Client quote

Will and I did the Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve - ride ... and it was a delight. Yes, we'd be glad to talk to anyone who wanted more info and I'll answer any question or just heartily recommend the trip! Will is an avid bicyclist and I am a more casual biker and this trip was great for us both. Of course, the castle was a definite hi-light but we brought home many wonderful stories to tell. Loved it.

Linda & Will Deboer, MN

Portugal's Blue Coast updated for 2011
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.

Trip Highlights

• Cycle the headlands of the wild Atlantic shores.
• Explore the footsteps of the world’s most famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Magellan.
• Travel through the charming, sleepy villages of Portugal’s Costa Azul, still largely undiscovered as if time had stood still.
• Feast on the freshest catch of the day grilled to perfection and washed down with one of Portugal’s incomparable wines.
• Spend 2 nights, in a lovely little castle - complete with moat  - overlooking the Atlantic Ocean!
• Visit the ruins of Henry the Navigtor’s School for Mariners on the wind-swept headland of Europe’s furthermost southwestern corner.

Complete Trip Itinerary

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1
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 hand-painted tile factory and winery, and still have time to fit our bikes. This evening we enjoy a festive champagne reception and welcome dinner.

Day 2
Azeitão to Setúbal ride of 30km / 19m

A fantastic ride through the hills of the Arrabida Peninsula overlooking the sea, and then on to the ancient port city of Setúbal. We spend the night 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.

Day 3
Setúbal to Santiago de Cacem ride of 64km / 40m

Today we take a ferry to the peninsula of Troia and its endless sandy beaches. This was the site of an ancient Roman settlement. Mostly flat riding today, with plenty of time for a swim at one of the beautiful deserted beaches off 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.

Day 4
Santiago de Cacem to Milfontes ride of 50km / 31m

After a tour of the haunting Roman ruins of Mirobriga, we head out along the Costa Azul to a delightful beach with its own fortress. An ideal lunch stop with stunning sea views and a chance to soak up some rays. After a climb around the fort it's on to Vila Nova de Milfontes. We stay 2 wonderful nights at an ancient stone castle, perched over the estuary. Free evening to explore this charming little town.

Day 5
Vila Nova de Milfontes ride of 37km / 23m

There's ample time today to roam the village, laze around the castle, walk the vast expanses of dunes, hit the beach or to do a favorite loop ride through the countryside. In the evening an award-winning dinner at our favourite local tavern.

Day 6
Milfontes to Aljezur ride of 70km / 43m

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.

Day 7
Aljezur to Lagos ride of 81.7km / 50.8m

Today we make our way to Cape Saint Vincent, straddling the wild Atlantic and the warm Mediterranean; this was the site for the school of Prince Henry the Navigator. We'll have time to tour the site before we continue to Lagos, a lively walled town where many of the Portuguese Discoverers left from. Lots of time in the p.m. to explore the old centre and its many fascinating sights.

Day 8
Lagos

Enjoy a leisurely morning strolling through town or join us on one of the Algarve's many splendid beaches for a little fun in the sun. Later, spend a lazy afternoon sailing the cyrstal waters 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 elegant restaurants.

Day 9
Final Day

We'll offer an early morning shuttle to the airport in Faro for those of you catching early flights. If you have some time to spend - you couldn't do better than Lagos for a few days of solo R&R.

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Trip Details

Portugal's Blue Coast updated for 2011