This is one of the most challenging mountain bike rides in Portugal - we are talking about 535 km (335 miles) of pure mountain biking, through the remote Historical Villages of Portugal region. If you are passionate about mountain biking you can´t miss this ride. Gary Fisher already did it!
This MTB trip is also available in a shorter version - 40km per day, visiting the same Historical Villages of Portugal.
Level: Advanced. Total distance: 535k/335m. Shortest day: 62k/39m. Longest day: 90k/56m.
Accommodations: Value (2-3 star inns).
Itinerary:
Day 1
Meet at the airport in Lisboa.
Van transfer to Castelo Novo.
Guided tour of this Historical Village of Portugal. We will visit the 12th Century castle as well as other monuments and the Museum of Archaeological Discoveries.
Short warm-up ride.
Day 2 - Castelo Novo-Monsanto (62km/39miles)
On our first day of serious riding we will connect two historical villages - Castelo Novo and Monsanto. Idanha-a-Velha is a very picturesque village that hosts a interesting collection of archaeological remains from a Roman city established in the 1st Century B.C.
This is an easy stage with no big climbs.
Day 3 - Monsanto-Sortelha (67km/42miles)
Sortelha is an Historical Village, which dates back to the 12th Century. It´s castle is a national monument.
Monsanto was once considered the most Portuguese village of Portugal. From the top of its promontory you can glimpse all the country surrounding Idanha and the large properties of the area.
Don´t expect big hills on this stage.
Day 4 - Sortelha-Castelo Mendo-Almeida (90km/56miles)
Today´s ride is very interesting; the surface varies a lot, with loose rock, roman cobblestone paths and several river crossings. We will also have to do some serious climbs. The hardest one is just outside Almeida, after we cross a roman bridge.
Almeida is one of the crown jewels of Portuguese military architecture – the hexagonal shaped walls of Almeida´s fortress were built in the XVII century.
Day 5 - Almeida-Castelo Rodrigo-Marialva (72km/45miles)
Today´s ride takes us to the Douro River International Natural Park. The landscape is beautiful and we will be riding part of an ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Castelo Rodrigo was once a very important settlement due to its proximity to the Spanish border. On the way to Marialva we will have to cross the Côa river -expect some serious climbing.
Day 6 - Marialva-Linhares da Beira (65km/41miles)
Marialva is a medieval walled village that will take you back in time, to when the brave inhabitants of Marialva fought against the Spanish invaders.
Our final destination is Linhares da Beira, the capital of para-gliding in Portugal.
Linhares has a very interesting castle that is worth visiting.
Rocky sections and ancient cobblestone paths are on today´s menu.
Day 7 - Linhares da Beira-Piodão (77km/48miles)
Big climbs and long descents on a very hard day of mountain biking. We are riding near three mountains - Açor, Lousã and Estrela. The terrain is rocky and tough. Fun!
Our final destination is Piodão, a beautiful village were the houses blend perfectly with the natural environment.
Day 8 - Piodão-Castelo Novo (88km/55miles)
Back to Castelo Novo expect a pretty intense day of riding. 60 miles with a lot of climbing and plenty of loose rocks. Great mountain biking!
Day 9
Early morning transfer to airport in Lisboa.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
includes all accommodations, 8 dinners, 2 guides, support van, transfers, A2Z Adventures t-shirt and A2Z Adventures water bottle.
790 euros - price for self-guided tour. Self-guided tours do not include meals, van support or guides. Include all accommodations, documentation and maps, GPS tracks and daily luggage transfer.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Cultural Journey
Bicycle Touring
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