Freewheel - Best of the Algarve 13 nights

Best of the Algarve 13 nights

Portugal

From £1,270 P/P

See the highlights of the Algarve from your two wheels. This thirteen-day tour shows you the gems of this popular and stunning area, ranging from interesting coastline to beautiful countryside and other surprises in between. Enjoy culinary delights, bigger cities, and varied landscapes.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Vila Real de Santo António

Once you arrive in the Algarve, we will pick you up and take you to Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA). This is a fascinating town on the shores of the Guadiana River that separates the borders of Portugal and Spain. The VRSA was heavily damaged in the great earthquake of 1755 and was re-built on a grid system. There is a laid-back feeling here and it is home to a gorgeous central square, which is filled with numerous cafes and shops and bordered with orange trees. Sip on a glass of wine and bite on some local food while you watch the world go by. The perfect first evening before you set off on your bike!

Day 2: Cycle to Tavira: (approx. 31km)

Jump back on the saddle and head through several unique coastal towns. The first resort is Monte Gordo which gained popularity in the 70s, here you can see a large promenade ideal for cycling and a huge sandy beach. In the hotter summer months, you may opt to cycle through the Mata Nacional da Dunas Litorais and find shelter from the blaring sun. Your next stop will be Manta Rota, a town on a slight hill with an untouched beach. You can also go on to Caçela Velha, a small white village with a great view of the lagoon and a beautiful church. Neighbouring Fabrica is also worth a visit. From here ride along dirt tracks and quiet roads, through the fishing village of Cabanas, past salt flats and into Tavira. Tavira hosts a castle and an old Roman bridge, and the city is built on two sides of the River Gilão. Enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants.

Day 3 Cycle to Olhão: (31km)

This day will start with a calmer ride, where you’ll head through the sleepy coastal village of Santa Luzia, Pedras del Rei and Barril. Take a break in Fuseta, where you can enjoy one of many charcoal fish restaurants and enjoy a peaceful view. The final part of today’s journey will be to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a world of lagoons, channels, salt marshes and islands. Your stop for the night is Olhão, a central point for fishing and a wash of amazing architecture. Enjoy a terraced meal and perhaps a refreshing drink.

Day 4 Cycle to Loulé: (approx. 32km)

Pass through small villages and agricultural land, seeing the idyllic side of this area. Take a coffee and cake break in one of the quaint side-road cafes, which are notably cheaper than by the coast. After navigating the countryside reach Almancil, a busy working town and the most north point of the Golden Triangle. You can also find the São Lourenço Church, which has detailed-painted tiles and is open to visitors. Next stop is your home for the night of Loulé, a lively old market town with narrow cobbles streets and shops and restaurants to visit. You’ll stay in a central hotel, making it easy to navigate.

Day 5: Rest Day in Loulé

Day 5 is your opportunity to re-charge your batteries and get acquainted with the town of Loulé. Discovering this town is truly an adventure, there are numerous small shops and hidden bars and restaurants. There are also several museums, art galleries and chapels to visit should you want a touch of culture. Lunch could come in the way of a café, or perhaps you want to really relax by the hotels’ rooftop pool.

Day 6: Cycle to Alte: (approx. 38 km)

Embark on a slightly more difficult route today as you head through the hills, which is more than worth it for the gorgeous views. Just a stone’s throw away is Querença, a village located on a hilltop with a gorgeous church square. This village is also known for its produce, and it even hosts a yearly sausage festival. Perhaps not gladly, you will leave Querença and cross the valley experiencing a route that is very shy of traffic. You will come across Salir, here you can take a quick loop up to Rocha de Pena, a natural rock that provides panoramic views. Then it’s time to head to your destination for the night of Alte, popular for its white houses and freshwater springs.

Day 7 Cycle to Silves: (approx. 34km)

Set off on another pleasant and diverse day of cycling. Cover quiet roads to Messines, a traditional farming town with both culture and lush green scenery. Next head to Barragem do Arade (one of a few reservoirs that provide water to the region), you can climb up to this dam to see amazing views of the unspoilt scenery. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to your destination of Silves which lives on the banks of the Rio Arade. This was previously the Moorish capital, soak in the culture and enjoy a bite to eat in the numerous cafes.

