Cycling from Lisbon into the Alentejo

Destination: Portugal
Duration: 8 days

Lisbon alone is well worth a visit. Strategically built on seven hills, it once made Portugal a major seafaring nation and brought prosperity and glory to the country. Evidence of this epoch is still waiting to be discovered. The Algarve: sun, sun, sun – 3,000 hours of sun per year, the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and around 150 km of golden beaches. Natural arches, grottos and small islands on the one hand, whitewashed houses and Moorish style roofs on the other; contribute to one of Europe’s most beautiful coasts, offering everything one could wish for!

Day 1

Bom dia Portugal!

Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to hotel in town centre.

Day 2

in Sintra, 27km cycling

We take a local train and go to Sintra, former summer retreat of Portuguese kings and nobility. After exploring the beautiful town we ride up into the lush green of the Sierra with its fabulous micro climate and visit Castillo del Rey Moro and the Palacio da Pena before heading back to Lisbon in the afternoon.

Day 3

Across the Tejo to Sesimbra, 62km cycling

We cycle through old town Lisbon down to Belem where we have time to see San Jeronimo monastery and the famous tower. Later we cross the river Tejo on ferry and cycle all the way along the coastline to Cape Espichel. Short taxi transfer from there to Sesimbra to spend the night.

Day 4

Serra Arrabiga, 35km cycling

On bikes we cycle through the lovely hills and forests of Serra de Arrabiga until reaching the buzzing seaside town Setubal for an overnight stop.

Day 5

From Troya to Alcacer do Sal, 42km cycling

We take the bikes on the short ferry ride across the bay to Troya peninsula and cycle always close to the sea until reaching the old salt trading town of Alcacer do Sal, our night stop for today.

Day 6

Into the Alentejo, 67km cycling

We start heading inland and reach the lovely landscapes of the Alentejo, with vast pasture land and cork oak trees. In the afternoon we get to Evora.

Day 7

Free day in Evora

Take your time for a stroll through this fascinating city, for many the finest of Southern Portugal. Amongst the highlights not to be missed are the Roman Temple, the Porta da Moura square and São Francisco church.