- History, culture and milenar traditions;
- Sleeping in Historic buildings and farmhouses;
- Starting and finishing  in Évora, UNESCO classified as a World Heritage Site;
- Medieval villages;
- Quiet and reduced traffic amazing tarmac roads along stunning landscapes with vineyards, oak and olive trees;
- Cycling by the largest artificial lake in Europe;
- International awarded wine tastings;
- Delicious regional Portuguese gastronomy from the Alentejo region;​

MINIMUM OF 6 PARTICIPANTS

Discover the amazing history, culture and traditions the Alentejo has to offer. Voted as the Best Wine Region in the world in 2014, Alentejo is a picturesque and charming destination, where you’ll definetely fall in love with its whitewashed villages, medieval castles, golden plains, secular traditions and lifestyle. Starting in one of UNESCO's world heritage sites, Évora, ride along historical villages as Arraiolos, Évora Monte, Estremoz, Vila Viçosa, Alter do Chão, Crato, Portalegre, Arronches, Elvas,  Monsaraz, returning to Évora.  Ride low traffic national roads and traditional backroads of the Alentejo region, popular for its long rolling hills and narrow roads among agricultural fields and stone walls that provide a great atmosphere for riding the bike. The stages have low elevation making it perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. 
With a rich and famous gastronomy, the Alentejo is a great destination to experience the best that Portugal has to offer, being considered by many as the best place to eat and drink in Portugal.
Also, you’ll have the opportunity to spend the night in historical buildings now converted in splendid touristic lodgings.

Day 1: Welcome to Portugal and Évora, UNESCO classified as a world heritage site
A Bikesul staff member will be at the airport to welcome-you and drive you to Évora, just one hour away from Lisbon. If you prefer, you can meet us in Évora, at the hotel, next to Diana's roman temple.
At 06pm, enjoy a welcome drink and a general briefing followed by the adjustment of your bicycle (if rented from Bikesul).
Accommodation in Évora.

Meals Included: Dinner and Breakfast
Destination of the day: Évora

Day 2: From Roman times to the medieval age (57km/ 36 mi - 660 m/ 2165 ft elevation gain) - Level 1 of 4
Departing from Évora, we ride towards the old village of Valverde.
Valverde is a small typical settlement nearby Nossa Senhora da Tourega village, situated in the heart of the vast and lovely Alentejo region, on the slope of the Monfurado Mountain. All the region presents important vestiges of human occupancy from remote periods, as the superb Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, the largest Anta known in all the Iberian Peninsula, or the interesting Geraldo’s Castle Hill Fort.
In Valverde lived Geraldo Sem Pavor (“fearless Geraldo”), a noble borned in the North of Portugal that soon left to the South to fight the Moors where he leaded a group of brigants. Its great achievement was during the Évora’s Christian conquest to the Moors, offering the town to the first Portuguese king, d. Afonso Henriques in 1165, using the “Giraldo’s Castle” as a strategic point.
This peaceful rural settlement is characterized by its Alentejo’s traditional streets with white houses coloured with a blue or yellow strip around doors and windows.
Valverde is proud of its heritage which highlight is the Bom Jesus de Valverde Convent, also known as Mitra, with a Bishop’s Palace built in 1517 and a lovely Renaissance Chapel.
Heading north on a slight steady climb towards Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. In this village you will take a gravel road that will take you to the Cromlech of Almendres, a group of stones standing as the most important megalithic group in the Iberian Peninsula.
Continuing towards the north you will get to the Vila of Arraiolos, the village of the famous "Arraiolos carpets", boasting also a circular castle.
Accommodation in Arraiolos Convent.

Meals Included: Dinner and Breakfast
Destination of the day: Arraiolos

Day 3: Evoramonte and Serra D'Ossa (78km/ 49 mi - 990 m/ 3250 ft elevation gain) - Level 3 of 4
From Arraiolos continue cycling nortg, enjoy the traditional Alentejo landscape made up of olive and cork trees. After passing through Vimieiro it's time to face the challenging climb that will take you to the imponent castle of Évora Monte, once a strategic military site. From here, you will be able to sight another castle, the castle of Estremoz.
The final part of this stage will be somewhat challenging with the ascent to the Serra D'Ossa mountain range.


