Alentejo Castles and Wine

Cycle through the heart of the Alentejo, a landscape shaped by medieval castles, marble villages and sweeping vineyards. This 8-day inn-to-inn tour runs from Arraiolos to Estremoz, staying in converted convents, pousadas, palaces and boutique hotels, with luggage moved for you each day.

The route links the UNESCO city of Évora, Europe's oldest megalithic monuments, the clay-pot wineries of Reguengos, the hilltop fortress of Monsaraz above the Alqueva Lake, and the marble towns of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz. Along the way you meet leather, pottery and weaving artisans and taste the region's celebrated wines, olive oils and petiscos.

The tour is offered self-guided, with van support, or fully guided, with Plus versions adding airport transfers and most meals. It can be ridden in reverse for an easier start with more downhill, and a No Rush version offers upgraded hotels.

Highlights

• Nights in historic convents, pousadas and palaces, including a pousada inside Estremoz castle
• Évora's UNESCO centre, the Chapel of Bones and the cathedral
• Almendres Cromlech and the Zambujeiro Dolmen megalithic sites
• Hilltop Monsaraz above the Alqueva Lake, Europe's largest artificial lake
• Marble capital Vila Viçosa, its Ducal Palace and coloured quarry lagoons
• Wine tastings at Fitapreta and clay-pot winery José de Sousa, plus a closing dinner in a 15th-century jailhouse

Surface and terrain
Rolling to undulating countryside on quiet roads, cycle lanes and ecotrail, with some dirt roads (mostly dirt on the megalithic day). Daily ascent ranges from 210 to 560 m, with short climbs to Arraiolos, Monsaraz and Estremoz castles. Days are rated Easy+ to Medium+.

Weather
Hot, dry summers, with July and August often very hot. Spring and autumn bring mild, sunny riding conditions; winters are cooler with some rain.

Suitable for
Leisure riders who enjoy history, food and wine, riding 30 to 60 km a day. The choice of self-guided, van-supported and guided versions, plus e-bikes, suits couples, small groups and mixed-ability riders, including older cyclists.