{"product_id":"alentejo-self-guided-gravel-bike-tour","title":"Alentejo Self Guided Gravel Bike Tour","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur Alentejo bike tour has you cycling past castles under dazzling blue skies, rolling through fields of wildflowers, olive and cork trees. This delightful bike tour celebrates the Alentejo wine region, an area of Portugal that many consider to be the last vestige of old Iberia. Medieval walled villages, white-washed and trimmed in blue, dot the hilltops while plains of wheat and oats spread out below, freckled with small flocks of sheep and goats.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Alentejo was the scene of some of Portugal's bloodiest battles with Romans, Moors and later Spaniards. Now it's slowly building a reputation for its phenomenal wines and exquisite gastronomy. We'll experience the majestic tranquility of Alentejo towns and villages; from the graceful town of Evora with its Roman \u0026amp; Moorish heritage to delightful Castelo de Vide with its picturesque medieval Jewish quarter and tiny synagogue - the oldest in Portugal.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou'll be left with unforgettable memories of this lovely region - its serenity and heart-stopping beauty and, of course, days of idyllic cycling. Our last night finds us in old Lisbon where we'll celebrate and say \"goodbye\" with a farewell, Fado dinner.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHighlights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore a country with a remarkably rich history, barely touched by mass tourism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnjoy low and no traffic roads through scenery of outstanding natural beauty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSavour the tranquil pace of a more simple way of life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTaste the exceptional produce of the Albanian fields served at every meal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit the beautiful town of Girocaster, famed for its thousand steps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscover the UNESCO heritage site of Butrint, still not overrun by tourists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe the first of your friends to truly go behind the iron curtain!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to Eat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFoie gras, duck confit, lamb, macarons from Saint-Émilion, and terrines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to Drink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBold and complex Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the Médoc; well-rounded and fruity Merlot blends in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion; sweet Sauternes from Grave.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eItinerary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 1 - Evora\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter an AM pickup in Lisbon, we shuttle to the grand old town of Évora, spiritual heart of the Alentejo and one of the most photogenic towns in Portugal. Évora is a fascinating mixture of Roman, Moorish and medieval styles. In fact, so extraordinary for its beauty and history that the whole town is a World Heritage Site. We'll have plenty of time to visit many of the unique sights to see, while wandering the labyrinth of cobbled Moorish streets. Group welcome dinner at the palatial Pousada.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 2 - Evora to Monsaraz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe cycle through rolling countryside to the the ancient walled village of Monsaraz, virtually unchanged since the middle ages. En route we'll examine Celtic dolmens rising from a cornfield and begin our acquaintance with the Alentejo - cork and olive groves, whitewashed houses with their blue trim, and the black clothed figures patiently tilling the fields. We'll get to Monsaraz in time to explore this charming village and to enjoy the spectacular views all the way over to Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 3 - Monsaraz to Estremoz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA wonderful ride today across the Serra da Ossa (the Hills of Bones) a gently rolling hill range considered the lungs of the region. Eventually we pop out almost smack bang in front of Estremoz. Estremoz is a startling beautiful hilltop walled city. The city is strikingly white largely due to the amount of marble in the region. It’s one of the three marble towns, the other two being Borba and Vila Viçosa which will have the opportunity to visit on the loop ride.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 4 - Marble Loop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe head out of Estremoz on a beautiful road that takes us through the heart of the 2 things this area is famous for - wine and marble. The best wine of the region comes from here and the marble excavated from the hills is among the world’s finest. Carrera marble in Italy is now more likely to be marble from this area. Marble is used for everything here - even curbstones! Afterwards, we head on to the sweet little castle town of Alandroal with a fine 14th C castle. Returning to Estremoz, we ride past many wineries and small villages in the open country.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 5 - Estremoz to Flor da Rosa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday we ride north to the tiny village of Flor da Rosa and its impressive 14th century monastery. Riding through the peaceful countryside full of Cork tree's we'll stop to visit the Royal Stud farm in Alter do Chão, where the beautiful Lusitanian horses have been bred for over two hundred years. Between stops, will be easy riding through some of the oldest olive groves in Portugal. Group Dinner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 6 - Flor da Rosa to Castelo de Vide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOur last day of riding will be through the beautiful oak-forested slopes of the Serra de Sao Mamede to the medieval spa town of Castelo da Vide with its enchanting Jewish quarter. Riding onwards and upwards through the Serra we'll reach the breathtaking walled village of Marvão, high above the Alentejo plains before we ride on to lovely Castelo de Vide. Here we'll visit the tiny 13th century synagogue in the Jewish quarter set amid medieval cottages. Group Dinner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 7 - Lisboa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday we'll catch a shuttle to old Lisboa where we'll have the day free to shop around, enjoy the esplanades or join a walking trip around town. Farewell dinner at one of the greatest Fado houses in Alfama.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeals:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreakfast \/ Lunch \/ Dinner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestinations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evora \/ Monsaraz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Ride of 28 miles \/ 45 km, elevation gain: 1,867 feet \/ 569 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pousada de Evora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAY 8 - Farewell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe offer AM shuttles to the airport, train or bus station.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMap\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1qHgaKuBSbrFLNJZzubPYlr_sdME\u0026amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"100%\" height=\"300\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccommodations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLuggage transfers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMeals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDaily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCarefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eActivities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEntrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEquipment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTop-of-the-line bicycle selection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBike helmet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eComplimentary CTTC Bike Tours gear, including a custom cycling jersey, CTTC Bike Tours t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom navigation app\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSupport\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eExpert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSupport vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDaily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e Excluded\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAirfare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDinner on one free night\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGratuities for your guides\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHAVE MORE QUESTIONS?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSee our FAQs page for answers to common question\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"cttc-4e8f","offers":[{"title":"High \/ Deluxe","offer_id":42040840585398,"sku":"","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"High \/ Standard","offer_id":46907579957580,"sku":"","price":1710.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Low \/ Deluxe","offer_id":42040840650934,"sku":"","price":1710.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Low \/ Standard","offer_id":46907579990348,"sku":"","price":1518.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/4864\/9910\/products\/alentejobiketour.jpg?v=1777933749","url":"https:\/\/cycling-centuries.com\/products\/alentejo-self-guided-gravel-bike-tour","provider":"CTTC Bike Tours","version":"1.0","type":"link"}