#3 Crossing the SW of Portugal Plus

The self-guided leisure cycling program 

 

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KROSS TRANS ARTIC

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FRAME MATERIAL   Aluminium Performance

WEIGHT  17,3 kg

FORK       SR Suntour NEX HLO (travel 63mm, lockout)

FRONT HUB             Shimano DH-3D37 (hub dynamo)

REAR HUB                Shimano Deore FD-M615

TIRES       Schwalbe Silento Puncture Protection 28"x1,6"

RIMS        Kross (alloy, double wall)

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus FD-M310

REAR DERAILLEUR   Shimano Deore RD-M591

FRONT BRAKE          Shimano BR-M365 (disc, hydraulic, rotor 160mm)

REAR BRAKE            Shimano BR-M365 (disc, hydraulic, rotor 160mm)

BRAKE LEVERS         Shimano BL-M365

SHIFTERS Shimano Altus SL-M310 3x8

CRANKSET               Shimano Acera FC-M311 48/38/28T

BOTTOM BRACKET  SR Suntour

CHAIN      KMC HV700

CASSETTE / FREEWHEEL           Shimano Altus CS-HG31-8 11-32T

HANDLEBAR            Kross Universal Components (steel, 610mm, 25.4mm)

STEM       Kross Universal Components (alloy, adjustable, 350mm, 25.4mm)

SEATPOST                Kross Universal Components (alloy, suspension 27.2mm)

HEADSET Neco H128

SADDLE    Selle Royal Lookin Classic Moderate Royalgel

GRIPS       Herrmans Primergo

PEDALS    Alloy w/anti slip

 Includes:

• bike delivery and pickup.

• 8 nights B&B;

• GPS device pre-loaded with tracks in English.

• Touring bike hire with panniers, lock, pump, and tools included – *1

• One Map 1: 55 000 and one pack of notes in English per room.

• Luggage transfer between hotels. 

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OBS: 

Possible to add extra nights or to develop a tailor-made proposal.

Helmets on request.

 

*1 bikes specification on the right side of this page. Possible to hire e-bikes for these programs. 

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Program Summary:

The Holiday allows the cyclist to discover the best of both worlds available in this part of Alentejo, once the stages/routes will mix a great variety of landscapes.

 

Starting pedaling inland will provide many opportunities to explore the countryside places and towns, using undulating secondary asphalt roads.

 

By the Coast, the cyclist will be surprised by the Atlantic views and stunning beaches along the coastline. Cycling inland or by the coast, gastronomy, and wines will be always a highlight (seafood, fresh fish, and black pork).

 

The region is also extremely popular during Summertime, because of beaches and Surf, but there is much more to explore behind this idyllic scenery and cycling this area will allow the cyclist to build an all-new experience out of that period/season, having the same feeling of locals that live there all year!

 

The experience will be full of natural scents, flavors, and new friendships, creating memories about a part of Portugal that is loved by all but that seems forgotten during all year.

 

The Sun in this region is considered a “resident”. 

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Program Highlight’s

• End-to-end bike tour;

• Explores two different regions, Alentejo and Algarve;

• 80% of low traffic tarmac roads;

• Delicious typical food with fresh ingredients;

• Low elevation route program;

 

Hotels links for Photos:

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Santiago do Cacém – Hotel D.Nuno - https://hoteldomnuno.com/

Cercal – Solar do Alentejo - https://solar-do-alentejo-cercal-do-alentejo.booked.com.pt/

Vila Nova de Milfontes – Mil Réis - https://milreismilfontes.com/

Zambujeira – Rosa dos Ventos - http://rosadosventoszambujeira.com/

Aljezur – Vicentina Hotel - http://www.vicentinahotel.com/

Carrapateira – Pensão das Dunas - https://pt.pensao-das-dunas.com/

Sagres – Mareta View - http://www.maretaview.com/

Lagos – Tivoli - https://www.tivolihotels.com/pt/tivoli-lagos

 

ITINERARY

Arrival information:

The best way to travel from Lisbon to the first hotel is by using the Bus service (Rede Expressos - https://www.rede-expressos.pt/)  then you can walk 800 meters (flat) to the first hotel In Santiago do Cacém. Possible to use the taxi service by the Bus station.

Private transfers are available on request from the airports (Lisbon/Faro) to the first hotel.

 

Day 1 – Arrival and Bike delivery at the first hotel.

Our local rep. will meet you at the first hotel to provide you the bikes and the briefing explanation about the tour.

Overnight: in Santiago do Cacém;

Meals included:  Breakfast in the hotel.

 

 

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Day 2 – Stage 1

Between Santiago do Cacém and Cercal do Alentejo.

