B.T.T.
Cycling: a challenging way of knowing some of the most interesting places that Portugal offers. We consider on this programs, different approaches, considering the natural heritage, the cultural perspective, different soils for BTT, longer and smaller distances to be done, more adventurous and, more relaxing itineraries. From south to north, considering city routes and, itineraries on more rural and natural areas, finding the ocean, valleys and, the geographic irregularities. And all respecting the most exigent security rules, on equipment of reference, under the observation of experienced support teams.
PROGRAMS
Program 1 - Cabo da Roca
Sintra Hill /Peninha / Capuchos / Almoçageme / Adraga beach / Cape Roca
Our tour starts in the romantic and majestic hills of Sintra. The ride begins in Peninha , a little chapel on the top of the hill, where we can admire an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Raso . It continues to Capuchos (another high point on Sintra hills). After riding on some winding and hidden trails, we ride down the north side of Sintra Hills towards Almoçageme village and Adraga beach, and then we follow the way to the westernmost point of Continental Europe with its Lighthouse – Cape Roca - , “where the land ends and the sea begins”, where there still reigns the spirit of Faith and Adventure which took the Portuguese caravels in search of new worlds for the world.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 3H00
Distance: 27 Km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 2- The beautiful coast of Sintra-Cascais
Tapada do Mouco (Sintra Hills) / Peninha (Sintra Hills) / Abano beach / Cascais coast / Cascais (town)
Everything presents a very romantic and mystical environment; a paradisiacal and majestic place where no-one can remain indifferent to the charm of the hills and the town, of Sintra. The ride begins in Tapada do Mouco and continues to Peninha (Sintra hills), a little chapel on the top of the hill, where we can admire an amazing view of the sea and Cape Raso . Then we ride along the westernmost coast of Europe towards the Abano Beach with its Fortress and great view. There is a geological curiosity: Boca do Inferno. On the end the noble bay of Cascais.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 3H00
Distance: 33km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 3 - The beautiful coast of Cascais-Lisboa
Cascais / Estoril / Carcavelos / Oeiras / Belém (Lisboa) / Alcântara (Lisboa)
We start this easy bicycle tour in Cascais village and we ride towards Lisbon , always near the sea and the Tagus River . We pass Estoril and all the beaches on the way to Lisbon , and we get to Belém. Here, everything reminds us of that glorious period of our History that is the Discovery Journeys in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. Belém Tower (16 th century) commemorates Vasco da Gama's maritime journey to India and it links the defensive purpose (in the past it was completely surrounded by water) with the decorative effect. Belém Cultural Centre is a modern building (late 20 th century) which in a very different and modern way is also integrated in the spirit of the Discoveries. The Discoveries Monuments (Stone monument to the Discoveries) is a monument exalting the people of the Discoveries; it was designed for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940 and only later did it get this definitive form in stone as we see it today; it is 52 metres high and from the top you get a wonderful view over the river and the city. The tour ends in Alcântara, at Docas, a picturesque place where old warehouses were converted into pleasant restaurants along the river.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 3H00
Distance: 25km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 4 - Riverside
Along the Nations Park
This is a very easy and relaxing bicycle tour. It starts in one of the most modern areas of Lisbon , which was recovered for the World Exhibition in 1998 (Expo98), all this tour takes place in the eastern side of the Portuguese capital in Parque das Nações. We will have the opportunity of riding on a wooden corridor above the river Tagus and we will ride into the area of the Exhibition, which is now transformed in leisure, culture and entertainment areas. We will see some amazing and interesting buildings and also the famous Oceanário, a giant aquarium which lodges many types of living creatures that inhabit the oceans and the marine coastal areas (the inside visit is not included). In this enormous leisure area we will also have the opportunity of resting a little while in a Café on the riverside and enjoy the beautiful and quiet areas offered in this place.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 2H30
Distance: 14km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 5 - The blue Paradise
Palmela Castle / Vila Nogueira de Azeitão / Portinho da Arrábida / Pq. Merendas Comenda
We start the bicycle tour near the famous Palmela Castle where we can admire an amazing view over the plain, in the Natural Park of Arrabida Hills. We will ride around the magnificent Arrabida hills admiring the blue ocean and the quiet Troia peninsula on the horizon. We will ride along the coast and we will have the opportunity of spending some time at the beach and enjoying a refreshing swim in the ocean.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 3H30
Distance : 34km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 6 - From the Cape to the Castle
Aldeia Nova / Foz beach / seafront to Cape Espichel / Sesimbra castle
We start off at Aldeia Nova and we ride down to Foz beach. We follow the seafront and we ride towards Cape Espichel , which is included in the Natural Park of Arrabida, admiring the beautiful and agreeable beaches where the fine sand and clear sea waters show a strong contrast of unusual colours. Once a sacred place, the cape was a place of popular festivals and pilgrimages. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Cape is formed by the Church (built in the late 17th century) and the buildings that were used as shelter for the pilgrims. We leave the Cape behind us and we ride in the direction of Sesimbra. This city was inhabited by Romans and Moors. The Castle is located on the top of a hill, an excellent watching place to see the invaders coming by sea. It was built on the existent Arabic fortification and it was improved later, but it was progressively abandoned as the people settled near the sea. The sea gives Sesimbra a special charm and it also supports the people. Life in Sesimbra is traditionally connected with fishing. Nowadays Tourism also plays an important role.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Time : +- 3H30
Distance : 26km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Programa 7 - From the Castle to the beach
