Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina

Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina

145 Views
8 Days From

$2135

Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina

8 Days Starting in Setubal, Portugal and ending in Vila do Bispo, Portugal

Visiting: Setubal, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Sagres, Faro

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07RV

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

14-99

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2135

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina, a self-guided e-bike tour through Portugal's stunning landscapes. Starting in Setubal, you'll traverse the breathtaking Natural Park coastline, renowned as one of Europe's most beautiful and well-preserved. Discover peaceful beaches, charming fishermen's villages, and indulge in the region's delectable cuisine and seafood. Your journey includes a ferry ride through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, cycling past rice fields, and exploring quaint villages like Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes. Experience the rugged beauty of Almograve Beach, the historical charm of Aljezur, and the dramatic cliffs of Cabo de Sao Vicente. Accommodation ranges from 2 to 4-star hotels, offering spectacular views of the Mira river bay and the Atlantic. With luggage transfers and a Headwater Navigation App included, this tour promises a seamless and enriching exploration of Portugal's coastal treasures.

Highlights

  • Follow the cycling path Rota Vicentina from Setubal to the Cape Sao Vicente.

  • Cycle through the most beautiful and well-preserved coast of Europe, the Natural Park.

  • Explore wonderful peaceful beaches and quaint fishermen's villages.

  • Enjoy bird watching in the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, home to storks and dolphins.

  • Visit Porto Covo, a picturesque fishermen's village with whitewashed cottages and cobbled streets.

  • Experience the stunning views at Sardao Cape, a natural and unspoilt site.

  • Discover the Moorish castle in Aljezur and the tranquil beaches nearby.

  • Reach Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-westerly point of Europe, with its lighthouse and museum.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Setubal

Location: Setubal

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel. Located on the Sado river bank, explore Setubal and wander in the town centre to the convent and the fort where you can enjoy fantastic views over the city and the river.

Day 2 : Setubal - Santo Andre

Location: Setubal

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start with a ferry crossing through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. Enjoy bird watching during this short journey. This reserve is a protected area for many species such as storks. The most friendly local inhabitants and symbol of the Nature Reserve are the dolphins. It's rare to find them in Europe, freely swimming in their natural habitat, but here is an important colony. Then, cycle through rice fields and along beaches. Right by Santo Andre Lagoon, and part of a Nature Reserve, the Costa de Santo Andre Beach is a long stretch of sand with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the lagoon on the other. Surrounded by golden dunes, this beach with its challenging waters is very popular among surfers.

Day 3 : Santo Andre - Vila Nova De Milfontes

Location: Vila Nova de Milfontes

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride through quaint villages until Sao Torpes Beach very popular for surfing. Continue your ride on the coastline before reaching Porto Covo, a picturesque fishermen's village which is a mix of whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets and pretty squares perched on the low cliff tops of the Alentejo coast. In the village, all roads lead to the little fishing harbour which clings to the side of a deep natural inlet. Then arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes located on the Mira river banks and offers large beaches on the coastline and is surrounded by unspoilt rural countryside.

Day 4 : Vila Nova De Milfontes - Rogil

Location: Vila Nova de Milfontes

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' punctuated with many highlights such as Almograve, a quaint village. Almograve Beach with red cliffs and dunes is one of the most beautiful beaches along this rocky coastline and is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Continue to Sardao Cape a natural and unspoilt site offering stunning views; Then, ride to Zambujeira do Mar, a quaint fishing village. This place offers an excellent view over the beach, and is a small and very peaceful village. The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions as its natural environment is one of the best preserved of this region.

Day 5 : Rogil - Alfambras

Location: Aljezur

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have a choice of routes; both routes take you first to Aljezur, with its Moorish castle; from there the shorter route takes you directly to your hotel, allowing plenty of time to visit the nearby beach; the longer route takes you on a coastal loop past several beaches on a variety of tranquil gravel tracks.

