Cycling the Alentejo region: Portugal's Best Castles and Wine
Self-Guided - Arraiolos to Estremoz - 8 days
On this tour you will cycle through Roman ruins, rural paradise and one of the most ancient towns in Europe: Evora, world heritage site. You will pass by the Alqueva reservoir, one of the world's best places for stargazing, at the border with Spain. Visit artisan centers, wine and cheese making farms and marble workshops.
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Day 1
Tour begins in Arraiolos, Portugal
Highlights: mediaeval village famous for its round-shaped castle and embroidered carpets
Welcome to Arraiolos! After your transfer from Lisbon airport to your first hotel, we will meet this afternoon for a personalized bike fitting and tour briefing, at your first charm hotel, built in a wonderful 16th century convent.
Go for a stroll in the center of Arraiolos and admire its castle while tasting a delicious 'pasteis de toucinho' or relax in the hotel swimming pool before dinner on your own.
Accomodation: Pousada de Arraiolos, Casa Do Platano, or similar. -
Day 2
Cycle from Arraiolos to our guesthouse out of Evora
Highlights: winery with its private carriage collections
Today's ride begins with a cycle through the charming village of Arraiolos, known for its rich historical center. Here, you can visit the Carpet Museum to learn about this nearly millennium-old tradition and even try the local sweet, Pastéis de Toucinho. Don't miss the climb to the castle, one of the few round-shaped fortresses on the peninsula, offering stunning views.
On your way to Évora, you have the option to stop at the Fita Preta winery, set in a beautifully restored 14th-century palace, known for its award-winning wines and impressive carriage collection. Alternatively, visit an aromatic herb farm to enjoy a sensory experience with teas, honey, and olive oil.
Tonight, you'll sleep at our guesthouse. You can reserve dinner* in advance to enjoy a relaxing meal featuring local flavors in a cozy countryside setting.
Daily distance: 45 km (28 miles) is staying at the farmhouse; 30 km if staying tìin Evora.
Elevation gain: +350 m (1148 ft)
Accomodation: our guesthouse Monte Do Serrado de Baixo. If you'd rather stay in the city centre instead, we can offer alternatives such as Hotel Mar de Ar Muralhas, or similar.
*Please note that dinner is not included in the tour package (to be paid directly on-site) and requires a reservation. -
Day 3
Loop ride on the Megalithic Route
Highlights: Ancient Roman settlement of Evora, prehistorical sites and 5,000 years of history or Cork factory and wineries
Today’s ride offers an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Neolithic history. You’ll visit one of the largest dolmens and a significant cromlech in Europe, both boasting over 5,000 years of history. This experience is perfect for those curious about ancient civilizations and their monumental constructions.
The journey concludes in Évora, where you can wander through this historic pre-Roman settlement, rich in culture and charm. Be sure to visit the intriguing 13th-century Bone Chapel, a highlight of your day that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s history.
Daily distance: 45km (28 miles)
Elevation gain: +500 m (1640 ft)
Tonight, you'll sleep at our guesthouse. You can reserve dinner in advance to enjoy a relaxing meal featuring local flavors in a cozy countryside setting.
Please note that dinner is not included in the tour package (to be paid directly on-site) and requires a reservation.
Accomodation: our guesthouse Monte Do Serrado de Baixo. If you'd rather stay in the city centre instead, we can offer alternatives such as Hotel Mar de Ar Muralhas, or similar. -
Day 4
Cycling from Evora to Reguengos de Monsaraz
Highlights: Degebe river valley, castle of Valongo, wine tasting
Today, pedal east from Évora through a barren landscape dotted with olive groves as you make your way to the charming village of Nossa Senhora de Machede. After enjoying a refreshing drink or coffee, explore the mysterious castle of Valongo, which reveals its Roman past. Much of the ride is along a new cycling lane, providing a peaceful and traffic-free experience.
Optional visit to a local winery where the scent of the fermenting wine in clay pots fills the air. Please inquire for price and availability.
Daily distance: 57km (35 miles)
Elevation gain: +300 m (984 ft)
Accomodation: our guesthouse Solar de Alqueva, or similar. -
Day 5
Cycle from Reguengos to Monsaraz
Highlights: Pottery village, Alqueva reservoir, castles and fortified town of Monsaraz
Today’s bike tour takes you to the fortified village of Monsaraz, a significant stronghold near the Spanish border. Along the way, you'll stop in the renowned pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where artisans skillfully shape clay into beautiful pots and plates while others decorate them with intricate floral designs.
With Spain on the horizon, enjoy a leisurely lunch by the Alqueva dam reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Europe. Afterward, prepare to conquer the castle in Monsaraz. Your accommodation will be conveniently located near the city walls or within the village, both offering lovely views. Don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning sunset from the castle tower!
Optional visit to Monsaraz castle. Please inquire for price and availability.
Daily distance: 35km (22miles)
Elevation gain: +80 m (263)
Accomodation: Estalagem de Monsaraz, or similar. -
Day 6
Cycle from Monsaraz to Vila Vicosa
Highlights: the marble capital of Portugal
Today, you will ride toward the marble capital of Portugal, a significant hub for marble production in Europe. The landscape will be defined by the marble triangle, a region where this "white gold" drives the local economy and can be admired in the grand buildings and wide streets of the town.
Enjoy a visit to an impressive fortified sanctuary, rich with intriguing stories from the past.
Daily distance: 55km (34 miles)
Elevation gain: +535 m (1755 ft)
Accomodation: Pousada de Vila Viçosa, or similar. -
Day 7
Cycle from Vila Vicosa to Estremoz
Highlights: the marble route, taste petiscos, Estremoz
Today’s gentle ride allows for stops at taverns to savor local delicacies called "petiscos." As you cycle between taverns, enjoy delightful flavors while taking in the scenery on your way to the final destination, Estremoz.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a historic 15th-century jailhouse, once reserved for nobles, in Estremoz, a town known as the second largest exporter of marble in the world. Your adventure won’t end there: be sure to climb to the top of the marble Donjon tower of the castle for a memorable finish to your day!
Daily distance: 35km (22 miles)
Elevation gain: +235 m (771 ft)
Accommodation: Historic Hotel Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel, or similar. -
Day 8
Tour ends in Estremoz
Highlights: Boa viagem!
Your tour ends today after breakfast.
Airport transfer to Lisbon airport is included according to your flight schedule. Please inquire.
Boa viagem!
PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
| Includes | Included 7 nights lodging in 3-4 star charm hotels (most built in castels and convents), in a double room All breakfasts Maps, route instructions and history notes Luggage transfers Airport transfers Transfer back from Megalithic tour (if you sleep at the farm) City hotel tax (to be paid locally by traveler) Not included Any type of insurance Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included Any meals or beverages not indicated as included Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire. Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability. Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights before or after the tour, please inquire - we will be happy to provide a quote and add the nights to your tour package! ________________________________________ Navigation and roadbook On this self-guided tours, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through the free smartphone app Road Book for Discovery - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app. Downloading the app content also allows for offline mode navigation. Participants can also upload the routes to their own GPS device, and even print the detailed route notes before leaving home. As you will use your mobile during most of the day, we higly recommend bringing a power bank from home. On this self-guided tour, GPS device rental, as well as mobile phone rental for calls and printed maps, are available at an optional extra fee: Luggage transfers Luggage transfers are included in your package. The luggage is normally collected from 09.30 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.00 hrs. Please use luggage tags on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you. ________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included. Tour code: ptbs3476 |
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| Countries | Portugal |
| Begin/End | Arraiolos / Estremoz |
| Arrive/Depart | Lisbon airport / Lisbon airport |
| Total Distance | 250 to 272 km (155 to 169 miles) |
| Daily Distance | 30 to 57 km (18 to 35 miles) |
| Rating | 101 |
| Notes | This tour is part of our Partner Tours Collective program: operated by select local partners that we know and trust, the tour is similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways. Please click here for more details. |
| Terms | Terms & Conditions |
| Dates | Prices | Single Supplement | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | This tour is available all year round. We highly recommend avoiding the months of July and August. Starts every Saturday. Other start days available by request (€110 extra fee will apply). Solo traveler (only one person on the departure) and Group departures are also available. Please inquire for pricing. ________________________________________ * 2025 prices per person: published price with 4 participants on the same booking, in shared double rooms. For bookings with 2 or 3 participants, the price per person is €1650. ** High-Season Single Supplement (Apr-Oct; and holidays): a surcharge is applied on high-season and holidays departures. ________________________________________ Bike Rental options: We offer quality bikes in different styles, all great options for this bike tour. Our bikes are maintained and delivered in optimal working condition. The prices below are per bike for the duration of the tour (6 cycling days), including: helmet, multi tool, tyre removal tool, 2 inner tubes, pump, back rack and pannier, or similar. Bike rental rates Hybrid bike: €100 E-Bike: €200 For more information on bikes, please see Portugal Bikes ________________________________________ Curious about in which European countries we offer bike tours? Check our page Bike Tours in Europe. ________________________________________ Additional useful information: • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page! • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours. |
Prices | €1460 per person* |
Single Supplement | €480 High-season: €815 ** |
| Next Step | Request space on this Bicycle Tour » |
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It was loads of fun. Loved it.
Anonymous
October 2018 -
The hotels were in general beautiful."What was your favorite experience on this trip?" Marble quarry, wine tastings, the towns.
Anonymous
October 2018 -
The accommodations were excellent! "What was your favorite experience on this trip?" The beautiful country and excellent cycling roads and paths. I really liked going to the cork factory and the marble quarries. The hybrid bike that I used was terrific.
Anonymous
October 2018