PortugalBike - Mountain Bike Vacations in Portugal

Active Adventure

MOUNTAIN BIKE PROGRAMMES:

The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches
7 days / 6 nights / 4 days cycling / 1 day rest
(+ beach) - Advanced
Regions of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve (coast)

Crossing the Algarve
7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling - Advanced
Region of Portugal: Algarve

The Granitic Villages on the Mountains
7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling - Expert
Region of Portugal: North of Portugal

Serra da Estrela …Sheer Down!
7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling (+ fluvial beach)
- Beginner / Intermediate
Region of Portugal: Centre of Portugal




PORTUGALBIKE TOURS DIVIDED BY CLASS:

The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches = LANDSCAPE TOUR =
The vast landscapes and the paradisiacal beaches

Crossing the Algarve = LANDSCAPE TOUR =
The inland side of the famous Algarve

The Granitic Villages on the Mountains = LANDSCAPE TOUR =
Ancient granitic houses and old people in a green
environment

Serra da Estrela …Sheer Down! = LANDSCAPE TOUR =
The slopes of the highest mountain in Continental Portugal




PORTUGALBIKE MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS (#4):
(Guided Tours)


1. THE BEAUTIFUL ALENTEJO BEACHES
(Guided Tour)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
1. The Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast
2. The most preserved coast all over Europe
3. Tasty fresh fish of the Atlantic Coast
4. Vast fields of vegetable crops
5. The beautiful cliffs of Vicentine Coast
6. The limpid and clear water of the sea
7. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean
8. Sagres - the south-westernmost point of Continental Europe
9. The gorgeous beaches and the beautiful coast of the Algarve region
10. Lagos - the cosmopolitan and oldest town in the Algarve

SUMMARY
SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention has been less visible throughout its history. Once submerged (about 2 million years ago), this is a vast area with many different coastal habitats and countless beaches and cliffs. Our daily tours include going to the wonderful beaches of this Natural Park and taking a swim in the clear, blue sea. Cliffs are steep, almost 100m high and right above the ocean. Countless rocks and isolated islets complete this beautiful and unique scenery. You will see the islet of Pessegueiro, a short distance out to sea, which has archaeological findings that date back to the Iron Age and Roman times. This area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here. S. Vicente Cape is a passing area for thousands of birds of prey. The tour also goes to Sagres, which is the south-westernmost point in continental Europe, the place from where our brave forefathers sailed on their caravels seeking new peoples and continents. Finally, you will visit some of the beaches of our famous Algarve including the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. This is one of the oldest towns in Algarve. We can still see evidence of the wall surrounding the town for protection. Lagos also has an old fort and its former Slave Market is now an art gallery.

TECHNICAL DATA
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Region of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve (coast)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 4 days cycling / 1 day rest
Begin: Sines (Alentejo)
End: Lagos (Algarve)
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 => Advanced. You are fit and in good shape
Distance: 232km (143mi)
Average: 58km/day (36mi/day)
Trails: 62% off-road – 38% asphalt

PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 2H00 drive to Sines followed by dinner. Lodging in a 4* charming Hotel where you can find numerous references to Portugal’s greatest navigator Vasco da Gama.
Day 2: The typical houses in Alentejo Coast – 39km (24mi), 340m ac. gain, level 2 (+ Beach). Lodging in a small town classified as a Touristic Paradise, near the beach.
Day 3: The vast fields of vegetable crops – 65km (40mi), 670m ac. gain, level 4 (+ Beach). Lodging in a typical Alentejo country house (Rural Tourism) where a refreshing swimming-pool is waiting for you.
Day 4: The beautiful Beaches at Vicentine Coast – 81km (50mi), 900m ac. gain, level 5 (+ Beach). Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty.
Day 5: FREE day. Visit to Sagres, its Fortress and beaches. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty.
Day 6: The Coast of Algarve – 47km (29mi), 870m ac. gain, level 4 (+ Beach). Lodging in a 4* hotel with swimming-pool, that epitomises the Algarve culture, with blue and white corridors which link the rooms, patios, restaurants and bar.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport.

DATES AND PRICES FOR 2010
13 & 19 March:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1430 (Single Suppl. + € 200)
24 & 30 April:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1440 (Single Suppl. + € 210)
12 & 18 June:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1480 (Single Suppl. + € 230)
06 & 12 November:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1420 (Single Suppl. + € 190)

=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.
=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.

