Along the coast by About Dreams

Cycling in Portugal

DAYS

ALONG THE COAST

HIGHLIGHTS Incredible scenery, wild coast Swimming in beautiful beaches of Portugal Unique landscapes every day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sand dunes, lagoons, high cliffs, different rock formations, pine forests, cork oak forests, rice fields... Very relaxing days Easy level cycling Discover the history of Portugal

Cycling and swimming and having a beer by the beach, stopping for beautiful pictures. This is what you can expect from this tour. Easy and relaxing days with a lot of time for breaks. Sun shining, amazing views, tiny fisherman villages all white and blue. Wild scenery, protected landscape, very few buildings. High cliffs, blue ocean, cork oaks, storks. Every day is different and new. Everyday is special. You start in Sesimbra, and finish in Odeceixe, a small village on the border with Algarve. You pass 4 different natural reserves and many totally different coastal and interior landscapes. There is plenty of time for swimming at the beach, discovering historic centers and tasting delicious traditional dishes. The days are relaxing and easy. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do between 29 and 43km per day. Roads mostly flat or with gentle rolling. We mix some dirt roads with asphalt, but most of the tour is on asphalt. The dirt road conations give the tour a special link to nature.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY 1ST DAY | ARRIVAL ARRIVAL TO LISBON AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO SESIMBRA, A PICTURESQUE FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE 40 MINUTES AWAY FROM LISBON. TIME TO VISIT THE VILLAGE CENTRE OR TO TAKE A TAXI TO VISIT BEAUTIFUL CAPE OF ESPICHEL. 6 PM | BRIEFING ACCOMMODATION IN SANA PARK HOTEL****

SESIMBRA

Sesimbra and adjoining Arrรกbida mountain have been inhabited since the Neolithic (4th millennium BC). The easy access to the water combined with protective mountains provided good fishing grounds and safety from enemies. Sesimbra's subsistence fishing is still being practiced today - even though not viable commercially. These roots are visible today in some of the best seafood and fish restaurants in Europe! The countryside of Sesimbra is covered with an abundance of rosemary, myrtle, cistus and thyme which give it that characteristic 'vacation' smell.

SESIMBRA

ITINERARY 2ND DAY | THE ARRÁBIDA NATURAL PARK CYCLING FROM SESIMBRA TO SETÚBAL Gorgeous mountain route through the Natural Park of Arrábida. Visit to the lovely Castle of Sesimbra and its gorgeous views. Stop at a typical café for drinks, and then enjoy the luxury green mountains of the natural park, which contrast dramatically with the blue ocean. Climb to conquer the views and then enjoy a huge descent to the beach. Stop for a refreshing swim, have lunch at the beach and then cycle along the coast enjoying incredible scenery. BASE KMS: 40 TOTAL ASCENT: 780 MTS LEVEL: MEDIUM TERRAIN: HILLY BUT GORGEOUS ROUTE, WELL WORTH THE EFFORT! FOUR LONGER CLIMBS, WHICH WILL BE THREE IF YOU START UP THE CASTLE ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL DO SADO**** * optional easier level: you can cut the first 4 kms and 250 mts of climbing taking the car transfer up to the castle. this will make your day much easier! you will then cycle 36 kms and 530 mts of climbing. **optional challenging level: if you feel super fit you can cycle more on mountain route: 19 kms with extra ascent of 250 mts.

ARRÁBIDA NATIONAL PARK The Arrabida Mountain is a landscape of exceptional esthetic value. Throughout its mountains, or through the shadows of his peaks and valleys, the horizont presents itself as one of the most beautiful Portuguese and world landscapes. From the top of 501 meters from Formosinho has a wide view over the surrounding region. The massive southwest Arrábida has the largest seaside cliffs of Portugal, Being the Risco the coastal limestone escarpment highest in Europe that falls in a calm , crystal blue and emerald green sea. Authors and renowned artists in various fields write prose stories and poetry inspired by the unique beauty of this area. The Arrabida Mountain is one of the most beautiful and significant Mediterranean natural spaces. A place with a strong landscape character , a key region, in the geological point of view, to a better knowledge and understanding of key stages of Earth history. In the mountain meets up a number of specific characteristics which justify the presence of plant communitie, preserved, unique at worldwide. Arrábida is also relevant to the level of marine ecosystems, is an area of high biodiversity, unparalleled at European level.

