Does this sound like you or your recent internet search? When the summer heat and crowds are winding down and the days slipping into soft light, you might just find the ideal time of year to do a self guided bike tour! Or perhaps you have room in your schedule for one more adventure, but you have no idea what areas are still decent and even doable this time of year. Fall travel still needs to be booked early, May-June is the time to lock it up! Not to worry; we’re here to help!

Seasons vary dramatically across Europe and within regions and countries (especially lately,) so this is where our 30 years of Europe self-guided bike tours expertise comes in handy. We are admittedly picky travelers  – we don’t like crowds and we don’t like the heat – so Fall travel is a personal favorite of ours! We’ve made it simple with our short and to-the-point list of Fall self-guided bike tours.

We’ve broken it down to our Top 5 Favorite Self-Guided Bike Tours in Europe:

1. Puglia – kick it way down south in the boot
This 9-day, self-guided Italy bike tour takes you down into the famous bootheel, to idyllic Puglia. With temperatures comfortable from spring through November, this tour takes you through some of the most beautiful, unique parts of Italy while also getting a feel for the Adriatic. Highlight stops include the UNESCO Sassi of Matera, Conversano, the UNESCO Trulli of Alberobello, and Otranto! Need a shorter break? Check out our Short Puglia Self-Guided Bike Tour!
View our Best of Puglia Self-Guided Bike Tour

2. Sardinia – famous for its pristine beaches & crystal-clear water
So where is it? Sardinia is west of Italy, north of Tunisia, and south of the French island of Corsica. Bookable through November, this 7-day, self-guided Sardinia Italy bike tour sends you through charming villages along the coast and the unique Genoese-style minor Islands of San Pietro and Sant’Antioco. After cycling and exploration, indulge your hunger with the fine typical cuisine and wines of Sulcis Peninsula, which you can only find here.
View our Sardinia Self-Guided Bike Tour

3. Spain – eat, drink, pedal, repeat
Spain is a personal favorite destination of ours, with a history steeped in every step and incredible food and wine around every bend. From Catalonia, Barcelona, and Costa Brava along the coast to the mountainous white villages region of Andalusia, our tours are of different lengths, so you can choose what works best for your schedule. Don’t forget about the UNESCO sites: the“Alhambra” in Granada and “Mezquita” in Cordova – truly architectural wonders! Weather holds through October and November, depending on the region. Learn more about why we love self-guided Spain bike tours in the Fall!
View our Spain Self-Guided Bike Tours

4. Provence – Instafamous for lavender, but what else?
Cycle the South of France, known for its fresh produce, fine wines, and ancient sights! This 8-day, self-guided bike tour in Provence starts and finishes in Isle Sur La Sorgue. Highlights include the picture-perfect medieval “perched villages” of Gordes and Roussillon, Luberon’s lovely Lourmarin. Then there is the mighty, mighty Mont Ventoux – one of the world’s most challenging and notorious climbs. Our self-guided Provence bike tour offers moderate and challenging ride options each day, perfect for couples & small groups of different abilities. Expect decent weather until late October/early November.
View our Provence Self-Guided Cycling Tour

5. Algarve – it’s always sunny in Portugal!
The Algarve region is the southernmost part of Portugal and is widely regarded as the sunniest place in Europe on any given day! It’s no wonder that this is on our list of fall favorites – this Algarve bike tour offers pleasant cycling weather for most of the year! On this 8-day, self-guided Portugal bike tour, we make you feel like a local, taking you to the best places to ride, eat, and drink along the coast. Book early and book soon – this region is still buzzing during the fall months.
View our Sunny Algarve Self-Guided Bike Tour

The post Top Fall Self-Guided Bike Tours in Europe appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Argentina

Argentina has a stronger European influence than some of its South American contemporaries, so you’ll find plenty of aesthetic similarities in Argentinian Christmas decorations. However, seeing as December is summertime south of the equator, it can be quite hot out. Christmas trees are sometimes decorated with cotton balls to represent snow that wouldn’t last five minutes in the Buenos Aires climate. A uniquely Argentinian addition to the festivities are globos, paper lanterns launched on Christmas Eve. Watching them drift across the night sky is lovely way to mark the season.