What does the price of this PortugalBike Guided Tour include?
- 7 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Accommodations (usually 4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 4 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 4 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Luggage transport from Inn to Inn
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle

---

2. CROSSING THE ALGARVE
(Guided Tour)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
1. The gorgeous beaches and beautiful coast of the Algarve
2. Ria Formosa, sand and water paradise
3. River crossing trails and single tracks
4. Tavira – the most typical town in the Algarve
5. Tasty fresh fish of the Algarve
6. Moorish-style town of Silves and its castle
7. Foia – the highest point in the Algarve
8. Sagres - the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe
9. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean
10. Monchique SPA located in in a luxuriant Mediterranean forest

SUMMARY
Crossing the Algarve will show you this beautiful region of Portugal taking you along trails and tracks, riding up and down the hills of the Algarve inland, crossing rivulets and passing typical villages! The Tour will start in the typical city of Tavira with its innumerous buildings and monuments and the amazing Roman bridge over Gilao river in the historic center. This is the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a lagoon system that extends itself over 60km of coast and which is a passing area for the migrating fauna from Europe to North of Africa and it is also the “winter resort” for many birds from North and Central Europe. We will ride on to the inland and here the MTB pleasure will start, riding along spectacular trails, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and we will have to cross several rivulets. We will visit some lost villages on the hills of the Algarve and beautiful cork-oak forests. We will visit and spend one night in Silves, which was the capital of the Algarve when the Arabs were here; we will visit Monchique where we will stay in a thermal hotel located in a luxuriant valley of Mediterranean vegetation. You can choose to ride up to the highest point in the Algarve – Foia, which is 902m high. This Tour will end near Sagres, on the cliffs of Cape S. Vicente – the place where the land ends and the sea begins – the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe. This is the place from where our forefathers sailed away on their caravels seeking new worlds and cultures five centuries ago!

TECHNICAL DATA
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Region of Portugal: Algarve (mostly inland)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Tavira (Algarve)
End: Cape S. Vincent (Algarve)
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 => Advanced. You are fit and in good shape
Distance: 255km (160mi)
Average: 51km/day (32mi/day)
Trails: 80% off-road – 20% asphalt

PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at FARO airport. 1H00 drive to Tavira followed by dinner. Lodging in a 4* charming hotel whose building was once a typical old tuna fish market.
Day 2: From the cliffs to the hills and rivers inland – 51km (32mi), 900m ac. Gain, level 4. Lodging in a charming “Pousada” on the mountain with a swimming-pool and an amazing view.
Day 3: The magnificent Rocha da Pena and single-tracks – 42km (26mi), 670m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 3* hotel, located near the most typical inland Algarve village, in a genuine natural beauty area where the sight extends itself to the mountain range.
Day 4: Cork Forests, lakes and the Moorish town of Silves – 48km (30mi), 570m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 3* hotel with a swimming pool in one of the most historical cities of the Algarve.
Day 5: Up to the highest village in the Algarve, Monchique (Optional: uphill to the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia with 902m). Downhill to Caldas de Monchique – 44km (28mi), 800m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in a 4* hotel with SPA whose recovered old buildings are surrounded by luxurious Mediterranean forest.
Day 6: From the mountains to Cape S. Vincent - 81km (51mi), 900 ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell at FARO airport. 1H30 drive to airport.

DATES AND PRICES FOR 2010
06 & 12 March:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 200)
17 & 23 Abril:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1400 (Single Suppl. + € 240)
13 & 19 November:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1350 (Single Suppl. + € 190)

=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.
=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.

What does the price of this PortugalBike Guided Tour include?
- 7 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack
- Transfers from and to Faro Airport
- Accommodations (usually a 4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 5 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Luggage transport from Inn to Inn
- Car connections at some stages (when necessary)
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle

---

3. THE GRANITIC VILLAGES ON THE MOUNTAINS
(Guided Tour)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
1. Riding over 1000m altitude
2. Beautiful Granitic Villages in the North
3. Breathtaking Mountain sceneries
4. Pitões das Junias, the highest village in Portugal
5. The incredible 12th century monastery in Pitões
6. The limpid and clear water of the waterfalls
7. Riding on Roman roads that are 2000 years old
8. Delicious food and wines!
9. Riding in Portugal and Spain on the same tour
10. Riding a bike together with wild horses (Garranos) in the Mountains

