Overview

In 2003, PortugalBike decided to offer something else – to show their beautiful country to those who live beyond its borders. PortugalBike was created to share with people all over the world some of the most unique biking experiences.

In 2006, PortugalBike was a finalist in the PUBLITURIS Travel Trade & Hotel Guide 2005 Awards for the Best Company of Active and Animation Tourism in Portugal.

Being a Portuguese-owned company, PortugalBike knows the country better than anybody else and they want to expose people to places and curiosities about Portugal that only a Portuguese knows! Their goal is that you visit Portugal …riding a bicycle! On PortugalBike Tours you have the opportunity to visit the country’s historical, cultural and landscape heritage in natural parks, enjoy the sun and the beaches, and at the end of the day you can recover your strength with an exquisite dinner. You can taste Portugal’s famous wines, amazing cheeses and lovely desserts, and sample typical dishes of each region of Portugal.

You will rest in cozy and charming accommodations. PortugalBike always chooses three- or four-star quality hotels whenever possible in each region. Accommodations are always the best offer of each region.

What can guests expect on a PortugalBike Tour?
PortugalBike Tours are designed so riders begin at a certain point and end elsewhere. You do not start and end at the same place. PortugalBike thinks that is the best way to discover Portugal …riding a bicycle! Read the specific information about each ride to learn more details.

PortugalBike Tours can be guided (with a guide) or self-guided (with a GPS device with all tracks recorded). The big difference between the prices for guided and self-fuided Tours is that the self-guided tours do not include dinners, picnics, energy bars and water during the day. There is always a backup car to provide any assistance you may need. If you want to take a self-guided tour with dinners included, this can be arranged.

PortugalBike Tours have a maximum of 16 participants and a minimum of two. Larger groups are also possible upon request and according to availability. Hybrid (or trekking) and Mountain Bike Tours are prepared for one week (eight days, Sunday to Sunday) and Road Bike Tours are prepared for 8 or 12 days.

The dates of PortugalBike Tours are according to their calendar, or on request, according to availability and with a small extra fee. The prices listed are for the scheduled PortugalBike Tours. However, if you wish a different date, ask for prices and availability.

What kind of tours are offered?
There are three types of PortugalBike Tours:

• Road Bike Tours are on asphalt roads (100%). PortugalBike always tries to avoid roads with a lot of traffic, preferring secondary roads. On these tours, you ride more kilometres per day than on a Hybrid Bike Tour. These tours are always self-guided (with a GPS device on the handlebar), so that you are completely free to ride at your own pace, but there is always a backup car to give you any assistance you may need. You use a Road Bike (700x23 wheels).
• Hybrid Bike Tours (or Trekking Bike Tours) are mainly on asphalt/tarmac (more than 50%) with some off-road rolling trails. Usually the tours are a little bit longer than the Mountain Bike version tours. It is the best and most relaxing way to know a country by bicycle while also having fun. These tours can be guided or self-fuided. You use a Hybrid Bike (700x38 wheels with a little front suspension).
• Mountain Bike Tours are mainly on off-road rough trails (more than 50%), sometimes technical, with very little asphalt/tarmac. You need some biking skills and you need to be in good shape. Usually, these tours are a little bit shorter than the Hybrid Bike tours. It is the best way to know a country and feel the challenge of nature. These tours are always guided (ask for self-guided); you will only have to follow your guide through wonderful single-tracks in nature. You use a Mountain Bike (26x2.1 wheels with front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes).

The goal is that people visit Portugal … riding a bicycle!

Difficulty Levels
Each PortugalBike Tour is classified according to its difficulty level, from 1 to 5. Level 1 is the easiest and level 5 is the most difficult.

• Levels 1 and 2 are for Beginners (you are not in good shape).
• Level 3 is for Intermediate Bikers (you must be in good shape).
• Level 4 is for Advanced Bikers (you are fit and in good shape).
• Level 5 is for Expert Bikers (you are in very good shape - you are a winner!).

Besides the classification for overall difficulty level of each PortugalBike Tour, each day is also classified from 1 to 5. When the trails are difficult, guests ride less kilometres per day and when the trails are easy, they ride more kilometres per day. Please note that the purpose of PortugalBike Tours is not to train, but only to enjoy your bicycle, nature and environment.

   Travel & Industry Awards

• Finalists in the PUBLITURIS Travel Trade & Hotel Guide 2005 Awards for the Best Company of Active and Animation Tourism in Portugal

   Affiliations

• Licensed by D.G.T. (Portuguese Tourism Board). License no. 12/2003
• PACTA Member Associated (Portuguese Association of Cultural Animation and Nature and Adventure Tourism Companies)
• ARPTA Member Associated (Regional Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Alentejo)
• APECATE Member Associated (Portuguese Association of Professional Organizers of Congresses, Tourism Animation and Events)

   Payments Accepted

   Reservation Policy

   Cancellation Policy

• The total amount (minus a Cancellation Fee of Euro 100) provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour/PortugalBike 45 days in advance.
• 50% of the amount provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour 25 days in advance.

NOTE: Cancellations received by BTTour/PortugalBike with less than 25 days notice do not qualify for a refund.