Discovering Alentejo. Portugal Biking Experience Portugal

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1 Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights Discovering Alentejo Experience Portugal East of, across the Tagus River, sprawls Alentejo, one of Portugal s largest regions. White villages dot a landscape of farmland, cork forests, olive groves, vineyards, and the sprawling reservoirs that supply much of the country with water. Lucky for us, this vast expanse provides some of the finest (and nearly void of traffic) roads for cycling in Europe. Not to mention, Portugal s culinary and cultural heartland is at long last getting deserved recognition. In the late 20th century, when B&R first offered a trip here, befitting its history as desolate frontier territory, the Alentejo was still somewhat rough around the edges. Fast-forward two decades, we returned to see our old friends and were thrilled to find the region refined anew while maintaining the genuine touches that enchanted us for so long ago. We invite you to come (re)discover Alentejo with us! Call us at the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.5 view > / the details p.6 view > / next steps p.7 view >

2 The Journey Alentejo cuts a broad swath across central Portugal, extending from the Atlantic Coast to the Spanish border. 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 Alentejo and Monsaraz available in the afternoon or, for those interested, we can visit a pottery atelier in the town of Corval before heading back to the hotel. This evening, sit down for dinner in Chef Isabel s small gem of a restaurant in Monsaraz and then meet with a local astronomer at the world famous Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory for a lesson in stargazing. ALENTEJO, LITERALLY TRANSLATED, MEANS ACROSS THE River Tagus, and after our rendezvous in, we will do just that and cross this broad waterway over the elegant Vasco da Gama Bridge. The maritime aspect of the coast eventually gives way to the classic landscapes of Alentejo the air is warmer and drier here, incubating the stands of cork and olive trees that will dominate our views. We will mount our bikes by mid-morning, pedaling through the groves en route to our first meal. Kick back in the vineyards at one of the region s finest wineries and enjoy a lunch of local fare. Soaking in the surroundings (and perhaps sipping a glass of house wine), will help us fully arrive in this irresistible place. After lunch, we continue to our first hotel. This evening, you re invited to express your artistic self while exploring Portugal s tile painting tradition. Enjoy cocktails on the terrace while our friend Melanie gives us an overview of Portugal s past and present before an exquisite dinner of fine local produce at the hotel restaurant. HOTEL São Lourenco do Barrocal, Monsaraz Jose Antonio Uva has taken his centuries old family estate and created one of Portugal s finest hotels. You will feel simultaneously pampered, well fed with produce right from their land and connected to the long history of this place. They have beautifully preserved all the original buildings and created a world-class hotel that is fully integrated into it s natural surroundings. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 52 km (32 mi.) bike ride through picturesque olive groves. Day 2: A 49 km (30 mi.) ride to lunch. An extra 70 km (43 mi.) ride is available in the afternoon for those who are keen. The next day begins with a visit to the town of Monsaraz and a nearby Neolithic site with an archaeologist. Perched atop a hill overlooking the grand Alqueva Reservoir, Monsaraz is one of the most stunning villages in Portugal. After our tour, we will browse the unique shops in town and stop for coffee before hopping back on our bikes and riding to lunch at a local taberna near the shores of the reservoir. We ll taste first hand the simple and delicious food of Alentejo and your guides may even manage to rouse the locals to sing for you. Extra riding will be

3 The Journey After the fall of the Roman Empire, Evora thrived for 450 years as a Muslim city. 3 Days 3 & 4 Evora The following day, we ride west toward the capital of Alentejo: Evora. It will be an early departure for those interested in challenging themselves with a century ride (100 km/42 mi.). We ll head northwest and stop for a light healthy lunch before continuing toward Evora. This evening, we meet up with our local guide to learn about Evora s layered history, wander some of the small streets and see the most important monuments. A UNESCO heritage site since 1986 and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and Portugal s best-preserved Roman monument, this city s history runs deep (it s also the culinary heartbeat of Alentejo). At tour s end, we disperse so you can enjoy Evora s excellent dining options for dinner on our own; your guides will be happy to make recommendations and reservations in advance. Today s ride will explore the cork forests and olive groves north of Evora. Stop in at our friend Nuno s farm to tour his family s estate and see how the landowners have been living for the past century. After, we will have the chance to sample his family s wines over a homemade meal in true Alentejo style. We will also learn about Portugal s most famous industry: cork. Cork trees, whose irregular and malleable bark is used to produce the manufactured cork we associate with wine bottles. At harvest, the trees are stripped of their bark from near the ground to about ten feet up, so most of them have a curious combination of regular branches on high black exposed wood below. It takes nine years for the bark to re-grow; smart cork farmers will divide their groves into nine sections and harvest one each year. Returning to our historic hotel, the Convento do Espinheiro, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings a massage, a swim, or a game of pool are all good options before a brief but fascinating tour of the premises. It s not often that one gets to sleep within such historic walls. We will finish up our exploration with a cocktail before heading to the hotel s Divinus restaurant for dinner. HOTEL Convento do Espinheiro, Evora Housed in a stunning ex-monastery named for a hawthorn bush, Espinheiro leaves guests wanting for nothing. Its hallowed walls harbour two swimming pools, a spa, spacious and comfortable common areas, and rooms with views across olive groves and gardens. The church just off reception may not be of practical use to us, but it is a wonder to behold and a landmark in Portuguese history. THE ACTIVITY Day 3: A century ride option is available in the morning (100 km (62 mi.). Or, choose from a 75 km (46 mi.) or 45 km (28 mi.) ride. Day 4: Ride 45 km (28 mi.) through cork forests and olive groves. This afternoon s ride is 60 km (37 mi.).