SUMMARY
This is a journey to authenticity in the most beautiful mountainous region in Portugal – Minho and its green fields! It is a mountain bike tour along forest tracks, old paths and spectacular stone-paved roadways that link typical granitic villages in the North of Portugal, where we ride almost always at 1000m-high! The Tour will start near Braga, or Bracara Augusta as the Romans called it more than 2000 years ago. We will cross the amazing Hills of Cabreira, unique for the forest mantle where we can see oak-trees, Scottish pine-trees, poplars, plane-trees, chestnut- trees, pine-trees, birch-trees, cork oak-trees, cedars and even giant sequoias! We will spend the night in Agra, a small traditional village with its granitic buildings, and we will stay in Rural Tourism. Then we will ride on the Hills of Barroso and Larouco, the latter is the second highest in Continental Portugal and is about 1527m-high. We will cross many typical granitic villages with their medieval churches, we will ride along ancient stone-paved roadways and we will admire the land where the traditional farming and pasturing still prevail. We will visit the old castle in Carvalhelhos, an ancient village dated from the 1st century BC. Montalegre with its beautiful castle is the biggest town that we visit – it has 1800 inhabitants. The last two days take place in a pure mountainous region; we will ride along high tracks crossing mountain ridges and meadows where we will see wild ponies. We will spend the night in Pitões das Júnias, the highest village in Portugal (1100m-high) and we will visit its incredible monastery that is hidden in a valley and is dated from the 12th century. This Tour will end in Spain, Lobios, and we will stay in a thermal hotel which is perfect for our rest.

TECHNICAL DATA
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Region of Portugal: North of Portugal (Minho)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Vieira do Minho (Braga)
End: Lobios (Galiza, Spain)
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 => Expert. You are in very good shape! You are a winner!
Distance: 269km (168mi)
Average: 54km/day (34mi/day)
Trails: 84% off-road – 16% asphalt

PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at OPORTO airport. 1H00 drive to Braga followed by dinner. Lodging in a 4* hotel in the center of one of the largest urban centers in Portugal.
Day 2: Transfer (30min) to Vieira do Minho. Amazing views over Geres Mountain and the granitic village of “Agra” – 33km (21mi), 760m ac. gain, level 3. Lodging in Rural Tourism; this is an 18th century house that was converted into a small hotel which harmoniously maintains the architectural authenticity of a house built in the ancient Minho.
Day 3: Villages in the Mountains – 57km (36mi), 1430m ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a 3* Estalagem located in a thermal village.
Day 4: Crossing typical Granitic Villages – 54km (34mi), 1170m ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a 4* hotel with a swimming-pool whose building was once the prison house and was recently renovated.
Day 5: Up to the highest village in Portugal, Pitões das Junias with its incredible 12th century monastery –55km (34mi), 1450m ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a typical Guest House with amazing views over the Mountains.
Day 6: Crossing the Mountains to Galicia (Spain) - 70km (44mi), 1290m ac. gain, level 5. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with SPA in Spain, which is very near to the National Park Peneda Geres and some historical Portuguese small towns.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell at OPORTO airport. 2H30 drive to airport.

DATES AND PRICES FOR 2010
08 & 14 May:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1410 (Single Suppl. + € 160)
19 & 25 June:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1410 (Single Suppl. + € 160)
18 & 24 September:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1410 (Single Suppl. + € 160)

=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.
=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.

What does the price of this PortugalBike Guided Tour include?
- 7 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack
- Transfers from and to Oporto Airport
- Accommodations (usually a 4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 5 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Luggage transport from Inn to Inn
- Car connections at some stages (when necessary)
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle

---

4. SERRA DA ESTRELA …SHEER DOWN!
(Guided Tour)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
1. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela
2. Riding down the Mountains
3. The highest peak in Continental Portugal (2000m)
4. Amazing views at the top of the hills
5. Refreshing swims in the river
6. The historical villages and its castles
7. The rough trails down the slopes
8. The mixture of speed and technique
9. Incredibly fast slopes downhill
10. World-famous Serra da Estrela cheese

SUMMARY
This PortugalBike Tour is different from all the others because we will be based at the top of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela. Each day we will leave to discover a different slope of the hill. You will have the opportunity to admire amazing views from the top of the hill and you’ll have the thrill of your life riding down trails of dense and lush vegetation! Don’t worry: you won’t have to climb back uphill. At the end of each day, the mini-van will be waiting to take us back to the hotel at the top of the hill. You will see evidence of ancient history – a medieval castle, a Roman road – and you can refresh yourself in the crystalline waters of the fluvial swimming-pools. You will taste the world-famous Queijo da Serra (cheese) that is still traditionally manufactured and you can still count more than one hundred different handicraft activities, such as pottery, wooden works, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, basketry, etc. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal and it occupies a surface of about 1000 km2. It corresponds to the hill-country of Serra da Estrela that is essentially granite with some schist outcrops. The area of the Natural Park includes the main hydrographical springs of Portugal (Mondego, Zezere, Alva), the main vestiges of ancient glaciers and the highest peak in continental Portugal – Torre is almost 2000 metres high. Due to its geographic isolation, this region is today the most distinct region of Portugal. As a result, we see a part of old Portugal with its unspoiled and immensely varied scenery and traditional cuisine.