Day 6 : Alfambras - Vila Do Bispo

Location: Vila do Bispo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Cycle towards the village of Carrapateira and enjoy breath-taking views over the cliffs that will mesmerize your memory; take a break at Bordeira and Amado beaches before heading for a seafood lunch in Carrapteira. Head inland along sandy tracks to arrive in Vila do Bispo, a peaceful village full of narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Day 7 : Vila Do Bispo - Sagres - Vila Do Bispo

Location: Sagres

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride to Cordoama beach overlooked by cliffs. Surrounded by foaming Atlantic waves, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most south-westerly point of Europe. The path to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of your week! You are spoilt with amazing coastal scenery on this wild and unpopulated route that follows sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. At the Cape there is a lighthouse, museum and small bar, offering wonderful photo opportunities.

Day 8 : Leave Vila Do Bispo

Location: Faro

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer from your hotel to Faro airport.

What's Included

  • All Breakfasts

    Breakfast is included for each day of the tour.

  • Headwater Navigation App

    Access to the Headwater Navigation App is provided for the duration of the tour.

  • Mountain bike

    A mountain bike is provided for the cycling tour.

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

    Luggage will be transferred between hotels for your convenience.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in a mix of 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star hotels is included.

  • Transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel

    A transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel in Setubal is included.

  • Transfer from your hotel to Faro airport

    A transfer from your hotel in Vila do Bispo to Faro airport is included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional charge.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Compulsory supplement for a single room

    A compulsory supplement applies for a single room if there is an odd number of people or for solo travelers.

  • Additional charge for solo travelers

    An additional charge applies for solo travelers to cover transfer costs.

Food

Taste the delicious regional cuisine, seafood, fresh fish and the appetising dishes. In the Alentejo, a meal starts with a variety of appetizers. Cured ham, or Presunto de Barrancos, are local delicacies, and goat and sheep cheeses usually accompany thin slices of cured ham. Olives, whether black or green, harvested from olive groves throughout the Alentejo are a staple. Other Alentejo specialties include roasted peppers, bread stews and octopus salad flavoured with onion and peppers seasoned in olive oil. On the fish side, there is rich fish stew, fresh crab, grilled fish and octopus. Good quality meat is also on the menu, beef and pork are of a high quality and lamb in season is superb. Vegetables are plentiful and with big harvests of almonds and oranges, fruits are in good supply alongside another local vegetable, the sweet potato. The Algarve’s other surprise is the quality of cheese; from mild to strong using cow, goat or sheep milk there is a great range of cheeses for all tastes, Queijo de Cabra do Algarve, is a particular favourite.

Accommodation

Your accommodation reflects the best of Portuguese hospitality, with stays in a mix of 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star hotels offering amazing views of the Mira river bay, the Atlantic, and Furnas Beach. Prices are based on two persons sharing, with a supplement for single rooms.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel in Setubal and a transfer from your hotel to Faro airport at the end of the tour. Luggage transfers between hotels are also provided, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a mix of 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star hotels offering amazing views of the Mira river bay, the Atlantic, and Furnas Beach, which is officially one of Portugal's Seven Wonders. All prices are based on two persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people traveling in your party or you are traveling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveler, there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Setubal, where you will be transferred from Lisbon airport to your hotel.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The tour ends in Vila do Bispo, from where you will be transferred to Faro airport.

  • Is there any special equipment provided for the cycling tour?

    Yes, a mountain bike is provided for the cycling tour.

  • Is luggage transfer included during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.

  • What kind of natural attractions will I see during the tour?

    You will see a variety of natural attractions including the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, Costa de Santo Andre Beach, the Rota Vicentina Historical Way, Almograve Beach, Sardao Cape, and the cliffs at Cabo de Sao Vicente.

  • What kind of wildlife might I encounter on this tour?

    During the ferry crossing through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, you may enjoy bird watching and possibly see dolphins, which are a symbol of the Nature Reserve.

  • Are there any optional routes during the tour?

    Yes, on the day traveling from Rogil to Alfambras, you have a choice of routes. Both routes take you first to Aljezur, with its Moorish castle. From there, the shorter route takes you directly to your hotel, while the longer route takes you on a coastal loop past several beaches.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
$2675

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
$2675

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$2135

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2135

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$2240

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$2240

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$2240

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$2240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2240

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2240

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2240

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 20, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$2360

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
$2360

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$2360

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Similar Tours