1. The Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast 2. The most preserved coast all over Europe 3. Tasty fresh fish of the Atlantic Coast 4. Vast fields of vegetable crops 5. Crossing a deep Cork Oak Forest 6. The limpid and clear water of the sea 7. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean 8. Sagres - the south-westernmost town of Continental Europe 9. The gorgeous beaches and the beautiful coast of the Algarve region 10. Lagos - the cosmopolitan and oldest town in the Algarve SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention has been less visible throughout its history. Once submerged (about 2 million years ago), this is a vast area with many different coastal habitats and countless beaches and cliffs. Our daily tours include going to the wonderful beaches of this Natural Park and taking a swim in the clear, blue sea. Cliffs are steep, almost 100m high and right above the ocean. Countless rocks and isolated islets complete this beautiful and unique scenery. You will cross a deep cork oak forest constantly riding up and down. You will feel alone with the Nature in a Mediterranean environment, where you must be aware that there aren´t nobody around you until get the sea. The west coast boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here. Cape S. Vicente is a passing area for thousands of birds of prey. The tour also goes to Sagres, which is the south-westernmost point in continental Europe, the place from where our brave forefathers sailed on their caravels seeking new peoples and continents. Finally, you will visit some of the beaches of our famous Algarve including the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. This is one of the oldest towns in Algarve. We can still see evidence of the wall surrounding the town for protection. Lagos also has an old fort and its former Slave Market is now an art gallery. Technical Data: Type: Mountain Bike Tour Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR Version: Guided or Self-Guided Regions of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve (coast) Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling Begin: Comporta (Alentejo) End: Lagos (Algarve) Difficulty level (1-5): 4 Advanced. You are fit and in good shape Distance: 317km (197mi) Average: 63km/day (39mi/day) Trails: 70% off-road – 30% asphalt Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 1H30 drive to Comporta, briefing about the tour followed by dinner. Lodging in a 3* Hotel that invites you to the beauty and calmness of the Natural Reserve of Sado Day 2: Crossing a deep Cork Oak Forest – 64km (40mi), 982m alt. gain, level 4. Breakfast. Our day starts in the quiet village called Comporta with an amazing view of rice-fields and storks. We ride towards the hills with a Mediterranean environment where cork-oak trees are abundant. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a modern comfortable 3* hotel overlooking the castle and the main church. Day 3: The Cork Oak Forest and the Sea – 49km (30mi), 680m alt. gain, level 3 ( Beach). Breakfast. We ride from the hills towards the sea. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a small town classified as a Touristic Paradise, near the beach. Day 4: The vast fields of vegetable crops – 66km (41mi), 575m alt. gain, level 4 ( Beach). After breakfast we ride towards Cape Sardão, a paradisiacal spot perfect for meditation. We visit Zambujeira do Mar and we end in Odeceixe, another village near the sea. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a Bed & Breakfast unit with a refreshing swimming-pool that is waiting for you. Day 5: The beautiful Beaches at Vicentine Coast – 85km (53mi), 910m alt. gain, level 5. After breakfast we ride towards Aljezur with its castle on the top dated from the 10th century. We continue riding southwards, we cross the woods, hills and valleys until we get to Carrapateira, always full of surfers, and we end in Sagres, the south-westernmost town in Europe. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty. Day 6: The Coast of the Algarve (The Single-Track Day) – 53km (33mi), 930m alt. gain, level 4 ( Beach). After breakfast we start riding; this is the day of the single-tracks. We ride along the south coast of the Algarve and we can see the difference when the Natural Park ends and the touristic Algarve starts. Before getting to Lagos we visit Ponta da Piedade where the sea and the wind have shaped beautiful rocks creating an amazing view. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a 4* hotel with swimming-pool, that epitomises the Algarve culture, with blue and white corridors which link the rooms, patios, restaurants and bar. Day 7: Departure – After breakfast transfer to Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport. Dates and Prices for 2012: May 06 - 12: Guided: Euro 1885 (Single Suppl. + € 180) Self-Guided: Euro 1445 (Single Suppl. + €180) July 08 - 14: Guided: Euro 2015 (Single Suppl. + € 210) Self-Guided: Euro 1575 (Single Suppl. + €210) October 07 - 13: Guided: Euro 1885 (Single Suppl. + € 170) Self-Guided: Euro 1445 (Single Suppl. + €170) => Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel. => If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability. Member discount: Notes: The price includes: 
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