2024 May 4 to 11
Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $5498
Private Room: $6598
Physical Challenge
Highlights
Enjoy a night in Lisbon with a welcome dinner and live Fado music.
Cycle the headlands of Portugal’s rugged Atlantic shores.
Explore the footsteps of the world’s most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator.
Travel through the charming, sleepy villages of the Alentejo coast.
Feast on the freshest catch of the day at quaint seaside fishing villages.
Enjoy a boat ride featuring panoramic views of the rugged Algarve coast.
Arrive a few days early to explore Lisbon and Sintra. See Extension tab for more details
Overview
Ride along Portugal’s rugged Atlantic Coast
The Costa Azul, also known as the Blue Coast, is a long and beautiful stretch in southwest Portugal. The pristine countryside follows the Atlantic coast where caravels sailed off to make the greatest of the 15th and 16th century New World discoveries. The remarkable history of the area is just one of the charms of this stunning corner of the world. There is the quiet beauty of the uninterrupted beaches, lagoons and fishing villages.
For a week our gay Portugal trip will have us riding through the virgin landscape across vast valleys and along the Atlantic shore, staying at remarkable inns that each reflect the ambiance of their corner of the Alentejo region. Along with the unique accommodations will be culinary feasts and a chance to sample the best port wines in the world. Portugal, often overlooked by travelers, is being discovered and celebrated by visitors, but it still retains its off-the-beaten-track charm. A fun and moderately challenging bike trip, fine food, and comfortable, unique accommodations make this a trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Bom dia Lisbon!
Our tour starts as we meet at our hotel for an afternoon taste of Lisbon: ride the colorful trams and walk with your guide to explore the heart of the old city, including the Alfama district, Lisbon’s most scenic quarter. It was first settled by the Romans and Visigoths, and it was an important Jewish quarter in the 15th century, but it was the Moors who gave the district its distinctive atmosphere. An early evening reception is followed by our welcome dinner in a tasca, with a live Fado show.
Day 2: Exploring the Blue Coast
After a buffet breakfast, we head south to the Arrábida Peninsula and spend a leisurely day exploring the region known as the Costa Azul, or the Blue Coast. Our first stop will be to tour a local tile factory where they carry on the ancient Portuguese tradition of painting azulejos (square tiles) by hand.
We’ll then hop over to one of the oldest wine estates in the country; José Maria Fonseca, housed in a beautiful 19th C manor house where we will taste among others the famous Moscatel! With your appetites opened from the wine sampling will stop in the coastal town of Sesimbra for some lunch on the waterfront before going southeast to our night’s destination the large seaport town of Setúbal.
This evening take some time to explore the old quarter, said to have been founded by Noah’s Grandson! Dinner is on your own, with several restaurant suggestions from our Portuguese guides.
Day 3: Santiago de Cacem (64 km)
After breakfast, we set off for our morning ride over the undulating terrain of the Natural Park of Arrábida, with breathtaking sea views, and then cross by ferry to the Troia Peninsula. This whole area is a natural park, a wetland home to many protected species of birds such as storks (of which we’ll see many) and, more rarely, flamingos. There are lots of spots to stop for lunch with a view!
Riding on southwards, through the lower part of Portugal’s largest and most rural province, the Alentejo, you’ll pass many little farms that still use centuries-old methods of farming. There’ll be many little cafés along the way (circled on your map) where you can always stop for a refreshing drink and give the locals something to discuss for days to come.
Santiago do Cacém, your night’s destination is an interesting town with a castle, built by the Knights Templars in the 13th century upon an earlier Moorish fortress. You’ll be spending the night just outside Santiago in a recently restored manor house with a wonderful pool. After a well-deserved dip, we will all dine together like Lords of the Manor!
Day 4: Following Sir Francis Drake (64 km)
Today’s ride includes a stop at the most extensive Roman ruins south of Lisbon, at Mirobriga. We continue on to the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, named for its many sources of water. This perfect white-washed, blue-trimmed fishing village is typical of the Alentejo region that hugs the sparsely populated coast south of Lisbon.
In season, Vila Nova is a popular water sports center, but it still retains its quiet village charm. There’s so much to see and appreciate that we will spend two nights here. You’ll find beautiful coastal walks, unspoiled beaches, and many tascas and cafes where you can enjoy drinks and local cuisine. In ancient times this town is said to have harbored Hannibal and his Carthaginians during a storm. Tonight we will dine together at a local tasca.
Day 5: Vila Nova de Milfontes (41 km – optional loop totals 74.7 km)
We have a break from biking today to relax and enjoy the area. Often, there is an optional kayak trip up the usually quiet tidal river.
For dedicated cyclists, you have options for somewhat challenging rides that will take you past fields of wildflowers, and include a stop at a working windmill. This afternoon is free to relax on the beach or the pool, do some shopping or explore the town. We are happy to recommend some local hotspots for dinner tonight as you go off on your own.
Day 6: Moor Riding! (52.1 km)
Today we depart for the rugged headland of Zumbujeira do Mar and beyond. The route follows a line of old fortifications of the Moors. It’s a good idea to grab a bite along the coast since we will be riding through some remote expanses.