Chile

You’ll find plenty of festive holiday treats in any of the nations on this list, but none pack as much kick as the Chilean beverage Cola de Mono (“Monkey’s Tail”). Lore has it this drink’ll have you swinging from the ceiling. That’s probably down to the sugar, coffee and booze, which combine with milk and spices for a flavour reminiscent of a White Russian cocktail. Chilean aguardiente or pisco are most traditional, but if you’re curious to try this one at home, white rum is a fair substitute.

Catalonia

Catalonia’s Tió de Nadal might be one of the odder traditions here, though it shares some DNA with the Advent calendar and the piñata. The tió is a hollow logo, often painted with a smiling face and covered with a blanket to keep it warm. Beginning on December 8 children feed it snacks and candies. When Christmas Eve rolls around, the kids beat the log with sticks while asking it in singsong to poop out presents. When the songs are over, lo and behold the tió has dropped a stash of treats beneath the blanket. The tió has several scatological names and songs attached to it, ensuring this quirky tradition never gets old.

Belgium

Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of children, and Sinterklaas is his Belgian incarnation. His signature red outfit is the inspiration behind modern-day Santa Claus. Like Santa Claus he keeps a thorough naughty-and-nice list, but unlike Santa his off-season home is in Spain, and he makes the journey to Belgium by boat. Nor does he travel by reindeer, but rides a white horse. Instead of milk and cookies, some children leave a carrot or hay to feed Sinter’s faithful mount.

Germany

Many Germany children practice a variant of the old stocking-by-the-hearth tradition. While waiting for Father Christmas on the night of December 5th, they place a shoe or a boot outside their front door — perhaps recently cleaned, to show they’ve been good. If he buys it, the shoe will be filled with sweets and gifts come morning. If a child has landed on the naughty register instead, Father Christmas’ dour assistant Knecht Ruprecht will stuff it with coal, twigs, or stones.

Austria

One of Austria’s great contributions to the Christmas canon is “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”). Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, the song has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the nation’s cultural heritage. That song might be the definition of wholesome, but the Austrian tradition makes room for some wickedness in the form of Krampus, a cloven-hoofed demon who violently punishes naughty children. Krampus festivals take place throughout December, featuring some truly terrifying costumes. If the holidays get a little saccharine for your tastes, Krampus will cut through the sweetness in a hurry.

Croatia

You’ve probably heard of yule logs (even if it’s only through the televised version). Croatia’s iteration is called a badnjak, and traditionally it would be cut on the morning of Christmas Eve. Families sprinkle it with wine or holy water while making their religious observations. Once lit it’s important the badnjak stay burning throughout the night, so someone must be sure to get up and tend the fire every few hours. With an increasingly urbanized population this one isn’t so widespread anymore, though it’s still practiced in rural areas.

Czech Republic

Most kids look forward to seeing Santa or his regional equivalent on Christmas Eve, but in the Czech Republic some look forward to seeing a golden pig. That’s down to a persistent legend that states anyone who fasts until dinner on the 24th will see a golden pig. It’s meant to be a sign of good luck, but whether it appears or not chances are most Czechs will break fast with fish. Carp with potato salad is a very traditional meal, so much so large tanks show up on the streets of Prague the week before Christmas full of fresh carp.

France

The French are known for their culinary excellence, so it’s no surprise Christmas meals can take a long time. In Provence that might mean following dinner with a whopping thirteen desserts. Les Treize Desserts de Noël are said to represent Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles. Exact menus vary, but fruits, nuts, biscuits and nougat are traditional. Most of the options are fairly light, and remain set out on the table until the 27th to give a family time to graze.