Distance: 37Km

Climb: 519m

Descend: 554m

Level graphic:

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Day description:

On your first day of cycling, you will be leaving Santiago towards Cercal do Alentejo, this day will be spent cycling along with countryside secondary roads surrounded by Cork-Oak forests. Passing by Vale das Éguas village, where you will be able to try and buy some of the best wines produced in this region, at Herdade do Cebolal wine cellar, just a few kilometers ahead you will find Campilhas reservoir, a nice place to freshen up, just 10Km from the end, in Cercal do Alentejo.

 

Overnight: in Cercal do Alentejo.

Meals included: Breakfast provided in a local “snack bar”.

 

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Day 3 – Stage 2

From Cercal do Alentejo and Vila Nova de Milfontes

 

Distance: 33Km

Climb: 461m

Descend: 596m

Level graphic:

 

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Day description:

The itinerary follows inland to the hills São Luis exploring the rural landscape, always with an eye on the Coast.

São Luis village is a non-touristic village that allows seeing the real routines of residents and workers there. After São and heading towards the sea, you will climb the highest point by the coast (Cerro de São Domingos), enjoying the great downhill almost until the princess of Alentejo (Vila Nova de Milfontes).

A village that has the Atlantic and the River Mira on it, a destination for many Portuguese tourists.

You will have enough time to explore Milfontes on foot or just to go and lay down at one of the nice beaches there.

 

Overnight: in Vila Nova de Milfontes;

Meals included: Breakfast in the Hotel.

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Day 4 – Stage 3

From Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar.

 

Distance: 36Km

Climb: 433m

Descend:415m

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Day description:

The route today will take you along the most beautiful coastal villages, but before we recommend a short warm-up heading north to Milfontes fishing harbor and after you can start the tour towards Zambujeira, crossing the bridge over the River Mira and passing the villages of Longueira and Almograve on the way, using dirt tracks through the cork oaks and vineyards.

The detour to Almograve beach worth’s the effort and after reaching the village of Cavaleiro you will reach the most famous lighthouse in this Region, the Cabo Sardão, were the most beautiful track along the cliffs allows enjoying the maritime wind and views, just before reaching Zambujeira do Mar and it´s beautiful beach reachable by foot.

Don´t forget to enjoy the local seafood in this small village.

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Overnight: in Zambujeira do Mar.

Meals included: Breakfast in the hotel.

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Day 5 – Stage 4 – From Zambujeira to Mar to Aljezur

 

Distance: 48Km

Climb: 666m

Descend:692m

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Day description:

Today the track will follow towards the Moorish village of Alzejur, passing in some beautiful villages and beaches of Alentejo and Algarve regions.

Passing through Carvalhal beach and allowing a short detour for a walk to Amália beach (Fado´s Portuguese Diva).

After you will have some time to make another detour to Azenha do Mar fishing harbor were a seafood restaurant with ocean views, a good place to stop for a full meal or just a coffee.

Crossing the bridge before Odeceixe village you are officially leaving the Alentejo region and getting into the most famous region of Portugal, the Algarve.

Odeceixe beach will offer ocean views of one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and the village will offer you a great perspective over the Ceixe Valley near the windmill before leaving for Rogil.

Rogil is the sweet potato Area, so a stop is recommended to try the sweets, the soup, or the meal of it.

 

Aljezur Village in the horizon will show at the top the Moorish castle, one of the ones represented on the Portuguese flag.

Time to rest.

 

Overnight: in Alzejur

Meals included: Breakfast in the hotel.

 

 

Day 6 – Stage 5 – From Aljezur to Carrapateira

 

Distance: 51Km

Climb: 784m

Descend: 776m

Level graphic:

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Day description:

Leaving the hotel in Aljezur, heading up to the Moorish Castle to enjoy the stunning views of Amoreira Valley and pedaling towards the coast.

Today you will pedal along 2 beaches that locals use to develop their surf skills.

Great views from Amoreira Beach and Monte Clérigo, passing on an old ruin of a “Ribat”, is evidence of Moorish presence and spiritual significance of this place in the past.

Arrifana and a tiny fishing harbor with a great restaurant with an ocean view and the most popular beach at the bottom of a coastline with a dramatic landscape made of rock cliffs.

Because the region is not only Ocean and sea, but the tour will also lead you inland to explore the countryside of these lands, until the Village of Carrapateira, where a final loop near the Ocean will clean your breeding system just before reaching the hotel.

 

Overnight: in Carrapateira.

Meals included: Breakfast I the hotel.

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Day 7 – Stage 6 – From Carrapateira to Sagres

 

Distance: 40Km

Climb: 530m

Descend:541m

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Day description:

The last day starts in Carrapateira and heads towards South stopping in one of the highlights of this trip, Saint Vincent’s Cape.

