Some of the best one-week Road Bike Tours that you can get in Portugal on your holidays or vacations. Experience the country’s natural beauty and heritage and …Discover Portugal riding a bicycle!
Reservations & Information
Portugal Bike - Road Bike Vacations in Portugal
Description
Portugal Bike - Road Bike Vacations in Portugal
Description of Active Adventure
AFFILIATIONS:
- Licensed by D.G.T. (Portuguese Tourism Board). License no. 12/2003. - APECATE Member Associated (Portuguese Association of Professional Organisers of Congresses, Tourism Animation and Events). - PACTA Member Associated (Portuguese Association of Cultural Animation and Nature and Adventure Tourism Companies). - ARPTA Member Associated (Regional Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Alentejo).
ABOUT PORTUGALBIKE:
Since 1995 we have been organizing Guided Bicycle Tours in Portugal under the name of BTTour. We have already organized more than 150 Bicycle Tours and more than 7500 people have ridden with us. In 2003 we decided to offer something else – to show our beautiful country to those who live beyond our borders. We created PortugalBike to share with people all over the world some of the most unique biking experiences. In 2006 we were Finalists in the PUBLITURIS Travel Trade & Hotel Guide 2005 Awards for the «Best Company of Active and Animation Tourism in Portugal» .
Being a Portuguese-owned Company, we know our country better than anybody else and we want to expose people to places and curiosities about Portugal that only a Portuguese knows! Our target is that you visit Portugal …riding a bicycle! On PortugalBike Tours you have the opportunity to visit our historical, cultural and landscape heritage in our Natural Parks, enjoy the sun and the beaches, and at the end of the day you can recover your strength with an exquisite dinner. You can taste our famous wines, amazing cheeses and lovely desserts, and sample typical dishes of each region of Portugal.
You will rest in cozy and charming accommodations. We always choose 3- or 4-star quality hotels whenever possible in each region. Our accommodations are always the best offer of each region.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT ON A PORTUGALBIKE TOUR?
PortugalBike Tours are designed so we begin at a certain point and we end elsewhere. You do not start and end at the same place. We think that is the best way to discover Portugal ...riding a bicycle! Read the specific information about each ride to learn more details.
PortugalBike Tours can be Guided (with a Guide) or Self-Guided (with a GPS device with all tracks recorded). The big difference between the prices for Guided and Self-Guided Tours is that the Self-Guided Tours do not include dinners, picnics, energy bars and water during the day. There is always a backup car to provide any assistance you may need. If you want to take a Self-Guided Tour with dinners included, this can be arranged.
PortugalBike Tours have a maximum of 16 participants, and a minimum of two. Larger groups are also possible upon request and according to our availability. Our Trekking and Mountain Bike Tours are prepared for one week (8 days / Sunday to Sunday) and Road Bike Tours are prepared for 8 or 12 days.
The dates of PortugalBike Tours are according to our calendar, or on request, according to our availability and with a small extra fee. The prices below are for the scheduled PortugalBike Tours. However, if you wish a different date, ask us for prices and availability.
WHAT KIND OF TOURS DO WE OFFER?
There are three types of PortugalBike Tours:
1) Road Bike Tours are on asphalt roads (100%). We always try to avoid roads with a lot of traffic, preferring secondary roads. On these tours, you ride more km/day than on a Trekking Bike Tour. These tours are always Self-Guided (with a GPS device on the handlebar), so that you are completely free to ride at your own pace, but there is always a backup car to give you any assistance you may need. You use a Road Bike (700x23 wheels).
2) Hybrid Bike Tours are mainly on asphalt/tarmac (more than 50%) with some off-road rolling trails. Usually the tours are a little bit longer than the Mountain Bike version tours. It is the best and most relaxing way to know a country by bicycle while also having fun. These tours can be Guided or Self-Guided. You use a Trekking Bike (700x38 wheels with a little front suspension).
