Trans-Portugal











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.
Featured Climbs
Torre, Senhora da Graca, Serra de Alvelos
Overview
Details
Next Departure
April 25th 2021
Price
USD $3,995
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
No ?
Rental Bike
USD $500
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.
Book with Confidence Commitment
Book your 2021 Thomson trip with confidence. Our new cancellation policy provides a Full Refund if you cancel your trip up to 90 days prior to departure. View our 2021 Terms & Conditions for full details.
Wendy Pabich, USA — 2017
Eirinn Boots, Canada — 2015
Ken Cluff, USA — 2018

Itinerary
Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Welcome to Portugal! | Pousada Vila Vicosa | |||
02 | Marvao via Sao Mamede | Pousada Marvao | |||
03 | Portas de Almourao | Hotel Pampilhosa | |||
04 | Torre! | Casa das Penhas Douradas | |||
05 | The Douro Valley | Hotel Vintage House | |||
06 | Senhora da Graca | Agua Hotel | |||
07 | Serras da Cabreira and Geres | Pousada de Amares | |||
08 | Tchau! |
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. Our hotel is situated inside the medieval walls of the hill-top town of Marvao, at the end of a 5km (3 miles) climb!

Day 3
Distance
Elevation
Portas de Almourao
Staying in a hill-top village does have it’s advantages, you won’t need to pedal for the first 6km (4 miles) of today’s ride, they’re all downhill! Enjoy the spectacular views of the River Ocreza Canyon from the Portas de Almourao as you make your way north to Pampilhosa da Serra.
Tip: the majority of the climbing comes in the final 50km (31 miles) with 3 categorized climbs to contend with. Again, save something in the tank for this tough end to the ride.

Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map & Profile
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sao Mamede from Alegrete |
4.8% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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
|
|||||
Serra Vermelha from Oleiros |
5.9% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
Alto Maria Gomes from Rio Zezere |
5.3% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climbs
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Climbs

Dates & Prices
Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | |||||||
Apr 25 - May 2 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $3,995 |
USD $750 |
USD $800 |
Book this trip | |
Oct 10 - Oct 17 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $3,995 |
USD $750 |
USD $800 |
Book this trip |
Waiting List
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Trip Hotels
What's Included
What's Included | What's Not Included |
---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Included |
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Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
|
What's Not Included |
|

Travel Details
Arrival
Pickup Location | Meeting Time |
---|---|
Lisbon Airport |
9:30am |
OR |
|
Radisson Blu Hotel Lisbon |
9:30am |
Departure
Drop Off Location | Arrival Time |
---|---|
Porto Airport |
8:00am |
Rental Bikes
Made by hand in Italy, the Basso Bikes Diamante is exactly what a fine, authentic, Italian road bike should be. The classic lines, flawless geometry and rounded tube shapes offer performance and ultimate versatility.
Frame
Basso Diamante
Groupset
Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 (Electronic Shifting)
Weight
8kg (size 53)
Wheels
Microtech MR38 Disc Carbon Clincher
Chainrings
50x34
Cassette
11-32
Sizes
45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61
Price
USD $500



























































































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