Ireland

A candle in the window seems like a quintessential Christmas decoration, but in Ireland at least the tradition has a double meaning. Officially the candle was meant as a symbol of hospitality and an invitation for Joseph and Mary to seek shelter there. The second meaning was more clandestine — in the 17th century Catholicism was suppressed, and Catholics practiced their faith in secret. A candle in the window at Christmas time was a beacon that told priests they could safely visit to say Mass. The candle tradition is less common today, but persists in some homes as a sign of welcome.

Italy

In some traditions Epiphany holds more religious significance than Christmas itself. That’s why in Italy children often receive their gifts on January 5, Epiphany Eve. Rather than a visit from Father Christmas, some Italian youngsters look forward to a visit from La Befana. Legend has it she was approached by the Three Wise Men during their search for Jesus, but she declined their offer to accompany them because she had housework to attend to. When she realized what an opportunity she’d missed she struck out on a search of her own, gifting presents to good little children along the way. She might even do a bit of sweeping before moving on, and children leave her a glass of wine as a token of thanks.

Portugal

The bolo-rei is the most famous of Portuguese Christmas desserts. Literally translating as “king cake,” it looks like a deluxe fruitcake topped with colourful candied fruit. A hole in the middle makes it resemble a crown. Baked inside it are a fava bean and a coin or small prize (some versions omit the latter, and commercial versions may omit both). The person who gets the prize can bask in their good luck for a whole year; the person eating the slice with the fava bean is declared the King and must supply next year’s bolo-rei.

Slovenia

An old Slovenian Christmas tradition revolves around baking three loaves of bread. Wheat, rye, and buckwheat don’t sound like particularly festive choices, but they symbolize the three feasts of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany. A sweeter option is potica, a cake made with nuts or other flavourful fillings. In addition to all the baking, if you’re in Slovenia you might catch other scents on the air as well— burning incense is a popular holiday tradition.

Considering seeing some of this Christmas traditions firsthand? Check out our South American tour offerings, or use the Destinations tab to browse our European tours.

The post Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Winemaking is woven into the culture of many of the countries we visit with Pure Adventures. If you’re a wine lover on a self-guided tour, you might drop in on favourite vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and the wine is made. Along the way you may discover a unique local producer you’ve never heard of, or take advantage of a tasting day to explore the nuances of the terroir. A little advance research can help you identify must-trys along your route, so we’ve compiled a list of regionally famous wine varietals to keep an eye out for next time you find yourself in wine country.

Germany – Riesling

Riesling is Germany’s signature varietal — the first recorded reference to Riesling comes from the 15th century, when it became the drink of choice for German nobility. Today it accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s total wine production. Rieslings are typically low in alcohol, high in acidity, and prized for their refreshing crispness. Somewhat unusually for a white wine, they can age well. Older Rieslings develop a signature petroleum smell, which might sound unappetizing but is natural and prized as part of the grape’s unique profile. They range from sweet to bone-dry depending on the terroir. Because of the local climate, German Rieslings tend towards the dry side. They pair particularly well with spicy food because the acidity has a way of cleansing the palate. See this post by Wine Folly to learn more about Riesling varieties.

Austria – Grüner Veltliner 

Austria’s favorite grape is Grüner Veltliner, or Grüner for short. This wonderful white is often considered one the world’s best “food wines.” Again thanks to its high acidity it can hold its own even against red meat or a spicy plate of Vietnamese. The availability of plentiful, affordable Grüner is part of the charm, but the varietal has the sophistication to improve with age. “Reserve” Grüners exhibit a deeper hue and a peppery flavour.

The terraced vineyards along the Danube are fairytale-pretty and make the ideal backdrop for a tasting. While you’re in Austria, consider trying the classic Grüner and weiner schnitzel combination. Vegetarians, on the other hand, will appreciate how well this one pairs with bitter veg like asparagus. 