Sesimbra castle / seafront to Cape Espichel / Foz beach
We start off near Sesimbra Castle . Sesimbra was inhabited by Romans and Moors. The castle is located on the top of a hill, an excellent watching place to see the invaders coming by sea. It was built on the existent Arabic fortification and it was improved later, but it was progressively abandoned as the people settled near the sea. The sea gives Sesimbra a special charm and it also supports the people. Life in Sesimbra is traditionally connected with fishing. Nowadays Tourism also plays an important role. We follow the seafront and we ride towards Cape Espichel , which is included in the Natural Park of Arrabida, admiring the beautiful and agreeable beaches where the fine sand and clear sea waters show a strong contrast of unusual colours. Once a sacred place, the cape was a place of popular festivals and pilgrimages. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Cape is formed by the Church (built in the late 17th century) and the buildings that were used as shelter for the pilgrims. We leave the Cape behind us and we ride down to Foz beach.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Time: +- 2H30
Distance : 22km
Overall Difficulty : 1 2 3 4 5
Program 8 - A castle in the forest
Palmela Castle / Palmela / Barris valley / mediterranean forrest / várzea Comenda / Comenda pic-nic park
We start off from Palmela castle. Palmela is located in the Natural Park of Arrabida and it is the centre of a famous vine-growing region. The originality of the scenery and harmony of man in his environment, reveal a perfect integration of the two in a natural and socio-cultural context which surround it. Here the image of harshness, suaveness and beauty are all intermingled in the awesome surroundings. The climate of the region is temperate although in the area Mediterranean characteristics may be found: the amenable climate together with the moderating effect of the sea allows us to conclude that this is one of the very best climates in Continental Portugal. The Natural Park of Arrabida is an area of excellent views, culture, history and hundred-year-old traditions as well as having an economic importance regarding tourism. West of the Palmela Castle , a vast area of the Natural Park of Arrabida can be seen which stretches as far as the Hills of Louro and on the right-hand side down the length of Barris Valley . From the top of the hills, a lovely panorama of the hills of S. Luís and Gaiteiros is visible. We will ride down towards Barris Valley, along a trail of windmills and into the beautiful and exuberant Mediterranean forest.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Time: +- 2H30
Distance: 20km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 9 - A castle in the river Tejo
Entroncamento / V. N. Barquinha / Almourol Castle
In this peculiar Tour we ride along beautiful trails and we get to the surrounding area of the military zone of Tancos. Here we can see the old ruins of a nunnery – Convento do Loreto. And then there is Almourol Castle , built on the granitic outcrop of a small islet in the river Tagus (310m in long per 75m in extreme width and 18m in altitude). The castle is believed to have been built by the Romans, but it is also believed that there once was an old Lusitanian castle. We still wonder its purpose: was it a watch tower? Was it a control post of the boats in Tagus or had it any other purpose? Anyway, it was extremely important during the agitated period of the Christian Conquering. Meanwhile, the above mentioned nunnery was forgotten and never rebuilt. It is said that there was a secret tunnel connecting the castle and the nunnery to be used when the castle was surrounded by the enemy. We prefer to use the boat to cross the river and visit the castle!
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 3H00
Distance : 20km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 10 - The Megalithic Heritage in Alentejo
Reguengos de Monsaraz / S. Pedro do Corval / Monsaraz / (Mourão) / Reg. de Monsaraz
We start in Reguengos de Monsaraz, a small village in Alentejo, which is marked by the wine industry, and from where some of the most well-known brands are originated. Here we can admire the vast vineyards which produce the grapes for the famous wines of this region. Our way leads us to S. Pedro do Corval. This is a small village whose main activity is pottery; there are more than 20 pottery workshops in this small village and we will have the opportunity of visiting some of these places and we will actually see how this handicraft is made. Then we ride to an area where the megalithic monuments are abundant, such as Outeiro Menhir, Reguenguinhos Anta, Telheiro Menhir and Xurez Cromelech, formed by more than 40 Menhires that are strategically placed. It is time to ride up by a mediaeval trail to Monsaraz. Once a strategic defence point to dominate the border line with Spain , this is an enchanted village located at the top of the hill and we will ride through its narrow streets with its small whitewashed houses; we will visit its castle, the parish church, the cistern and the arena. From the top of the castle we can admire Alentejo plain. Then we ride down towards the banks of river Guadiana , where we will have a picnic and enjoy the quietness of this place. [76km version: After the picnic we will have the opportunity of riding to Mourão and come back after visiting the Castle, crossing the long bridge over river Guadiana ]. It is getting late and it is time to ride back to Reguengos de Monsaraz, along the rolling trails that characterise this Alentejo region.
Minimum number of participants : 04 people
Maximum number of participants : 20 people
Duration: +- 7H00
Distance: 55km / 76km
Overall Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5
Program 11 - BTT, Gastronomy and accomodation in Alentejo
On this program we invite you to enjoy the best of this genuine region, enjoying not only one day of BTT, with the PROGRAM 10 - The Megalithic Heritage in Alentejo , but as well the traditional local gastronomy and, accommodation, with a personalized service, that is a reference on and, of this region. Two nights of accommodation at Reguengos de Monsaraz area, one day of BTT program, and the chance of enjoying the local gastronomy on a farewell lunch. This program can be adapted as well, considering your best interests.
All tours include:
- Bicycle Guided Tour
- Documentation of the Tour
- Bicycle GT Avalanche with 24 or 27 speeds, disc brakes and front suspension
- Helmet and Backpack
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Liability Insurance
- First-Aid assistance
- Mechanical Assistance
- Backup Vehicle
- Energetic Bars and Water
Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:info@toursforyou.pt or using the following form (click again to close)
