Wild, Beautiful Coast of Portugal

Along the Coast

Tour Description: Guided

Cycling and swimming; cycling and having a beer by the beach; cycling and stopping for beautiful pictures. This is what you can expect from this tour!

Easy and relaxing days with a lot of time for breaks. Sunshining, amazing views and tiny fisherman villages, all white and blue. Wild scenery, protected landscape and very few buildings. High cliffs, blue ocean, cork oaks and storks. Every day is different and new, everyday is special.

We start in Sesimbra, and finish in Odeceixe, a small village on the border with the Algarve. We go into 4 different natural reserves and several totally different coastal and interior landscapes. There is plenty of time for swimming at the beach, discovering historic centres and tasting delicious traditional dishes.

Tour Description: Self-guided

Cycling and swimming; cycling and having a beer by the beach; cycling and stopping for beautiful pictures. This is what you can expect from this tour!

Easy and relaxing days with a lot of time for breaks. Sunshining, amazing views and tiny fisherman villages, all white and blue. Wild scenery, protected landscape and very few buildings. High cliffs, blue ocean, cork oaks and storks. Every day is different and new, everyday is special.

We start in Sesimbra, and finish in Odeceixe, a small village on the border with the Algarve. We go into 4 different natural reserves and several totally different coastal and interior landscapes. There is plenty of time for swimming at the beach, discovering historic centres and tasting delicious traditional dishes.

Highlights: Guided

• Incredible scenery
• Wild coast
• Swimming in the beautiful beaches
• Tasty picnics served at the beach
• Unique landscapes - sand dunes, lagoons, high cliffs, different rock formations, pine forests, oak forests and rice fields
• Very relaxing days and easy cycling

Highlights: Self-guided

• Incredible scenery
• Wild coast
• Swimming in the beautiful beaches
• Tasty picnics served at the beach
• Unique landscapes - sand dunes, lagoons, high cliffs, different rock formations, pine forests, oak forests and rice fields
• Very relaxing days and easy cycling

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival to Sesimbra 
Arrival to airport and transfer to Sesimbra, a picturesque fisherman’s village 40 minutes away from Lisbon. Time to visit the village centre or to take a taxi to visit beautiful Cape of Espichel 6 p.m. Welcome drink and first briefing. Dinner included at local restaurant.
Overnight in Sesimbra.  

Day 2: The Arrabida Natural Park (25 miles/40 km)
Cycling from Sesimbra to Setúbal.
Gorgeous mountain route through Arrábida Natural Park. Visit to the lovely castle of Sesimbra and its amazing sea views. Stop at a typical café for drinks, and then enjoy the luxury green mountains of the Natural Park, which contrasts dramatically with the blue ocean. Climb to conquer the views and then enjoy a huge descent to the beach. Stop for a refreshing swim, have lunch at the beach and then start cycling along the coast enjoying incredible scenery. At the end of the day you have free time to stay on the beach or visit the Setúbal historical centre. 
Overnight in Setubal.  

Today's route has a total ascent of 780 meters. It is a hilly, but gorgeous route well worth the effort. There are 4 longer climbs, which will be 3 if you start up at the castle. There are 2 optional levels:

- Optional easier level: you can cut the first 4 kms and 250 mts of climbing taking the car transfer up to the castle. This will make your day much easier! You will then cycle 36 kms and 530 mts of climbing.
- Optional challenging level: if you feel super fit you can cycle more on mountain route: 19 kms with extra ascent of 250 mts.

Day 3: The Wine and Rice Fields tour (22 miles/35 km)
Cycling from Setúbal to Pinheiro da Cruz.
Transfer to Santo André. Beautiful boat cross to Troia, leaving the city of Setúbal behind us. After a few flat asphalt kms through the sand dunes of Troia peninsula, we stop for a swim at the beach and we invite you to discover the rice fields where many storks and egrets feed. Wine tasting and visit to winery.

After lunch we ride through agriculture fields and stop at a beach for a drink. These unspoiled beaches are 50 kms long! You look left or right and all you see is sand and ocean! We finish near a lagoon, where you can go swimming in fresh water or in the ocean. 
Overnight in Pinheiro da Cruz.  

