Itinerary

Day 1: Potes (Picos de Europa National Park)

Arrive at our hotel, beautifully situated at the eastern edge of the Picos de Europa National Park at the confluence of the Deva and Quivesa rivers, in the medieval village of Potes. Time to wander the cobbled alleyways for an apéritif.

Day 2: Potes – Puebla de Sanabria

166mi / 266km

Dominated by it’s 15^th century castle, this granite hamlet is a menagerie of cobbled alleyways.

Day 3: Puebla de Sanabria – Miranda do Douro

Tarmac: 16mi / 25km – Dirt: 71mi / 114km – Total: 87mi / 139km – 82% Dirt

Today is the proverbial ‘Baptism of Fire’. The dirt roads start gently before we even reach Portugal where the twists, turns and undulations begin. Plenty of afternoon opt-out points for those desiring an early beer to hit the tarmac. The medieval border town of Miranda do Douro, set above the magnificent gorge of the Rio do Douro, awaits.

Day 4: Miranda do Douro – Torre de Moncorvo

Tarmac: 46mi / 74km – Dirt: 36mi / 58km – Total: 83mi / 132km – 44% Dirt

Rolling farmland of olive groves, almond and sweet chestnut trees give way to vinyards as we head south west.

Day 5: Torre de Moncorvo – Almeida

Tarmac: 50mi / 80km – Dirt: 25mi / 40km – Total: 75mi / 120km – 33% Dirt

Vinyards and olive groves lead the way to the ‘Parque Natural do Douro Internacional’ and ‘Profanity View’ (so named by us as nobody gets there without swearing!) The fabulous descent leads to lunch on the River Douro. An easy afternoon allows for an early finish and time to explore the magnificent stronghold of Almeida. Constructed in the shape of a twelve-pointed star, the village is contained within.

Day 6: Almeida – Serra de Estrella

Tarmac: 73mi / 116km – Dirt: 29mi / 47km – Total: 102mi / 163km – 29% Dirt

Through the Parque Natural Serra de Estrella and into the mountain range of the same name. Our route takes a dirt road offering spectacular views to the glacial valley of Zêzere below as we head for our mountain accommodation.

Day 7: Serra de Estrella – Marvão

Tarmac: 85mi / 136km – Dirt: 61mi / 98km – Total: 146mi / 234km – 42% Dirt

Panoramic views abound as a series of windturbine lined ridges carry us away from the mountains. Our days destination is the dramatically located Marvão. From its location atop a crag that that it shares with its 12^th century castle, the views are spectacular. Surely there’s no better place to watch the sunset with a post ride beer.

Day 8: Marvão – Évora

Tarmac: 84mi / 134km – Dirt: 63mi / 100km – Total: 146mi / 234km – 43% Dirt

Day 9: Rest Day in Évora

The mileage may look that high on paper but you’ll be feeling it by now and ready for a breather (When did you last ride for 6 consecutive days?). As one of Portugal’s most historic and unspoiled cities, your toughest decision today will be what to visit next.

Day 10: Évora – Mértola

Tarmac: 90mi / 144km – Dirt: 44mi / 71km – Total: 134mi / 215km – 33% Dirt

South through the Guadiana Valley Natural Park to the Mina de São Domingos. Once one of Europes largest mining operations, the abandoned site resembles that of a nuclear disaster with derelict buildings and pools of polluted water.

Our destination for the day is Mértola. Guarded by its Moorish castle, the whitewashed houses reach down to the banks of the Rio Guadiana below. The history of Mertola dates back to Phoenician times and it is considered an open-air museum. Worth a stroll; if you can tear yourself from the bar and pool.

Day 11: Mértola – Portimão

Tarmac: 42mi / 67km – Dirt: 64mi / 103km – Total: 106mi / 170km – 60% Dirt

Endless views across the rolling hills of the Algarve abound on this ridgetop run through the cork trees that straddle the Serra do Caldeirão on the edge of the Algarve. Trails along todays route have been nicknamed ‘Trigpoint Ridge’ and the ‘Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster’.

Day 12:  Bike shipping & Departure

If you’re continuing on your own journey at the end of the tour then you can enjoy a lay-in and a lazy breakfast. Otherwise we’ll ride the 15mins to our transport agent to handover your motorcycle for trucking to the UK. Once safely handed over, you’ll be transferred to Faro airport for your flight home.

See the ‘Logistics’ tab