Destinations: Serra D'Ossa
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 4: Meet the "Princess of the Alentejo"  (65 km/ 40 mi - 750 m/ 2460 ft elevation gain) - Level 2 of 4
From Serra D'Ossa explore the marble cities of the Alentejo, Borba, Vila Viçosa and Estremoz, known not only for it's huge marble quarries but also due to the vineyards with it's great wineries. 
The marble in the region is of superior quality and known worldwide. It is plenty in the region and comes out from around 160 quarries.
Famous for its red wines, Borba is the less visited of the three marble cities in the Alentejo (the others are Estremoz and Vila Viçosa). Stroll around the Castle of Borba, take photos of the Bicas Fountain – all in marble – and, of course, enjoy a good wine. In addition to visiting the Adega de Borba, try the cheeses produced in Rio de Moinhos and the traditional Borba bread.
Just 8km from Borba, Vila Viçosa is a village that is home to at least one major attraction: the Paço Ducal. The palace, built around 1501, has a facade covered in marble about a hundred meters long and houses more than 50 rooms open to the public. Known as the Princess of Alentejo, the village keeps some secrets, such as the remains of the poet Florbela Espanca, which lies in the cemetery next to the Castle of Vila Viçosa. Within the walls, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Vila Viçosa, Portugal’s patron saint, can also be seen.
At the top of a hill, a castle surrounded by a medieval wall welcomes visitors to Estremoz, known as the White City and the main city on the marble route. Estremoz looks like an enchanted village with its white houses and architectural monuments full of stories.
The wall has four marble doors that look like time travel portals. After crossing the city center, climbt to the magnificent medieval castle and get to your accommodation, a refurbished convent turned into hotel.

Destinations: Estremoz
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 5: The Coudelaria Real, the Royal Stud Farm  (57 km/ 35 mi - 400 m/ 2460 ft elevation gain) - Level 1 of 4
From Estremoz continue riding to the North, passing through the major vilas of  Fronteira, Cabeço de Vide and get to Alter do Chão, small typical villages where, among the white houses with colorful bands, imposing stately manor houses from the 18th century stand out, showing the agricultural wealth of the region.
The surrounding nature is generous, allowing beautiful landscapes. This is a land of strong roots that has in its handicrafts a great source of pride, executing ancestral techniques, with works in cork, weaving and embroidery, horn, and the colorful Alentejo painting and decoration in wood and ceramics. Besides, Alter do Chão is well known for its Stud Farm, founded in 1748 by D. João V, who aimed the creation of Lusitanian horses for Picaria Real.
Accommodation in Alter do Chão.
Destinations: Alter do Chão
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 6: Portalegre and São Mamede natural reserve (80 km/ 50 mi - 960 m/3250 ft elevation gain) - Level 3 of 4
Start the day visiting the traditional village of Crato. Then cycle east towards Portalegre, the main city of  the North of Alentejo found near the Spanish border on the green slopes of the São Mamede mountains, which now constitute a national park. The town’s serious fortifications have seen much action, withholding a five month siege by Dom Dinis in the 13th century and many others in the meantime. During the Peninsular War of the early 1800s, British troops on the Portuguese side were based here.
The cycling along the São Mamede you will get to Arronches.
Arronches was an important place of arms and was highly regarded by the various kings, which is why Luís de Camões, in two ranches in “Os Lusíadas”, refers to it as the “strong Arronches”.

Destinations: Arronches
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 7: The fortified city of Elvas and Juromenha, with Spain in sight (42.5kms/ 27mi - 450m /2300 ft elevation gain) - Level 1 of 4
From Vila Viçosa we head east towards Elvas, the largest fortified city in Europe. Also nicknamed “The Boarder Queen”, it is one of the hidden gems of the Alentejo. Due to its strategic position close to the Spanish border, Elvas was marked by many wars. Elvas military history can be revisited through a walk through the city. Its fortifications, together with the Fortresses of Santa Luzia and Nossa Senhora da Graça, are considered to be the largest and best preserved bastioned fortifications in the world!

