EPIC Trans Portugal

EPIC Trans Portugal

Portugal - one of the best kept secrets in European cycling

Take the high road across this quiet country’s wondrously diverse terrain. Enjoy the magnificent scenery, historic villages and traffic-free roads – and of course it wouldn’t be Thomson terrain without a few big climbs.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

May 11th 2025

From

USD $4,895

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Portugal is one of Europe’s hidden cycling gems. The country has everything for the avid road cyclist: big climbs, magnificent scenery, historic villages (complete with cobbles!), and exceptional food and wine. Combine all of the above with the quietest, traffic-free roads you’ll find anywhere in Europe, super-friendly locals and impressive historical hotels and you’ll soon understand why Portugal is a firm favourite with repeat guests and staff alike.

And who would have thought that one of Europe’s toughest climbs would be in Portugal. 30km (19 miles) in length and with a total elevation gain of 1,765m (5,800ft), the climb to the Torre ski-station in the Serra Estrela is up there with the Col du Tourmalet and other Tour de France legends.

Bring your climbing legs and get ready for some of the best cycling to be found anywhere in Europe.


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EPIC Trans Portugal
We will be back! Loved the guides -- that was the best part of the trip (besides the riding). Enjoyed getting to know Sergio, Marc, ...

Rick McNair, USA — 2022

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EPIC Trans Portugal
My husband and I have just returned from Trans-Portugal 2015 and have had yet another fantastic experience with Thomson Bike Tours. We completed the Campagnolo ...

Eirinn Boots, Canada — 2015

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EPIC Trans Portugal
Absolutely fantastic! Thompson Bike Tours delivers once again! The route was well organized and scenic from start to finish. Challenging climbs and glorious descents. Beautiful ...

Brian Davis, USA — 2021

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Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Portugal! Pousada Vila Vicosa
02 Marvao via Sao Mamede Monte Filipe Hotel & Spa
03 Portas de Almourao Hotel Santa Margarida
04 Torre! Casa das Penhas Douradas
05 The Douro Valley Delfim Douro Hotel
06 Senhora da Graca Pena Park Hotel
07 Serras da Cabreira and Geres Pousada Caniçada – Gerês
08 Tchau!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Portugal!

Your trip starts at Lisbon Airport where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in the ancient Royal city of Vila Vicosa.

After lunch, orientation meeting, and bike build-up, you’ll head out on an afternoon warm-up ride through the Portuguese countryside around Vila Vicosa.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Marvao via Sao Mamede

Your first destination on the journey across Portugal is one of the country’s most spectacular hilltop fortified villages, Marvao. You’ll ride through the magnificent Serra da Sao Mamede Natural Park and climb to Montarecos, the highest peak in the park at just over 1,000m (3,300 ft).

Tip: make sure to save some energy for the final climb of the day.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Portas de Almourao

Enjoy the spectacular views of the River Ocreza Canyon from the Portas de Almourao as you make your way north to Oleiros.

Tip: Save something in the tank for the final 16km climb to Serra de Alvelos.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Torre!

Who would have thought that one of Europe’s most challenging climbs would be right here in Portugal. Today’s ride is your chance to tick off the monster climb to the Torre ski station in the Serra da Estrela National Park. 36km (22 miles) in length and a total elevation of 1,758m (5,800ft) puts it on a par with the Passo Stelvio!

Tip: the descent from Torre to Manteigas is one of the best descents in Europe.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


The Douro Valley

After the last couple of extremely challenging days, you’ll have a bit of a breather today with a flatter ride into the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site! Enjoy virtually traffic-free roads and timeless villages, with extensive olive groves gradually being replaced by the terraced vineyards as we enter the famous Douro River Valley.

Tip: most of the villages we ride through today have cobbled streets. The most efficient way to ride the cobbles is to stay seated, use a big gear and power your way through.

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Senhora da Graca

After the “flat day” yesterday it’s back into climbing mode, including an iconic climb from the Volta a Portugal pro race – the Cat. 1 climb to Alto da Senhora da Graca, which spirals around the mountain for 9 km (6 miles) before reaching the summit at the famous sanctuary.

Tip: the first 15km (9 miles) of today’s ride offer magnificent views and photo ops of the Douro River Valley as we gradually climb from sea level to 700m (2,300ft). Ride easy and enjoy the views!

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Serras da Cabreira and Geres

Possibly the most picturesque route of the entire week, this ride is a firm favourite with our ride leaders. River valleys, big climbs, pristine lakes and the usual timeless, ancient villages characterize today’s ride. Rising through the unique, boulder-strewn landscape of the Geres National Park, the climb to Calcedonia is a real gem and concludes a remarkable week of riding.

Tip: the descent of the Calcedonia offers some incredible views of the Cavado River valley to the south and the high peaks that mark the border with Spain just 10km (6 miles) to the north.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Tchau!

Unfortunately, your trip across Portugal has come to an end.

 

Our shuttle will drop you off at Porto Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Sao Mamede
from Alegrete
4.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Marvao
from Portagem
5.4% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Serra de Alvelos
from Alvito da Beira
4.8% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Torre
from Covihla
5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Penhas Douradas
from Sabugueiro
4% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Barragem do Alvao
from Queiro
7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Senhora da Graca
from Pedravedra
7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Leiradas
from Esturrado
4.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Torrinheiras
from Cabeceiras
5.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Cabeco da Calcedonia
from Vilar da Veiga
5.7% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Cerdeirinhas
from Barragem da Caniçada
7.1% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
2 Sao Mamede (from Alegrete) 02 52 4.8%
3 Marvao (from Portagem) 02 37 5.4%
1 Serra de Alvelos (from Alvito da Beira) 03 56 4.8%
HC Torre (from Covihla) 04 110 5%
1 Penhas Douradas (from Sabugueiro) 04 42 4%
1 Barragem do Alvao (from Queiro) 06 75 7%
1 Senhora da Graca (from Pedravedra) 06 71 7%
3 Leiradas (from Esturrado) 07 36 4.6%
2 Torrinheiras (from Cabeceiras) 07 62 5.8%
2 Cabeco da Calcedonia (from Vilar da Veiga) 07 61 5.7%
2 Cerdeirinhas (from Barragem da Caniçada) 07 57 7.1%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2024
Oct 20 - 27
Closed
Places Available
USD $4,795
USD $850
USD $900
Book this trip
2025
May 11 - 18
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
Oct 19 - 26
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Pousada Vila Vicosa

    Monte Filipe Hotel & Spa

    Hotel Santa Margarida

    Casa das Penhas Douradas

    Delfim Douro Hotel

    Pena Park Hotel

    Pousada Caniçada – Gerês


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on Day 1
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Lisbon Airport
    • Drop-off at Porto Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on Day 1
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Lisbon Airport
    • Drop-off at Porto Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Lisbon Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Radisson Blu Hotel Lisbon

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Porto Airport

    9:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    EPIC Trans Portugal

    Join us for incredibly quiet, traffic-free cycling through magnificent scenery, historic villages and BIG mountains