Cycling and Cooking Journey Through Portugal’s Heartlands

Alvados Round Trip

We'll go on a climb to the limestone cave for a guided tour lasting approximately one hour.

In 1955, two individuals at a site known as Pedra do Altar discovered an entrance in the rock while attempting to catch a bird. Inside, they found the Santo António caves, which were formed over 150 million years ago. These caves span an impressive area of 6,000 square meters and are embellished with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Following your cave exploration, you will continue cycling through the local agricultural fields, which are abundant with olive trees. In the 1950s, this region produced around 200,000 liters of olive oil! There might be an opportunity to visit an olive mill and sample some olive oil.

After returning home, take some time to relax in the Aire baths. You’ve earned it after this biking adventure!

Visits

• Limestone caves
• Special baths at the hotel. Possible to book a massage

Food & Tasting

• Olive mill
• Picnic lunch (included in van guided and guided tours)
• Cooking class - In the end of the day we invite you to meet the Chef in the kitchen and make your own dinner, which we hope will be Yummy!!! (included in van guided and guided tours)

Cycling Details

• Distance: 42 km / 26 mile
• Difficulty: Difficult with normal bike, medium with e-bike
• Terrain: 80% asphalt, long steep hills, easy dirt track (ecotrail). Hardest of our bicycle tours in Portugal.
• Total ascent: 800 m / 2624 feet

From Alvados to Évora

The journey features more hills, offering tough ascents and delightful descents along a narrow mountain road.

The construction of the Batalha Monastery lasted over a century, encompassing the reigns of seven kings. It stands as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, infused with Manueline elements.

The Alcobaça Monastery showcases a stunning 13th-century façade and the notable tombs of King Pedro I and his lover Inês de Castro, who was tragically killed due to their forbidden love.

4 PM – 3h transfer to our farm, in Évora

Visits

• Monastery of Batalha
• Alcobaça Monastery

Food&Tasting

• Local sweet in Batalha
• Dinner at the farm (included in van guided and guided tours)

Cycling Details

• Distance: 46 km / 28,5 mile
• Difficulty: Difficult with normal bike, medium with e-bike
• Terrain: 100% asphalt, some long steep hills.
• Total ascent: 560 m / 1837 feet

Évora Round Trip

Cycling from our farm to S. Miguel de Machede

On this bike tour, we depart from the guesthouse and head towards Igrejinha, a charming village in the Alentejo famous for its striking white houses adorned with colorful stripes.

The day is filled with visits to local producers, making it difficult to choose from the many options available.

You will cycle through serene countryside with minimal traffic.

Experience the process of cork harvesting, sorting, and transformation, and discover the various applications of this remarkable natural resource, which is one of Portugal's most significant exports.

Visits

• Lake of Divor dam
• Cork factory

Food & tasting

• Local café in Igrejinha
• Winery Fita Preta - set in a 14th century palace
• Winery of Comenda, set in a family estate. A beautiful local winery, which also includes a stop at an old olive mill.
• Winery of Coelheiros, where you may also book a jeep tour around the estate to learn about its sustainable project.
• Prickly pear plantation, a wonderful example of innovation in Alentejo agriculture.
• Cooking class at the farm (included in van support and guided tours)

Cycling Details

• Distance: 43 kms/26,7 mi, with transfer back to the farm; 63 kms/39,1 mi round trip
• Difficulty: Medium without a transfer. Easy with transfer
• Terrain: 100% asphalt, soft hills.
• Total ascent: 213 mt/ 698 ft OR 295 mt/ 967 ft

Évora Round Trip

Bike Ride from Our Farm to Arraiolos and Back

Take the eco-trail, a bike path created along an old railway line, as it meanders through quaint farms and serene countryside.

In Arraiolos, the prominent hilltop castle provides breathtaking views, and the Arraiolos Museum is definitely worth exploring.

With two wineries along the way, you'll have ample chances for tastings and leisurely breaks, making this journey not just picturesque but also culturally enriching and enjoyable.

Visits

• Ecotrail
• Hamlet of Graça do Divor
• Castle and historical center of Arraiolos
• Tapestry museum

Food & tasting

• Meat pies of Mrs. Ilda!
• Local café of Ilhas
• Delicious Pastéis de Toucinho, a local sweet
• Winery of Ravasqueira - with a carriage museum
• Winery Fita Preta - set in a 14th century palace

Cycling Details

• Distance: 41kms/25,4 miles OR 60 km/ 37,2 mi (depends on winery choice)
• Difficulty: Easy + to Medium
• Terrain: Gentle rolling roads, 15 kms on dirt roads
• Total ascent: 293 mts / 961 feet OR 430 mt/ 1410 ft

From Évora to Santiago

This leisurely cycling day in the Alentejo provides an ideal mix of easy biking, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Beginning at a rural farmhouse, the route takes you through picturesque scenery to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cyclists can wander through its historic streets.

After lunch (not included), we will drive you to Santiago do Cacém. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to visit the castle, which is definitely worth seeing, and you can cycle to your hotel afterward.

Visits

• Cathedral of Évora
• Roman Temple
• University of Évora
• Bones chapel

Food & tasting

• Ervideira wine shop
• Local cafés and restaurants in Évora
• At 6 pm you will meet the Chef for another tasty cooking class. Enjoy!

Cycling Details

• Distance: 12 Kms / 7,4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Ecotrail for 8 kms and city streets afterwards
• Total ascent: 62 mts / 203 feet

From Santiago to Milfontes

After spending so many days inland, it's time to enjoy some sea views and perhaps take a swim! Before you depart, make sure to visit the last functioning windmill and then head towards the coast through a vibrant green oak forest. The arrival at the fishing village of Porto Covo will be framed by the Blue Ocean and schist cliffs.

On your journey, take a moment to explore a fortification that once safeguarded a natural bay from pirate invasions. Shortly after, you’ll have the chance to 'walk into the ocean' on a rocky pier, where you can observe fish being unloaded and lamprey drying in the sun.

Visits

• Castle of Santiago do Cacém
• Windmill
• Fortress of Pessegueiro
• Fishing port

Food&tasting

• Lunch (included in supported and guided tours)
• Dinner (included in guided tours)

Cycling details

• Distance: 57 kms / 35,4 miles
• Difficulty: Medium+
• Terrain: 2 climbs and then flat roads and some dirt roads
• Total ascent: 335 mts / 1099 feet

Transfer to airport (included in PLUS tours).