A challenging guided bike tour from Spain to Portugal

From the capital of Spain to the capital of Portugal, this guided bike tour is a test of endurance with well over 600 miles of some of the most scenic riding in the world. Starting in Madrid, you will pedal through the central mountainous system of the Iberian Peninsula until reaching the westernmost part of Europe: Roca Cape.

You will be amazed at the diversity of the landscapes, the warm and welcoming culture, and the satisfying cuisine this region has to offer. Let's not forget the centuries of history that enrich each place you visit!

The expert guides offer professional service along the way.

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Highlights

• Madrid
• Central Iberia
• Guadarrama Moutains
• Historic villages
• Sierra da Gata
• Béjar Mountains
• Roca Cape
• Lisbon

Daily program

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).

Photos

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Dates & Prices

Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.

Included services

• 10 x nights accommodation with breakfast

• 9 x nourishing picnics

• 10 x dinners

• Daily fruit, energy bars and water

• Transfers from Madrid Airport to Hotel on arrival day

• Transfers to Lisbon Airport on departure day

• Tour guide

• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel

• Support pack bike for transportation

• Mechanical assistance

• Spare bike

• Backup vehicle

• Madrid-Lisbon Bike Jersey

Tour Company

Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Surface and terrain

This guided tour is physically demanding and meant for cycling enthusiasts. Participants should be prepared to ride long distances with heavy ascents for several consecutive days. The road bike itinerary takes place on 100% paved roads.

How to get there

Tour Start
Nearest airport: Madrid Airport (MAD)

Tour End
Nearest airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS)

An arrival transfer and departure transfer are included in the tour cost. Simply let us know your flight details.