This trip combines a great variety of terrains, villages, towns and cities with fantastic accommodation, equipment and food in one of the unexplored gems of southern Europe.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
14-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Porto, Northern Portugal, Moncao
Porto, Northern Portugal, Moncao, Caminha, Ponte De Lima, Barcelos, Vila Do Conde
Do you like gravel or MTB bike riding? Then this is the trip for you. Do you only like road bike riding? This isn’t the trip for you.
While there are sections on smooth backroads and bike paths, there are many sections on cobblestones, single track, forest trails, lumpy, bumpy and rocky paths. Some of these trails will be too steep or too rocky to ride and you will need to push your bike up these sections. There will also be times (mostly on day 1), where you will need to carry your bike up and down the stairs of flyovers of railway line crossings. There will also be times where the gps/Camino trail takes you down one way streets. There will also be a few times when the gps track differs from the Camino trail markers - we defaulted to following the Camino trail markers.
The challenge is worth it. Experiencing different scenery, visiting interesting towns, meeting walkers (we didn’t meet any other riders).
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Porto, Vila Franca De Xi
Lisbon, Porto, Vila Franca De Xira, Tomar, Alvorge, Coimbra, Agueda, Olveira De Azemeis
Cycle Portugal's coastline from the Alentejo to the Algarve to discover unspoilt beaches and impressive coastal towns. A cycle trip to discover the unspoilt beaches of the western Algarve and Alentejo Atlantic coast. As you pedal from the charming town of Odeceixe on the river Seixe, right on the border between Alentejo and the Algarve, you will appreciate that there is so much more to this special pocket of Portugal. In the hinterland, pass through extensive woods, authentic villages surrounded by kitchen gardens and quiet roads perfect for cyclists of all ages. On the coast swim at wide open beaches, cycle past coastal scenes of rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs and feast on fresh seafood. In the evening stay in charming accommodation with swimming pools to cool down in after a day of cycling. The relaxed pace of the days will ensure you truly have a holiday while exploring a fascinating area at handlebar level.
Very well organised tour. Excellent guide who was very knowledgeable and had strong management skills. Both the guide, Adrian and the support person Djon had a great sense of humour and responded well to the needs of the group.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Faro, Setubal, Alentejo
Lisbon, Faro, Setubal, Alentejo, Aljezur, Cabo Da Roca
Your holiday starts in Porto, where shuttered townhouses tumble downhill to colourful rabelo sailing boats cruising the Douro River and passing world-famous wine cellars. From here, you'll beach and bay hop south to your luxury beachfront hotel in Furadouro, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, home to pink flamingo and colourful birdlife, to Aveiro for two nights in a waterside mansion. Known as 'Portugal's Venice', this is where colourful moliceiro boats cruise along canals beneath tall palm trees, while alleyways are filled with tempting restaurants. Your final cycling stretch takes you back to the ocean to high sand dunes, meandering through pine and acacia forest, to Praia de Mira.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Portugal for anyone using an e-bike.
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.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Porto, Aveiro, Nazare, Foz Do Ar
Porto, Aveiro, Nazare, Foz Do Arelho, Peniche, Lisbon
From the Alentejo region to Cabo de Sao Vicente which marks the most south-westerly point of Europe, follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' by longing rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches. Stop and relax in quaint peaceful fishing villages to taste the rich local cuisine that serves the best the sea has.
This ride leads you through a natural reserve and the 'Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park'. Longing the ocean, you can fully enjoy the landscape and appreciate the surprises nature has to offer, such as wild flowers, bird watching. Admire breath-taking view and relax on one of the unspoilt beach or inlet.
