Cycling in Alentejo

Arrival in Lisbon and the rest of the day free to explore Lisbon with its narrow streets, squares and viewpoints over the mighty Tagus River. Lisbon is a cosmopolitan and colorful city. As you stroll through the old medieval quarters, you can feel the special "saudade" – a longing back to the times when sailing ships set off for distant continents, and which has made the city so beloved by travelers.

Accommodation in Lisbon

Transfer to the station for a train journey to Évora (approx 1h30, alternatively private transfer). The journey passes through rice fields and cork oak forests. Upon arrival, transfer to the start of your walk along an impressive 18th-century aqueduct. Then you explore on foot Évora's main attractions that have made the city an architectural World Heritage site: Roman temple, cathedral, aqueduct and much more. 

Accommodation in Évora

In the morning you pick up your bikes and get a short transfer (approx 20 minutes) to Arraiolos, known for its carpets and pastries. From the castle you cycle through the village and explore at your own pace, before the journey continues through cork oaks and olive groves. You return to Évora along a cycle path that was previously a railway line.

Accommodation in Évora

Today's cycling stage takes you to the area's archaeological highlights: the impressive Zambujeiro dolmen, the cromlech and menhirs at Almendres, the Mitra church and the Roman ruins of Notre-Dame de Tourega. You cycle through the rolling green landscape around Évora, full of surprises.

Accommodation in Évora

In the morning transfer with bikes (approx 40 min) to Vila Viçosa and the magnificent ducal palace (possibility to visit, not included). From here the cycling starts through the hills, past the famous "marble massifs" and on to the flourishing little village of Terena with its 15th-century castle. Along the way you pass the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova and several small whitewashed villages, before reaching the mighty Alqueva Lake – Europe's largest artificial lake and border with Spain.

Accommodation in Monsaraz

Monsaraz is one of the most spectacular fortified towns in Alentejo. The cobblestone streets, stone houses and whitewashed walls give the town a timeless character. The view over the rolling hills and Alqueva Lake is fantastic. Today's cycling takes you around the landscape surrounding Monsaraz and to the ceramics center in São Pedro de Corval. You pass olive groves, vineyards and archaeological remains such as cromlechs and menhirs. There is also the possibility to swim at the lake's shore.

Accommodation in Monsaraz

Transfer to Évora railway station for the journey back to Lisbon (approx 1h30, alternatively private transfer at extra cost).