Madrid to Lisbon

Day 1: Madrid

Arrive at the Madrid Airport where your guide will be waiting to take you to your first accommodation. If you arrive early enough, be sure to check out this incredible city full of famous museums, world-class restaurants, and unbeatable nightlife. Before dinner this evening, you'll be given a briefing about the days to come.

Day 2: Madrid - Segóvia
88 miles/142 km

Starting in the center of Madrid, in Plaza del Sol, you'll follow pedestrian streets and parks such as Parque del Retiro, going north circling the Anillo Verde. You'll soon begin to head into the mountains of Guadarrama, where an uphill pedal will be the exhilerating highlight before arriving to your overnight accommodations.

Elevation: Gain 2300m Loss: 2000m

Day 3: Segóvia - Ávila
52 miles/83 km

You'll continue climbing in the hills of Guadarrama, starting with a big ascent which will of course lead to an incredible descent. Beautiful countryside and golden fields lead you away from the big cities to reach Ávila. This is arguably one of the most interesting cultural cities on the route, mostly because it is one of only a few medieval cities in the world that is totally enclosed in a nearly intact wall.

Elevation: Gain 1200m Loss: 1100m

Day 4: Ávila - Barco D'Ávila
77 miles/124 km

Leaving the city of Ávila, you'll continue on the high mountain roads that are a staple on this tour. You'll cycle alongside the Tormes River, which features Roman bridges and lots of typical villages. Reaching Barco D'Ávila, you'll be amazed by the panoramic views of the Sierra de Gredos.

Elevation: Gain 2000m Loss: 2100m

Day 5: Barco D'Ávila - Alberca
72miles/115 km

Today is a challenge as you'll conquer various passes and long roads, but never without the picturesque Central Iberian vistas to accompany you. You'll pedal through the Béjar Mountain Range before reaching the Hurdes region. Alberca, situated in the Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park, is a quaint town that was the first rural village in Spain to be given National Historic Heritage status.

Elevation: Gain 2300m Loss: 2300m

Day 6: Alberca - Sabugal
91 miles/146 km

This is one of the longest days in the itinerary, but after today you will be halfway through! You'll continue climbing to reach the epic ascent from the cycling race the Spanish Vuelta: Peña de Francia. After this climb, you'll continue in one of the most remote regions of the Peninsula, the Sierra da Gata. Finally, the border of Portugal comes into view and soon you'll reach Sabugal.

Elevation: Gain 2500m Loss: 2800m

Day 7: Sabugal - Piódão
76 miles/123 km

Portugal's most historic villages are on full display today. Discover Sortelha, a tiny medieval village where rugged vegetation meets 13th-century architecture. You'll soon reach the highest mountain in Portugal, but not before passing through beautiful forests and the town of Manteigas which sits in a glacial valley. After the climb, you have the longest descent of the entire trip before one last uphill to reach Piódão. Piódão is straight from a fairytale, with stone houses climbing into the hillside.

Elevation: Gain 2900m Loss: 2900m

Day 8: Piódão - Penela
60 miles/97 km

Today is your last day being above 1,000m. Lots of variety awaits you as you pedal through the central schist mountain system before entering into the karst landscape where you'll see the scenery radically change. Now the typical vegetation is olive groves and holm oak; you are now in the limestone kingdom! As the scenery changes, it reveals Portugal's diverse beauty.

Elevation: Gain 1400m Loss: 2000m

Day 9: Penela - Óbidos
98 miles/157 km

Leaving the limestone hills and the lovely town of Penela, you will finally reach the sea. A descent will bring you out of the mountainous region to where the Atlantic Ocean is in sight. Now, it is time to head south along the coast and through vast pine tree forests. You'll visit the typical coastal villages of São Pedro de Moel and Nazaré (now famous for its giant waves), before reaching today's destination of Óbidos.

Elevation: Gain 2000m Loss: 2100m

Day 10: Óbidos - Cascais
75 miles/121 km

The final biking stage. For those that conquered the first 9 days of this trip, today's cycling will be an absolute joy. Quiet roads over the cliffs and by beaches, through typical fishing villages of the area, make this a unique and welcome change from the previous stages. Roca Cape is today's destination and the westernmost point of all of Europe! After a quick celebration, you can ride or be transported to your hotel.

Elevation: Gain 1600m Loss: 1500m

Day 11: Departure from Lisbon

All good things must come to an end. You are transported back to Lisbon airport in time for your flight (transfer time 40 minutes).