Portugal North to South
This 12 day cycling vacation is a great way to discover what Portugal has to offer on and off your bike. We tailor our vacations to offer a mix of cycling and discovery.
The N2 and the Portuguese roads present a tranquil pathway to explore Portugal’s captivating beauty and rich diversity. Spanning from the North to the South, it unveils a tapestry of landscapes, each offering its own breathtaking allure. Beginning in the rustic North, you’ll encounter fertile terraces steeped in tradition, nestled amidst stunning landscapes. Venturing through the Douro Valley, adorned with sprawling vineyards, cyclists traverse grape laden meandering valleys. Further south, the Alentejo region unfolds, with its quaint villages and expanses of cork oak and olive groves. Finally, the sun-drenched Algarve beckons, before culminating in Lisbon, the vibrant capital where antiquated trams glide past magnificent architecture and warm-hearted locals.
Inclusions
- Pick up at the airport and return
- Transfer from the Algave to Lisbon
- Storage of your bike box
- Transportation of luggage from point to point (one luggage per person 23 kg max)
- Transportation of your day bag
- Hotels for 11 nights
- 11 breakfasts
- Support vehicle on the road and access to snacks and day bag
- Guide on the road
- Gpx files
- Secure storage for bike
Exclusions
- Flights
- Airline fees for bike and luggage transportation
- Personal insurances
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Optional activities
- Bike
WHAT TO EXPECT
The day starts with breakfast at the hotel (continental breakfast). Meeting at 8h30 in the hotel lobby, luggage and day bag ready to be loaded in the van, followed by a briefing, going through the day and questions, departure at 9 am. Once we leave, the day is yours, feel free to ride at your own pace. One of us will ride daily with you, at the back to make sure everyone arrives safely at our destination. Half way, the support van will be waiting for you beside a café for those wanting a coffee break/ lunch and allows you to have access to your day bag, snacks and maintenance tools such as pump if needed. Then back on the road and depending of the length of the day we may stop for another break or get to our destination where your luggage will be waiting for you. The evening is all yours, feel free to enjoy your evening meal with us, the group or discover the local cuisine on your own.
GPX Files
Portugal North to South comes with GPX files, from your departure hotel to your new destination hotel. The GPX route files will be sent well in advance to ensure you can upload them to your bike computer. Any revisions will be resent as needed. We recommend bringing a bike computer to upload the GPX files of the route.
Route condition
The routes we are riding are mainly quiet with a few busier sections when we reach the towns .
These require care and experience with road cycling . Roads are suitable for road bikes and well surfaced.
Accomodation North to South
We have carefully selected hotels that we have personally visited and enjoyed. These hotels offer comfort, cleanliness, and high quality, with secure indoor bike storage available. Some hotels have on-site restaurants, and all provide a great breakfast to start off your day. Your luggage will be transferred daily, and our support van will be available at the halfway point with snacks and your day bag. The van is also ready to assist you during the day.
Meals and snacks
You’ll have plenty of options for lunch and supper at local cafés and restaurants, these expenses are not included in the tour price. There is no specific formula for evening meals, it is up to you, you may choose to dine with the group, or you can explore the local cuisine on your own, experiencing the flavors Portugal is famous for.
Snack bars, fruit and water are available daily from the support van, and you can help yourself as needed.
Bike Maintenance and Mechanical Issues
We have bike cleaning materials and basic tools such as allen keys, lubricants and pumps, so you can maintain your bike daily.
However it is helpful for everyone to know how to replace a tube or repair a puncture/flat, we are on call to assist with minor mechanical issues that can be addressed roadside. For more specialized repairs, we can transport you and your bike to a local bike shop where available.
Support Van & Guide
Our support van, during your cycling days, will be waiting for you once or twice a day allowing you to have access to your day bag and snacks and refreshments. One of us will always be cycling with you making sure everyone reaches the destination.
Once at the hotel, your luggage will be waiting for you.
The itinerary
Arrival to Porto, pick up at the airport and transfer to Chaves
Bike assembly and assistance if required
Optional loop from the Hotel: 29.86 km Total ascension 485 m Total descent 485 m
Transfert
Transfer from the hotel to Lisbon airport