TECHNICAL DATA
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Region of Portugal: Centre of Portugal
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Serra da Estrela (Beiras)
End: Serra da Estrela (Beiras)
Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 => Beginner. You are not in good shape.
Distance: 155km (96mi)
Average: 31km/day (19mi/day)
Trails: 88% off-road – 12% asphalt

PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to Serra da Estrela followed by dinner. Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
Day 2: On the top of Serra da Estrela – 57km (35mi), 760m ac. gain, level 4. Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
Day 3: Serra da Estrela …Sheer Down! – 8km (5mi), 70m ac. gain, level 1.
Downhill to the Ski Park – 15km (9mi), 250m ac. gain, level 2 (+ Fluvial beach). Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).
Day 4: The Center of Serra da Estrela – 27km (17mi), 400m ac. gain, level 2. Relaxing afternoon in the swimming pool at the hotel. Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with swimming-pool, with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
Day 5: Gods’ Paradise – 31km (19mi), 470m ac. gain, level 3 (+ Fluvial beach). Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
Day 6: Southward Trail – 17km (11mi), 180m ac. gain, level 1.
Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha. Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with swimming-pool, with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport

DATES AND PRICES FOR 2010
10 & 16 July:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)
07 & 13 August:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)
28 August & 03 Sept.:
PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)

=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.
=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.

What does the price of this PortugalBike Guided Tour include?
- 7 days with PortugalBike
- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide
- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Accommodations (4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)
- 6 Breakfasts
- 4 nourishing and energetic picnics
- 1 lunch
- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Car connections between Hotel and the places where the daily rides start/end
- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno-Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location
- Permanent Backup Vehicle
- Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha

TESTIMONIALS
»»»» (…) Thanks again for such a nice week in the Portugal. The mountain biking trails were great fun with very fast and technical down-hills and the setting was fantastic.
= Stephen Corkery (Ireland), 2007 =

---

ABOUT PORTUGALBIKE:

Since 1995 we have been organizing Guided Bicycle Tours in Portugal under the name of BTTour. We have organized more than 200 Bicycle Tours and more than 8000 people have ridden with us.
In 2003 we decided to offer something else – to show our beautiful country to those who live beyond our borders. We created PortugalBike to share with people all over the world some of the most unique biking experiences. In 2006 we were Finalists in the PUBLITURIS Travel Trade & Hotel Guide 2005 Awards for the «Best Company of Active and Animation Tourism in Portugal» .

Being a Portuguese-owned Company, we know our country better than anybody else and we want to expose people to places and curiosities about Portugal that only a Portuguese knows! Our target is that you visit Portugal …riding a bicycle! On PortugalBike Tours you have the opportunity to visit our historical, cultural and landscape heritage in our Natural Parks, enjoy the sun and the beaches, and at the end of the day you can recover your strength with an exquisite dinner. You can taste our famous wines, amazing cheeses and lovely desserts, and sample typical dishes of each region of Portugal.

You will rest in cozy and charming accommodations. We always choose 4-star quality hotels whenever possible in each region or Tourism in the Country. Our accommodations are always the best offer of each region.



WHAT KIND OF TOURS DO WE OFFER?


There are three types of PortugalBike Tours, depending on the type of bicycle you use during your one-week programme:

1) Road Bike Tours are on asphalt roads (100%). We always try to avoid roads with a lot of traffic, preferring secondary roads. On these tours, you ride more km/day than on a Hybrid Bike Tour. These tours can be Guided or Self-Guided. You use a Road Bike (700x23 wheels with carbon frame). You can also opt for a Hybrid Bike, if you prefer (700x38 wheels with a little front suspension). Participants are usually 30-50 years old.

2) Hybrid Bike Tours are mainly on asphalt/tarmac (more than 75%) with some off-road rolling trails. Usually the tours are a little bit longer than the Mountain Bike version tours. It is the best and most relaxing way to know a country by bicycle while also having fun. These tours can be Guided or Self-Guided. You use a Hybrid Bike (700x38 wheels with a little front suspension). Participants are usually 40-60 years old.

