Average rating Portugal Wine Tour by Bike!

Portugal’s ‘bread basket’, the south-central region of Alentejo is famed for its olive trees, cork-oak trees and corn as well as some very fine wines! Discover its charms on this seven-day Portugal wine tour by bike!

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. 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.

Alentejo is one of Portugal’s most famous wine-producing regions, and what better way to discover the land and its harvest than by cycling from winery to winery! This seven-day tour begins in Estremoz, a quaint walled town set amidst vast vineyards. Heading south-westwards, you’ll cycle past whitewashed villages, megalithic monuments, ancient churches and fields dotted with cork oaks. En route, you’ll stop at wineries and vineyards where you’ll get to sample the produce and learn about the industry, either over lunch on the terrace or amongst the casks in the cool vaulted cellars! The trip culminates with a visit to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

This is a wonderful little trip that’s suitable for just about anyone who’s ever ridden a bike (and enjoys wine)! You don’t need a lot of experience, just a love of beautiful countryside and a decent level of physically fitness. This Alentejo wineries tour is a ‘hybrid’ - a mixture of tarmac riding (66%) and off-road rolling trails (34%) – 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. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll be part of a group, so don’t dawdle too much! Rest assured, there’ll be plenty of time to relax with a glass of Syrah come sunset.

Getting there

Air: Fly to Lisbon Portela Airport where you will be met by your guides.

Price includes

Food, accommodation, guide, bikes, vehicle support

Departures

11 Sep 2010 - 17 Sep 2010

09 Oct 2010 - 15 Oct 2010

Typical Duration

1 week

Comfort level

Refined (boutique or luxury accommodation and food)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed