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Barcelona-and-Costa-Brava-2024
Extremadura & Andalucia 2024
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Along the Atlantic Coast from Lisbon to the Algarve
Coasting along quiet back roads from Lisbon to the brilliant beaches of the Algarve, we'll experience a memorable montage of Portugal: magnificent coastal seascapes, pastoral farmlands, working windmills, tiny fishing villages and historical monuments such as Henry the Navigator's Navigational School perched on a wild headland over the Algarve's blue waters.
Lodgings include a 16th century manor house, a luxurious country farm and two nights in our favorite little castle overlooking a lovely estuary.
Azeitão Late morning transfer by private coach from Lisbon to our 16th century manor house in the little village of Azeitão. Lunchtime finds us feasting on the local catch of the day in Sesimbra, a nearby fishing village nestled under huge rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Later we'll visit a local castle, a hand-painted tile factory and still have time to fit our bikes. This evening we enjoy a festive champagne reception and welcome dinner.
Azeitão to Setúbal A fantastic ride through the hills of the Arrabida Peninsula overlooking the sea, and then an optional lunch at a typical fishermen's shanty with a view of the shipyards in the ancient port city of Setúbal. Our comfortable night's accommodation is in the heart of the old quarter near the waterfront. Rest of the day is free to explore Setúbal's maze-like streets with their colorful shops, sightsee or go for some extra kilometers cycling along the beach. (30km/19miles)
"Martin is considerate, encouraging, always fun to travel with. He made the trip on and off the bike extremely enjoyable and safe. Will definitely only do a bike trip with him again!" |
Setúbal to Santiago de Cacem Today we take a 15 minute ferry to the peninsula of Troia and its 19 miles of sandy beaches. This was the site of an ancient Roman settlement destroyed by a tidal wave in the 4th century. Mostly flat riding today, with plenty of time for a swim at one of the beautiful deserted beaches a kilometer or two off of the main road. Evening finds us settled in to our luxury farm, one of Portugal's lovely Pousadas, just below the town of Santiago de Cacem. Dinner at the farm. (64km/40miles)
Santiago de Cacem to Vila Nova de Milfontes After a tour of the haunting Roman ruins of Mirobriga with its famous baths, we head out for a pleasant ride along the Costa Azul to a delightful beach with its own little little fortress - Praia da Ilha. An ideal lunch stop at either the lone restaurant here with stunning sea views and fabulous seafood or your own picnic down on the beach and a chance to soak up some rays. After a climb around the fort it's on to Vila Nova de Milfontes, one of Portugal's loveliest seaside villages at the mouth of the Río Mira where Hannibal once took shelter with his ships. We stay 2 wonderful nights at an ancient little stone castle, replete with moat, perched over the estuary. Dinner at the castle. (50km/31miles)
Vila Nova de Milfontes There's ample time today to roam the village, laze around the castle, walk the vast expanses of dunes, or to do a favorite loop ride through the countryside to a working windmill. In the evening another sumptuous dinner at the castle. (37km/23miles)
Vila Nova de Milfontes to Aljezur Today we continue south along the headland high above the blue Atlantic to the little village of Zambujeira do Mar nestled on a headland high above a dramatic beach. Good lunch stop here at one of the outdoor restaurants with views of the ocean before heading on to the old Moorish town of Aljezur along quiet roads. Evening finds us at the little hillside hotel outside of Aljezur in Vale da Telha. (70km/43miles)
Aljezur to Lagos Today we ride through seaside fishing villages on our way to ancient Lagos, a lively walled historical town where many of the Portuguese Discoverers actually left from. Lots of time in the p.m. to explore the pedestrianized old center and its many interesting sights such as the Church of Santo António with its incredible gold-work and the remnants of the only slave market in Europe. This evening we'll whoop it up at one of Lagos' most entertaining restaurants. (40km/25miles)
Lagos This morning we offer a loop ride through the pretty Algarve countryside and through seaside fishing villages. Later, spend a lazy afternoon with us sailing along the Algarve's grotto-strewn coast on a magnificent 2-masted schooner. This evening we'll say farewell at one of Lagos's most entertaining restaurants. (31km/ 19m)
Final Day We'll offer an early morning shuttle to the airport in Faro for those of you catching early flights.
Starting at €
Duration: 8 NIGHTS/ 9 DAYS
Included: all breakfasts, one seaside lunch & 6 dinners w/wine
Price is per person, based on double occupancy and exchange rates at the time when this page was published. Price subject to adjustment for exchange rate fluctuations. For smaller or larger groups, consult us for a quote.
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