Pedal on traffic-free roads through Portugal's compelling countryside, sprawled with wildflower fields, gnarly cork trees, olive groves, and vineyards. Dine at our friend's private country palace and renowned winery. Stay in Convento do Espinheiro, a gorgeously renovated 15th-century convent. Explore an ancient Roman temple and the meditative Chapel of Bones in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Accept a private invitation to a cooking class with a local chef. Smoked meats, porco preto, tangy sheep’s and cow's milk cheese, gazpacho, bacalhau (dried salt cod), lamb and beef, and pasteis de nata (egg custard tarts). Harmonious, full-bodied, and robust red wines; crisp, fruit-forward whites made from indigenous grapes. Day 1: Welcome to Portugal’s Alentejo. Ride through the surrounding countryside, an undulating landscape of gold and green. Enjoy a welcome drink and settle in before gathering for an evening of wine and contemporary Alentejo cuisine at the estate’s restaurant. Day 2: Quintessential Alentejo. Ride through the gently rolling countryside of upper Alentejo. Pause for a mid-morning coffee next to a wild stream where the locals plunge. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch. Learn how to make a medley of local Alentejo dishes with a local chef, followed by the dinner you helped prepare, paired with wines from the estate. Day 3: Plains and Palaces of Alentejo. Ride through the idyllic villages and fertile plains of Alentejo. Ride to the historic town of Vila Viçosa—known for its heritage of manmade marble creations—where we’ll check into our hotel at the center of town. Dine like royalty with our friend Isabel at her family winery and ancestral home; a mid-18th-century palace built by King John V and gifted to the object of his affection: a lady of the court. Day 4: Pottery Traditions and Historic Évora. Pedal past rows of gnarly olive trees, pristine vineyards, and whitewashed farms. Visit an artisan potter at work in his studio, watching as these traditional pieces are hand painted. Lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants. Guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, wandering centuries-old streets and squares from the intriguing Chapel of Bones to the Roman Temple. Day 5: Cork and Wine: Treasures of Portugal. Learn about harvesting and processing cork. Spin through pastures, vineyards, and oak groves. Tour the cork-walled winery and head into in the medieval cellar where a wine-paired lunch awaits. Farewell dinner will take place at the hotel’s Divinus restaurant. Day 6: Adeus to the Alentejo. Relax this morning over a well-deserved gourmet breakfast before our drive back to Lisbon. Accommodations: Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Luggage transfers. Meals: Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails. 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments. Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal. Activities: Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary. Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events. Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service. Gear: Top-of-the-line bicycle selection. Bike helmet. Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag. GPS with pre-programmed route maps. Support: Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge. Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts. Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points. Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare. Dinner on one free night. Gratuities for DuVine guides. Travel Protection. Bikes: Synapse 2 RLE (Cannondale, Road). Quick 1 Disc (Cannondale, Hybrid). Roadmachine AMP TWO (BMC, Road E-Bike) - $400 supplement, subject to availability. Turbo Vado SL 4.0 (Specialized, Hybrid E-Bike).
Hotel
A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.