Portugal Bike and Cook

Name: Portugal Bike and Cook
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 2440 EUR
Availability: InStock

Portugal

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Look at the map

Tour

Bike Tours, E-bike tours

Duration

8 days

Distance

236Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

3/5 Medium

Moderate, between 35 and 85 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 300 and 1000 meters.

Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: The Serras de Aires e Candeeiros Natural Park
Individual arrival in Alvados, with the possibility of arranging a private transfer from Lisbon airport. This tour, exploring the landscape and cuisine of Portugal, begins in a truly special scenario made of rocky walls where caves and caverns hide, rich in surprising formations created by water and time. The local fauna is extremely rich and varied, including as many as 18 species of bats (symbols of the Park), which find their ideal refuge in the caves. The small village of Alvados, where your hotel is located, hides in a deep valley; its modern architectures, respectful of local trends and materials, will reveal themselves as a pleasant surprise. At 5 pm: welcome briefing and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: The Caves Route (43 km; +/-1011 m)
This first day of cycling will start with a ride towards the wonderful limestone caves of the Natural Park. If you are interested, the guided tour lasts about an hour. The caves of Santo António, discovered in 1955 by two workers who were working at Pedra do Altar, who stumbled upon an enchanted world formed 150 million years ago, spreading over an area of 6,000 square meters: a riot of stalactites and stalagmites. From here the journey continues by bike through the countryside, among cultivated fields and olive trees. This is indeed an area of olive oil production and along the route you might have the chance to visit an oil mill and taste the local oil. You will then reach the spectacular natural amphitheater Fórnea, the perfect place to relax. Once you have arrived in Porto de Mós, you could decide to visit the castle, before returning and perhaps allowing yourself some well-deserved relaxation at the Aire thermal baths. Possibility to book a massage for 2. At 7 pm: cooking class at your hotel.

Day 3: The Monasteries Route (47 km; +/-824 m)
Today you will cycle from Alvados on the Monasteries Route. The route is initially hilly, but then you will have a magnificent descent through the mountains. The first monastery that you will reach will be the one in Batalha, the construction of which lasted over a century, from 1386 to 1517, but the result is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Portugal. It is one of the masterpieces of Gothic art mixed with the Manueline style. The construction of the Alcobaça Monastery, on the other hand, is contemporary to the creation of Portugal. Classified as World Heritage, the imposing building features a magnificent facade dating back to the 13th century and inside it houses the tombs of King Dom Pedro and his lover Inês de Castro, murdered by order of his father, King Alfonso IV. 4 pm: transfer to Évora. 7 pm: arrival at the farm where you will stay and dinner.

Day 4: The Wine and Cork Road (44 km; +/-324 m)
Today's bike itinerary starts in the direction of Igrejinha, a picture-perfect village where the white houses are each decorated with a different colored stripe. From here you proceed to S. Miguel de Machede, another little country village where we suggest you take a coffee break. You can then conclude the day with an interesting and amusing visit to the São Miguel cellar and have Joana guide you in the discovery of local wines. 6.30 p.m .: cooking class at the farm.

Day 5: The Portuguese Carpets (26 km; +/-425 m)
Riding along the Ecotrail, a cycle path built on the site of an old railway, you will reach Graça do Divor, a beautifully preserved white and blue village, which is the ideal place to stop for a drink or to taste the delicious meat pies made by Mrs. Ilda. From here the journey continues to the village of Arraiolos, with its rich historic center and delicious Pastéis de Toucinho, one of the most loved specialties of Portugal. Also unforgettable is the view from the castle. At the end of the stage, you could decide to treat yourself to a visit to a cellar with a fantastic private collection of carriages.

Day 6: 20 centuries of history (20 km; +/-121 m)
Évora is a wonderful city and although it is less known than others, in our opinion, it should always be included in a tour of Portugal. The city itinerary we have specially designed for you runs along beautiful roads and includes some of the most interesting sites to visit, such as the Roman Temple, the Cathedral, the Bone Chapel and the University. After lunch, a private transfer will take you to Santiago do Cacém where, if you wish, you could visit the castle and subsequently reach the hotel by bicycle. At 6 pm you will meet the Chef for another tasty cooking lesson.

Day 7: From the mountains to the sea (56 km; +/-660 m)
Before leaving Santiago do Cacém, we suggest a visit to the last still functioning windmill, a few minutes from the city center and well-known beyond the borders of Portugal. The bike itinerary then goes through a lush oak forest and heads straight towards the coast. The blue ocean and shale cliffs will frame your arrival at the fishing village of Porto Covo. Along the route, you first encounter a fortification built to protect a natural bay from pirate attacks, and then a rock pier where you can watch the fish being unloaded and see the lampreys left to dry in the sun. Later, you can relax on the beach or browse the streets and shops of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Your bike tour of Portugal will end in a romantic farmhouse by the river.

Day 8: Vila Nova de Milfontes
After breakfast, end of services. Private transfer from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Lisbon airport.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
City tax
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary
GPS or navigation APP
Transfer from Alvados to Évora
Transfer from Évora to Santiago do Cacém
Transfer on day 4 and 5
A souvenir of Portugal
3 cooking classes
1 picnic lunch
3 dinners, wine included
Portugal Best Cycling bike jersey

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Bike rental
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
Welcome briefing

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 29 days of departure
75%
From 29 to 13 days before departure
50%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

Portugal Bike and Cook

To visit the Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
To taste the best local wines
To explore the historic center of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
For the splendid days spent outdoors cycling on quiet country roads and along the coast
To combine a biking holiday in Portugal with delicious cooking lessons where you will learn to prepare local specialties

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.