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 in Ferragudo.

Overview

It’s time to discover the Algarve on your own. 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 Ferragudo, making sure to stop for photos along the way. Choose to recover at the hotel spa, where guests are free to indulge in the sauna, Turkish bath, or whirlpool. Tonight you'll dine at an authentic Portuguese restaurant within walking distance of the hotel, where the chicken piri-piri is highly recommended.

Overview

Today we meander to the southernmost point of Portugal, through quintessential Algarve villages such as Vila Do Bispo, out to the town and fortress of Sagres, and the Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent), which was once thought to be the end of the world. Along the way, you'll experience some of the most rugged and natural landscapes with spectacular cliff views, vivid turquoise ocean hues, and plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect picture! You'll feel the burn in your legs as you churn the gears through the miles today, but the imagery is worth every pedal stroke so don't forget to look up and smile. You’ll have time to enjoy a quick dip in the pool or a soak in the hot tub when you return to the hotel, before heading out for dinner of your choice.

Overview

It's back to the mountains today for the climber's gambit! After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we'll head back towards Monchique where you can choose to tackle Alferce, Picota, and Fóia climbs. Sitting just under 3,000 feet (902 meters), Mount Fóia is the highest peak in the Algarve, the guardian of the Serra de Monchique mountain chain, and the most famous stage on the Tour of Algarve each year. At its summit awaits breathtaking views of Southern Portugal and is an ideal opportunity for epic photos. You'll then descend back into Monchique for lunch, before beginning your scenic and net-downhill return to the hotel where the spa awaits! Make sure to celebrate your day with a Aguardente de Medronho, a fruit brandy made from the fruit of the colorful strawberry trees you rode past today. You earned it!

Overview

Sadly it's time to say goodbye to your Portugal ride camp through the Algarve. Be sure to put in one last fantastic ride with one of our many self-guided ride options or choose the warm-down spin to the historic streets of Cavoeiro. Known as the prettiest beach town in the Algarve, you'll pedal along with views of the Atlantic and into the bustling town where the Tour of Algarve time trial stage awaits. This hidden gem has a boardwalk that looks to go on for days, and is home to the famous Carvoeiro Caves. One last spin back to Agua Riverside where days ago felt foreign will now feel like a home away from home. You'll then say goodbye to your guides at 11:30 AM before continuing on to further adventures.