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Trip Overview Follow the Atlantic coast from Lisbon to Lagos!
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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Starting near Lisbon, we’ll cycle along quiet roads from the seaside hills of the Blue Coast through the agricultural region of Alentejo to the brilliant beaches of the Algarve, and experience the beauty of Portugal. Hugging the Atlantic Coast, our route will take us past charming windmills, historic nautical sites, and quaint fishing villages. Each day will offer a different experience and often a challenging ride. Our reward at the end of each day: fine cuisine, excellent wines, and warm Portuguese hospitality in unique lodgings. 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 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 their 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 which is the westernmost point of Europe. As we head back toward Lisbon along the coast, we'll stop in the bustling coastal town of Cascais (frequently the home of sailing regattas), and we'll stop for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea. After dinner we return to Lisbon, so you can get a good rest to prepare for the biking ahead.
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1: 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. We will also visit the Chiado with Siza Vieira's renovations, and the Rossio and Baixa quarters. An early evening reception is followed by our welcome dinner in a tasca, with live Fado music. 
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2: Exploring the Blue Coast
After a buffet breakfast, we depart by van across the bridge to the south from Lisbon, to the Arrábida Peninsula, known for its lush Mediterranean vegetation including olive and cork trees. We'll spend a leisurely day exploring the region known at 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. This factory has provided many of the tiles for the grand entrance hall of the new MGM casino in Macau, a former Portuguese colony (now part of China) that has kept some of its Portuguese traditions. We'll continue to the fishing town of Sesimbra, with free time to wander and have lunch. Our next stop is the quaint small town of Azeitão, where we will enjoy a hosted visit to a local adega/winery, followed by a tasting. Our lodging will be at a country inn on a hillside near Azeitão that features a pool and views of the Serra Arrábida hills over the vineyards. In the early evening we'll fit out our bikes and have an orientation to the riding ahead. The evening is free to wander Azeitão independently. Dinner is on your own, with several restaurant suggestions from our Portuguese guides.
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3: Santiago de Cacem (94 km ride)
After breakfast, set off for your morning ride over the undulating terrain of the Natural Park of Arrábida, with breathtaking sea views, working your way down to sea level at the seaport city of Sétubal. At Sétubal, cross on a ferry to the Troia Peninsula. After the boat ride, the flat road (and a new bike path for part of the ride) down the long, narrow peninsula follows the beach and there are a number of seaside restaurants to choose from for lunch. There will also be time to stop for a swim on the beautiful white sand beaches. Our accommodation for the night is a posada built in 1947, a small gem that is part of the national network of historic hotels (and featured in the August 2007 CondeNast Traveler Magazine). Enjoy dinner at the inn, a chance to try regional specialties.
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4: Following Sir Francis Drake (50 km ride)
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. Dinner is on your own this evening.
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5: Vila Nova de Milfontes (optional 37 km loop)
After breakfast we'll set out on a loop ride that will take us past fields of wildflowers, and include a stop at a working windmill. This afternoon is free to relax on the beach or explore the town. This evening we will enjoy a special dinner of local cuisine.
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6: Moor Riding! (70 km ride)
Today we depart for the rugged headland of Zumbujeira do Mar and beyond. The route follows a line of old fortifications of the Moors. After a strenuous ride, we'll arrive in the medieval town of Aljezur, our first stop in the Algarve region. (All towns and regions starting with "Al" were named by the Moors.) Lying along a narrow river, the town was founded by the Arabs, conquered by the Portuguese in 1246, and is dominated by a hilltop fortress. Relax at our atmospheric hotel for the night. Dinner is at a lovely restaurant with a view of the coastline.
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7: Prince Henry and the Algarve Coast (40 km ride)
Depart after breakfast for your last ride, parallel to the coast to the southwesternmost peninsula of Europe. Our cycling ends at Sagres, site of Prince Henry the Navigator's School of Navigation. You'll have a short time to explore the fort and have a packed lunch, before continuing by van into the white town of Lagos. Lagos was the last stop for the Africa-bound caravels in the 16th-18th centuries. The town preserves remains of that trade in the old slave market and many churches funded by the wealth that poured into Portugal during the Age of Discovery. On an afternoon cruise off the coast of Lagos, you'll appreciate the beauty of this gleaming Algarve town built on the wealth from Africa. This is a great walking town and there will be some time to explore before our Farewell Dinner at a special local restaurant.
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8: Departure Day
Our tour ends in Lagos, but a morning transfer will be provided to the Faro Airport in time to meet flights departing at 9:45 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) if you have time for an extra night in Lisbon. We hope you will have a safe journey home!
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