Day 4: The Lagoons Tour (19 miles/30 km)
Cycling from Santo André Lagoon to Santiago do Cacém.
We start with a relaxing stop at the Santo André Lagoon, rich in bird life and separated from the ocean only by a sand dune. We ride along the coast for a while, and have a drink with a gorgeous view over the Lagoon of Melides.

We then visit the lovely village of Melides and its unique book’s monument, made of marble. Ride through magnificent cork oak land until Santiago. Whenever possible, we visit an olive mill along the way. In Santiago we recommend that you visit the historical centre. 
Overnight in Santiago do Cacém.  

Day 5: From the Castle to the Beach (22 miles/35 km)
Cycling from Santiago do Cacém to Porto Covo.
To start, a visit to the beautiful wind mill of Santiago still working and to the very interesting roman ruins of Miróbriga. Then we ride through a beautiful green oak forest before we return to the coastline. From there we ride along the seaside until the hotel. The coast here is totally different from what we’ve seen until now, with black schist cliffs contrasting with the yellow sand and the blue ocean. Impossible not to stop for many pictures!

Early arrival to the hotel at the lovely fishermen village of Porto Covo and, in the afternoon, free time to enjoy the coast on foot, on your bicycle or simply to lay on the beach and relax. Great swimming on these beaches! 
Overnight in Porto Covo.  

Day 6: The Fishing Coves Route (24 miles/39 km)
Cycling from Porto Covo to Almograve.
We start by visiting the fort of the Pessegueiro Island (no entrance), and then have a rolling morning until a beautiful and very small fishing cove. When lucky, we can see the fishermen coming back from the sea and have a look at the local fish. Stop for drinks near the coast.

Then, we ride to lovely Vila Nova de Milfontes, where we have our lunch at the beach. After lunch we ride to Almograve and finish with a 6 km ride along the coast, near wild coastline. Here, we visit another hidden fishing port, built in the middle of impressive high cliffs. (optional).
Overnight in Almograve.  

Day 7: The Cliffs Route (27 miles/43 km)
Cycling from Almograve to Odeceixe.
Today we ride on an incredibly beautiful dirt road along the coast, very rocky and wild. The storks build their nests on rocky islets sticking out of the ocean. We travel near the coast along several beaches. The off-road cycling is amazing and challenging, but there is always an alternative in asphalt is you find it too difficult. After lunch, we ride to Odeceixe and you can choose to rest at the village or go to the beach, riding along a beautiful river. The reward will be one of the most beautiful beaches of the Southwest of Portugal. This is where the river meets its final destination, and so do we! 
Overnight in Odeceixe.  

Day 8: Departure 
Transfer to Lisbon airport (3 hours).

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

You can do this tour at any date, subject to availability, if you have a group of 6-20 or if you want a private guided tour for an extra fee (please contact). 

Dates: Self-guided

Daily departures (groups of 2)

Please note that if you book this tour in August, you should expect some traffic, noisy nights and fully booked restaurants.  

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €1440 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €192 Bike rentals (included in tour price) Specialized cross trail bikes €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Per person, double occupancy (minimum of 2) €1060 Per person, double occupancy (minimum of 4) €820 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €192 High season supplement (Jul-Aug) €340 High season single supplement (Jul-Aug; 1 person/1 room) €282 Bike rentals Specialized cross trail bikes €100 Equipment provided free with all rentals €0 Transfers from airport to first hotel and from last hotel to airport Minimum of 2 €100 Minimum of 4 €72

Included Services: Guided

• Accommodation
• Bicycle for 6 days with front bag and back rack
• Transfer from airport to Sesimbra
• Transfer from Pinheiro da Cruz to Santo Andre
• Transfer from Odeceize to Lisbon
• Support car during the 6 cycling days
• Guide to ride with the group (one or two, depending on group size)
• Personal accident and third party insurance
• 6 picnic lunches
• 5 dinners with wine
• 1 wine tasting at winery or, if not possible, at the beach or in restaurant
• Entrance fee at Roman ruins
• Ferry crossing
• Souvenir
• VAT tax

