Castles and Craft in the Alentejo

Classic

1. 1. Day one

   Transfer from Lisbon to Evora

   We meet you in Lisbon for a transfer of 1.5 hours to Evora. Settle into your hotel located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Evora where you stay 3 nights. Enjoy exploring the city, visiting the Roman temple, one of the largest and best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula and the Roman baths. Don't miss the Évora Museum and the old university, founded in the 16th century and one of the reasons for Évora's young and relaxed spirit. Wander the medieval streets inside the ancient walls and take a stroll through the romantic garden where D. Manuel's palace is located. In the afternoon your Host will meet you, brief you on your trip and fit you to your bikes.

2. 2. Day two

   Arraiolos or Igrejinha to Évora

   You are off! Start the day with a transfer after breakfast to Igrejinha or Arraiolos (for the shorter distance), known for its national monument - the castle of Arraiolos, unique for its circular design, and famous for its ancient tradition of tapestry with floral motifs, left by the Moors in the 12th century. Along the way you pass the typical village of Nossa Senhora do Divor and the medieval marbled church. Follow an Ecotrail, the old railway line now converted for traffic-free cycling connecting Arraiolos to Évora, through farmland and take the opportunity to visit the winery at Fita Preta or Cartuxa. Arriving back in Évora, the Aqueduct shows off its impressive construction. Commissioned by King João III in 1532, it was completed in just five years and stretched 11 miles from Graça do Divor, where it supplied water. You should have time to explore Evora further on your return and if you wish, book a Guided Walking Cultural Tour in Évora.

   Optional 16 or 22 miles (25 or 35 km) 593' or 1023' (+181/317 m) of ascent

3. 3. Day three

   Circular ride from Evora

   Leave Evora along its narrow streets, a reminder of the city's 2,000 year of history dating back to the Moorish presence. Your route takes you west of the city through the most diverse and monumental megalithic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. To the west of Évora lies an extraordinary concentration of prehistoric monuments, the result of the area’s strategic location along ancient migration and trading routes. As you cycle through cork oak forests and open countryside, you’ll visit some of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites, including the Almendres Cromlech, one of the largest and most impressive stone circles on the continent.

   Optional 26 miles (42 km) 1500' (469m) of ascent

4. 4. Day four

   Evora to Monsaraz environs

   Today enjoy a transfer to Vendinha where your cycling begins, heading to Reguengos de Monsaraz, a small town located next to the Alqueva dam, famous for its wines, favoured as they are by the local climate and distinctive soil characteristics - and stop for a tasting at the de Sousa winery. As you pedal through a landscape dominated by rolling vineyards, enjoy a refreshing pause in Montoito a traditional Alentejo village home to two ancient churches and a timeless rural atmosphere. Your destination is Monsaraz, one of Portugal’s most iconic hilltop villages. From here, sweeping views over the Alqueva Lake and the surrounding plains make for an unforgettable arrival.

   23 miles (36 km) 900' (280 m) of ascent

5. 5. Day five

   Circular ride via Monsaraz

   This is a region of ancient human occupation, and on today's route you can see several relics that reveal the existence of different cultures from other times, such as the Cromeleque de Xarez or the Lover’s Rock. This region was inhabited by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and was finally conquered by the first Portuguese king in 1167. During your ride, you'll be heading to the medieval village of Monsaraz, considered a National Monument and described as the 'balcony over the Great Lake', with its impressive views over the Alqueva Reservoir and the Spanish border. No visit to this region would be complete without a stop in São Pedro do Corval, Portugal’s pottery capital, home to around 35 traditional workshops. Here, you can browse authentic ceramics or even join a hands-on pottery experience (available on request).

   Optional 20 miles (32 km) 850' (258 m) of ascent

6. 6. Day six

   Monsaraz to Vila Vicosa

   As you leave the Monsaraz area heading north you’ll find the villages of Terena and Alandroal. The castle of Terena, as well as the castles of Alandroal, Juromenha, Mourão and Monsaraz, were all an integral part of the Portuguese defensive line along the Guadiana to maintain the borders with Spain. Cycling the backroads that wind through the cork and olivetree groves, you reach Alandroal. Visit the castle there and delight in the local gastronomy in one of the local restaurants in the village before you reach Vila Viçosa, known as the Princess of Alentejo. With a rich heritage created by man throughout the centuries, Vila Viçosa is full of history. Yet, it is nature that provides the region’s signature material: marble. This prized resource has long been central to the local economy and can be admired in numerous decorative works throughout the town.

   28 miles (45 km) 2000' (611 m) of ascent

7. 7. Day seven

   Circular ride from Vila Vicosa

   Along this circular route you will pass through the picturesque town of Borba where impressive Borba Castle offers panoramic views across the Alentejo countryside all the way to Spain. On the way, you'll be surprised by the majestic Serra d'Ossa mountain range, a dramatice backdrop to gentle rolling hills of the region. Before returning to Vila Viçosa, you may want to visit Quinta do Zambujeiro, sampling local varietals in a serene setting (advance booking). This area is defined by its cork oak and eucalyptus forests, as well as sprawling livestock farms that support the thriving local dairy industry, centered in Rio de Moinhos. This tradition is celebrated annually at the Borba Cheese Fair, held at Easter to showcase the region’s exceptional produce.

   Optional 18 miles (28 km) and 845' (258 m) of ascent

8. 8. Day eight

   Transfer to Lisbon

   We transfer you after breakfast to Lisbon for your onward journey.