3) Mountain Bike Tours are mainly on off-road rough trails (more than 50%), sometimes technical, with very little asphalt/tarmac. You need some biking skills and you need to be in good shape. Usually, these tours are a little bit shorter than the Hybrid Bike tours. It is the best way to know a country and feel the challenge of nature. These tours are always Guided (ask us for self-guided); you will only have to follow your guide through wonderful single-tracks in nature. You use a Mountain Bike (26x2.1 wheels with front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes).
Our target is that people visit Portugal …riding a Bicycle!
DIFFICULTY LEVELS:
Each PortugalBike Tour is classified according to its difficulty level, from 1 to 5. Level 1 is the easiest and level 5 is the most difficult.
- Levels 1 and 2 are for Beginners (You are not in good shape) - Level 3 is for Intermediate Bikers (You must be in good shape) - Level 4 is for Advanced Bikers (You are fit and in good shape) - Level 5 is for Expert Bikers (You are in very good shape! You are a winner!)
Besides the classification for overall difficulty level of each PortugalBike Tour, each day is also classified from 1 to 5. When the trails are difficult, we ride less km/day and when the trails are easy, we ride more km/day. Please note that the purpose of PortugalBike Tours is not to train, but only to enjoy your bicycle, nature and environment.
THE PORTUGALBIKE ROAD BIKE TOURS (#2): (Self-Guided Tours)
1. CASTLES AND NATURAL PARKS (Self-Guided Tour)
DATES FOR 2008 24 March ~ 04 April 05 ~ 16 May 24 August ~ 04 September
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 1. The medieval town of Castelo de Vide 2. Narrow roads rounded with old stones 3. The Natural Park landscape of S. Mamede Hills 4. Majestic Marvao Castle from the top 5. Vast vineyards 6. The medieval village of Monsaraz at the top 7. Cork and olive trees 8. Evora city - classified as World Heritage by UNESCO 9. The Natural Park of Arrabida near the ocean 10. The beautiful coast of Sintra-Cascais 11. The westernmost point of Continental Europe 12. Sintra and a view of its palaces
SUMMARY You’ll start your tour in Castelo de Vide, a beautiful town in Alentejo located in the cool mountains of the Natural Park of Sao Mamede, among dense olive groves and chestnut trees. The town is full of monuments, fountains and ancient houses. You will see medieval monuments, dozens of churches, enchanting alleys and some of the best Gothic porticos in Portugal. You leave the village riding along narrow roads, either sided by cork trees or stone walls. You will climb to Senhora da Penha, a little chapel on the top of a hill where there is an amazing view over Castelo de Vide and its rows of whitewashed houses and also Marvao and its majestic castle. On the next day, you have the hard task of riding up to Marvao. Once there, you can admire the spectacular view and then ride down along a narrow road with ancient stone walls. You will also have the opportunity to see some cave drawings. Your rest day is in Elvas, a typical border town with its castle, surrounded by walls. Elvas also has a star-shaped fort, several churches, the monumental Amoreira Aqueduct, a unique pillory dating back to the 16th century and many interesting details. Continuing the ride to Vila Vicosa, you will pass by marble quarries and climb to Monsaraz, which is a little medieval village at the top of a hill with a castle and whitewashed houses along narrow cobblestone roads. This is one of Portugal’s traditional wine regions. You can visit a vineyard and taste the world famous Alentejo wine. There is another rest day in Evora, a wonderful walled town with many Roman vestiges, medieval churches and buildings, fountains, the aqueduct, charming streets, etc. You’ll ride in the Natural Park of Arrabida Hills with its unique Mediterranean vegetation and a fantastic view over Troia peninsula and its beautiful beaches. The Tour will end in the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais with its amazing view along the coast and the luxuriant vegetation in Sintra Hills, including a stop in the Cape Roca, the westernmost point in Continental Europe.