Back on your bikes, you’ll cross the Rio Seixe about 18km/11m later. This marks the boundary between the Alentejo and the Algarve provinces. “Algarve” is a Moorish word meaning “the land of the beyond”. It was the last part of Portugal to be reconquered by the Christians. This province, more than any other in Portugal, bears the unmistakable marks left by 500yrs. of Moorish domination.
From Zambujeira do Mar it’s only another 15km/9m on a fairly flat road to your destination. We’ll dine together at our quaint guesthouse tonight in the countryside.
Day 7: Brejao to Lagos (67 km)
Today we will take a gorgeous ride inland and our first stop will be the town of Aljeizur with a little castle on the ridge. After Aljeizur we have a very short but rather fierce uphill and then a lovely rolling ride through the Algarve countryside straight to the waterfront and the center of Lagos.
Before exploring the town we will certainly explore its waters with an afternoon sail on the BOM DIA. This two-masted sailing boat will take us out along the incredible Algarvian coast with its vast number of grottoes. In the afternoon you can enjoy Lagos, a quaint town that manages to be both funky touristy and historically touristy at the same time without losing its old-world charm. Tonight we will meet in the lobby for our farewell dinner at one of Lagos’ premier restaurants.
Day 8: Tchau Portugal!
Our gay Portugal cycling tour ends in Lagos. We encourage you to stay an extra night to enjoy this southern coastal area of Portugal. For those flying out, a morning group transfer will be provided to the Faro Airport in time to meet flights departing at 10:00 am or later. (If you need to catch an earlier flight, our guides can help arrange for a transfer for the 40-mile ride to Faro.) There are also express buses directly from Lagos to Lisbon (about 4 hours) as well as a train if you have time for an extra night in Lisbon. We hope you will have a safe journey home!
Price Includes
Gay Portugal – Biking the Blue Coast – Main Tour
Price includes: Comfortable and interesting hotels each night; All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners; Services of two tour guides; Van support to get luggage (and tired riders!) to destination; Use of helmet and bike (your choice of hybrid or road bike); Map and detailed route instructions and turn-by-turn directions on our route app (does not need cellular connectivity once loaded); Guided tours of historic sites; Transfer from Lagos, Portugal to Faro Airport on last morning of the tour to meet 11 am or later flights (guides can assist in reserving earlier transfers if need be). Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.
Not included: Airfare to/from the tour start/end points; Arrival transfer to the Lisbon group hotel; Departure transfer from Lagos to the international airport in Faro for anyone with a flight before 9:45 AM; 2 Dinners; Wine, beer, and spirits; Personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, faxes, telephone calls, and personal beverages; Admissions not described as included in the itinerary; Gratuities for guides and host.
Optional Tour Choices:
$120 Early morning departure transfer to Faro Airport. If you have a flight before 9:45 AM you need this option.
$230 Opt for an Electric Assisted Bicycle
Pre-Tour Extension in Lisbon and Sintra
Price includes: Arrival transfer from Lisbon airport or train station to the hotel; Two nights at a lovely hotel in Lisbon; 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner; activities shown in the itinerary.
Not included: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, personal items, and gratuities.
$1498 Pre-tour Sintra Extension Price Per Person in a shared room
$2098 Pre-tour Sintra Extension Price Single Person in a private room
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Extensions
Come Early to Explore Lisbon and Sintra – May 2 to 4, 2024
We invite you to arrive two days early to explore Lisbon and the beautiful towns, hills, and coastline just north and west of the city. The pre-tour extension starts with a casual walking tour and a nice dinner in Lisbon two days before the tour starts. Then on the following day, we will have a full-day tour to visit an ancient tower and monastery along Lisbon’s harbor, both of which are among the “Seven Modern Wonders of Portugal.” We then drive to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage village set among densely wooded hills, with its own microclimate. The kings and queens of Portugal built their summer palaces in Sintra, as did the Moorish caliphs before them. During our visit, we will explore one of the three remaining royal residences here.
From Sintra, we will head further west to Cabo da Roca, a windy headland that is the westernmost point of Europe. As we head back toward Lisbon along the coast, so you can get a good rest to prepare for the biking ahead.
FAQ
- What if I am traveling alone?
- Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it’s usually because they’re looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn’t have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you’ll be traveling with friends. You don’t need to pay the single supplement if you’re traveling alone. We’ll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.
- What is the physical activity level of this tour?
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Physical Activity Level
This trip is for cyclists who can comfortably bike 30 to 50 miles a day over moderate terrain, with some steeper hills. Much of our cycling will be on lightly traveled roads across rolling terrain along the Atlantic coast. There are some hills on this route along with some days of mostly flat riding. You can lessen the cycling intensity by upgrading to an e-bike, which you can read about below.
- Where does the tour start and end?
- This tour starts in Lisbon and ends in Lagos, Portugal.
- What exactly is an electric bike?
- E-bikes are electric motor-assisted bicycles that give battery-powered assistance to the cyclist with each pedal stroke. E-Bikes offer all the fun and freedom of regular cycling but with less effort to cycle uphill and against a headwind.
- What will the hotels be like?
- We still stay in a variety of lodges, including a restored manor house, a country B&B, and small hotels.
- Additional Questions
- For answers to your additional questions, please email info@hetravel.com or call 305-294-8174