4 The Journey Cork farming, due to the limited supply and huge global demand, is generally a lucrative crop. 4 Day 5 Montemoro-o-Novo We bid farewell to Evora for our final day s ride and meander through the villages and forests to its west. After the culture-richness of the past two days, this is a chance to enjoy the perfumed air of the Alentejano countryside one last time. Our ride rolls to a glorious conclusion in the hamlet of Santiago do Escoural, where we ll lunch at the infamous restaurant of Manuel Azinheirinha, before driving to the final hotel, and what a hotel it is! There will be ample time to check out the pool and spa, or to simply kick back in your luxurious suite with views over the vineyards, as the property is an extension of a working winery. During pre-dinner cocktails we ll be treated to a traditional Fado performance by a prominent local singer. Dinner this evening saves the best for last: a modern twist on classic regional fare, served in style in the hotel s Michelin-starred restaurant. Bon apetitit! HOTEL L AND Resort and Vineyards, Montemor-o-Novo A cluster of avant-garde buildings nestled among the vines, L AND delivers comfort and service of the highest calibre. If there s a chill in the evening air or even if there is not! ask the concierge to prepare a fire in your personal fireplace on the terrace of your suite. THE ACTIVITY Day 5: A 41.5 (25.5 mi.) and 60 km (37 mi.) ride. Day 6 Farewell and Boa Viagem! We ll depart the hotel this morning for the 90-minute drive to airport. For travellers wishing to stay in the capital, taxis are readily available for the short trip into the city centre.

5 Notes From The Road In Portugal, a Perfect Pace to Life By Oscar Biedma The town of Arraiolos is well-known for its intricate rug-making, testament to the long Muslim presence in the region during the Middle Ages. 5 Last year I was invited by Butterfield to plan a trip in Alentejo and my heart started pumping with happiness and pride. Olive groves, vineyards, cork trees and oak trees make up the bulk of the local vegetation in the region. As a region mainly dedicated to agriculture, it s easy to see how the slow pace of the work shaped the laid back nature of the natives. A cork tree, for instance, will take five years to give its first cork, and after that the (always manual) process of cork collection takes place every nine years. Alentejanos thus respect the all-natural process of growing and collecting what the earth gives to them. After re-acquainting myself with the region s landscapes and routes, I knew I had to dig just a little deeper to come up with events that would truly reveal the region. I wanted to share something more with our travellers after all it was my country, and I knew what I wanted to show. The question was how to find it. And the answer, it turned out, was all in the rhythm of the research. After a couple of days I started parking my car in the centre of villages and making inquiries of the locals, who normally spend their afternoons sitting in the shade of the main church in the village centre. After introducing myself and asking my first question, the answer was always the same: Why don t you sit down and tell us a bit about yourself? On many occasions I forgot I had a notebook in my hand as I found myself sharing childhood stories with strangers, who quickly came to feel like old friends I had known forever. Their readiness to help and answer questions took me to the homes of many new friends, and saw me share in many (seemingly never-ending) meals. These meals always took place in a dining room full of family photos accompanied by stories and memories that the hosts were happy to share. I wasn t a stranger anymore. I didn t feel like a researcher for B&R either. I was in my own country, having a true experience of a region that meant so much to me. And this was how the trip came together. From lunches at the family table of award-winning wine producers and olive oil tastings in convents, to visits to familyowned private eco-systems that preserve all types of local animals, at its core this trip is a series of authentic, true experiences which the Alentejo people are all too happy to share. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Oscar Biedma It was curiosity that led Oscar to travel. But, he says it was consciousness that introduced him to biking, which he describes as the best way to meditate. On his bike he s meditated in Canada, California, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Morocco while his curiosity introduced him to many new friends along the way.