Argentina – Malbec & Torrontés 

Malbec originated in France, but grew poorly in the French climate. The vine much preferred Argentina’s hot climate and high elevation, and quickly grew in popularity once it was planted there. It is rich and full-bodied, with flavours of dark fruits like cherry and blackberry. Malbec is excellent served on its own, and pairs well with smoky or earthy flavours. Try it with lean red meat or with mushrooms, or a pungent blue cheese. At a local tasting, you’ll notice the mountainous vistas of Salta are a good match with dramatic, bold flavours as well.

If you prefer white to red, Torrontés is among the famous wine varietals well worth trying. Of the three varieties — Torrontés Riojano, Sanjuanino, and Mendocino — Riojano is the popular favourite. Notable for its moderate acidity and light peach flavour, Torrontés also benefits from Argentina’s warm, dry climate and high elevation. It is usually drunk young, and carries refreshing floral and herbal notes. Torrontés pairs well with spicy Indian food, but while you’re in Salta try pairing it with empanada salteñas.

Portugal – Port & Vinho Verde

Port derives its name from the city of Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. The grapes are produced in nearby Duoro Valley, home to some unbelievably picturesque vineyards. Looking out across the Duoro River as it winds out to sea between sunny hillsides is guaranteed to enhance the tasting experience.

Port is a fortified wine, meaning the addition of brandy to wine stops fermentation before it is complete. This method preserves residual sugar for a sweeter flavour. Typically full-bodied and plummy, ports can serve as either aperitif or digestif. There are several varieties to try, including ruby and tawny port. The former is younger and retains more fruity characteristics, while the later is aged in small wooden barrels for a nuttier taste and a darker colour. Both are blended to maintain a balanced profile. More expensive vintage ports are blended, oaked, then bottle-aged for years to attain their peak complexity. Try serving a glass with blue cheese to round out a special meal.

If you’re looking for something a bit fresher, consider a glass of vinho verde. Literally “green wine,” the colour here refers to age, not grape variety. These wines are fresh and summery with a slight effervescence. Serve with seafood or other light, citrusy dishes. If you’re enjoying a glass after the end of a long day biking, the low alcohol content won’t send you off to bed too early.

Hungary – Tokaji Aszú 

Hungary’s Tokaji aszú is considered one of the great dessert wines of the world. Even if you typically avoid sweet wines, this one deserves to be on your list. Aszú has a long history of being celebrated in royal courts across Europe. The production of aszú relies on noble rot, a type of mold that develops in moist conditions. When affected grapes dry out they shrivel, concentrating their flavours and sugars. They are then added in careful proportion to a base must, giving the wine its unique qualities. The high sweetness means aszú ages very well indeed — bottles can last over a century. Even a glass of more recent vintage will show rich flavours of apricot, honey, cinnamon and ginger. Aszú is delightful on its own, perhaps as a holiday digestif, or as part of classic pairing with foie gras, chocolate, or cheese.

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At eight famous wine varietals across five countries, we’ve barely scratched the surface. There’s certainly enough here to kickstart a wonderful tasting adventure, but a list is no substitute for on-the-ground experience. Start planning your next custom trip and discover some new and vibrant flavours on your own.

The post Advanced Wine Tasting: Regionally Famous Wine Varietals appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Portugal-Lisbon Gran Fondo

Wether you’re wanting to participate or just kick back and be a spectator, the Portugal-Lisbon Gran Fondo is an awesome experience! The Grand Fondo Race will pass some of the most interesting cities of Portugal’s central coastline. You’ll ride through or watch from more relaxing and astonishing locations like the Arrábida Natural Park full of local fauna and flora, Troia Peninsula with the white sandy beaches, Évora an historical UNESCO World Heritage Site, and finally Tomar, known for its beauty and for being the city of the templars in Portugal.

Portuguese Wine

People come from all over the world for Portugal’s beaches, food, and of course the incredible wine as rich in history as in taste. The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a World Heritage Site shaped by 2,000 years of wine production. It sustains the vineyards from which Portugal’s signature spirit, a fortified wine known as port, is produced.

