Portugal in Motion: Hiking, Cycling and Kayaking

Start your day by wandering through the enchanting village of Sintra, meandering along its picturesque streets and uncovering its historic palaces. Then venture into the stunning woodlands of Sintra Natural Park, where granite rocks, lush greenery, and frequent mist combine to create an atmosphere that feels genuinely magical.

Visits

• Palácio Nacional de Sintra
• Palácio da Pena

Food & Tasting

• Local treats
• Lunch in local restaurant
• Coffee with pastel de nata at a café

Hiking details

• Distance: 10-20 km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Dirt tracks, single tracks, and sandy paths
• Total ascent: 393 m

Discover the breathtaking coastline of Arrábida by sea kayak, allowing you to access secluded areas and beaches that are difficult to reach by land. Take in the spectacular sights of towering limestone cliffs and the pristine Mediterranean-like scenery during this unique coastal experience.

Then, head inland to the Évora region, where the landscape, rhythm, and ambiance transform dramatically from coastal to rural.

Visits

• Sesimbra market
• Sesimbra Castle
• Coastal cliffs and secluded beaches

Food & Tasting

• Picnic lunch by the beach

Kayaking details

• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Depends on sea conditions, from easy to medium

The tour kicks off at the farm with a visit to the Classic Car Museum, featuring an impressive collection of Jaguars, Austin Healeys, Porsches, and even a Jeep that participated in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Take in the serene farm environment, interact with the animals, and wander through the vegetable garden. We will begin our hike along the 16th-century aqueduct path leading to Évora, where you'll learn about cork, olives, and aromatic herbs along the journey.

Once we reach Évora, follow Rua do Cano (“Pipe Street”) to witness how the aqueduct extends into the city center. Discover the narrow, whitewashed streets of Évora’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical area, including a visit to the Chapel of Bones, one of the city's most distinctive attractions, with admission included.

A light lunch will be provided at Casa da Avó (Granny's house), a charming local café near the market.

Upon returning to the farm, you can enjoy a cooking class!

Visits

• Classic car museum
• Évora Aqueduct
• Cathedral of Évora
• Roman Temple
• University of Évora
• Bones chapel
• Viewpoint of Alto de São Bento

Food & tasting

• Cheese tasting in Cachopas
• Ervideira wine shop
• Local cafés and restaurants in Évora
• Alentejo cooking class in our farm

Hiking details

• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Flat trail along aqueduct
• Total ascent: 50 m

Kayaking Adventure at Moinho do Alcaide

Experience a serene kayaking outing on the tranquil waters close to Évora, gliding along the Degebe River or across the picturesque Divor Lake. Set against a backdrop of open fields and the sounds of birds, this soothing activity provides a genuine opportunity to unwind. Following your kayaking excursion, enjoy a brief stroll along the riverbank, where you can observe local wildlife and grazing animals that enhance the peaceful atmosphere.

Visits

• River Degebe or Divor Lake

Food & Tasting

• Picnic lunch in nature

Kayaking details

• Difficulty: Easy, flat water

Biking from our farm to Arraiolos and back

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

In Arraiolos, the hilltop castle stands out as a key attraction, providing breathtaking views, and the Arraiolos Museum is definitely worth checking out.

With two wineries on the way, you'll have ample chances for tastings and leisurely stops, making this journey not just picturesque but also full of cultural experiences and enjoyment.

Visits

• Ecotrail
• Village 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: 50 to 60 km, depends on wineries you select to visit
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Terrain: Gentle rolling roads, 15 km on dirt roads
• Total ascent: 202 m/ 662 feet

Cycling to S. Miguel de Machede

Pedal your way to Igrejinha, a charming village in the Alentejo renowned for its striking white houses adorned with colorful stripes.

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

You’ll ride serene countryside with minimal traffic.

Explore the process of cork harvesting, sorting, and transformation, and discover the numerous applications of this remarkable natural resource, which is one of Portugal’s signature exports. This will all take place during a guided tour of the cork factory.

Visits

• Divor dam
• Igrejinha village
• Cork factory

Food & tasting

• Freshly squeezed lemonade at Monte do Serrado de Baixo
• Winery Fita Preta, set in a 14th century palace
• Winery of Comenda, set in a family estate.
• Winery of Coelheiros, where you may also book a jeep tour around the estate to learn about its sustainable project.
• Pepe Aromas, a Prickly pear plantation

Cycling details

• Distance: 47 km/ 29.2 miles with transfer back to the hotel, or 66 km/ 41 miles if you cycle all the way back to the hotel
• Difficulty: Easy+ / Medium if you cycle all the way back to the hotel
• Terrain: Soft hills and secondary roads
• Total ascent: 215 m/ 705 feet

Biking from our farm to Valongo

Today's journey is among the simplest and most tranquil segments of a cycling vacation in Alentejo, featuring extensive stretches of a newly established, traffic-free ecotrail.

Cyclists have the option to remain on the ecotrail for a complete immersion in nature or to take scenic detours through quaint villages, where they can pause for coffee, interact with locals, or have a picnic in beautiful settings. The day concludes with a deserved wine tasting, after which we'll transfer back to our farm.

Visits

• Ecotrail
• Village of Nossa Senhora de Machede
• Leather artisan
• Castle of Valongo

Food & tasting

• Local café at Nossa Senhora de Machede
• Local restaurant in Montoito
• Ervideira Winery

Cycling details

• Distance: 40 km without the wine tasting and with transfer from Castelo de Valongo or 50 km with the wine tasting and transfer from the end of the route
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Terrain: Gentle rolling roads with last 6 km on dirt road
• Total ascent: 291m / 954 feet

Transfer to airport.