Day 1
Joint flight to Faro. From here we take a short transfer to our beautiful palazzo, which will be our home for the next 4 nights. Opportunity to refresh in the hotel’s pool and dinner.
Day 2 Estoi – Loulé – Faro 42 km
From the hotel, our first cycling stage takes us into the backcountry of the Algarve. Our first stop is the excavation site of a Roman merchant town. The ruins of Milreu are one of the most important examples of Roman residential and economic culture at the beginning of the 1st century AD. From here, our cycle trip takes us to Loulé. Its beautiful Mercado is worth a visit and reminds us that it is time for lunch. In the afternoon we cycle through beautiful lemon and orange groves to Faro. Visit of the old town and return to our palace hotel.
Day 3 Estoi – Tavira 64 km
Tavira is today’s destination. On the way, we drive through the Formosa Nature Park. A magnificent landscape, which was formed by an earthquake and seaquake in the middle of the 18th century. With a protected area of 170 km², the associated lagoon is one of the largest lagoonal protected areas in Europe. With a bit of luck, we will see stilt-winged sandpipers and flamingos, as well as various seabirds. The town lies on the banks of the Gilão, a river that flows leisurely. Tavira offers an impressive blend of traditional Portuguese heritage and deep Moorish influences. Tucked away in a maze of cobbled streets are traditionally tiled houses, small restaurants and numerous small beautifully decorated churches.
Day 4 Alcoutim – Border river Guardiana – 36 km
Transfer from the hotel to Alcoutim. From here we follow the border river Guadiana with a view on the Spanish shore. On the way, we will see small villages with their traditional farmhouses, some still built of slate. Settlement in this area goes back a long way, as evidenced by the 4000-year-old menhirs that keep appearing along the way. A magnificent mountain panorama opens up on the way to Corte da Seda. The cork oak forests are numerous here, as is the still active fabric production with traditional weaving techniques.
Day 5 Silves and Coastal Landscape Alvor 46 km
The old town of Silves was once an important centre of art and still has a strong Moorish character. This is not least due to the Arabic castle wall that surrounds the town. After the sightseeing tour, we cycle back towards the coast. The programme includes the magnificent coastal landscape of the Algarve, which offers a magnificent backdrop of cliffs and small bays, interrupted again and again by small villages.
Day 6 Serra de Monchique – Lagos 40 km
After a transfer to the mountain Fóia, we ride our bikes downhill through shady forests and along winding paths. Along the way, the already familiar cork oak forests, which are slowly being replaced more and more by the eucalyptus tree. We have lunch in a rustic village tavern. Then we continue through a beautiful landscape with views of the Algarve coast ahead. At the end of the day, the beach and the bathing fun are worthwhile.
Day 7 Coastal Hike and Kayak Trip
Today we stay away from the saddle and hike the wonderful coastal scenery on foot. We spend about 3 hours admiring the breath-taking panorama, which is only accessible from the hiking trail. Picnic with a beautiful view. In the afternoon we offer free time with the possibility to swim or to take part in our spectacular water excursion. The red-yellow sandstone caves can only and best be visited from the water. So let’s get into the kayak and glide for 3 hours through the grottos and caves formed over millions of years. A magnificent spectacle!
Comments