Madeira

If you are looking for a stay that isn’t anything like rest of the country, Madeira is the place for you. Almost feeling like a tropical island, this is a place that offers great views and the sights of UNESCO-protected laurel forest. The capital of this area is Funchal, which is quite a cosmopolitan city. Madeira is also just a short 2 hour plane ride to Lisbon – another super popular tourist spot. Ready to start packing yet? Check out our Portugal tour offerings here.

The post Drop Everything! 3 Reasons You Need Portugal Right Now appeared first on Pure Adventures.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, at least that’s how we see it for our customers. This is the time of year when we offer 2017 pricing for our 2018 tours! You’ve got until the end of October to grab hold of some serious savings.

Not sure which tour is for you? Here are a few suggestions.

Portugal – Algarve Sunny Coast Cycling Tour

Tour Type: Self Guided Hybrid Cyling Level 3
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Distance: 49km/day
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Availability: January to June and September to December
Cost: Starting at $1415 USD

The southern region of Portugal, called the Algarve, is a perfect place for a cycling tour getaway offering an incredible program along one of the most beautiful coastlines of Portugal. You will discover some small fishing villages and some abandoned fortresses which remind us of the time when this coast was ravaged by pirates! Passing by the Southwestern most point in Europe, Cape São Vincente and end in the beautiful and typical town of Lagos; you ride some of the best seascapes in Europe. With Alentejo, this region is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes in all of Europe; in the Algarve we avoid most of the high traffic areas and beaches further east and south. The tour area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here and complete this beautiful and unique scenery. After a few cycling days you will reach Cape Sao Vicente, which is the south-westernmost point in continental Europe and a migration area for thousands of birds.

Ok, so you’re not sure about Portugal. Maybe our “4 ways to tame Portugal’s Wild Coast” will get you excited!

Italy – Pisa to Florence Bike Tour

Tour Type: Self Guided Hybrid or E-bike Cycling
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Distance: 30 km/day
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Availability: March 1 – October 31
Cost: Starting at $1347

Leonardo da Vinci might have said it himself “cycle to my home town and check out all my discoveries”. This flexible tour does just that, as you choose your challenge each day. Pedal through the quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive groves to Pisa, with its world renowned Leaning Tower, then to the charming town of Lucca, where you will ride up on the impressive walls of the city. Continue on country lanes to Vinci, Leonardo’s birth place, and visit two museums to gain insight into the life and mind of this genius. Finally, visit Florence “cradle of the Renaissance”. This is a wonderful discovery of Northern Tuscany to places none of our other tours visit.

Not sure about the whole Pisa-florence thing? Our “Pisa to Florence Bike Tour: 20 Years In The Making” blog may just change your mind!

Spain, spain & More Spain!

We have just too many favourite tours in Spain to pick just one. From our Catalonia Gastronomic Cycling Tour, Spain – Rioja Wine Cycling Tour, to A Taste of Catalonia Cycling Tour, we’ve got something for everything cyclist no matter the skill level. However, there are some prerequisites before embarking on any of our Spain tours – in no particular order: 1) LOVE great wine 2) Enjoy mouth watering Spanish cuisine. 3) Want to take in some breath taking scenery. If you can meet at least one of those – we’d be happy to have you! In the mean time download our “Top Cycling Routes Of Spain” guide to get the inside look at what we’ve learned in our 20+ years of touring the area.

Still on the fence about vacay in Spain? These “5 Foods to Try in Spain” will set you straight!

The post Last Minute October Escape Experiences! appeared first on Pure Adventures.

At Pure Adventures we are so lucky to have bike rental connections all over the world, who supply our clients with top quality bikes perfect for the diverse tours that we offer.

However, if you just can’t bring yourself to leave your bike at home, here are some excellent infographics by the folks over at Yellow Jersey  that display bike luggage charges from one end of the planet to the other.

Which will you choose after crunching the numbers?

The post Bike Luggage Charges: Worth Keeping Your Bike At Home? appeared first on Pure Adventures.

