From Coast to Inland

This self guided cycling holiday will take you to some of the most unexplored places along South West Europe’s coastline and countryside.

Staying  in comfortable 2/3 star guesthouses along the way you will cycle through endless undulating wheat fields, forests of cork trees, meandering rivers and country roads where farm animals and horse drawn carts are still a common sight and above all else you’ll find hospitable and friendly local people. All this will contrast with the magnificent and wild coastline.

“Vast stretching farmlands with excellent empty roads – a biker´s heaven. We hope no one hears about this place despite the fact that we will sing its praise to everybody.” Meira + Shalmi, Jerusalem, Israel

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From Coast to Inland

Price:
540E - 645E per person Group size dependant
Holiday Type:
Self Guided Cycling - guesthouse to guesthouse
Hotel:
x 3 rustic guesthouses
Standard:
Mid Range/Good Value
Duration:
7 nights
Cycling Days:
6 days cycling
Meals:
1 evening meal
Difficultly:
Easy/Moderate
Skill Level:
Moderate
Routes:
Average 25km to 45km a day
Trails:
95% Asphalt
Group Size:
minimum 2 people
Departs:
All year except July/August

The Programme

Day 1:
Transfers to hotel. Briefing. Welcoming dinner.
Day 2:
Vila Nova de Milfontes – Zambujeira do Mar - 20 miles - After breakfast cycle equipment will be distributed and the tour started to Zambujeira via coastal tracks passing by the unique cliff-nesting storks at Cavaleiro lighthouse en route. The night will be spent in a Pensão (Guesthouse) on the cliffs of this fishing village.
Day 3:
Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur - 24 miles - The route continues south along the coast over the border of the Alentejo into the 1st algarvian town of Odeceixe. A good place to explore the estuary and eat fresh fish for lunch! The tour then goes through traditional farmland to the castle town of Aljezur where we will stay overnight.
Day 4:
Aljezur – Monchique - 22 miles - From Aljezur back roads over the wooded hills will lead to the Algarvian spa town of Monchique where clients can take the waters. The night will be spent in a traditional Guest House.
Day 5:
Monchique – Santa Clara - 23 miles - Leaving Monchique we will return to the Alentejo through the rolling hills of pines, eucalyptus and rock roses to the lake of Santa Clara. The night will be spent at a lakeside Guesthouse.
Day 6:
Santa Clara – Odemira - 19 miles - From Santa Clara we will make the longest ride of the tour (40 km) riding through the gentle hills of Sabóia and onto the county town of Odemira nestling on the tidal Mira River. Overnight in a Guesthouse in Odemira.
Day 7:
Odemira – Vila Nova de Milfontes - 24 miles - Our last days ride will take us along the eastern banks of the river Mira past the wind milled villages back to the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes where we will spend the night in the hotel.

What's included?

  • 7 nights accommodation in a twin/double room with en suite facilities.
  • Bike hire.
  • 1 welcoming dinner.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Luggage transfers.
  • Trip dossier (maps and routes).
  • Mobile phone.
  • Personal insurance.
  • 24-hour assistance.
Not included:
  • Transfers from and to airport. Other meals not mentioned.

Highlights

  • Sparsely populated region
  • Spectacular views: top cliffs, deserted beaches, valleys, river…
  • Diversity of landscape
  • Diversity of fauna and flora
  • Traditional villages
  • Interaction with local people and habits
  • Typical gastronomy: fresh fish (monkfish, squid, sea bass, codfish); black pig and delicious Alentejo wine