the middle of nowhere. You will meet few people. This is truly an out of the beaten track area. The scenery is gorgeous!

Riding on a post card road where the tree trunks were painted white, we arrive to the roman city of Ammaia. The museum is very informative and well organized. And the city is worth it as well! Then stop at the local winery where you can do a wine tasting. Don’t drink too much… a lot of biking ahead!

We pass several tiny hamlets to finally reach Alegrete, with a small castle perched way up a hill. Time to climb….again! Here we recommend you stop at Café dos Amigos (The friends café).

The scenery maintains amazing.

Arriving to the village’ hotel we still invite you to do a circular route to visit some cave paintings. A super complete and rewarding day!

 Distance: 58 kms
Total ascent: 878 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Secondary asphalted roads, undulating, with some climbs.
 Picnic.
Accommodation Monte da Esperança

Cycling from Arronches to Elvas.

Get ready for a long day with plenty pictures stops. Go early so you have time to do all the proposed visits as they are unforgettable.

You will ride on secondary roads, almost without traffic, quite isolated. Undulating roads where you can spot griffons and storks. Crossing the border to Spain is a mistic experience. The smallest and more isolated border you will ever see…

We ride through cattle farms in Spain and view the Castle of Alburqueque in the distance. It’s tempting, but don’t go there. We will present you with more castles in Portugal!!!  Crossing the border again, we reenter our beautiful country.

Have a break at the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Enxara and then climb to the gorgeous castle of Ouguela. A true testimony of history.  In Campo Maior is compulsory to go to the Bone’s chapel, and here is where you can choose to visit the Coffee Museum – adding a few extra kms on your day.

Elvas, considered world heritage by UNESCO, is our destination. To visit tomorrow.

Distance: 67 km
Total ascent: 871 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: undulating roads
Lunch and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé – A rehabilitation of the ancient São Paulo Convent, is themed after the Portuguese military fortifications scattered around the world. Boutique hotel. OR Quinta de Santo António

Cycling arround Elvas.

Elvas is a beautiful city. There is so much to see that we have to stop here for a full day.

You will bike around the city and most likely will opt not to do the 35 kms. Because just around here we have the aqueduct, 2 amazing fortresses and a plum factory.

Add the beautiful streets, the local museums and the gorgeous hotel’s SPA and why should you leave….

You will still bike 10 to 15 kms if you visit all we suggest. But inside the castle we find it simpler to walk.

Distance: 43 kms out to the country side and/or 10 to 15kms around the city
Total ascent: 741 mts
Difficulty: Medium+
Terrain: Undulating roads, some climbs.
Accommodation: the same hotel

  Cycling from Elvas to Juromenha.

Today we’re going to Spain, again! We keep crossing the border! We have the Guadiana River as a companion! The river is the natural border between Portugal and Spain and offers fantastic natural views. On the Portuguese side we bike through farmlands. Badajoz is already on the other side of the border, a city full of history. If you have an e-bike and go very early, you might consider visiting the historical center. But it would be extra kms to an already long day!

Following the waters of the river, we pass by olive groves and green fields. We visit Olivenza and its castle. This village, apparently belonging to Spain, is, by our history knowledge, Portuguese. One of those fights….

We return to Portugal heading to the beautiful charming village of Juromenha. We recommend you take the local taxi boat to cross the river.

Distance: 64 kms
Total ascent: 415 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: mostly flat, with some climbing and dirt roads.
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours.
Accommodation: Casas da Juromenha, with swimming pool

Cycling arround Juromenha.

We visit Juromenha and its fortress, which served as an important point of defense against attacks from Spain. Thankfully not necessary anymore! We cycle in a constant up and down between a forest of cork and holm oaks. We understand why the Alentejo region is so important in the production of cork.

The small village of Terena and its sanctuary waits for us. Another wonderful castle. The cemetery is a place of art as well. We must visit it. The marble rock is carved in such artistic way that the place even feels welcoming.

Bike back to the hotel saving some time to relax!

Distance: 72 kms
Total ascent: 1019 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: undulating, with some climbing
Picnic lunch and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only
 Accommodation: Casas da Juromenha, with swimming pool 

Transfer to Lisbon airport