ARRﾃ。IDA NATIONAL PARK

ITINERARY 3RD DAY | THE WINE AND RICE FIELDS TOUR CYCLING FROM SETÚBAL TO CARVALHAL Transfer to Santo André. Beautiful boat cross to Troia, leaving the city of Setúbal behind us. After a few flat asphalt kms through the sand dunes of Troia peninsula, we stop for a swim at the beach and we invite you to discover the rice fields where many storks and egrets feed. Wine tasting and visit to winery (only included in guided tours). After lunch we ride through agriculture fields and stop at a beach for a drink. These unspoiled beaches are 50 kms long! You look left or right and all you see is sand and ocean! We finish near a beach where you can have a last swim before driving or riding to the hotel. BASE KMS: 35 TOTAL ASCENT: 440 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: FLAT ROAD WITH 6KM OF DIRT ROAD TRANSFER: A TRANSFER AT THE END OF THE DAY TO SANTO ANDRÉ LAGOON ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL VILA PARK***, WITH SWIMMING POOL *optional extra kms: 30 **extra ascent: 100 mts – in this case you cycle to the hotel.

TROIA Situated in the area of great natural beauty, the Troia Peninsula is a stretch of golden sand, surrounded by a blue ocean that makes it an ideal place for leisure moments The Troia beaches are famous for the good conditions and tranquility they offer to all visitors, usually beaches of great length and conditions to everyone. Nowadays Troia offers a big variety of infra-structures and services, as hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, tennis and golf courses, among others. The proximity to the natural surroundings like the beautiful Natural Park of Arrabida, the Sand Dunes Botanic Reserve of Troiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peninsula or the amazing Sado Estuary, promote a scenario of true beauty, bringing together the best conditions for a variety of tourism and leisure activities. Starting by the famous ferry-boat crossing connecting Setubal to Troia, there is a lot to discover in the Peninsula of Troia, ranging from its quiet beaches to the small traditional fishing villages, worth visiting and preserving.

TROIA

CARVALHAL BEACH

ITINERARY 4TH DAY | THE LAGOONS TOUR CYCLING FROM SANTO ANDRÉ LAGOON TO SANTIAGO DO CACÉM Start with a relaxing stop at the Santo Andre Lagoon, rich in bird life and separated from the ocean only by a sand dune. Ride along the coast for a while, and have a drink with a gorgeous view over the Lagoon of Melides. Visit the lovely village of Melides and its original book’s monument, made of marble. Ride through magnificent cork oak land until Santiago do Cacém. Sometimes, it’s possible to visit an olive mill along the way. BASE KMS: 36 TOTAL ASCENT: 450 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: GENTLE ROLLING ROADS WITH FINAL CLIMB ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL DOM NUNO*** (possible to book wonderful massages (35 € half body/50 € full body)

The lagoons of Santo André and Sancha, on the coast of municipalities of Santiago do and Sines, is a coastal lagoon system in a relevant biological importance, including interesting ecological, ichthyological, botanists and, more particularly, aspects ornitológicos. O dune complex envelope plays an important role in protecting these ponds, supporting a characteristic flora and vegetation that comes in good condition, including endemic species considered vulneráveis.A maritime adjacent track, plus a high ecological value, has a very particular fragility and dynamic , housing characteristics faunal communities, even establishing itself as an important transit area for dolphins and aves.A area under consideration, with a total of 5370 ha, extends over some 15 km from the southern boundary of village of Santo André lagoon to the northern boundary of the occupied area Sines complex, covering a strip of land of varying width of 2 km 3 km and a maritime range of 1.5 km wide.

SANTIAGO DO CACÉM

ITINERARY 5TH DAY | FROM THE CASTLE TO THE BEACH CYCLING FROM SANTIAGO DO CACÉM TO PORTO COVO To start, a visit to the wonderful historical center of Santiago, with plenty of manor houses, a cemetery with ancient carved burial vaults and a castle with 360º views! Then you can stop at the beautiful wind mill of Santiago. After you ride through a beautiful green oak forest before we return to the coastline. From there you ride along the seaside until the hotel. The coast here is totally different from what we’ve seen until now, with black schist cliffs contrasting with the yellow sandand the blue ocean. Impossible not to stop for many pictures! Early arrival to the hotel at the lovely fishermen village of Porto Covo and, in the afternoon, free time to enjoy the coast on foot, on your bicycle or simply to lay on the beach and relax. Great swimming on these beaches! BASE KMS: 35 TOTAL ASCENT: 440 MTS LEVEL: MEDIUM TERRAIN: CLIMB IN THE BEGINNING AND THEN DOWN HILL AND FLAT. SOME DIRT ROADS. ACCOMMODATION: PENSÃO ZÉ INÁCIO IN PORTO COVO , equivalent to very good 2 stars hotel

SANTIAGO DO CACÉM The highest hill, the castle peeking sea and houses that runs down the slope, extends through the valleys and now grows to meet Miróbriga odd Roman legacy. The town of Santiago do lady of remarkable historical testament, is certainly by its geography and natural beauty, a place where we like to take because we are so close to the sea as the Alentejo plain, so close the past with their customs, Look how quiet for the future.