When it comes to Portugal bike tours, this country is a hidden gem. This often-overlooked destination boasts all the beauty of other European cycling hot spots like Spain and Italy, but its unique culture and rugged coastline set it apart and set the scene for a spectacular active vacation. While the heart of Portugal’s nightlife and festival scene is in Lisbon, cyclists wanting to experience the untamed landscapes of Portugal should head to the Arrabida Natural Park and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Read on to learn more about Portugal’s Wild Coast and how to tame it from atop your bicycle.

Mountain summits that take your breath away
“Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in mainland Portugal and the climb up to Torre is a challenge for any competitive cyclist,” boasts VisitPortugal.com. Indeed, at 6,539 feet, the ride to the top is not for the weak-kneed or faint of heart. What is unique about this mountain is that it can be accessed by paved road, a bonus for road cyclists. Mountain bikers will want to head to Alto de Trevim, the summit of the  Serra da Lousã mountains. Many of the paths through here have been created by wild boars – hang on for the ride!
Tip: if you plan on spending a day tackling a mountain summit, don’t skip a single hill training session. If you’re stuck indoors or live in a region that is flat, simulate hills by trying these workouts on your trainer.

The unspoiled Algarve
The southwesternmost point of Continental Europe, Cape S. Vicente, is accessible by riding offroad through Portugal’s Algarve region. The Algarve is a hot spot – both literally in terms of the summer temperatures and figuratively because of how it is often filled with tourists during the peak travel season. Winter is a great time to bicycle through the Algarve since temperatures are much more moderate, and as Huw Thomas, the blogger behind Pedal Portugal says “There are large parts of the Algarve where you can go for miles without seeing another soul.”
Tip: the routes along the coast can be sandy. Skip the pavement when you’re training for your cycling trip and head to a sandy trail or beach to get an idea of the conditions you’ll be riding in. Here are a few tips to help you master the skill.

Related tour: Alentejo and Algarve Wild Coast

Alentejo Natural Park
One of 30 protected natural spaces in Portugal, Alentejo Natural Park is visited by scientists and surfers alike, both drawn to the Atlantic. It is here that you’ll find an amazing array of animals and birds, such as the fishing eagle and rare white stork, who only builds its nest here. Jagged cliffs mark the landscape, worn away by the sea and the wind.
Tip: The same winds that have carved the rocks along the Atlantic coast will greet you as you ride along the park. Make friends with headwinds before your trip and check out these tips for beating a headwind in your bike training.

Ericeira
This seaside fishing town has a thriving fishing industry, boosted by tourism and visiting surfers – it’s the site of the World Surfing Championships. Ericeira is best discovered by bike, the hilly coastal route to get there takes you along towering cliffs and pastoral farm fields.
Tip: While the route that Pure Adventures takes to travel to Ericeira only has 850′ of elevation gain, it is quite hilly. If you’d rather not do hill repeats, try this interval workout from Women’s Cycling.

Related tour: Portugal Obidos Heritage and Coast

Pure Adventures offers four self-guided tours in Portugal. Click here to see all of the itineraries or click here for your free destination guide.

The post 4 ways to tame Portugal’s Wild Coast appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Fado is traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon area of Portugal. Melancholy by nature, the music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. The music may, however, occasionally include some humor. If your late season travel includes Portugal, be sure sure your experience includes Fado.

New to Fado? Here are five facts about Portugal’s beloved cultural music:

• Fado’s roots can be traced back to the early 1800’s and originated in Portugal, but only appeared in Lisbon after 1830.
• The word Fado comes from the Latin word fatum, from which the English word fate also comes from.
• Fado was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage on November 27, 2011.
• There are two types of Fado, one found in Lisbon, one in Coimbra. The style heard in Lisbon is the most popular, while in Coimbra, it is a more classic style.
• If you’re in Coimbra and enjoying a Fado performance, cough as though you are clearing your throat. But if you’re in Lisbon, clap your hands.