6 The Details Vila Viçosa, in eastern Alentejo, is Europe s second-leading producer of marble, after Carrara in Italy. 6 Atlantic Ocean FRANCE PORTUGAL PORTUGAL SPAIN Mediterranean Sea Atlantic Ocean Monsaraz Evora Montemor-o-Novo 2018 Price: From $4,595 (from $400 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Pousada de Lisboa 8:15am Finish Airport 10:30am the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational The riding varies, with a few hills here and there but also plenty of flat/downhill. Roads are delightfully quiet, although with the occasional short rough patch. Both hybrid and road bikes are perfectly suitable for this trip s terrain and roads. MORE INFO How do I get to? Your likely point of arrival into Portugal will be through. From the airport, you can take a 30-minute ride to Bairro Alto Hotel. POUSADA DE LISBOA, LISBON This elegant boutique property, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, is beautifully located on the central Praça do Comércio, an arcaded square facing the Rio Tajo, surrounded by former royal palaces and ministries. With a popular restaurant and boasting a pool and spa, it s a wonderful landing spot to explore all has to offer. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners, including wine. Services of B&R guide(s) and support van All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees. Use of a customized hybrid or a racing bike with drop bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet. A handlebar-mounted 7 Samsung Galaxy tablet with preloaded GPS bike routes. B&R water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.

7 Your Next Steps 7 your next steps Weather: month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your hotel accommodation for the night before your B&R trip. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP was recently hailed as Europe s hippest city, and its streets and squares crackle with youthful energy. It is perhaps the world s most walkable major capital, and excellent restaurants abound among the shops and museums. We ll happily recommend a city guide if you want an insider s tour to enhance your stay here. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our e-newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.

8 European Biking Trips Further Details A DAY IN THE LIFE Here s what a typical day looks like on a B&R biking trip. 9:23 am Wind in my hair, I m ready to ride. Checking my GPS for the longer route today good thing I fueled up on cappuccino at breakfast. I ll need a boost for those extra miles. 10:47 am Passing endless vineyards, trying not to think about how nice it d be to be sipping on something. Oh look, there s our guide Irena with the van and a few refreshments! Timing is everything. Let s see who makes it to lunch first me, or the VC from Palo Alto. Game on. 2:36 pm Post-picnic I ve changed my mind about the long option feeling more disposed to the chill poolside at the hotel option. But first, the tie-breaker game of our bocce tournament! 8:22 pm Departing from cocktails on the hotel terrace, I realize these are the most interesting folks I ve ever travelled with. But tonight, it s just the two of us at the best seafood spot in town. Great view, good company and the promise of another amazing day tomorrow. OTHER WAYS TO GO Go Private Prefer to travel with your own posse? Simply choose a Ready-to- Book private trip, tell us when you want to go, and B&R will confirm everything over the next 48 hours. Andiamo! Go Bespoke Shoot for the moon. Our insanely talented Bespoke trip designers transform your dreams into reality to craft a made-to-measure journey just for you. Just give us a ring. ONLINE TRIP PLANNER Still have questions? Find the answers in your Online Trip Planner, a dedicated website for your trip! Once you ve reserved your space, follow the link in your confirmation for details like: What should I pack? What s the weather like How can I get in shape for where I m going? my trip? Any must-know regional tips? EQUIPMENT On your first day of riding, your guides will customize your bike to your height and riding specifications. Note: not every bike is suitable for every region. Your Travel Advisor will help you find the right one. Bianchi Hybrid A hybrid is the best choice for those not used to road bikes. Flat handlebars, a robust frame and wider tires will keep you stable on the road and agile enough to manoeuvre when needed. Bianchi Racing Bike Built for speed and aerodynamics, this classic road/racing bike features thin tires, a light frame and dropped (curved) handlebars. It s ideal for hillier regions when terrain permits. Scott E-Venture Electric Assist Bike* Stay in the peloton with this pedal bike (yes, you still pedal) that provides four different levels of electric assistance whenever you need a boost. Bonus: you get an incredibly comfortable and stable ride to boot. *E-bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a modest upgrade fee. Customize Your Ride: Here are a few ways we can make your ride even better. We also supply bike helmets, water bottles and handlebar bags. Toe cages are available upon request. Prefer clip-in pedals? We can easily switch yours in! Just bring the pedals (and the shoes they clip into!) and your B&R guides will gladly mount them to your bike. B&R does not provide clip-in pedals. TECHNOLOGY ON TRIP Tablet Your bike is equipped with a 7 Samsung Galaxy Tablet mounted to your handlebars, including preloaded route maps so you re free to go at your own pace! GPS If you prefer, you can also access route maps on your own device. B&R provides downloadable GPS routes on trip via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple & Android).