Luxury

1. 1. Day one

   

   Transfer from Lisbon to Evora

   We meet you in Lisbon for a transfer of 1.5 hours to Evora. Settle into your hotel located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Evora where you stay 3 nights. Enjoy exploring the city, visiting the Roman temple, one of the largest and best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula and the Roman baths. Don't miss the Évora Museum and the old university, founded in the 16th century and one of the reasons for Évora's young and relaxed spirit. Wander the medieval streets inside the ancient walls and take a stroll through the romantic garden where D. Manuel's palace is located. In the afternoon your Host will meet you, brief you on your trip and fit you to your bikes.

2. 2. Day two

   Arraiolos or Igrejinha to Évora

   You are off! Start the day with a transfer after breakfast to Igrejinha or Arraiolos (for the shorter distance), known for its national monument - the castle of Arraiolos, unique for its circular design, and famous for its ancient tradition of tapestry with floral motifs, left by the Moors in the 12th century. Along the way you pass the typical village of Nossa Senhora do Divor and the medieval marbled church. Follow an Ecotrail, the old railway line now converted for traffic-free cycling connecting Arraiolos to Évora, through farmland and take the opportunity to visit the winery at Fita Preta or Cartuxa. Arriving back in Évora, the Aqueduct shows off its impressive construction. Commissioned by King João III in 1532, it was completed in just five years and stretched 11 miles from Graça do Divor, where it supplied water. You should have time to explore Evora further on your return and if you wish, book a Guided Walking Cultural Tour in Évora.

   Optional 16 or 22 miles (25 or 35 km) 593' or 1023' (+181/317 m) of ascent

3. 3. Day three

   Circular ride from Evora

   Leave Evora along its narrow streets, a reminder of the city's 2,000 year of history dating back to the Moorish presence. Your route takes you west of the city through the most diverse and monumental megalithic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. To the west of Évora lies an extraordinary concentration of prehistoric monuments, the result of the area’s strategic location along ancient migration and trading routes. As you cycle through cork oak forests and open countryside, you’ll visit some of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites, including the Almendres Cromlech, one of the largest and most impressive stone circles on the continent.

   Optional 26 miles (42 km) 1500' (469m) of ascent

4. 4. Day four

   

   Evora to Monsaraz environs

   Today enjoy a transfer to Vendinha where your cycling begins, heading to Reguengos de Monsaraz, a small town located next to the Alqueva dam, famous for its wines, favoured as they are by the local climate and distinctive soil characteristics - and stop for a tasting at the de Sousa winery. As you pedal through a landscape dominated by rolling vineyards, enjoy a refreshing pause in Montoito a traditional Alentejo village home to two ancient churches and a timeless rural atmosphere. Your destination is Monsaraz, one of Portugal’s most iconic hilltop villages. From here, sweeping views over the Alqueva Lake and the surrounding plains make for an unforgettable arrival.

   You may choose to upgrade your overnight stay for the next 2 nights to the wonderful, privately owned Barrocal Estate, and the Herdade do Barrocal which has at its heart an ancient small farming village, now carefully brought back to life as a remarkable hotel of understated luxury. Only available on request.

   23 miles (36 km) 900' of ascent

5. 5. Day five

   Circular ride via Monsaraz

   This is a region of ancient human occupation, and on today's route you can see several relics that reveal the existence of different cultures from other times, such as the Cromeleque de Xarez or the Lover’s Rock. This region was inhabited by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and was finally conquered by the first Portuguese king in 1167. During your ride, you'll be heading to the medieval village of Monsaraz, considered a National Monument and described as the 'balcony over the Great Lake', with its impressive views over the Alqueva Reservoir and the Spanish border. No visit to this region would be complete without a stop in São Pedro do Corval, Portugal’s pottery capital, home to around 35 traditional workshops. Here, you can browse authentic ceramics or even join a hands-on pottery experience (available on request).

   Optional 20 miles (32 km) 850' (258 m) of ascent

6. 6. Day six

   

   Monsaraz to Vila Vicosa

   As you leave the Monsaraz area heading north you’ll find the villages of Terena and Alandroal. The castle of Terena, as well as the castles of Alandroal, Juromenha, Mourão and Monsaraz, were all an integral part of the Portuguese defensive line along the Guadiana to maintain the borders with Spain. Cycling the backroads that wind through the cork and olivetree groves, you reach Alandroal. Visit the castle there and delight in the local gastronomy in one of the local restaurants in the village before you reach Vila Viçosa, known as the Princess of Alentejo. With a rich heritage created by man throughout the centuries, Vila Viçosa is full of history. Yet, it is nature that provides the region’s signature material: marble. This prized resource has long been central to the local economy and can be admired in numerous decorative works throughout the town.

   28 miles (45 km) 2000' (611 m) of ascent

7. 7. Day seven

   Circular ride from Vila Vicosa

   Along this circular route you will pass through the picturesque town of Borba where impressive Borba Castle offers panoramic views across the Alentejo countryside all the way to Spain. On the way, you'll be surprised by the majestic Serra d'Ossa mountain range, a dramatice backdrop to gentle rolling hills of the region. Before returning to Vila Viçosa, you may want to visit Quinta do Zambujeiro, sampling local varietals in a serene setting (advance booking). This area is defined by its cork oak and eucalyptus forests, as well as sprawling livestock farms that support the thriving local dairy industry, centered in Rio de Moinhos. This tradition is celebrated annually at the Borba Cheese Fair, held at Easter to showcase the region’s exceptional produce.

   Optional 18 miles (28 km) and 845' (258 m) of ascent

8. 8. Day eight

   Transfer to Lisbon

   We transfer you after breakfast to Lisbon for your onward journey.