Many Fadistas perform in restaurants so you can get a great meal while enjoying this moving music. What’s great about self guided travel is that meals are always at your leisure, meaning you can search out the best places in Portugal for Fado. If you haven’t heard Fado before, look for samples of Amalia Rodrigues for more traditional Fado or Cristina Branco for more contemporary Fado (so that you can search out these performers prior to your trip). Here are Pure Adventures’ top picks for Fado in Lisbon, Portugal:

 Clube do Fado in Alfama, undeniably offering the best live performances of Fado in Portugal

The Fado Museum, where you can research the origins of this music genre in the museum’s documentation centre.

Sr. Fado de Alfama, located in Alfama, is owned by Fado singer Ana Marina and fado violinist Duarte Santos. Home-cooked meals and local wine star alongside Fado performances by Sr. Fado’s owners!

Experience fado on any of Pure Adventures’ three self guided cycling tours in Portugal or contact us to create your own custom cycling or hiking trip in Portugal.

The post 5 Fado Facts + the best places in Lisbon to experience it appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Pure Adventures programs are self-guided, inclusive of accommodations, breakfasts, luggage transport, a road book with route maps, cue sheets, site visit information and other destination information, emergency service and telephone assistance in English locally, cell phone for use with local contacts, orientation and personalized assistance on arrival day, rental bike delivery, pickup, and fitting. Without the expense of an accompanying guide, participants save considerably.

New for 2013: Portugal – Heritage & Coastal Tour starts at the medieval town of Obidos, the first of several historic towns while running along the coastline. Obidos, originally a Roman village, was taken from the Moors in 1148. Its castle is classified as a national monument and it is a perfect example of a medieval fortress. This 7-day / 6-nght tour is from €1255. The rate varies by season. The tour, available year round, is rated moderate in difficulty, averaging 45km of cycling daily (four days of cycling, one day of walking).

After exploring the coast, the walking day encompasses the World Heritage site of Sintra. There is a hike up from the village through paths and stone steps surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation. At the top is a Moorish Castle dated from the 8th or 9th century. The Pena Palace is the most complete and remarkable example of the Romantic architecture in Portugal. Guests then ride along the Sierra and visit and the old Capuchin Monk Monastery on the way to the westernmost point on the European mainland. The tour ends with a scenic ride along the coast going into Cascais, a beautiful city by the ocean.

This new itinerary joins two other Pure Adventures tours that also focus on the Alentejo region.

“The Alentejo region of Portugal is the perfect region to explore if you’re an adventure cyclist! It has coastline and loads of interior charm with a southerly regional climate similar to the famous Algarve just to the south but without the crowds,” notes Siekman.

Charming Pousadas of Alentejo is a 7-day / 6-night program rated moderately difficult and averaging 35km of cycling daily. It is offered year round (except in July and August) starting at €1399 per person (rate varies per season). In addition to the fascination of the historic pousadas themselves, highlights enroute include Mira Estuary, the abundance of cork, olive oil, wine, rosemary and lavender. Guests may choose to visit Monsaraz, an historic village on the top of a cliff dominated by a castle, visit a winery, tour an olive oil plantation, explore Arraiolos (famous for its rugs) and the World Heritage site of Évora.

Alentejo Coast & Natural Parks starts from and returns to from Lisbon after cycling through nature reserves, and along the unspoiled and undeveloped coastal regions of the Algarve. This is a 7-night / 8-day program rated moderate to challenging and covering on average 58 km daily. This landscape of southwest Portugal is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes in all of Europe. This area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here. After three days riding, guests arrive at Cape S. Vicente, which is the south-westernmost point in continental Europe and a passing area for thousands of birds. Available year-round except in July and August, the per person rate is from €1365 depending on the season.

There are also several tour options available in the Alentejo and Algarve regions for mountain bike trips. These are all guided tours and available on a custom request basis for as few as four persons and up.

Self-guided tours are offered in 2013 in over a dozen countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy,  Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.

