««TOUR HIGHLIGHTS»»
1. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela
2. The blue lagoon in Serra da Estrela
3. Riding down the Mountains
4. The highest peak in Continental Portugal (2000m)
5. Refreshing swims in the river
6. Amazing views at the top of the hill
7. Incredibly fast slopes downhill
8. The mixture of speed and technique
9. The rough trails down the slopes
10. World-famous Serra da Estrela cheese
««SUMMARY»»
This PortugalBike Tour is different from all the others because we will be based at the top of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela. Each day we will leave to discover a different slope of the hill. You will have the opportunity to admire amazing views from the top of the hill and you’ll have the thrill of your life riding down trails of dense and lush vegetation! Don’t worry: you won’t have to climb back uphill. At the end of each day, the mini-van will be waiting to take us back to the hotel at the top of the hill. You will see evidence of ancient history – a medieval castle, a Roman road – and you can refresh yourself in the crystalline waters of the fluvial swimming-pools. You will also be able to experience skiing on (artificial) snow in the summer. You will taste the world-famous Queijo da Serra (cheese) that is still traditionally manufactured and you can still count more than one hundred different handicraft activities, such as pottery, wooden works, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, basketry, etc. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal and it occupies a surface of about 1000 km2. It corresponds to the hill-country of Serra da Estrela that is essentially granite with some schist outcrops. The area of the Natural Park includes the main hydrographical springs of Portugal (Mondego, Zezere, Alva), the main vestiges of ancient glaciers and the highest peak in continental Portugal – Torre is almost 2000 metres high. Due to its geographic isolation, this region is today the most distinct region of Portugal. As a result, we see a part of old Portugal with its unspoiled and immensely varied scenery and traditional cuisine.
««TECHNICAL DATA»»
Region of Portugal: Centre of Portugal
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Serra da Estrela (Beiras)
End: Serra da Estrela (Beiras)
Type of course: Fast downhills. Sometimes technical, sometimes climbing.
Overall difficulty level: 3 (1-5)
Skill Level: Intermediate. You must be in good shape.
Distance: 171km (106mi)
Average: 34km/day (21mi/day)
Trails: 78% off-road – 22% asphalt
««PROGRAMME»»
» Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to Serra da Estrela followed by dinner.
Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
» Day 2: Downhill into the Hidden Valley – 51km (32mi), level 4 (+ Fluvial Beach).
Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
» Day 3: The Center of Serra da Estrela – 26km (16mi), level 3. Relax afternoon in the swimming pool at the hotel.
Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
» Day 4: Towards East – 36km (22mi), level 3 (+ Fluvial Beach).
Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with an amazing view over Covilhã and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
» Day 5: Southward Trail – 17km (11mi), level 1. Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha.
Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with an amazing view over Covilhã and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
» Day 6: On the top of Serra da Estrela – 41km (25mi), level 3 (+ Fluvial Beach).
Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with an amazing view over Covilhã and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
» Day 7: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport
««DATES AND PRICES FOR 2009»»
18 ~ 24 July:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1450 (Single Suppl. + € 150)
22 ~ 28 August:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1450 (Single Suppl. + € 150)
=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.
=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.
««What does the price of this PortugalBike Tour include?»»
- 7 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Accommodations (4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 3 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 2 lunches
- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Car connections between Hotel and the places where the daily rides start/end
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle
- Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha
««TESTIMONIALS»»
»»»» (...) Thanks again for such a nice week in the Portugal. The mountain biking trails were great fun with very fast and technical down-hills and the setting was fantastic.
= Stephen Corkery (Ireland), 2007 =
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
If you wish a different date, ask us for prices and availability.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Bicycle Touring
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