Not included:

• Insurance for bikes (does not exist)
• 2 dinners
• Travel insurance
• Tour cancellation insurance

Included Services: Self-guided

• Accommodation
• Transfer from Pinheiro da Cruz to Santo Andre
• Luggage transfers
• Emergency contact, 24-hours
• Maps, route descriptions and history notes
• Souvenir
• Personal accident and third party insurance
• VAT tax

Not included:

• Bicycle for 6 days with tool kit, front bag and back rack
• Transfer from airport to Sesimbra
• Transfer from Odeceixe to Lisbon
• Insurance for bikes (it does not exist)
• Meals
• Ferry crossing
• Entrance fee at Roman ruins
• Travel insurance
• Tour cancellation insurance

Hotels: Guided

Day 1: Hotel Sana, Sesimbra
www.sanahotels.com
Hotel Sana is a nice 4-star hotel with a swimming pool. 

Day 2: Hotel Do Sado, Setubal
www.hoteldosado.com
Hotel Do Sado is an excellent 4-star hotel in Setubal.

Day 3: Apartamentos Altarik, Pinheiro da Cruz 
www.hotelaltarik.com
Hotel Apartamentos Altarik is a charming 3-star hotel. 

Day 4: Albergaria D. Nuno, Santiago do Cacem
www.albdnuno.com
Albergaria D. Nuno is a 3-star hotel with a swimming pool. 

Day 5: Pensao Ze Inacio, Porto Covo
Pensao Ze Inacio is equivalent to a very good 2-star hotel in Porto Covo. 

Day 6: Pensao Duna Praia, Almograve
w Pensao Duna Praia is a nice and simple inn, equivalent to a 2-star hotel, located 985 feet (300 m) from the beach. 

Day 7: Pensao Celeste or Pensao Maria, Odeceixe
Both inns, equivalent to very good 2-star hotels.  

Hotels: Self-guided

Day 1: Hotel Sana, Sesimbra
www.sanahotels.com
Hotel Sana is a nice 4-star hotel with a swimming pool. 

Day 2: Hotel Do Sado, Setubal
www.hoteldosado.com
Hotel Do Sado is an excellent 4-star hotel in Setubal.

Day 3: Apartamentos Altarik, Pinheiro da Cruz 
www.hotelaltarik.com
Hotel Apartamentos Altarik is a charming 3-star hotel. 

Day 4: Albergaria D. Nuno, Santiago do Cacem
www.albdnuno.com
Albergaria D. Nuno is a 3-star hotel with a swimming pool. 

Day 5: Pensao Ze Inacio, Porto Covo
Pensao Ze Inacio is equivalent to a very good 2-star hotel in Porto Covo. 

Day 6: Pensao Duna Praia, Almograve
w Pensao Duna Praia is a nice and simple inn, equivalent to a 2-star hotel, located 985 feet (300 m) from the beach. 

Day 7: Pensao Celeste or Pensao Maria, Odeceixe
Both inns, equivalent to very good 2-star hotels.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is primarily easy cycling. The terrain varies from flat to rolling hills and some occasional longer climbs. You will do between 18 and 27 miles (29 and 43 kms) per day. There is a mix of some dirt roads with asphalt, but most of the tour is on asphalt. The dirt road connections give the tour a special link to nature.

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is primarily easy cycling. The terrain varies from flat to rolling hills and some occasional longer climbs. You will do between 18 and 27 miles (29 and 43 kms) per day. There is a mix of some dirt roads with asphalt, but most of the tour is on asphalt. The dirt road connections give the tour a special link to nature.

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Lisbon, Portugal

Tour end
Nearest airport: Lisbon, Portugal 

A transfer from the airport to the start and from end to the the airport is included on the guided version. 

It is available on the self-guided version for 100 Euros (minimum of 2) and 72 Euros (minimum of 72). 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Lisbon, Portugal

Tour end
Nearest airport: Lisbon, Portugal 

A transfer from the airport to the start and from end to the the airport is included on the guided version. 