The post Portugal’s Paths and Pousadas Perfect for Cyclists appeared first on Pure Adventures.

A trip to Portugal is like an awakening of the senses. From the glistening waves and bustling resorts of the Algarve to the blissful countryside, to the quaint cobblestone streets of the many tiny towns and villages, it’s truly the best of all worlds in this one spectacular destination. Whether you enjoy learning about a new culture, trying your hand at some outdoor adventure activities, enjoying some leisurely shopping or dining on some of the finest cuisine on earth, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no question – when it comes things to see, do, experience and most of all, taste – there’s simply no place like Portugal. For those with an adventurous appetite, here are 5 must-try foods to add to your list.

Caldo Verde

Soup lovers rejoice in this delectable treat. Caldo Verde is a popular soup that is actually more like a stew, it’s so hearty. It’s traditionally prepared with onions, kale and plenty of potatoes. And, of course, if you’re in Portugal, you can’t forget the meat! Some chefs add it directly to the soup itself, while others prefer a side serving of mouthwatering slices of linguiça or chouriço, both popular Portuguese meats. Still others enjoy a chunk of Portuguese corn bread on the side, perfect for dipping in and soaking up some of that flavorful broth that is perfectly seasoned with garlic, salt and olive oil. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking for seconds of this tasty dish!

Bacalhau

In Portuguese, the word Bacalhau means codfish, which may seem somewhat common but there’s nothing common about how this seafood is prepared here. It is typically served dried and salted, however that is where the similarity stops. In fact, it is rumored that there are 365 ways to cook Bacalhau and over 1,000 different recipes dedicated to the salty fish – most of which are based on region or tradition. Whichever way it’s ultimately prepared, Bacalhau is often served with potatoes and some type of fresh vegetable. And, of course, it is also usually paired with a bold, mature wine to help bring out all of the flavors of this popular meal.

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata is a somewhat peculiar looking egg tart pastry that is enjoyed widely throughout Portugal. It is believed that the origins of this tiny treat can be traced back to Catholic monks prior to the 18^th century, but there’s no way to know for sure. One thing you will know is how tasty these treats truly are, prepared as pastry cups filled with mouthwatering custard and often sprinkled with either cinnamon or powdered sugar. They are prepared in the traditional way at just about every Portuguese bakery, but if you’d like to try one, be prepared to wait in line. They’re so good, everyone wants one! Trust us, though – they’re worth the wait.

Cozido

For those with more hearty appetites, Cozido is certain to fill you to the brim with delicious goodness. This rich stew is made from a large variety of meats and vegetables, from pork to beef to Portuguese smoked sausage, and any combination of tasty veggies, like cabbage, turnips, carrots, potatoes and collard greens. Some chefs also like to add rice into the mix to really thicken things up. It’s typically served with bread for dunking, and it also goes perfectly with a nice glass of red wine. Be sure to bring your appetite before you tackle this dish! It’s so thick and hearty that the Portuguese tend to prefer it as a winter meal. It’ll certainly keep you warm and put some meat on your bones!

Spices, Herbs and Oil

Not necessarily a dish in and of itself (although they’re so unbelievably tasty, they very well could be), the very ingredients used in preparing Portuguese cuisine deserve an honorable mention here. When it comes to flavoring food, the Portuguese are pros! Most dishes are prepared using a wide variety of spices, including everything from piri piri and black pepper on the main courses, and a generous supply of cinnamon and vanilla for desserts. And, of course, we can’t forget the herbs. Smell that garlic, taste that coriander, check out the vibrant green of the parsley. The food in Portugal is almost as beautiful as the surrounding landscape itself. Finally, another staple in Portuguese cooking is olive oil, which is used for both cooking and for flavoring meals.

Hungry yet? If you aren’t, you certainly will be once you get a whiff of the delectable cuisine that is served throughout Portugal. These are just five of the many delicious dishes that make this incredible country so special, and such a fantastic place to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and your appetite, and head on over for some mouthwatering authentic Portuguese cuisine!

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