Portugal Bike - The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches
SUMMARY:
SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean; This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention has been less visible throughout its history. Once submerged (about 2 million years ago), this is a vast area with many different coastal habitats and countless beaches and cliffs. Our daily tours include going to the wonderful beaches of this Natural Park and taking a swim in the clear, blue sea. Cliffs are steep, almost 100m high and right above the ocean. Countless rocks and isolated islets complete this beautiful and unique scenery. You will see the islet of Pessegueiro, a short distance out to sea, which has archaeological findings that date back to the Iron Age and Roman times. This area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here. S. Vicente Cape is a passing area for thousands of birds of prey. The tour also goes to Sagres, which is the southwestern-most point in continental Europe, the place from where our brave forefathers sailed on their caravels seeking new peoples and continents. Finally, you will visit some of the beaches of our famous Algarve including the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. This is one of the oldest towns in Algarve. We can still see evidence of the wall surrounding the town for protection. Lagos also has an old fort and its former Slave Market is now an art gallery.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Regions of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve (coast)
Time: 8 days / 7 nights / 5 days cycling / 1 day rest
Begin: Sines (Alentejo)
End: Lagos (Algarve)
Type of Course: Rolling, some times steep near the beaches. Not very
technical. When we ride near the cliffs, we usually find some sandy trails.
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5
Skill Level: Intermediate. You must be in good shape.
Distance: 241km / 150mi
Average: 48km (30mi)/day
Trails: 61% off road; 39% road
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| Property Amenities |
Restaurant |
Business Center |
Steam Room |
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Bar |
Internet Connection |
Wheelchair Accessible |
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Room Service |
Conference Facilities |
Animal Friendly |
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Laundry Service |
Swimming Pool |
Concierge Desk |
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Storage Areas |
Gym |
Travel Desk |
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Car Park |
Sauna |
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Room Amenities |
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Private Shower |
Microwave |
Telephone |
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Private Bathtub |
Air Conditioning |
Fax |
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Private Jacuzzi |
Electric Fan |
Minibar |
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Private Toilet |
TV |
Coffee Maker |
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Private Kitchen |
Video/DVD/Movies |
Hair Dryer |
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Stove |
Internet Connection |
Trouser Press |
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WHAT DOES THE PRICE OF THIS PORTUGALBIKE GUIDED TOUR INCLUDE?
- 8 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Accommodations (usually a 3/4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 7 Breakfasts
- 5 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 5 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Luggage transport from Inn to Inn
- Car connections at some stages (when necessary)
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle
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| Nearby Attractions |
1. The Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast
2. The most preserved coast all over Europe
3. Tasty fresh fish of the Atlantic Coast
4. Vast fields of vegetable crops
5. The beautiful cliffs of Vicentine Coast
6. The limpid and clear water of the sea
7. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean
8. Sagres - the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe
9. The gorgeous beaches and the beautiful coast of the Algarve region
10. Lagos - the cosmopolitan and oldest town in the Algarve
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DATES FOR 2008:
02~09 March
01~08 June
19~26 October
PROGRAMME:
1st day: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 2H00 drive to Sines followed by dinner.
2nd day: The Islet of Pessegueiro and its Fortress – 39km (24mi), level 2 (+ Beach)
3rd day: The cliffs of Vicentine Coast – 43km (27mi), level 2 (+ Beach)
4th day: The beautiful Beaches at Vicentine Coast – 41km (25mi), level 2 (+ Beach)
5th day: On the clifftops of Vicentine Coast Natural Park – 73km (45mi), level 4
6th day: FREE. Visit to Sagres, its Fortress and beaches.
7th day: The Coast of Algarve – 45km (28mi), level 4 (+ Beach)
8th day: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport.
TESTIMONIALS
»»»» (…) The tour not only MET my wishes and expectations, it far EXCEEDED them. I loved every bit of it (even having to walk on 2 of the steepest hills), and would do it again "in a heartbeat" as we say here in the USA. (…)The fact that we were hardly ever on a busy road in Portugal increased our enjoyment of the scenery tenfold! (…) Beyond that, I want to add how much I appreciated "the little things" that were actually quite big... like picnic tables in beautiful spots, delicious cheeses, bread, and other treats, luggage waiting for us in the lobby of our hotel, and some of the best dinners I've ever had on a vacation. = Martha C. Scala (California – U.S.A.), 2007 =
»»»» (…) PortugalBike provides a glorious combination of stunning scenery, challenging but fun biking, and a fantastic culinary experience. The bike route Beaches of Alentejo took us along the beautifully rugged and windy Atlantic west coast to the beginning of the famous Algarve. On hybrids bikes we were able to go where cars could not, and were rewarded with spectacular untouched landscapes. Jose and Cristina were fantastic hosts and guides, providing everything from choosing the best daily routes to the most scenic picnic spots and restaurants. Every detail was well organized and thought-out. I could not have asked for anything more in a biking adventure. = Maria Pacella (Canada), 2007 =
»»»» (...) We consider ourselves very fortunate to have had Jose as our guide. Not only does he operate an exemplary business but he is a well informed person who willingly shares Portugal's history and culture and he truly cares about the people on his tour. He provides excellent service to his customers. (...) We were so pleased that our tour travelled along the west coast as we saw breathtaking scenery. The cliff colours due to soil variations and the ocean colours and sounds were unbelievable. We were fortunate to bike not only along the coast but across pastoral areas that were green, relaxing, and totally enjoyable. We view ancient fortresses and castles, farmyards, olive groves, and cork trees (...) = Wesley and Beverley Mazer (Canada) 2006 =
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| Required Skill Level |
Intermediate
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| Required Equipment |
Optional
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| Our Certificatons |
- Licensed by D.G.T. (Portuguese Tourism Board). License no. 12/2003.
- APECATE Member Associated (Portuguese Association of Professional Organisers of Congresses, Tourism Animation and Events).
- 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).
- In 2006 we were Finalists in the PUBLITURIS Travel Trade & Hotel Guide 2005 Awards for the «Best Company of Active and Animation Tourism in Portugal».
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Mountain Biking Skills & Disciplines |
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Road Cycling |
Urban Terrain |
Lap Racing |
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Offroad Biking |
Cross-country |
Hill Climb |
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Downhill |
FreeStyle |
Dirt Jumping |
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