ProgrammeDay 1: Arrival - Welcome at Lisbon airport. 30min drive to Sintra which is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, followed by a briefing about the tour and dinner with the group. Lodging in a 4* hotel in the center of Sintra town.
Day 2: The luxuriant vegetation and the way to the sea - 96km (60mi), 1292m alt. gain, level 4. We leave Sintra, one of the most beautiful Jewels of Portugal with its Moorish Castle and its sumptuous Palaces and its mystic environment and we cycle in the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais until we get to the sea, constantly going up and down along the north coast of Lisbon. Lodging in a 4* Hotel located in a ravishing green exterior space overlooking the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3: Towards Obidos - 52km (32mi), 515m alt. gain, level 2. After a difficult day, this will be perfect to relax a bit until we get to Obidos, the most-well preserved medieval town, with its narrow and winding roads and its whitewashed houses and the castle at the top. This is a shorter day in order to give you the opportunity of visiting this Jewel of Portugal, after having admired the beautiful sea sceneries in Peniche. Lodging in a charming 4* hotel whose building is dated from the 14th century.
Day 4: The Rural Way to the Sanctuary - 92km (57mi), 1351m alt. gain, level 4. Our way continues along the Atlantic Coast, along several beaches, of which Nazare is the most typical one. We cycle now towards inland and we see the grandiose Batalha Monastery. Our way is always very diverse and we get to the sacred place - Fatima - a place of many pilgrimages and prayers; several Popes have visited it several times. This is another Jewel of Portugal. Lodging in 4* hotel very near to the Sanctuary in Fatima town.
Day 5: A small castle in the middle of the river - 65km (40mi), 817m alt. gain, level 3. This is a light day where we can see and visit a small castle in the middle of Tagus river (the same river you see in Lisbon). Today a small boat tour is included taking us to visit this small monument that looks like an enchanted castle. This is another Jewel of Portugal Lodging in a 4* hotel located in a rural area where you can enjoy the quietness of water and nature.
Day 6: Cycling towards the border with Spain - 128km (80mi), 1986m alt. gain, level 5. This is the longest and most difficult day. However we will find many flat roads that will help us to gain some time and cycle fast. We are now in the vast region of Alentejo, and the day ends with the climb to Marvão, another medieval village on the top of the hill, to defend our borders from the Spanish invaders. Marvao is another Jewel of Portugal. Lodging in a cozy 3* Hotel in Marvao, the highest medieval village of Portugal.
Day 7: Experiencing Portuguese History - 57km (35mi), 767m alt. gain, level 3. Today is an easy day, to rest after the difficult day yesterday. We ride down from Marvao to another medieval village, Castelo de Vide; both villages are included in the Natural Park of Sao Mamede Hill. We leave the Natural Park to cycle to a 14th century Monastery which is in the middle of nowhere in the plain. Lodging in a Pousada that manages to combine the genuine characteristics of the former monastery with modern luxury.
Day 8: Discovering Portuguese Heritage - 84km (52mi), 1101m alt. gain, level 4. Alentejo is a region that keeps many secrets, many charms and many relics. Today we cycle along many olive-trees, cork-oak trees and vineyards. This is the land of olives, cork and wine. We will find another hidden treasure at the end of the day. Lodging in an impressive Convent built in 1182 by monks, recently converted in a 4* hotel, with its impressive private collection of eighteenth century Portuguese tile work.
Day 9: Evora - the capital of Alentejo region - 573km (35mi), 504m alt. gain, level 2. This is the last day and the easiest one. This was planned to give you the opportunity of visiting the last Jewel of Portugal of this program - Evora, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, due to its ancient History which dates back to Roman times; there are innumerous ancient evidences and monuments in this strategic region. Visit to a pottery workshop. Visit to a winery and wine tasting. Lodging in a 4* Hotel with swimming-pool, located in the middle of the historical center of Evora, next to the 14th century city wall.
Day 10: Departure - After breakfast we leave to Lisbon airport - 2H00 drive.