Algarve a coastline of fortresses by About Dreams

Cycling in Portugal

ALGARVE, A COASTLINE OF FORTRESSES 7

DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

Algarve's picturesque and lively historical centers Cycling in two of the most unique natural parks in Portugal Incredible and wild scenery on the west coast of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP Backwaters and salt mines of Ria Formosa Swimming in the warmer and crystalline waters of the Algarve Visit to organic farm and to local pastry factory Taste delicious local food at gorgeous beaches Remote dirt roads (easy to manage) Very nice hotels, including a night in a Convent

In this medium level cycling tour we start cycling in a wild rugged area of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP, on the west coast. Then, we cycle along the popular south coast, the true Algarve, including very picturesque spots closer to the Spanish border. Our days have lots of variety with visits to places such as the Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, the Cape of Sagres and several fortresses. The Portuguese Sea Discoveries of the 15th century are always present. Besides cycling and enjoying the amazing scenery, we invite you also to learn about the local economy. A visit to an organic farm where fruit in grown and transformed in jams, chutneys, cakes and chocolates is one of the learning highlights. The salines visit another one and, to a sweet end, a visit to a pastry factory where you will have the chance to make some cakes and taste (cooking on guided tours only). The beaches are beautiful, on the first days with fun waves and impressive steep cliffs on the background while the last days offer us quiet and crystal blue waters. You will find out that even in the more touristy Algarve areas there are still hidden away empty beaches. Though the Algarve is apparently flat, there are several short ups and downs along the day, so you should be fit enough to handle the hills. In the 6th day there is a transfer by train to avoid the more busy area of the Algarve. The hotels are all nice and with swimming pool, (except for the first one), though we hope you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much time to spend there! There are a couple of Pousadas included and a lovely hamlet changed in to tourism project. The Algarve usually is a bit warmer than the rest of the country in autumn and spring, so you may end up having a swim in late October or early April!

ITINERARY

ITINERARY 1ST DAY - ARRIVAL ARRIVAL AT FARO OR LISBON AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO ODECEIXE. If you arrive early we suggest a visit to the historic centre of Faro before the transfer to Odeceixe (if you flew to Faro). Arrival to Odeceixe in time for a beer at the little square, and maybe to visit the windmill. Also possible to use your bike to ride to the beach, classified as one of the seven wonder beaches of Portugal. ACCOMMODATION AT NICE GUESTHOUSE IN VILLAGE CENTRE BRIEFFING AT 5 PM OR EARLIER, DEPENDING ON YOUR TIME OF ARRIVAL.

ODECEIXE

ITINERARY 2ND DAY | THE WILD BEACHES CYCLING FROM ODECEIXE TO ALJEZUR Cycle along the river until the gorgeous beach of Odeceixe. Enjoy the stunning views and the rock formations near the beach. Then we go through farmland with some green cornfields that contrast with the yellow grass in the warm seasons and reach another wild beach. A nice cafĂŠ will be a perfect place for a stop, enjoying a cool drink and a light lunch while watching the surf schools in action. Have a swim and then cycle to the village of Aljezur, one of the last ones to be conquered to the moors. The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local Museums. If you want to do some extra kms, it is possible to ride to another beach or along a beautiful farmland valley*. BASE KMS: 32 TOTAL ASCENT: 350 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: SECONDARY ROADS WITH NO TRAFFIC AT ALL. SOME DIRT TRACKS. ONE MORE ADVENTUROUS DESCENT WHERE SOME PEOPLE MAY PREFER TO WALK, BUT VERY SHORT AND EASY TO WALK (300M) ACCOMMODATION: Vicentina Aparthotel**** *Optional extra kms: 4 + 20 (to ride to the extra beach)

ALJEZUR BEACH

ITINERARY 3RD DAY | FROM IMPRESSIVE CLIFFS TO CHARMING VALLEYS CYCLING FROM ALJEZUR TO PEDRALVA Start by conquering the Castle of Aljezur, enjoying the beautiful views over the village and then cycle to the coast again, visiting a fortress with stunning views over the cliffs, the perfect defence setting! Here we start our dirt track adventure, between eucalyptus, the wild endemic bushes and along a gorgeous little lake along a valley - wild, surprising and breathtaking. Cycle to Bordeira, a lovely hamlet until Carrapateira to be stunned by the incredible views . Cycle for a few kms along the cliffs. Take time to stop and enjoy. The Fisherman's Museum is a visit not to be missed, with fantastic pictures of the man hanging from rocks to catch the famous local delicacy "percebes". Riding along another green valley we reach tonight's accommodation, a lovely hamlet where half of the houses were carefully recovered for tourism.

