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Serra da Estrela ...Sheer Down! (Mountain Bike Tour) with PortugalBike

months available

April, August, September

Facilities & Awards

Description

Special Offer
Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha.

Serra da Estrela ...Sheer Down! mountain bike tour with PortugalBike (Guided Tour) in Portugal.



This PortugalBike Tour is different from all the others because we will be based at the top of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.  Each day we will leave to discover a different slope of the hill. You will have the opportunity to admire amazing views from the top of the hill and you’ll have the thrill of your life riding down trails of dense and lush vegetation! Don’t worry: you won’t have to climb back uphill.  At the end of each day, the mini-van will be waiting to take us back to the hotel at the top of the hill. You will see evidence of ancient history – a medieval castle, a Roman road – and you can refresh yourself in the crystalline waters of the fluvial swimming-pools. You will taste the world-famous Queijo da Serra (cheese) that is still traditionally manufactured and you can still count more than one hundred different handicraft activities, such as pottery, wooden works, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, basketry, etc. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal and it occupies a surface of about 1000 km2. It corresponds to the hill-country of Serra da Estrela that is essentially granite with some schist outcrops. The area of the Natural Park includes the main hydrographical springs of Portugal (Mondego, Zezere, Alva), the main vestiges of ancient glaciers and the highest peak in continental Portugal – Torre is almost 2000 metres high. Due to its geographic isolation, this region is today the most distinct region of Portugal. As a result, we see a part of old Portugal with its unspoiled and immensely varied scenery and traditional cuisine.



Tour Highlights

1. The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela


2. Riding down the Mountains


3. The highest peak in Continental Portugal (2000m)


4. Amazing views at the top of the hills


5. 
   Refreshing swims in the river


6. The historical villages and its castles


7. The rough trails down the slopes


8. The mixture of speed and technique


9. Incredibly fast slopes downhill


10. World-famous Serra da Estrela cheese

Technical Data

Class:                          LANDSCAPE TOUR

Region of Portugal:      Centre of Portugal

Duration:                     7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling

Begin:                         Serra da Estrela (Beiras)

End:                           Serra da Estrela (Beiras)

Overall difficulty level: 1 2 3 4 5 = Beginner. You are not in good shape.

Distance:                    155km (96mi)

Average:                     31km/day (19mi/day)

Trails:                         88% off-road – 12% asphalt

Programme

Day 1:       Arrival – Welcome at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to Serra da Estrela followed by dinner. Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).

Day 2:       On the top of Serra da Estrela – 57km (35mi), 760m ac. gain, level 4. Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).

Day 3:       Serra da Estrela …Sheer Down! – 8km (5mi), 70m ac. gain, level 1.

   Downhill to the Ski Park – 15km (9mi), 250m ac. gain, level 2 (+ Fluvial beach). Lodging in the most typical mountain hotel in Portugal (4*).

Day 4:       The Center of Serra da Estrela – 27km (17mi), 400m ac. gain, level 2. Relaxing afternoon in the swimming pool at the hotel. Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with swimming-pool, with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.

Day 5:       Gods’ Paradise – 31km (19mi), 470m ac. gain, level 3 (+ Fluvial beach). Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.

Day 6:       Southward Trail – 17km (11mi), 180m ac. gain, level 1.

   Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha. Lodging in a 4* Estalagem with swimming-pool, with an amazing view over Covilha and Cova da Beira and it has a unique architectonic style.

Day 7:       Departure – Farewell at Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport

Dates and Prices for 2010:

24 ~ 30 April:             PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)

07 ~ 13 August:          PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)

28 August ~ 03 Sept.: PortugalBike Guided Tour: Euro 1370 (Single Suppl. + € 150)

=> Prices per person, double bedroom occupancy, 4* quality Hotel.

=> If you want a different date, ask us about prices and availability.

What does the price of this PortugalBike Tour include?

- 7 days with PortugalBike

- Mountain Bike Tour with a Guide

- Mountain Bike rental (BH A60k Expert Disc) with helmet and backpack

- Transfers from and to Lisbon Airport

- Accommodations (4 star-quality hotel, double bedroom occupancy)

- 6 Breakfasts

- 4 nourishing and energetic picnics

- 1 lunch

- 6 Dinners (including our famous wines, our amazing cheeses and lovely desserts)

- Daily energy-bars and water

- Car connections between Hotel and the places where the daily rides start/end

- Documentation about PortugalBike Tour

- Liability Insurance

- Personal Accident Insurance

- Techno-Mechanical Assistance

- First-Aid assistance on location

- Permanent Backup Vehicle

- Van tour to visit the medieval villages of Belmonte and Sortelha



Testimonials about \"Serra da Estrela ...Sheer Down!\" Tour

\"…Thanks again for such a nice week in the Portugal. The mountain biking trails were great fun with very fast and technical down-hills and the setting was fantastic.\"

Stephen Corkery (Ireland), 2007

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