Average rating Megalithic Heritage in Alentejo

The spectacular rural landscape of Alentejo is studded with mysterious megaliths many millennia old. This seven-day tour gives you the chance to explore this enigmatic country on two wheels with some of best cycling in western Europe!

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, the Portuguese region of Alentejo is also steeped in heritage. With warm winters and fertile soils Alentejo has long been an important agricultural area, with cork, wine and meat among its main produce. The Romans left traces of their occupation throughout the landscape, including the still-standing temple at Évora, now a UNESCO site, and the almost intact villa at São Cucufate. Then it was the turn of the Moors, under whom the region flourished; the mosque at Mértola is just one of the architectural gems they bequeathed. With mile upon mile of cork forest, rolling wheat fields, shady citrus and olive groves and a spectacular coastline, Alentejo is a paradise for lovers of landscape and adventure.

This seven-day tour takes you to the heart of this fantastic region. You’ll explore the remains of diverse cultures and periods, from the dolmens (tombs) and cromlechs (stone circles) of Stone Age clans to Roman and Moorish temples, Christian churches to medieval castles. You’ll take in the temple at Évora and the Alentajo Fortress, as well as the medieval villages of Estremoz and Monsaraz. The best part though is the sense of weightless freedom as you ride alongside lush vineyards and golden wheat fields dotted with cork oaks, a landscape of timeless beauty. There’s a lot to see and do, but rest assured at the end of each day you’ll have the chance to put your feet up in the pleasant hotels and Turismo Rural cottages en route; your baggage will be waiting for you when you arrive.

We think this is a great trip, but it’s only suitable for advanced cyclers. That means you’ll need to be in good shape and to have a fair amount of biking experience. The Alentejo megalithic tour is a ‘hybrid’ - a mixture of tarmac riding (>70%) and off-road rolling trails – allowing you to explore the landscape without having to do anything too technical. The pace is quite leisurely, with plenty of time to wildlife-spot, climb a cork oak or check out the historic villages. You’ll be part of a group though, so you can’t dawdle too much!

Getting there

You will be met by your guide at Lisbon airport.

Price includes

Hybrid Bike Tour with a Guide, Hybrid Bike (BH Trekking Sport K30K Silvertip) with helmet, Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport, Accommodation (usually a 3/4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy), 6 Breakfasts, 4 nourishing and energetic picnics, 4 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts), Daily energy-bars and water, The vineyards – guided visit and wine tasting, Luggage transport from Inn to Inn, Car connections at some stages (when necessary), Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Techno-Mechanical Assistance, First-Aid assistance on location, Permanent Backup Vehicle

Typical Duration

1 week

Comfort level

Refined (boutique or luxury accommodation and food)

Experience required

Some previous experience is needed