BASE KMS: 44 TOTAL ASCENT: 650 MTS LEVEL: MEDIUM TERRAIN: DIFFICULT START WITH SOME STEEP CLIMBS, ALWAYS ON ASPHALT. THEN DIRT TRACKS, MOST OF THEM FLAT OR DOWN. ONE TECHNICAL DESCENT (400M) WHERE SOME PEOPLE MAY PREFER TO WALK. ACCOMMODATION: Aldeia da Pedralva, rural tourism *Optional extra kms: 4 with 150 mts ascent

CASTLE OF ALJEZUR

ITINERARY 4TH DAY | INFANT DOM HENRIQUE AND THE SEA DISCOVERIES CYCLING FROM PEDRALVA TO SAGRES Leave Pedralva through a dirt road along the valley. Pass just under some modern wind farms and reach the sanctuary of Guadalupe. Here learn about the interesting life of Infant D. Henrique, the sea discoveries prince. After cycle through a couple of lovely villages to reach the wild coast again. Have a swim at the beach and then cycle to the Cape of S. Vicente, the most SW point of Europe. From there on, only the sea discoveries and the adventures of the sea sailing! Stop for a swim again at a fantastic beach surrounded by huge cliffs. We feel small!!! After visiting the Fortress of Sagres we continue to our very nice hotel with gorgeous views over the cliffs and the fortress. BASE KMS: 41 TOTAL ASCENT: 500 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: GOOD DIRT TRACKS, MOSTLY FLAT, WITH A COUPLE OF SHORT CLIMBS. STEEP CLIMB ON ASPHALT TO COME BACK FROM THE BEACH WHERE WE DO OUR LUNCH (GUIDED TRIP ONLY). ACCOMMODATION: CHARMING "POUSADAâ&#x20AC;?, WITH SWIMMING POOL *Optional extra kms: 4

CAPE OF Sﾃグ VICENTE | SAGRES

ITINERARY 5TH DAY | BEACH ROLLER COASTER! CYCLING FROM SAGRES TO LAGOS Today the route goes along the south coastline, in and out to wild beaches. Stop several times for swims and drinks. Enjoy! The ocean here is warmer than in the west coast, the waters are more tranquil. The cliffs change colour, from the black schist to the orange sandstone. The villages are bigger, more touristic, with many cafĂŠs, restaurants and shopping opportunities. We pass a couple of fortresses with fantastic views, and go up and down on narrow secondary roads. The last kilometres will be on an amazing trek along the cliffs from where we can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion formed arches, caves and different shapes. Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture. Visit the local museum, the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere. BASE KMS: 43 TOTAL ASCENT: 720 MTS LEVEL: MEDIUM BUT CONTINUOUS! TERRAIN: START WITH FLAT DIRT TRACK WITH SOME ROCKS TO CHALLENGE OUR SENSES. THIS IS A REAL DIRT TRACK! STEEP VALLEY PASSAGE TO BE DONE WALKING BY EVERYONE. STEEP DOWN AND STEEP UP, TOO TECHNICAL TO RIDE. (BUT WHAT A GORGEOUS VIEWS!!!). THEN ASPHALT ROLLER COASTER, ALWAYS STEEP UP AND DOWN BUT ALWAYS SHORT. MAXIMUM 80 METERS EACH TIME. IN THE END OPTIONAL FLAT CLIFF DIRT TRACK OR ASPHALT. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Tivoli****

