Portugal by bike: Alentejo wine country tour

by Bike Spain Tours
Region
Alentejo
Duration
6 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Moderate
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

Bike across Portugal’s Alentejo wine country, gliding through whitewashed villages, medieval castles, and the timeless UNESCO city of Évora. This guided bike tour allows you to explore the Alentejo wine region, one of the best in Portugal, discovering magical white villages, medieval castles and endless vineyards. Enjoy biking through peaceful rolling hills whilst exploring local wine cellars, sleeping in convents and discovering the UNESCO world heritage sites of cities like Évora, Elvas, Vila Viçosa and Monsaraz. Discover the amazing history, culture and traditions of this thriving wine region, which was awarded the title of Best Wine Region in the world in 2014. Alentejo is a picturesque and charming place, where you’ll fall in love with the whitewashed villages, medieval castles, sunbathed plains and the traditions and lifestyle. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora, the fortified village of Marvão and the former Palace of the Portuguese Kings, and discover the rural lifestyle of the local homesteads. The (practically) car-free roads and trails of the Alentejo provide a great atmosphere for bike tours, and its topography makes it a great region for beginner and intermediate riders. You’ll have plenty of time to stop and check out the “Sobreiros” and visit the “Antas” along the way. With its celebrated gastronomy and wine, and fabulous accommodations, the Alentejo is a great destination to experience the best of Portugal, where luxury meets tradition. Day 1: Alter do Chão: Cycle through gently rolling landscapes toward the medieval city of Castelo de Vide, then continue up to the hilltop fortified village of Marvão. Explore the 9th-century castle and ancient cistern, and take in breathtaking views of the Serra de São Mamede mountains. Mid-ride, enjoy a leisurely lunch in this dramatic setting. After lunch, cycle back to Crato along quiet, picturesque backroads, passing rolling hills and traditional Alentejo villages. Day 2: Alter do Chão – Vila Viçosa: Cycle through the rolling golden hills of North Alentejo, dotted with cork oak forests, olive groves, and quiet country lanes. The bike destination for today is the fortified medieval town of Estremoz, where you can wander cobbled streets and historic squares before enjoying a leisurely lunch. Continue to Vila Viçosa, the marble capital of Portugal, famous for its grand palaces, stately squares, and buildings crafted from the region’s distinctive white and pink stone. Day 3: Vila Viçosa – Elvas: Cycle on scenic country roads toward the historic garrison town of Elvas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its striking star-shaped fortifications, impressive aqueduct, and charming old town. Explore the town, soaking in its rich history and unique architecture. Continue cycling to the castle of Juromenha, perched dramatically above the Guadiana River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the river valley. Afterward, board a van for the transfer back to the hotel. Day 4: Monsaraz – Évora: Cycle toward the enchanting hilltop village of Monsaraz, one of Portugal’s most picturesque medieval gems. As you approach its ancient walls, the landscape opens to breathtaking panoramic views over the vast Alqueva Reservoir. After lunch, transfer to the exquisite Convento do Espinheiro, a luxurious 5-star retreat set within a beautifully restored 15th-century convent. Day 5: Évora: Visit a striking white-washed fortification on the outskirts of Évora, famed for its beautifully crafted woolen carpets. Continue cycling across the gentle central plains, passing cork oak forests, olive groves, and vast estates. Stop at an exceptional local winery to enjoy a leisurely meal paired with some of the region’s finest wines. In the late afternoon, head to Évora to explore its charming streets, browse local artisan shops, or discover the city’s remarkable monuments such as the Capela dos Ossos. Day 6: Departure: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Lisbon. Arrival/departure airport: Humberto Delgado Lisbon Airport (LIS). Direct flights to Lisbon are available from a number of destinations in the USA. Accommodation: Vila Gale Alter Real, Alentejo Marmoris, Espinheiros Convent Hotel. Bikes: Touring bike. Specialized Sirrus 3.0, Specialized Tarmac Carbon road Bike, Electric Bike Specialized Vado Turbo SL.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Airport transfers
Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Alentejo

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.