It is available on the self-guided version for 100 Euros (minimum of 2) and 72 Euros (minimum of 72). 

More about Portugal: Guided

Located in South Western Europe, Portugal features over 528 miles (850 km) of pristine blue water and sandy beaches. Along with Portugal’s coast are the energetic cities of Lisbon and Porto. Built on hills overlooking the coast, Lisbon is one of Europe’s underrated capital cities. Highlights include Europe’s largest Oceanarium, museums and the Park of Nations, excellent for cycling. Porto, Lisbon’s northern rival, highlights ancient castles, natural parks and home to the world-famous Port wine of the River Douro. Walk along cobblestone paths and enjoy Portugal's famous cuisine of fresh seafood, cheeses, or sausages, accompanied by Fado music, Portugal's traditional melancholic singing.

More on bicycling in Portugal > 

View all Portugal bike tours >

More about Portugal: Self-guided

Located in South Western Europe, Portugal features over 528 miles (850 km) of pristine blue water and sandy beaches. Along with Portugal’s coast are the energetic cities of Lisbon and Porto. Built on hills overlooking the coast, Lisbon is one of Europe’s underrated capital cities. Highlights include Europe’s largest Oceanarium, museums and the Park of Nations, excellent for cycling. Porto, Lisbon’s northern rival, highlights ancient castles, natural parks and home to the world-famous Port wine of the River Douro. Walk along cobblestone paths and enjoy Portugal's famous cuisine of fresh seafood, cheeses, or sausages, accompanied by Fado music, Portugal's traditional melancholic singing.

More on bicycling in Portugal > 

View all Portugal bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Turaventur: Guided

Turaventur was founded in 1990. Besides organizing adventure and nature tours, they also are the authors of several guide books for the Alentejo, which give them a profound knowledge of the region. Their main offer for the foreign market is cycling tours, which they have been organizing since 2002. They even own a guest house with 4 rooms that is a traditional farm house restored for tourism.

Located in Evora, Portugal, the Turaventur staff consists of 3 full time employees and 5 extra guides. Their strenghts include a deep knowledge of the region and passion for cycling. All at Turaventur travel regularly and know what our customers expect. With many years of experience, you will learn from local guides who know the culture and hidden spots along your bike tour.

Tour Company Background: Turaventur: Self-guided

Turaventur was founded in 1990. Besides organizing adventure and nature tours, they also are the authors of several guide books for the Alentejo, which give them a profound knowledge of the region. Their main offer for the foreign market is cycling tours, which they have been organizing since 2002. They even own a guest house with 4 rooms that is a traditional farm house restored for tourism.

Located in Evora, Portugal, the Turaventur staff consists of 3 full time employees and 5 extra guides. Their strenghts include a deep knowledge of the region and passion for cycling. All at Turaventur travel regularly and know what our customers expect. With many years of experience, you will learn from local guides who know the culture and hidden spots along your bike tour.

Terms and Conditions: Turaventur: Guided

TERMS&CONDITIONS

When you book a tour you accept all conditions mentioned below.

1. Cancellations and refunds

We advise that you take out trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking. Should you be unable to proceed with your tour for any reason you should inform us immediately. Our cancellation and refund policy for all tours is as follows:

• If you cancel at least 8 weeks before the tour start date, your deposit is returned, except for 50 € of handling charges.
• If you cancel between 8 and 6 weeks before the tour start date, we will keep your deposit but we will not charge anything else.
• If you cancel between 6 weeks and 30 days before the start date, you can choose between either a refund of 70% of your total payment or using total payment to rebook an alternative date or tour.
• If you cancel after the 30-day deadline, there will be no refund.
• In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we will refund all money paid to us for your tour.
• Force Majeure: Refunds and compensation payments are not liable in circumstances beyond our control or our supplier’s control. This includes but is not limited to changes due to war, threat of war, acts of terrorism, civil strife, strikes, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather or similar circumstances.
• No refunds are available once the trip commences. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS, including weather or other factors beyond our control

2. Minimum number of participants

Should a tour not reach the minimum number of participants required to run, we will suggest alternative programmes or let you know of any applicable price increase. We will refund the booking fee if the options proposed don’t appeal to you.