Day 8: Cycle to Praia da Rocha (approx. 17km)

Start the day by crossing the Roman bridge in Silves and then set off for a quick journey to Praia da Rocha. Go along the track along the Rio Arade, which takes you to Estombar and then Ferragudo. Take in the nature as you cross the new bridge into Portimão, the biggest town in the Algarve. You’ll notice how busy it is, for this reason it’s best to avoid the city centre on your bike. Your stop for the night will be the coastal resort of Praia da Rocha.

Day 9: Cycle to Lagos (approx. 31km)

Head up the coast through Alvor, a quiet but growing resort. Enjoy a coffee on the riverfront while watching boats passing by. Then you will head slightly inland around the estuary towards the Meia Praia and then onto Lagos. Lagos is a lively town with an abundance of exciting restaurants to visit, some of the most popular are around the marina.

Day 10: Cycle to Sagres (approx. 42km)

After some more leisurely rides, the afternoon will bring some tougher terrain as you head up the jagged hills to Sagres. However, the view more than makes up for the arduous nature of the route. Reach your home for the night of Sagres, a town with a breath-taking fortress and copious tasty restaurants. You can settle yourself here and take it easy this evening as you have the whole next day to explore the city.

Day 11: Rest Day in Sagres

Time to once again re-charge your batteries with a day not on the move. Enjoy this peaceful town with gorgeous buildings, a nice town square and of course amazing views. Try your hand at surfing on the huge waves, or perhaps visit the breath-taking fortress. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could complete a 12km round trip to the southernmost point of Portugal – Cape St Vincent.

Day 12: Cycle to Aljezur (approx. 54km)

Having seen the “end of the world” aka Cape St. Vincent, head north along well-preserved coastline. Pass by wildflowers, jagged cliffs, and through the towns of Vila de Bispo and Pedrelva. You may opt to stop for lunch in Carrapateira, a fishing village with awe-inspiring views of the water and even the Sagres lighthouse. As you pedal onwards north, you will reach Aljezur. Aljezur is the so-called “capital” of this region aka the “land of the sweet potato”. It is believed that the best tasting varieties are produced here due to the climate and proximity to the sea, so it goes without saying you should try some while you are here! Should your tour be in October or November you will have the chance to visit the yearly Sweet Potato Festival.

Day 13 Cycle to Monchique: (approx. 35km)

Today is your last day of cycling, but it is certainly not the least (and not least challenging either!). As you head to the market town of Monchique, in the Serra de Monchique you will see some incredible views which differ from those of the coastal Algarve. Ascent to the hamlet of Pedascas, which offers tremendous views. Heading to Marmelete, the road becomes much flatter. Here you will find just one café which serves sugar and caffeine products. The route to your destination of Monchique consists of downhill lanes in valleys with views of pine forests. Once you arrive there you will experience the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of this town. You could opt to have a spa treatment in the thermal baths, or if you are feeling adventurous you could climb up the highest peak of the Algarve!

Day 14: Individual departure or extension of stay

Transfer provided from accommodation.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Start point: Vila Real de Santo António

End: Monchique

Distance: Approx. 314 km

Medium difficulty, some steeper hills unavoidable.
Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Faro airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?
INCLUDED:
- Quality bike and equipment hire. Options for upgrade to E-Bike.
- Detailed maps and route suggestions
- Good quality hotels/apartments along the route
- Route assistance where necessary
- Airport Transfers.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Holiday insurance – recommended.
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Rental Bike PLUS

E - Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gearing information available on request.

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Hotels

Hotels

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.

We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

2022 Cycling Holiday Dates & Prices:

Season	Date	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season 1	January & February	£1270	Daily
Season 2	March \| November & December	£1410	Daily
Season 3	April \| May \| June & October	£1565	Daily
Season 4	June & September	£1920	Daily
Season 5	July & August	£2120	Daily
Single Room Supplement	All	On Request
Luggage Transfer	All	£350

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike	Included
Electric Bike Upgrade	£275

Reference ABT22

Date From	Date To
01 January 2022	17 December 2022

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