PORTO COVO

PORTO COVO BEACH

ITINERARY 6TH DAY | THE FISHING COVES ROUTE CYCLING FROM PORTO COVO TO VILA NOVA DE MIL FONTES We start by visiting the fort of the Pessegueiro Island (no entrance), from where we have a fantastic view over the cliffs. Then we have a rolling morning until a beautiful and very small fishing cove. When lucky, we can see the fishermen coming back from the sea and have a look at the local fish and watch the lamprey drying in the sun. Stop for drinks near the coast. Then, we ride to lovely Vila Nova de Milfontes, where we recommend you have your lunch by the impressive sand dunes. After lunch you have time to spend at the lovely beach, choosing the river mouth beach, without waves, or the open ocean, with waves to play in. Vila Nova is a beautiful little town, and you'll enjoy walking around its streets and maybe doing some shopping! The lovely country side hotel is only 4 kms away, so you can stay here for as long as you want! BASE KMS: 24 TOTAL ASCENT: 350 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: FLAT ROADS AND SOME DIRT ROADS ACCOMMODATION: Monte do Zambujeiro, a lovely farm with swimming pool We recommend you book advanced dinner at the farm, or you can have an early dinner in Vila Nova before riding to the hotel.

FORT OF THE PESSEGUEIRO ISLAND

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES FISHING HARBOR

ITINERARY 7TH DAY - THE CLIFFS ROUTE CYCLING FROM ALMOGRAVE TO ODECEIXE Ride on an incredibly beautiful dirt road along the coast, very rocky and wild. Here storks build their nests on rocky islets sticking out of the ocean. Travel near the coast and pass by several beaches along the way. The off road cycling is amazing and challenging, but there is always an alternative in asphalt is you find it too difficult. After lunch ride to Odeceixe and you can choose to rest at the village or go to the beach, riding along a beautiful river. The reward will be one of the most beautiful beaches of the Southwest of Portugal. This is where the river meets its final destination, and so do you! BASE KMS: 54 TOTAL ASCENT: 300 MTS LEVEL: EASY TERRAIN: FLAT ROADS AND MANY DIRT ROADS (ASPHALT OPTIONS AVAILABLE)* ACCOMMODATION: Pens達o Celeste or Pens達o Dona Maria ( equivalent to 2* Hotel) *Optional extra kms: 7

Extra ascent**: 50 mts, to beautiful beach surrounded by black schist rocks

ALMOGRAVE

ODECEIXE VILLAGE Odeceixe is situated in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This idyllic village is sited over a beautiful valley, almost resembling like a colourful drawing, Odeceixe invites to a pleasant gait by the sidewalks and observe the traditional houses painted in an immaculate blank. A detail that drags the attention of the visitor is the high windmill where before dusk flour is still prepared. Odeceixe is a charming village, with both ocean, river and mountain to enjoy, where peace of mind and tradition still walk together hand by hand.

ODECEIXE

ITINERARY 8TH DAY | DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO LISBON AIRPORT (3 HOURS)

Accommodation

ODECEIXE

DAY 1 | SESIMBRA | SANA SESIMBRA HOTEL 4*

SANA PARK HOTEL**** Right on the seafront, in the

centre of Vila de Sesimbra, SANA Sesimbra Hotel is the ideal place for those seeking sun and sea and recreation and events, nature, gastronomy and wines, water sports, culture or scenery. With the Serra da Arrรกbida as a backdrop, SANA Sesimbra Hotel also has the advantage of being just 30 minutes from Lisbon. The hotel offers infrastructures unique to Sesimbra - on the roof of the hotel, the swimming pool with retractable cover, bar with outdoor area and sky lounge with Jacuzzi offer a fantastic panoramic view over the mountains and the sea. On the ground floor, the restaurant terrace is ideal for a meal by the beach. Each room at the SANA Sesimbra Hotel has been totally refurbished, offering increased comfort and well-being.

