This is a land of unimaginable heritage. The tour will take you along the remarkable traces of ancient cultures: dolmens and cromlechs, Roman and Arab vestiges mingling with the most recent signs of Christianity of which the numerous medieval castles are but one example. You will ride alongside vast wheat-fields and vineyards where intense green and golden colors are the main characteristic of the plains in Alentejo. One of the most typical sights in this region is a vast field with some cork trees here and there and the herds (sometimes sheep, sometimes pigs or cows) usually enjoying the shade of the trees.
The villages with their whitewashed one-floor houses are a picturesque landscape in Alentejo. You will have the opportunity to visit Evora, which is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, and some other beautiful villages, such as Estremoz, Vila Vicosa and Monsaraz. The people here are very proud of their heritage and they preserve the ancient buildings and also the ancient practices. This is a region that has a very rich handicraft tradition – pottery, embroideries, hand-painted furniture, wrought-iron works, etc.
The local gastronomy is varied and quite tasty and perfectly matches the famous local wines. This is a tour where the quietness and silence of the endless landscapes invite us to share nature in a rural environment and socialize with the people that live and work there. This is a spectacular tour characterized by moderate physical and technical difficulty and it takes us to the most ancient vestiges of our history and heritage. Distance: 201km. Average: 50km/day (31mi/day).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Welcome at Lisbon airport. 1H30 drive to Santiago do Escoural followed by dinner. Lodging in a typical farmhouse in Alentejo (Rural Tourism) that includes all the modern facilities and gives you all the comfort and cosiness.
Day 2: On the trails of the Dolmens and the Cromlech – 56km (35mi), level 3. Lodging in a 4* Hotel with swimming-pool, located in the middle of the historical center of Evora, next to the 14th century city wall.
Day 3: Free day. Visit to Evora, Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Lodging in a 4* Hotel with swimming-pool, located in the middle of the historical center of Evora, next to the 14th century city wall.
Day 4: Cork Oak Trees. Visit to the winery and wine tasting – 45km (28mi), level 3. Lodging in a 15th century village whose small houses were converted into lodgings after being deserted (Village Tourism) maintaining its original architecture and layout.
Day 5: The pure and beautiful marble of Alentejo. Visit to Marble Museum – 48km (30mi), level 3. Lodging in a restored 18th century building in the historic centre of Terena, 50 meters from the castle (Rural Tourism).
Day 6: The medieval village of Monsaraz. Visit to pottery center – 52km (32mi), level 3. Lodging in Rural 4* hotel with swimming-pool, that offer us a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Day 7: Departure. Farewell at Lisbon airport. 2H30 drive to airport.
Dates:
- 6-12 March: Guided Tour: EUR 1380 (Single Suppl. + € 270)
- 10-16 April: Guided Tour: EUR 1410 (Single Suppl. + € 280)
- 8-14 May: Guided Tour: EUR 1410 (Single Suppl. + € 280)
- 5-11 June: Guided Tour: EUR 1440 (Single Suppl. + € 310).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 days
- Hybrid Bike Tour with a Guide
- Hybrid Bike with helmet
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Accommodations (usually a 4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 4 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 4 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- The winery – guided visit and wine tasting
- Luggage transport from Inn to Inn
- Car connections at some stages (when necessary)
- Documentation about our tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle
- Visit to Marble Museum.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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