Starting at
per person
Duration
9 nights
Level
4 - Advanced - rolling and mountainous - 50 to 90 km
This trip is designed for cyclists who are comfortable riding on roads and unpaved paths on gravel bikes. The route consists of approximately 50% gravel roads, dirt roads, and off-road trails, and 50% paved roads, asphalt, and cobblestones. The surface conditions vary widely, and route conditions may change depending on the weather.
The Alentejo, Portugal’s breadbasket and heartland, is best explored off the beaten path. Over the course of 10 days, we invite you to join us on a true gravel biking adventure, from Évora to the Vicentine coast, followed by a final night in Lisbon.
Our route takes us along wild trails and small roads in Portugal, far from traffic, where we often come across animals. We pass through oak forests, olive groves, wine-growing regions, and the vast plains of Castro Verde. Along the way, we invite you to discover vineyards, Talha wine—made in clay jars—one of Europe’s best-preserved skies for stargazing, and one of the most renowned regions for birdwatching. The journey ends by the ocean, among the cliffs, coves, and wild beaches of the Costa Vicentina.
Since part of the route is on gravel, this Level 4 tour is challenging and intended for experienced cyclists, with daily rides ranging from 43 to 86 km. Three free days or loop options give you the choice to ride more or take a rest. Two Vélo Québec Voyages guides will accompany you—one on a bike and the other in a support vehicle—and we’ll handle the transport of your luggage and bike box.
Air travel for passengers, their luggage, and their bicycles with Air Transat;
transportation between the airport and the hotel at the destination, both on the way there and on the way back;
9 nights in a three-star hotel or guesthouse, double occupancy;
9 breakfasts and 1 dinner;
Air travel for passengers, their luggage, and their bicycles with Air Transat;
transportation between the airport and the hotel at the destination, both on the way there and on the way back;
9 nights in a three-star hotel or guesthouse, double occupancy;
9 breakfasts and 1 dinner;
Equipment, such as a bicycle
Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance
Equipment, such as a bicycle
Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance
Montreal-Trudeau/Lisbon
Lisbon/Montreal-Trudeau
10 to 12 cyclists, accompanied by a bike guide and a guide in a support vehicle.
Rating of the circuit: 4
The route consists of about 50% gravel paths and 50% paved roads.
Recommended equipment: 40- to 44-mm tires with light tread, designed for endurance riding. Ultralight racing tires are not recommended, as they are too fragile for this route.
Montreal-Trudeau/Lisbon
Lisbon/Montreal-Trudeau
10 to 12 cyclists, accompanied by a bike guide and a guide in a support vehicle.
Rating of the circuit: 4
The route consists of about 50% gravel paths and 50% paved roads.
Recommended equipment: 40- to 44-mm tires with light tread, designed for endurance riding. Ultralight racing tires are not recommended, as they are too fragile for this route.
Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon and transfer to Évora. The rest of the day is free. You can explore the historic center of Évora, the Roman temple, the Adega Cartuxa winery, and the municipal market, among other sights, at your leisure.
Day 2
Machede Loop and Casa Relva Vineyard
Free day, or a 50-km loop via Nossa Senhora de Machede, with an optional stop at kilometer 22 to visit the Casa Relva Vineyard, a family-run vineyard committed to sustainable practices.
Distance: 50 km
Day 3
The Ramal de Reguengos Eco-Trail
Travel from Évora to Reguengos de Monsaraz via the Ramal de Reguengos Eco-Trail, built along a former railroad line. You’ll pass through oak forests and olive groves and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Portuguese countryside. In the evening, it’s possible to arrange a visit to the Alqueva Dark Sky Observatory, one of Europe’s best-preserved skies for stargazing.
Distance: 43 km
Day 4
Toward Vidigueira, in the land of Talha wine
Travel to Vidigueira via Campinho and Amieira. Vidigueira is known for Talha wine, a Portuguese wine produced using a method inherited from the Romans (in clay jars). You can visit the Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira to learn more about how it’s made.
Distance: 65.4 km
Day 5
Toward the Vast Plains of Castro Verde
Drive from Vidigueira to Castro Verde via Beja. As you continue, the landscape becomes increasingly open and expansive. Keep your eyes peeled: the region is one of the most renowned in Europe for birdwatching (more than 350 species have been recorded throughout the seasons).
Distance: 78.1 km
Day 6
The Castro Verde Steppe
Free day or loop through the Castro Verde Steppe, via São Marcos da Ataboeira. Enjoy this day exploring the vast, remote plains for a complete change of scenery and a sense of total freedom.
Distance: 59.6 km
Day 7
Destination: the coast!
Travel the last few kilometers to the Vicentine coast: Garvão, Colos, Cercal, Vila Nova de Milfontes. Visit the Costa Vicentina Natural Park to see the cliffs, coves, and wild beaches for which the region is famous. We recommend dining at Tasca do Celso for an authentic local experience.
Distance: 86 km
Day 8
Almograve and Cavaleiro
A day off or a loop via Almograve and Cavaleiro, to soak up the sea one last time. Walk along the coast on the cliffside on the way there, then return through the inland.
Distance: 62.9 km
Day 9
Transfer from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Lisbon (2 hours 30 minutes). The rest of the day is free.
Day 10
Transfer to the Lisbon airport and return to Montreal.
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