3) Mountain Bike Tours are mainly on off-road rough trails (more than 75%), sometimes technical, with very little asphalt/tarmac. You need some biking skills and you need to be in good shape. Usually, these tours are a little bit shorter than the Hybrid Bike tours. It is the best way to know a country and feel the challenge of nature. These tours are always Guided (ask us for self-guided). You use a Mountain Bike (26x2.1 wheels with front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes). Participants are usually 20-40 years old.


There are 2 Classes of PortugalBike Tours, depending on what you will see during your one-week programme:

1) HISTORIC TOURS: on these bicycle programmes you will have the opportunity of learning more about the heritage of Portugal, i.e. castles, fortresses, palaces, convents, and you will have a closer contact with our History and our Culture.

2) LANDSCAPE TOURS: on these bicycle programmes you will have the opportunity of admiring our vast landscapes along the coast, breathing the fresh air from the ocean or the mountains, relaxing on the beaches or just feeling in contact with Nature and appreciate the Universe.

---

DIFFICULTY LEVELS:


Each PortugalBike Tour is classified according to its difficulty level, from 1 to 5. Level 1 is the easiest and level 5 is the most difficult.

- Levels 1 and 2 are for Beginners (You are not in good shape)
- Level 3 is for Intermediate Bikers (You must be in good shape)
- Level 4 is for Advanced Bikers (You are fit and in good shape)
- Level 5 is for Expert Bikers (You are in very good shape! You are a winner!)

Besides the classification for overall difficulty level of each PortugalBike Tour, each day is also classified from 1 to 5. When the trails are difficult, we ride less km/day and when the trails are easy, we ride more km/day. Please note that the purpose of PortugalBike Tours is not to train, but only to enjoy your bicycle, nature and environment. ...You are on vacations!

---

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT ON A PORTUGALBIKE TOUR?


PortugalBike Tours are designed so that we begin at a certain point and we end elsewhere. You do not start and end at the same place. We think that is the best way to discover Portugal ...riding a bicycle! Read the specific information about each ride to learn more details.

PortugalBike Tours can be Guided (with a Guide) or Self-Guided (with a GPS device with all tracks recorded). The big difference between the prices for Guided and Self-Guided Tours is that the Self-Guided Tours do not include dinners, picnics, energy bars and water during the day. There is always a backup car to provide any assistance you may need.

PortugalBike Tours have a maximum of 16 participants, and a minimum of two. Larger groups are also possible upon request and according to our availability. Our Bike Tours are prepared for one week (7 days / Saturday to Friday).

The dates of PortugalBike Tours are according to our calendar, or on request, according to our availability. The prices below are for the scheduled PortugalBike Tours. However, if you wish a different date, ask us for prices and availability.

---

Typical Day

PortugalBike will show you the social and cultural aspects of the remotest areas. You will be able to contact with the most remarkable aspects of an ancient country and get to know a vast architectonical and historical heritage, as well as a magnificent landscape. Admire the most beautiful beaches and mountains where nature is still intact and wild.

PortugalBike guarantees you the best holidays you can get in the Bicycle world; you will have entertainment, joy, comfort and safety together with lots of adrenaline and wonderful landscapes; at the end of the day you can relax in the swimming-pool, recover your strength with an exquisite dinner which always includes our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts, and finally you can always count on cosy and charming accommodations to rest and get prepared for the fantastic and unforgettable day to come.

Age range, type of group

PortugalBike Mountain Bike Tours are designed for couples and singles. Participants are usually 20-40 years old.

The spirit of our tours is not competition and this is not training. The purpose of PortugalBike Tours is to have fun and enjoy Nature and the wild and still intact environment, to get to know different people and to spend unforgettable holidays in a sunny, warm and welcoming country without stress!

Usually, in a PortugalBike activity when you have many kilometres to ride, their difficulty is low; when the terrain is difficult, you ride less kilometres each day. Moreover, tours are designed so that a very difficult day is not followed by another very difficult day. In the middle of the week there is usually a day when you do not ride; this is good so that your body may rest without the bicycle and you can enjoy other activities (shopping, sightseeing, going to the beach, etc.).
We always have a long sunny day to ride our bicycles without stress and at our own pace; we are not competing or training. Our purpose is to make you enjoy our country while riding a bicycle.