3. Risks and liabilities

Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise and accept the risks associated with bicycle, canoeing, walking or jeep travel (depending on the tour you chose) and that you are fit and medically able to undertake the activity you booked.

4. Itinerary changes

We reserve the right to make changes to your itinerary. Should this be necessary we will do our utmost to ensure that any such changes do not substantially alter the nature of the tour.

5. Routes

We cannot guarantee the condition or accessibility of routes, since they follow public highways that are subject to road works, diversions, landslips etc.

6. Insurance

TURAVENTUR accepts no liability for illness/injury suffered by you or loss/damage to your property during the holiday save that caused by wilful neglect or default of the company. Travel insurance should be arranged by you at the time of booking.

Trip cancellation insurance is neither included in the tour price but is strongly recommended. This will protect you should you need to cancel for certain necessary reasons such as illness, and provides your refunds for air and tour in full. Additional insurance for baggage, health/accident is also strongly recommended.

If you wish to make your travelling insurance with us, please contact us. We assume that if you choose not to use our preferred provider that you are taking protection through another provider of your choosing.

Turaventur, Aventura e turismo Lda is fully insured according to the Portuguese law in force for its activity. This means that those participating in our programmes are covered by nominal personal accident insurance, with cover and amounts defined as bellow. We also have a limited liability insurance of € 50000.

Personal Accident Insurance coverage in case of accident:

• Treatment Expenses: € 3,500.00 
• Death or Permanent Disability:€ 20,000.00 
• The coverage for death or permanent disability in the case of participants under 14 years is replaced by payment of funeral expenses: € 3,000.00 
• Civil liability insurance Maximum: € 50,000

7. Bicycle rental conditions and bike riding

Bicycles are rented out subject to availability and on the condition that the hirer assumes responsibility for the bicycle during the rental period. There is no insurance for bicycles. Your responsibilities include any costs for damage or theft up to the full value of the bicycle.

If you book a cycling tour, we assume you know how to ride a multispeed bicycle. Participants assume all risks associated with the activity they have booked. Use of HELMETS is required by Portuguese law. Bikes come with back rack for day pack, mix tyres, locker and front bag. In self guided tours they also have a repair kit for flat tires, a pump, spare inner tube and allen keys.

8. Queries and Complaints

We will respond to email and telephone queries concerning your tour within 48 hours.

If you have a problem during your tour, you should talk to your guide or phone TURAVENTUR and we will do our utmost to resolve the matter there and then. Otherwise, you should notify us in writing with the details of your complaint within 30 days of your tour finish date.

9. Guarantees

TurAventur is an activity tourism company combining leisure, cultural and outdoor adventure activities and licensed by the Portugal National Tourism Organisation, License RNAAT. 17/2002.

10. Accommodation

According to Portuguese law, only travel agencies can sell accommodation. Therefore, we do not sell accommodation, except for the one in our own guesthouse, Monte do Serrado de Baixo.

Tour itineraries are based on the hotels suggested by us in each program. When you book a tour, if you wish so, we will book the hotels for you. You will pay the hotels directly on the check out. Some hotels may require a booking fee or credit card. You will not have any extra work because of this. Our office and our guides will give you all the support you need. If you choose a different hotel you are responsible to do the necessary adjustments as road books (in case of self guided tours) and guides (in case of guided tours) are based on the suggested hotels.

Terms and Conditions: Turaventur: Self-guided

TERMS&CONDITIONS

When you book a tour you accept all conditions mentioned below.