TECHNICAL DATA Regions of Portugal: Lisbon Region and Alentejo (inland) Duration: 12 days / 11 nights / 8 days cycling / 2 days rest Begin: Castelo de Vide (Alentejo) End: Sintra (Lisbon region) Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 Skill Level: Advanced. You are fit and in good shape. Distance: 613km (381mi) Average: 77km/day (48mi/day)
PROGRAMME 1st day: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 2H30 drive to Castelo de Vide. 2nd day: The beautiful Natural Park of Sao Mamede Hills and its Castles (1) – 83km (52mi), level 4 3rd day: The beautiful Natural Park of Sao Mamede Hills and its Castles (2) – 65km (40mi), level 4 4th day: The beautiful Natural Park of Sao Mamede Hills – 97km (60mi), level 3 5th day: FREE Day in Elvas. Visit to the old town. 6th day: The medieval village of Monsaraz and its castle – 80km (50mi), level 3 7th day: Cork trees, Olive trees and Vineyards – 96km (60mi), level 3 8th day: Towards Evora – classified as World Heritage by UNESCO – 80km (50mi), level 2 9th day: FREE Day in Evora. Visit to the old Town. 10th day: Trip to Lisbon Region (2H00 drive). The Natural Park of Arrabida near the ocean – 64km (40mi), level 4 (+ Beach) 11th day: The majestic Sintra Hills – classified as World Heritage by UNESCO – 48km (30mi), level 5 (+ Beach) 12th day: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport
PRICES FOR 2008 »»» PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour: Euro 790 »»» Accommodations - Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 3/4* quality Hotel. March, May: € 410 (Single Supl. + € 330) August: € 450 (Single Supl. + € 350) »»» If you need to rent a Road Bike (BH L41 Carbon Spirit Ultegra) with helmet add Euro 150 to the total amount. »»» If you wish a different date, ask us about prices and availability.
What does the price of this PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour include? - 12 days with PortugalBike - Road Bike Tour guided with a GPS device (Self-Guided) - GPS device with all tracks recorded - Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport - Accommodations (usually a 3/4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy) - 11 Breakfasts - Luggage transport from Inn to Inn - Car connections at some stages (when necessary) - Documentation about PortugalBike Tour - Liability Insurance - Personal Accident Insurance - Techno-Mechanical Assistance - First-Aid assistance on location
TESTIMONIALS »»»» I wish to thank you all for the excellent tour. You are professionals and we appreciate it. This was one of the most beautiful and most difficult Tours our group has ever made. We liked Portugal. All is simple in delight. Many of us already plan to return. Could you prepare a tour across Portugal for us next time, perhaps next year? We are interested in the most beautiful places along the coast and also inland. Once again, I thank you for professionalism and excellent work. Greetings to your entire group = Tsybunov Konstantin (Russia) 2007 =
2. TOWARDS ALGARVE (Self-Guided Tour)
DATES FOR 2008 13 ~ 23 March 05 ~ 12 October 16 ~ 23 November
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 1. The amazing blue coast of Arrabida Hills 2. Crossing the river Tagus and the river Sado 3. The Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast 4. Stunning landscapes of Alentejo’s beaches 5. Tasty fresh fish of the Atlantic Coast 6. The beautiful cliffs of the Vicentine Coast 7. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean 8. Sagres - the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe 9. Paradise-like beaches and the beautiful coast of Algarve 10. Lagos - the cosmopolitan,and oldest town in the Algarve
SUMMARY Starting from Lisbon, you will cross the Tagus river by boat heading south and enter one of the most lush areas south of Lisbon – the Natural Park of Arrabida Hills. On one side of the park, you’ll admire beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and at the other side, the gorgeous coast with accessible beaches where the fine sand and clear sea waters provide a strong contrast of unusual colours. You will ride along the coast to Setubal and after crossing the Sado river, you’ll reach Troia and then Sines where the Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast begins. It extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention is less visible throughout the area’s long history. Once submerged (about 2 million years ago), this is a vast area with many different coastal habitats and countless beaches and cliffs. Daily tours include going to the wonderful beaches of this Natural Park and taking a swim in the limpid and clear sea. Numerous cliffs and isolated islets complete this beautiful and unique scenery. This area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here.. S. Vicente Cape is a passing area for thousands of birds of prey. This tour also goes to Sagres, which is the southwestern-most point in continental Europe, the place from where our brave forefathers sailed on their caravels seeking new peoples and continents. Finally, you have the opportunity to visit some of the beaches of our famous Algarve and the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. This is one of the oldest towns in the Algarve. You can still see evidence of the wall surrounding the town for protection. Lagos also has an old fort and its former Slave Market is now an art gallery.