LAGOS BEACH

ITINERARY 6TH DAY | THE CHARMING VILLAGES CYCLING FROM LAGOS TO TAVIRA The day starts with a train ride along the coast, the salt production lakes and the farmland away from the coast. Arriving to our destination we unload our bikes and cycle to a little village famous for its pottery. It's a quiet and charming place. Then cycle back to the coast and have a drink by the lagoon of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Cycle along this lagoon and stop to enjoy the quietness and watch the bird life. It's usual to see fisherman catching clams and razors in low tide and boats arriving from a fishing day in high tide. Tavira is probably the prettiest village of the Algarve. Its architecture is charming, the atmosphere relaxing. Save time to explore. Here it's a good place to buy some arts and crafts, at the local association. BASE KMS: 30 TOTAL ASCENT: 220 MTS LEVEL: EASY Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2039; ERRAIN: FLAT ASPHALT MOST OF THE WAY. VERY FEW DIRT TRACKS. ACCOMMODATION: Charming "Pousada", with swimming pool

RIA FORMOSA NATURAL PARK

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES FISHING HARBOR

ITINERARY 7TH DAY | THE LOCAL ECONOMY CYCLING FROM TAVIRA TO VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO From Tavira we cycle along the Natural Park again, passing several beach and golf resorts that make the wonders of tourists and golfers. Beaches here are busy and lively. To reach then you either walk over a wood board over the river or take a little charming train or a local boat. Visit the salines and learn about this local production. It is time to cycle to our final destination, Vila Real de Santo António, with Spain just across the river At arrival we have a last surprise! We have the opportunity to visit a local pastry factory! On guided groups, besides visiting, you will have the chance to make some pastries and, of course, taste them! ASE KMS: 37 B TOTAL ASCENT: 250 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: FLAT ASPHALT MOST OF THE WAY. VERY FEW DIRT TRACKS. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Apolo*** *Optional extra kms: 13

SALINES OF RIA FORMOSA

ITINERARY 8TH DAY | DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO LISBON OR FARO AIRPORT

NOTES On Self Guided Cycling Tours we expect you to be an independent rider. You will receive from us the necessary tools to change a flat tyre and all the route instructions you need to follow the itinerary by your self. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive history notes and recommendations of good places to eat. With our expert recommendations youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to have a rewarding and unforgettable holiday! We will always be available through our cell phones, to help you with anything. If you take the tour in August you should expect some traffic, more noisy nights and full restaurants. A very lively tour!!!

THE BIKES Our bikes are specialized cross trail bikes. You are very welcome to bring your own bike. Please consult us to see if your bike is good for the terrain of the tour you chose. We use mix tires. They are good for asphalt but also for dirt roads in good condition. Our bikes were chosen because they are the best for the type of cycling tours we do. You will love cycling in Portugal riding them. Specialized Body Geometry XC saddle with front and rear bumpers for off-road durability A1 Premium Aluminum frame with ORE down tube and low standover for lightweight confidence on both dirt and pavement. Front and rear V-brakes provide easily ajustable, uncomplicated stopping power 75mm-travel coil-sprung fork with alloy lowers allows this hybrid to go off-road with ease High-volume Specialized Borough XC Sport 700c tires roll fast, yet have enough bite for the trail. (ask us for more details)

PRICES INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE Accommodation with breakfast Transfers IN and OUT Luggage transfers Emergency contact 24h/day Maps, route descriptions and history notes - in english only for now Souvenir Personal accident and third party insurance VAT tax

NOT INCLUDED

Bicycle for 6 days with tool kit, front bag and back rack Insurance for bikes Meals Train ticket from Lagos to Olh達o Entrance fee at Fortress of Sagres Entrance fee at Municipal museum of Aljezur Entrance fee at Fisherman's museum

PRICES PER PERSON

sharing double room, from the 1st of October until the 31st of May: Base Tour from Faro 870€ for a minimum of 4 people; 1,145€ for a minimum of 2 people. Base Tour from Lisbon 925€ for a minimum of 4 people; 1,270€ for a minimum of 2 people. Supplement from the 1st till the 30st of June - 30 € Supplement from the 1st of Jully till the 15th of Jully - 74 € Supplement from the 15th of Jully till the 31st of August - 194 € Supplement from the 1st of September till the 15th of September - 101 € Supplement from the 15th till the 30st of September - 30 € Single supplement - 289 € Single supplement from the 1st till the 30st of June - 346 € Single supplement from the 1st of Jully till the 15th of Jully - 441 € Single supplement from the 15th of Jully till the 31st of August - 682 € Single supplement from the 1st of September till the 15th of September - 488 € Single supplement from the 15th till the 30st of September - 346 € Bicycle rental - 100 € (for the whole tour)