Sleeping and meals

PortugalBike groups stay at 4 star Hotels, and at Rural Tourism (or Tourism in the Country) accommodations; these are cosy and charming cottages or Manor Houses converted into small hotels. The quality of many of these places is similar to 4-star hotels. Accommodations are always the best offer of the Region. We always look for beautiful and comfortable places, showing some of our traditional architecture and heritage where you can rest and enjoy the landscape. Many of these places have a swimming pool, where you can relax at the end of the day. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Rates

See our prices for Guided and Self-Guided Tour, and for each season. The big difference between the prices for Guided and Self-Guided Tours is that the Self-Guided Tours do not include dinners, picnics, energy bars and water during the day. There is always a backup car to provide any assistance you may need.

Other Information

Bookings
Make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure that you have a place on the ride you wish to take. Bookings shall only be effective after your deposit is received.

Deposit
Book your Tour. After you receive confirmation from BTTour/PortugalBike that your booking is possible, you have to pay a deposit in the amount of Euro 300/person by Bank Transfer to our bank account or via PayPal within five business days.

Final Payment
The final payment for your PortugalBike Tour is due until 45 days before the Tour begins.
According to Portuguese Law our company had to establish a partnership with a Travel Agency to deal with the Accommodations for our Tours. Therefore, Final Payment is divided into the amount referring to the Tour and the amount referring to Accommodations. You will receive 2 PayPal Invoices with the respective amounts. The Invoice referring to the Tour will be sent by BTTour-PortugalBike and the Invoice referring to Accommodations will be sent by CITUR (the Travel Agency that works with us).
If we do not receive a Final Payment until the above deadline, we will assume it is a cancellation, and your paid deposit shall not be refunded.

Cancellation/Annulment
As we are a company that develops outdoor activities, BTTour/PortugalBike is subject to weather conditions at the time of the activity. Therefore, BTTour/PortugalBike reserves the right to change itineraries or tour arrangements in the event that weather conditions may endanger the SAFETY of our Customers. The following are examples of weather/environmental conditions that impact itinerary plans: landslide, trees blown off/fallen, cyclonic wind, earthquakes, rushing streams of water, fire or risk of fire.
For those who have made a reservation and paid for a Tour and then change their mind later, a refund will be provided only under the following conditions:
»»» The total amount (minus a Cancellation Fee of Euro 100) provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour/PortugalBike 45 days in advance;
»»» 50% of the amount provided that the cancellation is conveyed in writing to BTTour 25 days in advance.
NOTE: Cancellations received by BTTour/PortugalBike with less than 25 days notice do not qualify for a refund.

Refund
BTTour/PortugalBike is not responsible for refunding paid services that are not used by the Customer.

Insurance
BTTour/PortugalBike is fully insured according to the Portuguese law in force for its activity. All participants on our tours will be insured for Personal Accidents in the amount of € 3500 for medical expenses and € 20000 in case of death or permanent disability. We also have a limited liability insurance of € 50000.

Responsibility/Liability
Riding a bicycle is an adventure and it involves some risks. Participating in a PortugalBike Tour implies the awareness and acceptance of this increased risk on behalf of the participant. When you submit the Registration Form you agree to accept all the conditions included in the Registration Form and its Terms and Conditions. When we accept your reservation, we agree to carry out our obligations to you as defined in this document and other information provided to you.

Photographs
BTTour/PortugalBike is entitled to use the photographs taken during PortugalBike activities for bona fide promoting and marketing purposes for our rides only. No images shall be used when the image of a person is equal to or larger than 25% of the photograph size.

Accommodations
The price of a PortugalBike Tour is always the same throughout the year, but the price for Accommodations depends on the time of the year. When you fill in your Booking Form you can see the exact amount for Accommodations on that particular Tour you chose. You will benefit from the best prices for accommodations negotiated by PortugalBike-CITUR. Usually we arrange for double-bedroom occupancy, but in some locations, we may have to book larger rooms/suites/apartments for more than two people, depending on the season of the year. Participants signing up individually will be assigned roommates of the same sex, or pay a single supplement. On some tours, the number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Taxes
Prices include all the legal taxes in force.

Discounts Offered

«« HAVE UP TO 80% DISCOUNT!!! »»
+ Bring 5 friends with you, and have 40% DISCOUNT!
++ Bring 11 friends with you, and have 60% DISCOUNT!!
+++ Bring 15 friends with you, and have 80% DISCOUNT!!!
»» The total amount of payment must be paid by just one person.
»» Prices of accommodations are excluded.
»» Any special discounts or promotions may be applied only to trips booked directly with PortugalBike.