End your trip in the Algarve region, along beautiful coastlines enjoying a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliff tops, and pass through pretty villages, some of which seem unaffected by the outside world.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
14-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Algarve, Setubal, Santo André, A
Algarve, Setubal, Santo André, Alentejo, Rogil, Vila Do Bispo
You begin in UNESCO-recognised Porto, a beautiful mix of winding, medieval streets, impressive architecture and the serene Douro River, packed with brightly coloured rabelo sailing boats - it's also home to some world-famous wine cellars. From here you'll head south, past sandy bays and beaches, to your luxury hotel in Furadouro right on the beachfront, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, to 'Portugal's Venice', Aveiro. Here, the latticework canals are overlooked by grand buildings and inviting restaurants, while pretty moliceiro boats sail leisurely along the water. Returning to the ocean you'll pass high sand dunes and fragrant pine and acacia forest, on your way to Praia de Mira, before heading inland to the Spa town of Curia in the Bairrada wine region, the home of Portugal's best Champagne-style wine - be sure to stop for a tasting! From Curia your final stretch takes you to Coimbra, Portugal's former capital and now a cosmopolitan university city. Explore its charming cobbled alleyways, bustling markets and wonderful architecture such as the 16th century aqueduct and the university's sublime Baroque library, perhaps rounding off with a traditional fado evening in one of the local bars.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Luxury Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Porto, Coimbra, Furadouro, Aveir
Porto, Coimbra, Furadouro, Aveiro, Praia De Mira, Curia
Did you know that Vilamoura is one of the largest tourist complexes in Europe? Tourists mainly come to Vilamoura to play golf, stay at the high-quality hotels, or visit the beaches and bars, but there is so much more to discover and enjoy! Join us on a bicycle tour of this fabulous place.
The tour starts heading in the direction of the foundation of Vilamoura, Museum Cerro da Vila. Vilamoura has ancient Roman origins from the 1st century AD. Muslims were also present in this area and they left their mark as well. This can be seen in the Cerro da Vila Museum. After that, we will cross the Marina of Vilamoura, one of the best Yacht Clubs in Europe.
Then, we will bike on the path of the dunes to get to Quarteira. Here we can find one of the main attractions not to be missed while visiting Quarteira, the splendid fish and fruit market. Quarteira was founded in 1916 and is known for its fish, beaches and regional pastries. The art of fishing is well known and very much appreciated here and has become a tourist attraction. We will continue the tour by biking next to the beach, only 1 meter away from us as we cycle. Can you feel the sea breeze on your face?
The next stop is the Old Village. The architecture here is inspired by the Portuguese architecture of the 19th century, that's why it's called the Old Village. The pedestrian streets are paved with the typical Portuguese cobblestones and the gardens are very well kept.
Many people don't know that there is a beautiful environmental park in the heart of Vilamoura, but it really exists! You can explore the park on foot or by bike. In the park, you can see sheep, horses (as a horse stable, Centro Hípico, is located nearby), storks and other bird species.
We then head back to Bike a Wish via the bike lanes, however, we will not skip the Vilamoura Casino!
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!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Guarda, Serra De Estrela
Lisbon, Guarda, Serra De Estrela, Coimbra, Tomar, Serra De Aire Natural Park, Obidos
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!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Porto, Idanha-a-Nova, Mo
Lisbon, Porto, Idanha-a-Nova, Monsanto, Rapoula Do Côa, Rua Do Arco, Freixo De Espada à Cinta, Pocinho , Lamego
The Minho and Porto biking holiday will give you an almost surrealistic “change of scenery” experience. Starting high in the mountains area, you will literally cycle down to the Atlantic Ocean stretching before you as far as you can see. This land is also blessed by the Minho, Lima and Douro rivers, each of which will accompany you at one stage or another of your ride.
This is a proud land, proud of its maritime history and of the remains of the fortifications that helped keep the Spanish well within their borders. It is the land of fine mountain cuisine and, along the cost, a wealth of fish and seafood dishes, best enjoyed with a glass of Vinho Verde. Best of all, it is a biking journey that will put you in touch with some of the nicest Europeans.
Do take every opportunity to meet the local inhabitants: fishermen and their wives, farmers, the kind lady at the local shop; listen to the stories of the owners of your accommodations. Cycle across the ancient Roman bridge at Ponte de Lima, famous for its beauty and its importance to medieval pilgrims as they made their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy biking through the North of Portugal at its most authentic.
Scooter and electric bike tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Porto, Castro Laboreiro, Moncao
Porto, Castro Laboreiro, Moncao, Caminha, Santiago De Compostela, Barcelos, Vila Do Conde
