Sintra Natural Park, classified as UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most beautiful parks in the Lisbon area, with its maritime coast and the majestic and romantic Sintra Hills. It used to be the King's of Portugal summer residence.

The tour starts in the bucolic and charming region of Mafra where we will ride towards the coast.

Then we will visit "Cabo da Roca", the westernmost cape in continental Europe - "where the land ends and the sea begins" as said the most famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes.

The highlight of this Bike Tour, however, is the visit to the great and majestic Sintra Hills - a UNESCO World Heritage site - once the summer residence of kings and queens, earls and barons and the Portuguese bourgeoisie. Sintra and its area if full of Palaces, the most famous being the National Palace in the centre of the village and the Pena Palace up on the hill, a very romantic one they say Neuschwanstein Castle built 30 years later in Bavaria by King Ludwig II, was one of his insight.

But Sintra also offers a fantastic lush forest hiding the most beautiful natural spots giving to this area a mystical spell and turning it into an enchanting and majestic place. The tour ends with a ride along the Cascais and Estoril coast to Lisbon where you will be able to admire some landmarks of Lisbon.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Arrival - Welcome at Lisbon airport, transfer to the hotel. Our team will fix the best convenient time to pick you up on the next day. Tonight you are free to discover Lisbon by your own. Accommodation at Almirante Hotel-3* in Lisbon or similar on B&B basis.

Day 2:

After breakfast meet with our team who will drive you to Mafra where the bike tour will start. Briefing during the drive and delivery of all the material including a mobile phone, a GPS and of course your bike at the arrival. From now on you will be half on your own and today you will start your tour from Mafra to the Atlantic coast. You will bike for 21km (13mi), a Level 2 difficulty and Beach. Accommodation at Vila Galé Ericeira-4* in Ericeira, a famous surf village, on B&B basis.

Day 3:

On this 3rd day you will ride along the country region near the Atlantic ocean, discovering wonderful small beaches barely populated - you will drive 37km (23mi), (Level 3 plus Beach). Accommodation at Arribas Hotel-3* in Colares, a charming village, on B&B basis.

Day 4:
Today you will be taken to one of the landmark of this area: Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Continental Europe ending in the wonderful village of Sintra. You will ride 27km (17mi), (Level 5). Accommodation at Tivoli Sintra Hotel-4* in Sintra on B&B basis.

Day 5:
A free day at leisure. We recommend a visit to Sintra (World Heritage) and its Palaces (entrance fees on your behalf). Accommodation at Tivoli Sintra Hotel-4* in Sintra on B&B basis.

Day 6:
Continuation of the ride thru the beautiful coast of Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais - you will ride 33km (21mi), Level 3 (plus Beach). Accommodation at Vila Galé Village Cascais Hotel-4* on B&B basis in Cascais, the cosmopolitan trendy area with its Marina and famous surf Guincho beach.

Day 7:
Riding your last day along Estoril coast to Lisbon - 26km (16mi), Level 1 (plus Beach). If you wish you will be able to stop and visit Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monuments to the Discoveries (entrance fees on your behalf) and much more. Accommodation at Vila Galé Opera Hotel-4* in Lisbon on B&B basis. On this last day you will meet with our representative to deliver back your bike and other material.

Day 8:
Breakfast and check-out. Departure transfer to Lisbon airport.

*During the whole tour you will never be left totally alone. Our team will sleep at the same hotels, so in case of anything they will be right at hand to help.

Included in this Self-Guided Tour:

- Bike rental - check information about the bike type at participants guidelines hereunder
- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport
- Seven nights' Accommodation (on double or single bedroom occupancy basis)
- Seven Breakfasts
- Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation
- Car connections at some stages (when necessary)
- Documentation about the Tour
- Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Techno - Mechanical Assistance
- First-Aid assistance on location

This Hybrid Tour (or trekking bike tour) is the best and most relaxing way to know a country by bicycle and having fun also is part of the menu.

Technical Data:

Region of Portugal: Lisbon Region
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 5 days cycling / 1 day rest
Begins in: Mafra - Ends in: Lisbon
Overall difficulty level: 3
Skill Level: Intermediate. You must be in good shape.
The itinerary also quotes the daily level from 1 to 5. Check all levels here under.
Distance: 145km (90mi)
Average: 29km/day (18mi/day)
Trails: 89% asphalt - 11% off-road

Levels:

- Levels 1 and 2 are for Beginners
- Level 3 is for Intermediate Bikers
- Level 4 is for Advanced Bikers
- Level 5 is for Expert Bikers

Hybrid Bike: BH Trekking Sport K30K Silvertip
Aluminium 7005 Disc
Suntour NCXD LO Front Fork
Shimano XT 27s
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Seat Post with Suspension
700x 38C Wheels
A helmet will be provided

Don't worry about how to leave the bikes each night: it is planned by the team.
You will also receive a lock before the tour starts and you are advised not to let your bike without it when left alone.

Cloth: Although cycling cloth are recommended you may also just bring comfortable cloth and tennis. But don't forget: sun glasses, sun protector and mosquito protector in the summer, gloves and your camera!

Luggage: Your luggage will be taken care of from one hotel to the other.

Weather conditions: unless the safety and health of the participants are endangered the tour will be always operated.

This tour is operated from two to 16 persons and can also be purchased on a 100% basis Guided Tour. In this case the following items will be included in addition to the ones quoted under the itinerary:

- 100% full time Guide
- Four nourishing and energetic picnics
- Five Dinners (including our famous wines, amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)
- Daily energy-bars and water
- Permanent Backup Vehicle

The rates for a Guided Tour are on request.