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.

This tour is also arranged as a mountain bike itinerary (16 nights), click here to view.

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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/143 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 7,875ft/2,400m

Day 3: Segóvia - Ávila (53 miles/87 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 4,265ft/1,300m

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 5,905ft/1,800m

Day 5: Barco D'Ávila - Alberca (70miles/113 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 7,546ft/2,300m

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 8,202ft/2,500m

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 9,514ft/2,900m

Day 8: Piódão - Miranda do Dorgo (54 miles/86 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!

Elevation gain 4,265ft/1,300m

Day 9: Miranda do Dorgo - Óbidos (104 miles/166 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 6,889ft/2,100m

Day 10: Óbidos - Cascais (75 miles/122 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 5,905ft/1,800m

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).

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. The mountain bike itinerary includes 85% off-road paths, 15% of which are single-track.

Hotels

Listed below are the preferred hotels for this tour. If not available, an alternative will be suggested. Hotels for this tour are considered superior.

Madrid - Ayre Gran Hotel Colón

Segovia - Hotel Cetina Ayala

Ávila - Palacio de Los Velada

Barco D'Ávila - Izán Puerta de Gredos

Alberca - Abadia de Los Templarios

Sabugal - Hospedaria Robalo

Piódão - INATEL Piódão

Miranda do Corgo - Hotel Parque Serra da Lousã

Óbidos - The Literary Man

Cascais - Hotel Vila Galé Cascais

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.

Dates

Prices

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

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):

• Road bike: Scott Addict 20 carbon, ultegra, disk brakes

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE. 

Tour Company