BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Biking in Portugal: Colors of the Alentejo

The easy pace of life in the Alentejo makes it perfect for exploring by bike. As you make your way north along the border with Spain, you’ll share the road with ox-drawn carts and women in traditional black dress, often balancing huge loads atop their heads. Groves of olive and cork trees form graceful patterns on the low hills. Crowning the horizon are gleaming whitewashed villages with characteristic blue trim, many with their medieval walls and castles still intact. Each town has its own fascinating story to tell, and you’ll end each day with plenty of time to explore their treasures, from the Moorish archways of Évora to the marble palaces of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz. The final ride traverses the lush hillsides of the Serra de São Mamede en route to the village of Marvão, whose castle walls appear chiseled out of the craggy mountaintop itself.

Your accommodations include some of Portugal’s loveliest pousadas — historic and architectural landmarks that have been transformed into stylish hotels. The shady cloisters of Pousada de Dom João IV are a gentle reminder of its origins as a convent in the 16th century. The majestic Pousada Flor da Rosa served as a fortress for the Hospitaller Knights 700 years ago. And at trip’s end, the Pousada de Santa Maria’s fairytale setting overlooking the stunning Serra de Marvão is sure to inspire fond Alentejana memories.

Tour Details

Day 1:
Morning transfer from Lisbon Airport to the village of Arraiolos, renowned for its traditional hand-tapestried carpets. Explore the village and rug shops, or just relax by the pool before a welcome dinner of Alentejana specialties. Overnight at the Pousada Nossa Senhora da Assunção, a stunning restoration of a 16th-century monastery. (0 or 8 mi.)

Day 2:
Easy ride across the rolling plains visits prehistoric dolmens en route to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Walking tour of the city’s Moorish streets and architectural treasures, including the Roman temple of Diana, the Cathedral, and the Lóios Convent. You’ll stay in another architectural gem, the 15th-century Pousada dos Lóios. (31 or 40 mi.)

Day 3:
Bike through the Redondo wine region, stopping to tour and taste at the Roquevale vineyards and shop for colorful local pottery. Two-night stay in Vila Viçosa (“shaded town”), named for its tree-lined avenues and public squares. Relax in regal style at the Pousada Dom João IV, located next door to the town’s most famous landmark, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. (27 or 44 mi.)

Day 4:
Free day to explore Vila Viçosa, where local white marble adorns every building from the simplest home to the Paço Ducal. Guided tour of the Bragança palace, the favorite residence of Portugal’s last royal dynasty. An optional cycling loop leads to medieval castle ruins overlooking the Rio Guadiana and Spanish frontier. (0, 18, or 33 mi.)

Day 5:
Morning ride to Estremoz, a classic market town with a charming Old Quarter. Vineyards, cork groves, and fields of wheat line our pastoral route to Flor da Rosa for a two-night stay at its fortress-pousada. (39, 54, or 58 mi.)

Day 6:
Pastoral loop ride to the pretty villages of Alter do Chão and Crato. Stop for a tour, picnic, and falconry demonstration at the Coudelaria de Alter, a royal stud farm established 250 years ago to preserve the Lusitano horse. (0 or 26 mi.)

Day 7:
Cycle to Castelo de Vide, famed for its medieval castle, Renaissance-era fountains, and ancient Jewish quarter. The final ride ascends through mountain forests to Marvão, literally the “high point” of the Alentejo! Spectacular sunset views and farewell dinner celebration at the Pousada de Santa Maria. (32 mi.)

Day 8:
Transfer to Lisbon Airport for early afternoon flights.