It was a great cycling trip in Portugal with Explore: beautiful routes along the ocean, on bike paths, through picturesque villages and interesting forests.
Our leader David and driver Paulo were supportive and helpful. Our hotels were very comfortable and included lots of choices for breakfast. Picnic lunches were first rate and dinner recommendations excellent. I highly recommend Explore.
I cannot Express enough gratitude to Dejan and Pedro for looking after the group and delicious food they provided. The itinerary is really well thought through and stunning beauty of Portuguese coast will stay with me forever.
Starting from the soaring heights of the Serra da Estrela mountains and concluding on the Silver Coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this epic road cycling journey provides a rich cross section of Portugal’s ruggedly beautiful terrain. While the climbing is tough, the rewards are plentiful: dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, idyllic countryside, picturesque stone villages, delicious cuisine, and cozy hotels.
We begin on a literal high note, meeting in Portugal’s highest altitude city of Guarda. The following days we traverse a vast plateau and conquer climbs in and around the Serra da Estrela, taking in views of glacial valleys, vast forests, and jagged cliffs. We overnight in mountain villages and towns, a standout being Piodão; renowned for its unique centuries’ old stone houses draped over steep slopes. We continue southwest along ridges, river valleys, and endless stretches of olive groves, riding from one storied historic town to the next. In Tomar we’ll marvel at the stunning Convent of Christ built by the Knights Templar and in Alcobaça we'll explore a grand Monastery dating to the reign of Portugal's first monarch. We reach the Atlantic coast in spectacular fashion by riding up and down the seaside accompanied by visuals of wave-battered bluffs, tranquil lagoons and golden beaches. The last night is spent in Óbidos, with its fairytale-like hilltop fortress, cobblestoned streets, and locally made cherry liqueur. On the final morning we drop you off in Lisbon where you can explore the stunning capital city before traveling onwards.
Join us on this unforgettable road biking journey across Central Portugal!
Starting from Lisbon and ending in Porto – Portugal’s two major hubs – we cycle from one idyllic medieval village to the next, along the way enjoying rural scenes and wild landscapes well off the beaten path. We will be challenged by some hilly terrain though always plentifully rewarded with quintessential Iberian wining & dining! Complemented with cozy accommodations and unique experiences, including a train ride and boat cruise in the Douro Valley, this is an epic Portugal cycling adventure designed for the discerning traveler.
The journey begins with a pick up from Lisbon and a transfer inland to the eastern fringes of central Portugal. We’ll waste no time digging into medieval history at Idanha-a-Nova and then spend the following days cycling to further historic villages nestled in the ruggedly beautiful countryside. Highlights include the village of Monsanto, where houses are built along giant boulders, and the hilltop fortress of Castelo Rodrigo, with its cobblestone streets weaving through the remains of a once glorious castle. We will also be riding through the secluded national parks of Serra da Malcata and Douro International Natural Park, where plateaus, valleys, and escarpments provide stunning vistas and a chance to spot wildlife. The final days of the tour are focused on the picturesque Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards carved into rolling, sun-kissed hills. We’ll enjoy these scenes via bike, train and boat for a truly enchanting finale to the adventure! You’ll be dropped off in Porto by river cruise where you can explore this vibrant coastal city before traveling onwards.
Join us on this captivating journey through Portugal's storied inland - the perfect way to connect Lisbon and Porto for those who love to cycle!