Mountain Bike Tour in the Schist Villages, Portugal (Self-Guided)

In this traverse you will bike village to village, sleeping in some of the 27 Schist Villages of Central Portugal, using trails that are part of the long distance trail that connect all of them. You also have options that allow you to do the distances according to your cycling level. The route pass by forest areas, fluvial beaches, climb Lousã and Açor Mountains, crossing several important rivers and breathtaking landscapes! And believe it, you will be surprised by some secrets that the local inhabitants keep for you.

Itinerary:
Day 01. MB Tour 1: Talasnal - Candal - Cerdeira - Aigra Nova - Comareira (26 km / 16 mi).
Meeting point at Talasnal. Leaving Talasnal village early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit Vaqueirinho, Catarredor and Schist villages of Candal and Cerdeira. A few kilometers after the Candal, you will start climbing on the trail that will take you very near to the highest point of the Lousã Mountain, the Trevim (1204 m / 3950 ft). Descending towards the village of Gois, first you will find the Aigra Nova, where you can visit the Schist villages shop and Lusitânea complex, where you can learn about the native species reproduction process. Go on, soon reaching your final destination, Comareira village. Overnight in Comareira.

Day 02. MB Tour 2: Comareira - Aigra Velha - Pena - Fajão (39 km / 24 mi). Today you will ride towards the Protected Landscape of the "Serra do Açor" (Açor mountain). The day begins with a long climb, but at the end you will be rewarded with a fantastic downhill to the village of Fajão. Overnight Fajão.

Day 03. MB Tour 3: Fajão - Janeiro de Cima (24 km / 15 mi). In this third day, the easiest of all, you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in Stª Luzia water reservoir. Quickly you will arrive at your destination, the beautiful village of Janeiro de Cima. If you arrive early is possible to make a loop to visit Barroca, where Schist Villages Management Center is located. Overnight in Janeiro de Cima.

Day 04. MB Tour 4: Janeiro de Cima - Álvaro (30 km / 19 mi). Today you will ride in the direction of Alvaro among the meanders of Zêzere river- Geosite. Along the way you will pass by Janeiro de Baixo with similar house construction as Janeiro de Cima. You can't miss visiting this village and stop by the Water mill carved in the rock. Overnight in Álvaro.

Day 05. MB Tour 5: Álvaro - Pedrogão Pequeno (42 km / 26 mi). Today you will continue along the Zêzere river starting in Álvaro towards Pedrógão Pequeno. Overnight in Pedrógão Pequeno.

Day 06. MB Tour 6: Pedrogão Pequeno - Casal de São Simão - Ferraria de São João (44 km / 27 mi). The destination of the day is Ferraria de São João, but before you will get to know Casal de São Simão. In the end you will have the chance to refresh yourself at the fluvial beach of Fragas de S. Simão that is just a few minutes away. Overnight in Ferraria de São João.

Day 07. MB Tour 7: Ferraria de São João - Gondramaz - Chiqueiro - Casal Novo - Talasnal (34 km / 21 mi). The last ride takes you towards the Schist Villages of Lousã mountain, passing very near São João do Deserto sanctuary. During the first 16 km / 10 mi you will climb progressively with the remainder route being more accessible with some spectacular descents. A little over halfway of the route, you will pass through the pretty village of Gondramaz. Toward the end, on the way of Talasnal, closing the Schist Villages loop. You can make a short detour to visit the villages of Chiqueiro and Casal Novo. Optional - Overnight in Lousã or Talasnal.

Supplemental Tour Information:
Included:
- 6 accommodations with breakfast
- Mobile phone with 24H help line
- Luggage transfers
- Van support
- Maps and documentation
- GPS device and GPS tracks
- Insurance
- A2Z offer and water bottle.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

From 990,00€/person.