The Southern corner of Europe and the last place before America.

 

Cycling there creates a mystical feeling inside us, that is not possible to explain by words.

The significance of the Portuguese gold Era of discoveries found the inspiration at this place.

This is the place to end your crossing by bike in the SW area of Portugal.

 

Overnight: in Sagres;

Meals included: Breakfast in the hotel.

 

 

 

Day 8 – Stage 7 - from Sagres to Lagos

Distance: 42Km

Climb: 776m

Descend:798m

Level graphic:

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Day description:

The last day starts in and follows towards the city of Lagos, covering one of the most desirable areas for holidays, crossing several beaches and small villages on the way, until the legendary city of Lagos.

The place where Infante Dom Henrique has planned the discovery journey.

 This place is a perfect place to finish your active challenge and maybe to add some extra nights to explore the surroundings or just to go to the beach where the water is warmer.

 

Overnight: in Lagos.

Meals included: Breakfast in the hotel.

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Day 9 - Departure.

The best way to return to Lisbon or Faro is by BUS using the Rede Expressos BUS or train service, both from Lagos city.

First and last hotel and both airports are reachable by private transfer:

PRICES 2021

Price per person: 995€ normal season

Price per person: 1077€ special season

Single Supplement: 255€

Solo traveler Supplement: 410€

E-Bike Supplement: 135€

PHOTO GALLERY 

#3 FROM SANTIAGO DO CACÉM TO LAGOS

PROGRAM #3 MAP

Crossing the SW of Portugal + Lagos

HOW TO BOOK WITH US?

 

BOOKING PROCEEDINGS – STEP BY STEP:

 

1. we will need to receive an email from you using our online form or through our email  ; PLEASE: let us know, you wish to book (ex: program #1), and traveling and (single/twin or double bedroom).

2. After your enquire/request we will take a couple of days confirming all accommodations;

3. You will receive an email from us with all the generic information about your trip (booking ref., deposit, balance, etc) and also the e-voucher with all the hotels booked. This email also provides access to our booking conditions. This email works like a pre-reservation that will become valid after deposit;

4. We will wait for your deposit. All payment options will be explained in the trip confirmation email (the one with the e-voucher);

5. After deposit confirmation, you will receive our final confirmation and your trip code will become valid.At this point, we will ask you to provide us your arrival time to prepare all the logistic according.

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Hotels: The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking.

Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space.

Breakfast: In countries such as Portugal is usually coffee and toast/bread/croissant, in some places it has more diversity available.

Special Dietary Requirements: It is important for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform everyone that you are staying with.

Single Supplements: are payable in every tour.

The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin

rooms.

Language: When travelling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English.

Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrase book and try to learn a little of the local language!

Luggage: When staying in hotels, sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival.

However don’t be surprised if your luggage is waiting for you to take it up to your room. Please politely ask someone if you need assistance.

Guidebook/Map : Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you require more sets of guidebook and maps then there is a charge of 25€ per set ordered.

Insurance: All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation is mainly on a bed and breakfast basis using local and small hotels. The places we stay at during the tour are all privately owned, and have plenty of Portuguese character.

A recommended list of local restaurants (based on our personal experience) will be supplied on arrival listing delicious traditional dishes of fresh Portuguese cuisine.

BEST OPTIONS TO TRAVEL TO/FROM THERE?

ARRIVALS FROM LISBON AIRPORT

 

ARRIVALS

Lisboa to Santiago do Cacém:

 

• International Lisbon Airport link: http://www.lisbon-airport.com/

• BUS Service - Rede Expressos - http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ (it goes directly to Santiago do Cacém).

• PRIVATE TRANSFER from Lisboa to Vila Nova de Milfontes (on request);

 

DEPARTURES FROM LAGOS

 

DEPARTURES

Sagres to Lisboa via LAGOS:

• In Lagos, you will have BUS AND TRAIN SERVICE available

• PRIVATE TRANSFER from Sagres to Lisboa (on request);

 

 

 

ARRIVALS FROM FARO AIRPORT

 

 

ARRIVALS

Faro to Santiago do Cacém:

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• International Faro Airport link: http://www.faro-airport.org/

• BUS Service - EVABUS and REDE EXPRESSOS - You will have to take the bus to Lagos and then from there to Vila Nova de Milfontes. More info at  and http://www.rede-expressos.pt/.

• PRIVATE TRANSFER from Faro to Vila Nova de Milfontes (on request);

 

DEPARTURES FROM LAGOS

 

DEPARTURES

• In Lagos, you will have BUS AND TRAIN SERVICE available

• PRIVATE TRANSFER from Sagres to Faro (on request);