Portugal Bike - Serra da Estrela
SUMMARY:
This PortugalBike Tour is different from all the others because we will be based at the top of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela. Each day we will leave to discover a different slope of the hill. You will have the opportunity to admire amazing views from the top of the hill and you’ll have the thrill of your life riding down trails of dense and lush vegetation! Don’t worry: you won’t have to climb back uphill. At the end of each day, the mini-van will be waiting to take us back to the hotel at the top of the hill. You will see evidence of ancient history – a medieval castle, a Roman road – and you can refresh yourself in the crystalline waters of the fluvial swimming-pools. You will also be able to experience skiing on (artificial) snow in the summer. You will taste the world-famous Queijo da Serra (cheese) that is still traditionally manufactured and you can still count more than one hundred different handicraft activities, such as pottery, wooden works, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, basketry, etc. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal and it occupies a surface of about 1000 km2. It corresponds to the hill-country of Serra da Estrela that is essentially granite with some schist outcrops. The area of the Natural Park includes the main hydrographical springs of Portugal (Mondego, Zezere, Alva), the main vestiges of ancient glaciers and the highest peak in continental Portugal – Torre is almost 2000 metres high. Due to its geographic isolation, this region is today the most distinct region of Portugal. As a result, we see a part of old Portugal with its unspoiled and immensely varied scenery and traditional cuisine.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Region of Portugal: Centre of Portugal
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 5 days cycling / 1 day rest
Begin: Serra da Estrela (Natural Park)
End: Serra da Estrela (Natural Park)
Type of course: Fast downhills. Sometimes technical, sometimes climbing.
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5
Skill Level: Intermediate. You must be in good shape.
Distance: 170km / 105mi
Average: 34km/day (21mi/day)
Trails: 84% off road; 16% road
|
|
| Property Amenities |
Restaurant |
Business Center |
Steam Room |
|
Bar |
Internet Connection |
Wheelchair Accessible |
|
Room Service |
Conference Facilities |
Animal Friendly |
|
Laundry Service |
Swimming Pool |
Concierge Desk |
|
Storage Areas |
Gym |
Travel Desk |
|
Car Park |
Sauna |
|
Room Amenities |
|
Private Shower |
Microwave |
Telephone |
|
Private Bathtub |
Air Conditioning |
Fax |
|
Private Jacuzzi |
Electric Fan |
Minibar |
|
Private Toilet |
TV |
Coffee Maker |
|
Private Kitchen |
Video/DVD/Movies |
Hair Dryer |
|
Stove |
Internet Connection |
Trouser Press |
| Additional |
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 (4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 7 Breakfasts
- 3 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 7 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- 1 Lunch
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Car connections between Hotel and the places where the daily rides start/end
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Visit to Woollen Manufacture Museum and Belmonte village with its Castle
- Open air Skiing
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle
|
| Nearby Attractions |
1. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela
2. The blue lagoon in Serra da Estrela
3. Open air skiing in the Summer
4. The highest peak in Continental Portugal (2000m)
5. Refreshing swims in the river
6. Amazing views at the top of the hill
7. Incredibly fast slopes downhill
8. Belmonte village and its castle
9. Woollen Manufacture Museum
10. World-famous Serra da Estrela cheese
|
|
|
DATES FOR 2008:
10~17 August
PROGRAMME:
1st day: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to Serra da Estrela followed by dinner.
2nd day: Downhill into the Hidden Valley – 51km (32mi), level 4 (+ Fluvial Beach). Open air Skiing in the Summer.
3rd day: The Center of Serra da Estrela – 26km (16mi), level 2. Relax afternoon in the swimming pool at the hotel
4th day: On the top of Serra da Estrela – 40km (25mi), level 3 (+ Fluvial Beach)
5th day: Relax day: Visit to Woollen Manufacture Museum and Belmonte village with its Castle
6th day: Towards East – 36km (22mi), level 3 (+ Fluvial Beach)
7th day: Southward Trail – 17km (11mi), level 2. Relax afternoon in the swimming pool at the hotel
8th day: Departure – Farewell at the Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport.
TESTIMONIALS:
»»»» (…) Thanks again for such a nice week in the Portugal. The mountain biking trails were great fun with very fast and technical down-hills and the setting was fantastic. = Stephen Corkery (Ireland), 2007 =
|
|
| Required Skill Level |
Intermediate
|
| Required Equipment |
Optional
|
| 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».
|
Mountain Biking Skills & Disciplines |
|
Road Cycling |
Urban Terrain |
Lap Racing |
|
Offroad Biking |
Cross-country |
Hill Climb |
|
Downhill |
FreeStyle |
Dirt Jumping |
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
in Dutch
Home
Review this Service
Get Listed
Search
More Info & Bookings
