Crossing the Algarve
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR
(Guided or Self-Guided)
«« Crossing the Algarve »»
Tour Highlights
1. The gorgeous beaches and beautiful coast of the Algarve
2. Ria Formosa, sand and water paradise
3. River crossing trails and single tracks
4. Tavira – the most typical town in the Algarve
5. Tasty fresh fish of the Algarve
6. Moorish-style town of Silves and its castle
7. Foia – the highest point in the Algarve
8. Sagres - the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe
9. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean
10. Monchique SPA located in in a luxuriant Mediterranean forest
Summary
Crossing the Algarve will show you this beautiful region of Portugal taking you along trails and tracks, riding up and down the hills of the Algarve inland, crossing rivulets and passing typical villages! The Tour will start in the typical city of Tavira with its innumerous buildings and monuments and the amazing Roman bridge over Gilao river in the historic center. This is the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a lagoon system that extends itself over 60km of coast and which is a passing area for the migrating fauna from Europe to North of Africa and it is also the “winter resort” for many birds from North and Central Europe. We will ride on to the inland and here the MTB pleasure will start, riding along spectacular trails, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and we will have to cross several rivulets. We will visit some lost villages on the hills of the Algarve and beautiful cork-oak forests. We will visit and spend one night in Silves, which was the capital of the Algarve when the Arabs were here; we will visit Monchique where we will stay in a thermal hotel located in a luxuriant valley of Mediterranean vegetation. You can choose to ride up to the highest point in the Algarve – Foia, which is 902m high. This Tour will end near Sagres, on the cliffs of Cape S. Vicente – the place where the land ends and the sea begins – the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe. This is the place from where our forefathers sailed away on their caravels seeking new worlds and cultures five centuries ago!
Technical Data
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Region of Portugal: Algarve (mostly inland)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Tavira (Algarve)
End: Cape S. Vincent (Algarve)
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 => Advanced. You are fit and in good shape
Distance: 255km (160mi)
Average: 51km/day (32mi/day)
Trails: 80% off-road – 20% asphalt
Location
- Directions:
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We provide transfers from and to Lisbon airport to the starting point of the PortugalBike tour, or from and to Faro airport, depending on the tour. Don’t worry! :)
- City
- Lisbon
- State / Region
- Lisboa
- Zip / Postcode
- Country
- Portugal 38.7070186 -9.1362056
Itinerary
ProgrammeDay 1: Arrival – Welcome at FARO airport. 1H00 drive to Tavira followed by dinner. Lodging in a 4* charming hotel whose building was once a typical old tuna fish market. Day 2: From the cliffs to the hills and rivers inland – 51km (32mi), 900m ac. Gain, level 4. Lodging in a charming “Pousada” on the mountain with a swimming-pool and an amazing view. Day 3: The magnificent “Rocha da Pena” and single-tracks – 42km (26mi), 670m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 3* hotel, located near the most typical inland Algarve village, in a genuine natural beauty area where the sight extends itself to the mountain range.Day 4: Cork Forests, lakes and the Moorish town of Silves – 48km (30mi), 570m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 3* hotel with a swimming pool in one of the most historical cities of the Algarve. Day 5: Up to the highest village in the Algarve, Monchique (Optional: uphill to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia with 902m). Downhill to Caldas de Monchique – 44km (28mi), 800m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 4* hotel with SPA whose recovered old buildings are surrounded by luxurious Mediterranean forest.Day 6: From the mountains to Cape S. Vincent – 81km (51mi), 900 ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty.Day 7: Departure – Farewell at FARO airport. 1H30 drive to airport.Dates and Prices for 2010:*06 ~ 12 March:* PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 200)PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour: Euro 950 (Single Suppl. + €200)*17 ~ 23 Abril: *PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1400 (Single Suppl. + € 240)PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour: Euro 980 (Single Suppl. + €240)*13 ~ 19 November: PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1350 (Single Suppl. + € 190)PortugalBike Self-Guided Tour: Euro 930 (Single Suppl. + €190)=>* Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.>* If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.
Inclusions
What does the price of this PortugalBike Tour include?- 7 days with PortugalBike- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide ()*- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack- Transfers from and to Faro Airport- Accommodations (usually a 4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)- 6 Breakfasts- 5 nourishing and energetic picnics ()*- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts) ()*- Daily energy-bars and water “>/strong>(*) Not included in Self-Guided tours*
Cancellation policy
If cancelled up to 14 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the entire activity price may be charged.
