The alluring coastline of southern Portugal has long attracted those seeking sun-drenched beaches and attractive coastal villages. The region has been described as being ‘blessed with windswept dunes, powdery sands, ocher cliffs, and natural grottoes’. We have created an itinerary that takes in the coastline starting just south of Lisbon in Palmela and finishing in Lagos, staying in unique hotels ranging from pousadas to rural inns.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • Each of our trips in Portugal has a local guide
  • A ride you will never forget: Palmela to Faro
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

We also operate a biking trip in the northern Alentejo that includes Evora (2 nights), Estremoz (2 nights), Crato (1 night) & Marvão (1 night), which, although without the coastal attributes, exudes history, with quiet roads and outstanding hotels (the inns along the Algarve are more modest). Our most popular trip in Portugal is the one between Evora and Marvão but each trip offers something unique.

Straight Talk

Location

Palmela

Palmela, Portugal

Day 1

Grandola

Grândola, Portugal

Day 2

Tres Marias

Três Marias, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

Day 3

Odeceixe

Odeceixe

Day 4

Sagres

Sagres, Portugal

Day 5

Lagos

Lagos, Portugal

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and all dinners except 1
Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Available dates upon request. Private and self-guided trips also available.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

8-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days/ 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Palmela / Faro

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Daily distance average 52k/31miles.

TERRAIN

Moderate

COST

Land Cost:
US $2,950
Includes 6B/4L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $750

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-Bike Rental:
US $480

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

Getting there :

Our trip starts from Palmela (40 km outside of Lisbon). You can reach the hotel by taxi or train and bus.

The trip finishes in Lagos. You can return to Lisbon by train or bus. The train takes 3h30 and there is a change of trains required in Tunes; cost 20 euros – www.cp.pt for schedule and booking. Bus back to Lisbon will cost approx 20 euros and take 4h30. www.renex.pt or www.rede-expressos.pt.


1

Day 1

Arrival Palmela

You can transfer here from the Lisbon international airport on arrival, or if you have stayed in Lisbon, Palmela is easy to reach and there is time for a warm-up ride on your first day -we suggest arriving early afternoon so you can check-in, and ride to nearby Aldeia Rica to see tile making, with the chance to also visit a winery. Stay at the luxurious Pousada Castelo for a taste of opulence.
Ride Distance: 28 km, 37 km, or 48 km

2

Day 2

Palmela to Grandola

Start the day by riding to the port of Setubal marina for the boat transfer across the estuary, with a chance to see dolphins along the way. Ride past cork trees and rice paddies to Grandola, staying at a 3-star hotel in the center.
Ride Distance: 55 km

3

Day 3

Grandola to Tres Marias

Leaving Grandola ride through the Serra de Grândola towards the coast, stopping for lunch and a castle visit at Santiago de Cacem and then to the sea-side village of Porto Covo. Stay at Tres Marias, a member of Casas Brancas distinctive inns. If you wish to dine out, the renowned Tasca do Celso is in nearby Milfontes.
Ride Distance: 68 km

4

Day 4

Tres Marias to Odeceixe

Start with a morning ride to Vila Nova de Milfontes and the headlands of Cabo Sardâo and then follow a road along the cliffs. Visit Zambujeira with its dramatic sea-side location and lovely beaches. Stay at Casas do Moinho, a comfortable and unique hotel in Odeceixe which is one of the most beautiful villages in the region.
Ride Distance: 62 km

5

Day 5

Odeceixe to Sagres

This is a relatively easy day as you glide down the coast to Sagres, in the southwestern corner of Portugal. Once thought of as the end of the world, it was here that Henry the Navigator launched Europe on the seas of exploration. For dinner, we recommend Vila Velha, our pick for a traditional meal that will be one to remember. Stay at a hip, contemporary hotel Memmo Baleeira, a member of Design Hotels.
Distance: 64 km.*

6

Day 6

Sagres to Lagos

From Sagres, make your way along the Algarve coast, with a visit to the S. Vicente Cape in the morning and then along roads lined with almond and orange trees. In Lagos, stay at the Marina Club Lagos Resort with its amenities (the pool and spa are sublime) and marina-side location.
Ride Distance: 44 km; 500 m gain

7

Day 7

You can depart from Faro airport or take a bus (4h20) or train (3h30) back to Lisbon. Note you can book buses up to 8 days in advance and trains up to 30 days in advance. Bus information: www.rede-expressos.pt; Train information: www.cp.pt.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Pousada Castelo, Palmela

Member of Historic Hotels of Europe, the Pousada Castelo is a luxurious, historic property located in Palmela. (Luxe)


Hotel D. Jorge de Lencastre, Grandola

This is a modest 3-star hotel, with simple, but comfortable, clean rooms. (Casual)


Casas do Moinho, Odeceixe

A collection of independent whitewashed cottages, each unique. There is a swimming pool and the location, close to Odeceixe, is superb. (Casual)


Memmo Hotel Baleeria, Sagres

The 4-star hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar and lounge and a swimming pool with magnificent ocean views and an area for spa treatments and massages also equipped with a sauna, gym, heated indoor pool. (Classic)


Marina Club, Lagos

Located at the lovely marina of Lagos (hence the name) and just 800 m from the beach, this 4-star resort style hotel boasts comfortable rooms and large outdoor swimming pool. (Classic)



			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	
	
	



	
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