TECHNICAL DATA Region of Portugal: Lisbon Region (south), Alentejo (coast) and Algarve (coast) Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 5 days cycling / 1 day rest Begin: Lisbon (Lisbon and Tagus Valley) End: Lagos (Algarve) Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 Skill Level: Intermediate. You must be in good shape. Distance: 395km (245mi) Average: 79km/day (49mi/day)
PROGRAMME 1st day: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 2nd day: Crossing the river Tagus and riding along the wonderful coast of Arrabida Natural Park - 92km (57mi), level 3 (+ Beach) 3rd day: Crossing the river Sado to Troia – 80km (50mi), level 2 (+ Beach) 4th day: The beautiful beaches of the Natural Park – 102km (63mi), level 3 (+ Beach) 5th day: Riding towards South to Sagres – 70km (43mi), level 2 (+ Beach) 6th day: FREE DAY: Sagres, the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe 7th day: The coast of Algarve – 51km (32mi), level 3 (+ Beach) 8th day: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport.
PRICES FOR 2008 »»» PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour: Euro 500 »»» Accommodations - Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 3/4* quality Hotel. March, November: € 290 (Single Supl. + € 230) October: € 310 (Single Supl. + € 250) »»» If you need to rent a Road Bike (BH L41 Carbon Spirit Ultegra) with helmet add Euro 90 to the total amount. »»» If you wish a different date, ask us about prices and availability.
What does the price of this PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour include? - 8 days with PortugalBike - Road Bike Tour guided with a GPS device (Self-Guided) - GPS device with all tracks recorded - Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport - Accommodations (usually a 3/4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy) - 7 Breakfasts - Luggage transport from Inn to Inn - Car connections at some stages (when necessary) - Documentation about PortugalBike Tour - Liability Insurance - Personal Accident Insurance - Techno-Mechanical Assistance - First-Aid assistance on location
Typical Day
PortugalBike will show you the social and cultural aspects of the remotest areas. You will be able to contact with the most remarkable aspects of an ancient country and get to know a vast architectonical and historical heritage, as well as a magnificent landscape. Admire the most beautiful beaches and mountains where nature is still intact and wild.
PortugalBike guarantees you the best holidays you can get in the Bicycle world; you will have entertainment, joy, comfort and safety together with lots of adrenaline and wonderful landscapes; at the end of the day you can relax in the swimming-pool, recover your strength with an exquisite dinner which always includes our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts, and finally you can always count on cosy and charming accommodations to rest and get prepared for the fantastic and unforgettable day to come.
Age range, type of group
PortugalBike Road Bike Tours are designed for couples and singles. Participants are usually 25-65 years old.
The spirit of our tours is not competition and this is not training. The purpose of PortugalBike Tours is to have fun and enjoy Nature and the wild and still intact environment, to get to know different people and to spend unforgettable holidays in a sunny, warm and welcoming country without stress!
Usually, in a PortugalBike activity when you have many kilometres to ride, their difficulty is low; when the terrain is difficult, you ride less kilometres each day. Moreover, tours are designed so that a very difficult day is not followed by another very difficult day. In the middle of the week there is usually a day when you do not ride; this is good so that your body may rest without the bicycle and you can enjoy other activities (shopping, sightseeing, going to the beach, etc.). We always have a long sunny day to ride our bicycles without stress and at our own pace; we are not competing or training. Our purpose is to make you enjoy our country while riding a bicycle.
Sleeping and meals
PortugalBike groups stay at 3 and 4 star Hotels, and at Rural Tourism (or Tourism in the Country) accommodations; these are cosy and charming cottages or Manor Houses converted into small hotels. The quality of many of these places is similar to 4-star hotels. Accommodations are always the best offer of the Region. We always look for beautiful and comfortable places, showing some of our traditional architecture and heritage where you can rest and enjoy the landscape. Many of these places have a swimming pool, where you can relax at the end of the day. Breakfast is included in the rate.
