Castles and Wines of Portugal

Day 1: Arrival in Arraiolos

Plan to arrive early today to allow your guides to transfer you to Arraiolos and leave you with time to explore this wonderful town.

Overnight in Arraiolos.

Day 2: Arraiolos – Évora
19 miles/30 km to Evora; or 27 miles/44 km to farmhouse

Begin your bike tour with a cycle through the authentic town with its richly historic center. You can visit the captivating Arraiolos Carpet Center, dedicated to teaching about the wonderful traditions of Arraiolos carpet making, and take some time to try a tantalizing Pastéis de Toucinho, a local sweet. Climb up to the spectacular castle, one of the few round-shaped castles on the peninsula, and be rewarded with unforgettable views over the gorgeous landscape.

En route to Évora, you may choose visit the Fita Preta Winery, located in a medieval palace property dating back to the 14th century, recently restored after years of abandonment. This ambiant setting is the production site of many prized wines! Alternatively, you may choose can visit an aromatic herb farm and taste blissful teas, honey, and olive oil. Take a deep breath of the beautiful fragrances emanating from these typical Portuguese ingredients.

Overnight in Évora or at a nearby farmhouse

Day 3: Megalithic Route – cycling around Évora
33 miles/49 km to the farmhouse with a transfer at the beginning of the day.

Today's ride follows the Megalithic Route, packed with incredible history and intrigue. You'll visit Neolithic constructions, pre-historic sites, the largest dolmen in the country, and the most important cromeleques in Europe - over 5,000 years of history wait to be uncovered today.

Your fascinating ride winds down in Évora, where you'll have time to wander around and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient Roman settlement. One of the highlights of your stay will be a visit to the surreal Chapel of Bones (entrance fee not included in self-guided tour).

Overnight in Evora or at a nearby farmhouse

Day 4: The Valley of the Degebe River – cycling Évora to Reguengos de Monsaraz
31 miles/50 km if you stayed in Evora; 36 miles/58 km if you stayed in farmhouse

Leaving Évora behind, bike onwards into a barren but sun-blessed landscape, weaving between aromatic olive groves to reach the small, traditional village of Nossa Senhora de Machede. Enjoy a calm ride along easy backroads towards today's final destination, perhaps visiting a local winery en route - you'll be enticed by the scent of the brewing clay pots used for producing gorgeous Portuguese wine.

Overnight in Reguengos de Monsaraz.

Day 5: Conquest of the Castle of Monsaraz – cycling from Reguengos to Monsaraz
19 miles/31 km

Today's destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defense of Portugal on the Spanish border. En route, you'll visit the famous pottery village of Sao Pedro do Corval to witness the pottery masters at work, from the moulding of the clay into beautiful pots and plates, to the painting of the wares with delicate floral designs at impressive speeds.

You'll enjoy a break beside the largest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva Dam Reservoir, with Spain just in sight across the water. Rested and ready to ride again, it's time to conquer another castle, climbing up to this grand icon of Monsaraz before zipping back down to relax in the country hotel.

Overnight in Monsaraz.

Day 6: The Sanctuary Route – cycling from Monsaraz to Vila Viçosa
38 miles/61 km

Today you'll cycle along the Sanctuary Route towards the marble capital of Portugal - Vila Viçosa - one of the largest marble towns in Europe. The so-called 'white gold' is the main economic driver in this region - its richness is a constant presence, sparkling and gleaming as the tall buildings catch the sunlight. You'll be dazzled today by the rare sight of distinctive colored lagoons before you retire for an ambiant night in a beautifully restored convent.

Overnight in Vila Viçosa.

Day 7: The Marble Route – cycling from Vila Viçosa to Estremoz
21 miles/33 km

Ride the Marble Route today, taking advantage of the easy cycling to taste some sumptuous local delicacies like Petiscos and see a few local taverns. The rest of the day will be spent on a beautiful, contemplative ride until you reach Estremoz. Climb up the magnificent marble Donjon Tower of your final spectacular castle for an unforgettable final night - this is where you'll sleep!

Overnight in Estremoz.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, individual departure from Estremoz.

Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in a range of Portuguese locations.