DAY 2 | SETÚBAL | HOTEL DO SADO 4* Airy interiors and superb views of Setubal’s harbour await guests at the 4-star Hotel do Sado Business & Nature. All rooms come with private balconies or terraces. Guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese and international cuisine at the hotel’s panoramic restaurant located on the 8th floor. It provides farreaching views over Serra da Arrábida, São Luis and the Castles of Palmela. All rooms offered by Hotel do Sado are spacious and include a seating area with satellite TV. There is also a work station and a safety deposit box at guests’ disposal. The hotel offers car rental and bicycle rental for those wishing SANA PARK to explore theHOTEL**** area. Parking is free on the hotel's property and Portela Airport is 33 km away.

DAY 3 | SANTO ANDRÉ | HOTEL VILA PARQUE 3*

Enjoying natural surroundings of green woodlands, Hotel Vila Park is situated between Sines and Santiago do Cacém. Just a 10-minute drive from the local beaches, it offers an extensive outdoor pool. All rooms at the Vila Park come with air conditioning and satellite TV. Each has free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The Mesa da Vila restaurant offers a rich breakfast buffet every morning. For lunch and dinner guests can savour traditional regional cuisine including fish, seafood and lamb stew. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the Alentejo Coast. The Hotel Vila is located 10 minutes’ drive from the Santo André Lake and a 20-minute drive from Santiago do Cacém.

SANA PARK HOTEL****

DAY 4 | SANTIAGO DO CACĂ&#x2030;M | HOTEL DOM NUNO 3*

Located in the centre of Santiago do CacĂŠm, Hotel D. Nuno offers views of the Castle and the Parochial church. It features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Hotel D.Nuno has modern rooms, with wooden furniture and parquet floors. Each of the airconditioned rooms has a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle, and slippers. A breakfast buffet is served every morning in the dining room, and the bar offers refreshing drinks and views of the Castle and the Parochial church. Guests can sit in the comfortable living room, where they can read a book, or watch television. They can also relax on the sun loungers by the pool, or visit the games room.

SANA PARK HOTEL****

DAY 5 | PORTO COVO | PENSÃO ZÉ INÁCIO 2* Located in Porto Covo, in the village center just steps from the beach is the "Zé Inácio". A few years ago it was a small tavern. Now, 20 years later became a local lodge with 9 bedrooms. A rustic style, typical of the Alentejo, all with WC. private telephone, a room on the ground / floor adapted for people with physical disabilities. On the ground floor is the restaurant with capacity for 50/60 people.

SANA PARK HOTEL****

DAY 6 | VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES | MONTE DO ZAMBUJEIRO

Monte do Zambujeiro is set in a traditional home in the Alentejo countryside, overlooking the Mira River. It offers self-catering villas and outdoor salt-water pool, 5 km from a sandy beach. The villas all feature tiled floors and tasteful, complementing colours. Each is fitted with wood furnishings, while some have windows with inside shutters. Each is equipped with a full kitchen and DVD player. A daily breakfast is served on the terrace overlooking Zambujeiroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden and the Mira River below. Guests can enjoy sunbathing on the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden lawn or take a cooling dive in the large pool, which has underwater lighting at night. Hotel Zambujeiro offers rent bicycles for exploring the Beja district. Monte do Zambujeiro is a 10-minute drive from Vila Nova de Milfontes town, across the Mira River.

SANA PARK HOTEL****

DAY 7 | ODECEIXE | CASA CELESTE OR HOSPEDARIA D. MARIA

Casa Celeste Casa Hospedes Celeste is in one of the most beautiful tons in the Coast Vincentia Natural Park. We are located in Odeceixe town, county of Aljezur (Algarve) in one of the principal streets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rua Nova NÂş9. Casa Hospedes Celeste is a modern building, combining all the comfort and family ambient necessary for relaxing stay. Come and stay at Casa Hospedes Celeste , where the best quality / price of Odeceixe!

Hospedaria D. Maria

SANA PARK HOTEL****

Hospedaria D. Maria is located in Odeceixe in Rua do Rio, next to the variant Odeceixe. The hostel consists of two types of rooms: Rooms with double beds and Rooms with single bed. The rooms are all equipped with private bathroom, TV and terrace. The hostel has a breakfast room, where is served the true flavors of the region.

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 Transfer from airport to Sesimbra Transfer from Odeceixe to Lisbon Transfer from Carvalhal to Santo AndrĂŠ Luggage transfers Emergency contact 24h/day Maps, route descriptions and history notes 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 Ferry crossing Entrance fee at roman ruins

PRICES PER PERSON sharing double room Base Tour 895€ for a minimum of 4 people 1184€ for a minimum of 2 people Single suplement - 224 € Jully|August suplement - 96 € Jully|August single suplement - 460 € Bicycle rental - 100 € (for the whole tour)