Rates
You must add the price of Accommodations to the price of your PortugalBike Tour. The price of PortugalBike Tour is always the same throughout the year, but the price for Accommodations depends on the time of the year. When you receive your Booking confirmation. you will also receive exact details of the respective payment for Accommodations. You will benefit from the best prices for accommodations negotiated by PortugalBike Group. Usually we arrange for double-bedroom occupancy, but in some locations, we are able to book larger rooms/suites/apartments for more than two people, depending on the season of the year. Participants signing up individually will be assigned roommates of the same sex, or pay a single supplement. On some tours, the number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.
Other Information
Bookings Make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure that you have a place on the ride you wish to take. Bookings shall only be effective after your deposit is received.
Deposit Book your Tour. After you receive confirmation from BTTour/PortugalBike that your booking is possible, you have to pay a deposit in the amount of Euro 300/person by Bank Transfer to our bank account or via PayPal within five business days.
Final Payment The final payment for your PortugalBike Tour is due 45 days before the Tour begins. If we do not receive a Final Payment by this deadline, we will assume it is a cancellation, and your paid deposit shall not be refunded.
Cancellation/Annulment As we are a company that develops outdoor activities, BTTour/PortugalBike is subject to weather conditions at the time of the activity. Therefore, BTTour/PortugalBike reserves the right to change itineraries or tour arrangements in the event that weather conditions may endanger the SAFETY of our Customers. The following are examples of weather/environmental conditions that impact itinerary plans: landslide, trees blown off/fallen, cyclonic wind, earthquakes, rushing streams of water, fire or risk of fire. For those who have made a reservation and paid for a Tour and then change their mind later, a refund will be provided only under the following conditions: »»» The total amount (minus a Cancellation Fee of Euro 100) provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour/PortugalBike 45 days in advance; »»» 50% of the amount provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour 25 days in advance. NOTE: Cancellations received by BTTour/PortugalBike with less than 25 days notice do not qualify for a refund.
Refund BTTour/PortugalBike is not responsible for refunding paid services that are not used by the Customer.
Insurance BTTour/PortugalBike is fully insured according to the Portuguese law in force for its activity. All participants on our tours will be insured for Personal Accidents in the amount of € 3500 for medical expenses and € 20000 in case of death or permanent disability. We also have a limited liability insurance of € 50000.
Responsability/Liability Riding a bicycle is an adventure and it involves some risks. Participating in a PortugalBike Tour implies the awareness and acceptance of this increased risk on behalf of the participant. When you submit the Registration Form you agree to accept all the conditions included in the Registration Form and its Terms and Conditions. When we accept your reservation, we agree to carry out our obligations to you as defined in this document and other information provided to you.
Photographs BTTour/PortugalBike is entitled to use the photographs taken during PortugalBike activities for bona fide promoting and marketing purposes for our rides only. No images shall be used when the image of a person is equal to or larger than 25% of the photograph size.
Taxes Prices include all the legal taxes in force.
Discounts Offered
«« HAVE UP TO 80% DISCOUNT!!! »» + Bring 6 friends with you, and have 40% DISCOUNT! ++ Bring 11 friends with you, and have 60% DISCOUNT!! +++ Bring 15 friends with you, and have 80% DISCOUNT!!! »» The total amount of payment must be paid by just one person. »» Prices of accommodations and bicycle rental are excluded. »» Any special discounts or promotions may be applied only to trips booked directly with PortugalBike.
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Bike Tours In Portugal
Portugal Bike - Road Bike Vacations in Portugal Some of the best one-week Road Bike Tours that you can get in Portugal on your holidays or vacations. Experience the country’s natural beauty and heritage and …Discover Portugal riding a bicycle!
Listing Name & Address Portugal Bike - Road Bike Vacations in Portugal BTTour Lda. Praceta dos Marinheiros, 4, 1 Dto. Lisbon, Portugal 1675-199 Portugal
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