EPIC Trans Portugal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Our shuttle will drop you off at Porto Airport.