Destinations: Elvas
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 8: Monsaraz and the largest artificial lake of Europe (70kms/ 44mi - 800m /2600 ft elevation gain) - Level 2 of 4
Following south, you will reach the Guadiana river and the small town of Juromenha where you will find another fortress that during the Middle Ages played a predominant strategic role. Enjoy the magnificent views over the river and Spain.
Descending close to the left bank of the Guadiana we arrive at the great water reservoir of Alqueva, being able to sight in the distance the imposing castle of Monsaraz.
Before facing the challenging climb to the castle, we will pass through other small villages  such as Motrinos, Barrada and Aldeia do Outeiro. In the last one stands out the Menhir of Bulhoa, and the Convent of Orada where the famous Cromeleque do Xarez is located.
Monsaraz, the graceful medieval village of Monsaraz, maintains the magic from ancient times like few others in the world. Made of lime and schist, this place whispers us, between the echo of our footsteps in its streets. A lot of magnificent stories could be told about its courageous kings, Knights Templar, brave people and dames of simple beauty.
Accommodation in Monsaraz.



Day 9: The wine region of Reguengos and the return to Évora (60 km/ 38 mi - 500 m/1640 ft elevation gain) - Level 1 of 4
The last day of cycling takes through the wine DOC region of Reguengos. Passing through the village you are able to visit the Jose Maria da Fonseca historic winery.
Then along vineyards and olive tree fields you will cycle towards Montoito and then to Nossa Senhora de Machede.
The last km to Évora will be along the Central Portuguese Santiago Camino.
Accommodation in Évora.


Destinations: Évora
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 10: Time to return home
Our trip has come to the end.
Transfers to the airport will be arranged but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with a few recommendations.
Meals Included: Breakfast

- 9 nights accommodation on Half Board basis;
- Transfer from and to the airport;
- Luggage transfer between hotels;
- Briefing and travel road book;
- Bikesul App with navigation function or GPS device with pre loaded courses;
- Hydration during the stages;
- Wine tasting in Monsaraz;
- KTM Life Touring Bike Rental;
- Saddle bag with an extra inner tube, levers, mini pump;
- Helmet;
- Bikesul exclusive water bottle offer.
- Bikesul cycling Jersey offer;
- Personal Accidents and liability Insurance;

Not Included:
- Flights;
- Meals, except when especified;
- Any beverages consumed with meals that are included in the package;
- Extra equipment non-specified as included;
- Mini-bar and extra consumptions not mentioned on the program;
- Personal expenses;
- Travel Insurance;

Extras:
- Bike Upgrade;
- Garmin Virb camera, so you can record all the best moments of this amazing journey;
- Extra-nights (under availability);

Other discounts:

- Non cyclists - 25% discount;
- Private groups over 8 persons - 5% discount

Included:

KTM Macina Cross P510 E-Bike

Our tours include Personal Accidents and Liability Insurance only while riding. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen.  We strongly recommend that you take out a policy for your travel which covers delayed baggage, medical repatriation and other areas.

Please note: Our mountain bike tour is a "living thing", being influenced by multiple factors such as weather conditions, group riding abilities and trail damage, to name a few. Your local guides are experts in guiding mountain bikers  and will be continually assessing these factors making tweaks to the itinerary where necessary to ensure that every member of the group has the best experience possible.

Your safety and pleasure on this event are of paramount importance to us. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the routes we choose are safe, enjoyable, challenging but still within each rider’s ability. All routes are carefully evaluated for their safety and we avoid hazards and traffic as much as is practicably possible. We expect every rider to attend the daily briefings to familiarise themselves with each day’s route.

To check and read our terms and conditions for Tours and Cycling Holidays press here