Cycling heaven: Alentejo, Portugal!

Set on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, next to Spain, Portugal is one of the hidden gems of European cycling. In addition to offering a mild climate virtually year round, this enchanting country boasts an amazing variety of landscapes ranging from never-ending sandy beaches along the wild Atlantic coast, to the terraced vineyards of the Douro River, the golden plains of the Alentejo dotted with olive and cork trees orchards and finally the calm southern region of the Algarve with its orange groves, almond trees and transparent azure waters.

Portugal’s many back roads makes cyling and hiking a dream for Terracotta Journeys’ guests allowing them to quietly peruse the picturesque countryside, explore tranquil medieval villages filled with white washed houses and chat with the friendly locals at corner café’s. Founded in 1147, Portugal’s extensive history means that after stretching the legs, interested cyclists or hikers can stretch their minds by visiting local castles, museums and other cultural attractions while learning more about the country’s past. Terracotta Journeys prides itself in always making sure to top off every day with a satisfying meal of regional cuisine, with fresh fish, local meats and produce paired with wonderful local wines providing the perfectly finish to an exhilarating day of cycling or walking.

Picnic time! A break from fabulous cycling.

And to rest the body and mind after an active day of cycling or hiking, travelers will, more often than not, find much deserved rest in centuries-old convents or palaces artfully restored into modern lodgings. These hotels, with hand-painted tiles paneling and period furniture offer all of the modern amenities coupled with a taste of Portugal’s rich heritage, another souvenir for the cyclist or hiker’s book of memories.

Visit Portugal on one of this Terracotta Journeys tours:

• The Costa Azul to the Algarve bike tour
• The World Heritage Bike Tour – Cycling the Extremadura and Alentejo (Portugal and Spain)
• The Romantic Mini Bike Tour of Greater Lisbon, Portugal
• The Douro River and the Port Wine Journey (Portugal and Spain)
• The Beautiful Atlantic Coast walking (hiking) tour, Portugal
• Atlantic Coast 3 Day Walking (hiking) mini-tour, Portugal

Red polka-dotted flamenco dresses and charging bulls are only a couple of the images that may come to mind when the cyclist or hiker thinks of Spain. Set on the Iberian Peninsula with borders adjoining France and Portugal as well as the Atlantic to the north and the Mediterranean to the south and east, Spain offers the active traveller a spectacular array of landscapes and regions to explore.

Terracotta Journeys tours introduce cyclists and hikers to both the iconic attractions of Spain such as the ancient mosque of Cordoba, or the Roman ruins of Mérida as well as the ephemeral attractions such as the scent of the almond trees in Andalusia, the taste of a juicy ripe tomato with olive oil, or the wonderful tradition of families gathering in the town square on balmy Spanish evening. Terracotta Journeys leads cyclists and hikers along routes carefully selected for their breath-taking scenery as well as historical significance. Cyclists and hikers may ride or walk over the same rolling hills of olive orchards as Don Quixote, the verdant local mountain ranges of southern Spain with views of the snow-topped peaks behind Granada or explore the lush green valleys and dales that pilgrims enjoy ever year on their mystical route to the spiritual site of Santiago de Compostela.

Cyclists in Andalusia, Spain

On every cycling or hiking tour, Terracotta Journeys leads cyclists and hikers on a culinary voyage as well: the chance to savor local culinary delights ranging from the local cheeses and handmade desserts to tapas and regional cooking, since we feel this is a fundamental part of the traveler’s experience in Spain. After every day of cycling or hiking crafted to perfectly balance nature and culture, the active traveler will sleep soundly in historical hotels, feeling truly satisfied knowing that they have seen and tasted the best Spain has to offer.

Reserve a Terracotta Journeys bike tour in Spain now!

Visit Spain on one of this Terracotta Journeys tours:

• The Alluring Andalucia Bike Tour, Spain
• The Mythic Camiño de Santiago Bike Tour, Spain
• A World Heritage Grand Tour: Cycling the Extremadura and Alentejo (Spain and Portugal)
• The Douro River and the Port Wine Journey (Spain and Portugal)

By activity:

• Bike tours
• Walking tours
• Cultural mini-van tours

… or by duration:

• 6 days to 15 days tours: most bike tours and the Beautiful Costa Azul Walking tour

• Mini-Tours (3 to 4 days): The Romantic mini bike tour of Greater Lisbon and the Atlantic Coast 3 day walking tour

• Day tours and half day tours

Terracotta Journeys – Officially Licensed Tour Operator (#44/2008)

According to recent studies, “red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human life span”.  At Terracotta Journeys, we guessed as much awhile ago and have been working hard to ensure all of our guests lead healthy long lives. During our “treatments” we provide sporty fun activities during the day and very good foods with special life-span prolonging medicine at dinnertime.   This is one more reason we say “saúde” (health) when we toast!

The Best Cheese for the Big Cheeses

Wine Spectator recently rated the Portuguese sheep’s cheese “Queijo de Nisa” from the producer Monforqueijo as one of the top cheeses of the world.  Terracotta Journeys’ guests have known how tasty this cheese is for a while, since we’ve been serving it on our picnics accompanied by some of the best Douro or Alentejo wines.

Please select a trip from our list. If you are looking for a trip that isn’t listed, contact us.

Spain and Portugal – A World Heritage bike tour: the Extremadura and Alentejo

Spain – Alluring Andalucia bike tour

Spain – Cycle the Mythic Camiño de Santiago

Spain & Portugal – The Douro River & the Port Wine journey

Portugal – Bike The Romantic Mini Tour of Greater Lisboa

Walking Tours – The Atlantic Coast of Portugal walking tour

Custom Tours: walking, cycling, wine or cultural tours – from 1 day to 1 week or more

Andalucia is a cycling hidden gem in Southern Europe

We have updated our Andalucia, Spain cycling tour and it is looking great! Contact us to schedule a group departure.

Click here to see our 2013 calendar of bike and walking tours for you!

Lisbon becomes an even more lovely bargain.

Congratulations Lisboa!

Lisboa, our hometown and where many of our tours begin, just won the World Travel Award for Europe’s Leading Destination. In addition to this very prestigious prize, Lisbon also won the Europe’s Leading City Break Destination award and the Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination award.

Visiting Europe? We offer day trips to Portuguese tourist attractions. Check out details here!

One of the world’s top 3 wines comes from the wine country we visit on our Douro River and Port Wine Journey Tour. Additionally, six wines from the same region appear on Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 list. Come for a bike tour and savor the regional wines at their source. For a full itinerary visit: Spain & Portugal – The Douro River and the Port Wine Journey.