Portugal Gravel Adventure

Adventure starts at $2,750 based on double occupancy.

Tour Description

Our newest adventure is one that will take you to the edge of Europe. From parts of this trip explorers left to discover the "new world". You will explore the rural villages and seldom used roads and trails by bicycle. This route parallels our road route on gravel backroads and trails. It is best ridden on either a wider tire gravel or mountain bike. We visit in the saddle seasons to avoid the tourist rush, although Portugal is off the main tour track even in peak season, and soak in more of the local flavor and atmosphere.

Trip Itinerary

Day One - Lisbon 

Arrive in Lisbon and explore the city. 

We will visit a brewery before dinner in a converted palace.

Day Two - Ride through Arrabida Nature Reserve

Transfer to our castle lodging, fit bikes and go for a ride. Arrabida slopes offer great views over the Troia Peninsula and the Sado Estuary River with its mud flats, shallow lagoons and salt marshes. We will ride along to Setubal and taste great fresh fish and seafood, hopefully some craft beer and wine as well. (30-40 miles)

Day Three - Sado Estuary and its Rice Paddies

We will ride along the sea through fishing and rice producing communities. We will sneak off the main road now and start exploring the gravel farm roads of coastal Alentejo. To mark our adventurous spirit we finish in the home village of Vasco de Gama. (58 miles)

Day Four - Seaside Riding

Riding a tiny layer of paved road bordering the Atlantic to Millfontes beaches, where you will enjoy views of this immense blue ocean. Vila Nova de Millfontes is a welcoming picturesque small village, with very attractive sand beaches hidden in the cliff shore! (23 miles)

Day Five - Millfontes to Ajezeur

As we continue South, the landscape changes. The coast is dominated by cliffs and the sea will become even more powerful. We will go on quiet back roads only popular among fishermen. We will leave the Alentejo and enter the Algarve Region to explore some of the wildest areas of the west coast with its deserted beaches much appreciated by surfers. In Aljezur you can ride up to the Moorish Castle and enjoy splendid views. Along the way we will be ducking onto smaller gravel roads and paths as often as possible.(45 miles)

Day Six - We will have the opportunity to discover beautiful ochre colored cliffs and attractive sand beaches, before reaching the extreme southwestern tip of the European continent. We finish our ride to the edge of the continent with a craft beer in Sagres and relax for the evening. (40 miles)

Day Seven - The Sea

The last ride of our trip is a hilly one. We alternate between great descents to the ocean and climbing up to beautiful lookouts. In between are some of my favorite quite roads and gravel travels. Save some energy as this day is a blast.(30 miles)

Day Eight - Conclude our tour in Lagos. 

Part ways dreaming of our next adventure. A shuttle is available for your return to Lisbon.

Price Includes

  • All lodging during the adventure is based on double occupancy.

  • Gravel or Mountain bikes available for this trip. An eBike version is possible.

  • Breakfast each day.

  • Snacks and drinks are provided during each ride.

  • Three Dinners are included and three lunches.

  • Beer tasting and tours at select breweries.

  • Entrance fees and admission when applicable

  • Beer & Bike water bottle.

  • Cue sheets, GPS and guided directions for each day's adventure.

  • knowledgeable guides trained in bicycle repair, customer service and first aid.

  • Luggage and gear transfer between hotels.

Price Does Not Include

  • Transportation to and from the adventure.

  • Pre and post tour accommodations.

  • Our guides and field staff are around before and after each tour.

  • If you would like to stay with us give a call and we are happy to help you sort it out.

Single Supplement

  • If you are traveling alone or just do not want to stay in the same room as the folks you are with we have the option for a single room for an additional $500.

Participant Requirements

  • Must be able to ride a bicycle.

  • Must be 18 years old to drink beer.

  • This trip requires an intermediate level of fitness. The daily rides vary from 20 - 60 miles with altitude gains each day.

Available Dates

2024 Dates

October 18-25, 2024

Custom dates for small groups available.

Lodging

On this adventure we will be staying at a mix of hotels, small inns, castles and bed & breakfasts.

Breweries may include

  • Fabrica' Musa

  • Dois Corvos

  • Amo Brewing

  • Many small pubs with local and regional craft beer

  • And of course we will be having some yummy Portuguese wine