1. Cancellations and refunds

We advise that you take out trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking. Should you be unable to proceed with your tour for any reason you should inform us immediately. Our cancellation and refund policy for all tours is as follows:

• If you cancel at least 8 weeks before the tour start date, your deposit is returned, except for 50 € of handling charges.
• If you cancel between 8 and 6 weeks before the tour start date, we will keep your deposit but we will not charge anything else.
• If you cancel between 6 weeks and 30 days before the start date, you can choose between either a refund of 70% of your total payment or using total payment to rebook an alternative date or tour.
• If you cancel after the 30-day deadline, there will be no refund.
• In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we will refund all money paid to us for your tour.
• Force Majeure: Refunds and compensation payments are not liable in circumstances beyond our control or our supplier’s control. This includes but is not limited to changes due to war, threat of war, acts of terrorism, civil strife, strikes, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather or similar circumstances.
• No refunds are available once the trip commences. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS, including weather or other factors beyond our control

2. Minimum number of participants

Should a tour not reach the minimum number of participants required to run, we will suggest alternative programmes or let you know of any applicable price increase. We will refund the booking fee if the options proposed don’t appeal to you.

3. Risks and liabilities

Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise and accept the risks associated with bicycle, canoeing, walking or jeep travel (depending on the tour you chose) and that you are fit and medically able to undertake the activity you booked.

4. Itinerary changes

We reserve the right to make changes to your itinerary. Should this be necessary we will do our utmost to ensure that any such changes do not substantially alter the nature of the tour.

5. Routes

We cannot guarantee the condition or accessibility of routes, since they follow public highways that are subject to road works, diversions, landslips etc.

6. Insurance

TURAVENTUR accepts no liability for illness/injury suffered by you or loss/damage to your property during the holiday save that caused by wilful neglect or default of the company. Travel insurance should be arranged by you at the time of booking.

Trip cancellation insurance is neither included in the tour price but is strongly recommended. This will protect you should you need to cancel for certain necessary reasons such as illness, and provides your refunds for air and tour in full. Additional insurance for baggage, health/accident is also strongly recommended.

If you wish to make your travelling insurance with us, please contact us. We assume that if you choose not to use our preferred provider that you are taking protection through another provider of your choosing.

Turaventur, Aventura e turismo Lda is fully insured according to the Portuguese law in force for its activity. This means that those participating in our programmes are covered by nominal personal accident insurance, with cover and amounts defined as bellow. We also have a limited liability insurance of € 50000.

Personal Accident Insurance coverage in case of accident:

• Treatment Expenses: € 3,500.00 
• Death or Permanent Disability:€ 20,000.00 
• The coverage for death or permanent disability in the case of participants under 14 years is replaced by payment of funeral expenses: € 3,000.00 
• Civil liability insurance Maximum: € 50,000

7. Bicycle rental conditions and bike riding

Bicycles are rented out subject to availability and on the condition that the hirer assumes responsibility for the bicycle during the rental period. There is no insurance for bicycles. Your responsibilities include any costs for damage or theft up to the full value of the bicycle.

If you book a cycling tour, we assume you know how to ride a multispeed bicycle. Participants assume all risks associated with the activity they have booked. Use of HELMETS is required by Portuguese law. Bikes come with back rack for day pack, mix tyres, locker and front bag. In self guided tours they also have a repair kit for flat tires, a pump, spare inner tube and allen keys.

8. Queries and Complaints

We will respond to email and telephone queries concerning your tour within 48 hours.

If you have a problem during your tour, you should talk to your guide or phone TURAVENTUR and we will do our utmost to resolve the matter there and then. Otherwise, you should notify us in writing with the details of your complaint within 30 days of your tour finish date.

9. Guarantees

TurAventur is an activity tourism company combining leisure, cultural and outdoor adventure activities and licensed by the Portugal National Tourism Organisation, License RNAAT. 17/2002.

10. Accommodation

According to Portuguese law, only travel agencies can sell accommodation. Therefore, we do not sell accommodation, except for the one in our own guesthouse, Monte do Serrado de Baixo.

Tour itineraries are based on the hotels suggested by us in each program. When you book a tour, if you wish so, we will book the hotels for you. You will pay the hotels directly on the check out. Some hotels may require a booking fee or credit card. You will not have any extra work because of this. Our office and our guides will give you all the support you need. If you choose a different hotel you are responsible to do the necessary adjustments as road books (in case of self guided tours) and guides (in case of guided tours) are based on the suggested hotels.