Portugal - Charming Hotels Cycling Tour

Day 2)

After breakfast this morning you will have an orientation to prepare the bikes and go over the riding maps and cue sheets. The first ride today is a loop ride and fairly shorter route: 21km/13 miles. There is a longer route: 31km/19 miles, back to Verdemar Hotel in time for a relaxing al fresco dinner. A picnic lunch is also provided to you today. You will ride among cork oak tree stands today, as Portugal is the number 1 producer of cork, it is a common site. You will also ride through rural pastures and have the chance to sample local goat and sheep milk cheeses. You will ride to the town of Cercal dating from 1274. (B,L,D) About your hotel: The atmosphere is easy and cosy ; a wooden beamed ceiling, an open kitchen\bar, Nuno's (chef/owner) paintings, wooden stools and chairs. You'll share fun and good food around one big table- al fresco in summer. Nuno, a professional chef for 20 years in Amsterdam, loves to share your company as he prepares dinner and exchange a recipe or two.

VerdeMar

Cercal

The atmosphere is easy and cozy; a wooden beamed ceiling, an open kitchen/bar, Nuno's paintings, woo...

Day 3

Again today you will have a loop ride and your choice of a longer or shorter ride option. Picnic lunch included again today. Shorter route: 18km/11 miles - Longer route: 46km/28,5 miles back to Verdemar Hotel for another al fresco dinner. (B,L,D) The ride today will take you through rural countryside where you will see windmills and old architecture, including numerous buildings of the now eco-friendly manner of mud/straw. Many of these small country roads are well made and lined with colorful and thick vegetation include Mimosa which blooms in winter. Several small towns and villages break up the ride, each with their own story to tell.

VerdeMar

Cercal

The atmosphere is easy and cozy; a wooden beamed ceiling, an open kitchen/bar, Nuno's paintings, woo...

Day 4

Today you leave the Verdemar behind and ride on to the next lodging point. You have a ride of 37 km that will take you to the Tres Marias Hotel; picnic lunch included for you today. - 37km/23 miles - Welcoming dinner at your new lodging. (B,L,D) You ride along the Alentejo coast and to the town of Porto Covo. Founded not so long ago in 1780, this fishing village retains abundant charm and is a great place to discover the Portuguese fisherman's lifestyle. Near Milfontes you will find excellent beaches and a back country of olive groves. About your new hotel: Set at the end of a track in a tranquil wooded valley on the southwest coast of Portugal, Herdade da Matinha has to offer 8 original rooms in a long, single-floor, whitewashed house, like it's supposed to be around here, with a large porch serving as a corridor. There's no TV or air conditioning, nor anything else around it except trees, hills and an occasional eagle crossing the skies.

Tres Marias

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Set at the end of a track in a tranquil wooded valley on the southwest coast of Portugal, Herdade da...

Day 5

Loop tour out and back to the same hotel. The rides are a choice from 2 options, or both: Porto Covo - 29km/33km or option 2 of 18 miles/20,5 miles. The riding is mostly coastal passing from one fishing village to another. Along the way you will come to the lighthouse at Cabo Sardao, which if you are lucky to find the operator in, you may be able to visit. There is a great restaurant overlooking the sea that is perfect for a lunch break before you go back to your hotel again for a relaxing late afternoon and evening. (B,D).

Tres Marias

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Set at the end of a track in a tranquil wooded valley on the southwest coast of Portugal, Herdade da...

Day 6

Time to leave again, this time for your 3rd and last hotel on this tour. You will ride a route to Cerro da Fontinha which is an easy 28km/29km - 17 miles. Your ride takes you along the coast where you will discover a nice little beach named after a local Fado singer who was quite famous. A visit to the fishing village of Azenha do Mar offers another chance to sample the local catch. You also ride up to the River Seixe which is the border with the Algarve. About your hotel: The decoration follows a rustic style in harmony with the materials used in the region. In the summer, the shadows of the garden invite you to sit at a table in the open air, whilst in the winter the fireplace spreads a pleasant warmness.Protected from the southeast winds by a small eucalyptus hood, the property has spaces with wide gardens and a lake where swimming and fishing are possible. This hotel is also 'self catering' where you will make your own breakfast with items given to you by the owners. You have a kitchenette in your room. You have dinner on your own tonight; suggestions will be included in your travel documents and the hotel owner can drive you to a nearby restaurant. (B).

Cerro da Fontinha

Cercal

The decoration follows a rustic style in harmony with the materials used in the region. In the summe...

Day 7

Loop ride today along a relatively easy route that passes by Azenha do Mar Harbour and the golden sands of Odeceixe beach. Return to the same hotel as last night; for your last night on this tour! (Same format for breakfast too.) 28km/17,3 miles Dinner on your own again tonight. (B)

Cerro da Fontinha

Cercal

The decoration follows a rustic style in harmony with the materials used in the region. In the summe...

Day 8

Departure day. From here we can arrange transfers to nearby rail access. We can also arrange add-on stays in the Alentejo or Algarve. Please contact us for information. (B)