Overview

Welcome to your Portugal cycling camp! Today, you’ll be assigned to your Trek bike for the week and receive important information about the daily schedule and ride options. Take on the Silves Loop, a perfect ride to start the week of training. You'll be riding out of the Hotel to Silves, once the capital of the Algarve in the 11th century under Moorish rule. Pedal at the foot of the ancient walls of the Castelo de Silves, considered the main and most beautiful Muslim fortifications and the largest in the Algarve. Stop in for a quick coffee in the town, or choose to ride an additional loop through the countryside filled with orange, persimmon, and fig trees, which include just the right amount of hills to warm your legs for the week ahead. You’ll return through the coastal roads and back to the hotel where you can check into your room before joining the group for dinner and discussing the upcoming adventures.

Overview

You'll begin your first guided day headed north to the village of Monchique. This charming village is known for its natural beauty and traditional architecture. The white walls, carved stonework, stripes of color around doors and windows - but with their saia, the chimneys' "skirt" which are quite different from those found in this part of the country. You'll have your first views of Fóia today, and your chance to climb it comes later in the week. Pedal through the wild strawberry bushes and into the quaint town of Casais. You'll then have views of the majestic Atlantic ocean before you begin your descent through the rolling landscapes framed with cork and wild olive trees guiding the way back through Ferragudo and to the hotel.

Overview

Today you'll ride the very roads the pros ride each February in the Volta ao Algarve (Tour of Algarve). It’s a big day in the saddle as we ride through the Algarve, with twisting turns up into the captivating Barrocal region with wine vineyards, olive trees, and almond groves around every bend. We'll stop and refuel at a bicycle themed cafe in Arte. You'll then be able to choose to attack the famous climb up Malhão, the highest point of the Serra do Caldeirão at 1,643 feet (501 meters), or begin your journey back to Ferragudo. After a relaxing break at the hotel, we’ll take a short shuttle to dinner at a charming local bistro, Quinta Dos Santos.

Overview

It’s time to say goodbye and discover the Algarve on your own for one last ride. Your Trek Travel guides will be available to provide you with some guidance as you select a favorite route, or choose to explore the countryside of this region. Visit the cobbled streets of Lagos with its famous Fish Market and towering town walls that were built in the 16th century. Take in the coastal views on your way back to Parcal, making sure to stop for photos along the way. One last spin back to Agua Riverside where days ago felt foreign will now feel like a home away from home.