Alentejo Biking Duration: 6 days/5 nights Start: Lisbon Finish: Lisbon Price From: $4,995 pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Christine Tucker After growing up on the Texas shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Trip Designer Christine Tucker spent fourteen years working as a means to travel, and then travelling as a means to work. Her experiences are a testament to her approach to life a subtle mixture of playfulness and seriousness. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com
Your Journey East of Lisbon, across the Tagus River, sprawls Alentejo, one of Portugal s largest regions. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbours to the north and south (the Douro and the Algarve), Alentejo is in fact the country s culinary and cultural heartland, where sleepy villages dot a landscape of farmland, cork forests, olive groves, vineyards, and man-made lakes. It also offers superb cycling and you ll use your bike to explore its myriad of landscapes, from the placid waters of Lake Maranhão to the cobbled streets of UNESCO-recognized Évora. In the late 20 th century, when B&R first offered biking here, it was still somewhat rough around the edges, befitting its history as desolate frontier territory. Two decades later, we are thrilled to find the region refined and welcoming with a lingering touch of rustic, and we invite you to come and (re)discover it with us! Day 1 Lisbon- Avis Alentejo literally translates as across to River Tagus, and after our rendezvous in Lisbon, you will do just that, crossing this broad waterway by means of the elegant Vasco da Gama Bridge. The maritime aspect of the coast gives way to the landscapes of Alentejo the air is warmer and drier here, incubating the stands of cork and olive trees that dominate your views. You re on your bikes by mid-morning, pedaling through the groves en route to your first lunch in tiny San Antonio de Alcórrego, whose cheery proprietor will give you an introduction into regional fare. Specialties include lamb, pork, sheep s cheese, asparagus and mushrooms. From lunch, it s a short ride through the herdades, or ranches, to your hotel overlooking Lake Maranhão. This elongated body of water was created with the damming of its small watershed in 1956, in an effort to safeguard the water supply during the long summers temperatures here often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The dam, one of many of its kind in the area, also generates electricity to serve the neighboring communities. With the sun setting over the lake, we suggest you enjoy a cocktail on the terrace before an alfresco dinner from the hotel s top-notch kitchen. Meals: Lunch Activity: A 48 km (30 mi.) ride through quiet countryside of olive groves and farms. The terrain is mostly easygoing but there are two short climbs before and after lunch. 2
HOTEL Herdade da Cortesia This high-design property is the brainchild of an architect and an economist. Slung low in a leaf-shape overlooking Lake Maranhão, the hotel combines refined décor with personable service. Amenities include California King beds, separate tub and shower, and small private terraces in every room; the setting of its infinity pool is inspiring, particularly at sunset. Lake Maranhão Day 2 The next day, you ll enjoy breakfast outside before embarking on a delightful morning ride through the surrounding countryside. Here, for the first time, you will get up close and personal with the curious cork trees, whose irregular and malleable bark is used to produce the manufactured cork we associate with wine bottles and bulletin boards. When harvested, 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 up high and 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 a year, so as to have output (and cash flow!) every year. Today you will enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch at a simple local establishment. Once back at the hotel, you can take advantage of the glorious infinity pool, state of the art fitness centre, or take a water-ski course (not included in the trip price) before dinner on your own. Activity: A 40 km (25 mi.) mostly flat ride with similar landscapes to the first day. Day 3 Avis to Monsaraz and Alqueva Following a hearty breakfast, you ll have a short drive to the town of Estremoz, where you will begin today s ride from this lovely hilltop, white-washed village. Your ride takes you through more beautiful countryside and in and out of small, seemingly empty towns before you reach Redondo, where you ll enjoy a lunch as local as they come. Redondo is also the home of many of the regions potters so, for those interested, you can take a side step to check out some of the local pottery before continuing towards the hilltop town lingering in the distance, Monsaraz. Following dinner, 3
weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to experience the Dark Sky Reserve, which is a protected area in the sky spanning 3,000 square kilometres. You won t believe you eyes; looking up from the reserve is like staring a huge blanket of stars amid a dark velvet cloak. Activity: A moderate-challenging 67 km (42 mi.) ride through landscape of olive groves, farms and vineyards. The terrain is mostly easygoing, but there are a few short climbs interspersed. Options are available to shorten the ride Day 4 Today you will enjoy an amazing loop ride out of the hotel out toward the Alqueva Dam, ending at the incredible Herdade do Esporão for a visit to this impressive estate, followed by lunch and a wine tasting. Once you have looped back to the hotel, you ll have the chance to relax before heading out to Monsaraz for the evening. Following a cocktail and short walking tour of the town, your guide will leave you on your own for dinner. Do let us know if you would like dining suggestions or restaurant reservations. Activity: 45km (28 mi.) moderate riding across gentle rolling terrain HOTEL São Lourenço de Borracal In the same family for over 200 years, the estate has its heart at the monte, an ancient small farming village, which has been brought carefully back to life as a remarkable hotel of understated luxury, surrounded by ancient oaks, olive groves and vineyards. Here, the feeling of being at home is intimately connected with the sense of belonging to the vastness of the land. In Alentejo, farm and landscape soon become your home. 4
Évora Day 5 Today you will set out to discover Évora. On your last ride of the trip you will cut through the nowfamiliar countryside, past cork trees and vineyards and into Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small and historic city offers a bit of everything, from the remains of a 3rd century Roman temple to a Baroque-era aqueduct with many of its original arches intact. The ride to get you there is a long one, but the option to cut it down is always there for those wishing to get into town with time to explore on their own. On the way, your ride will take you by the famous Cartuxa winery for a short tour and tasting, should you so wish to bask in the glory of the local grape. Lunch today is either en route to, or in Évora; you can advise your guide how you d like to spend the day. Later that evening, you will be met for an expert-led walking tour of Évora, whose most memorable highlight may well be the Chapel of Bones within the Church of St. Francis; it is a simultaneously awe-inspiring and morbid sight. Following the walking tour, your guide will leave you for a dinner on your own. Activity: 56km (35 mi.) ride along clear roads, passing cork trees, vineyards, and the occasional town HOTEL M AR de AR Located right in the historic center of Évora, a city classified by UNESCO as World Heritage, M AR De AR is a 5 star property. The building, previously known as the Sepulveda Palace, is a magnificent construction of the 18th century, and still keeps a beautiful chapel, dome ceilings and a set of three Manueline windows on its main facade. Day 6 Farewells Depending upon flight times you will be driven to the Lisbon airport or downtown if you plan to extend your stay in Portugal. Meals: Breakfast 5
The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - US$5,765 (based on double occupancy) 4 travellers - US$4,995 (based on double occupancy) 6 travellers - US$4,495 (based on double occupancy) Start: Lisbon Finish: Lisbon Best time to visit: April June, September October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY ENTHUSIAST Daily biking distances usually vary from 35 to 65km (12 to 30 mi.), with options on some days as far as 80km. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Meals as indicated with drinks Services of local B&R guide(s) and support van Use of bicycle and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All special events and private tours mentioned in itinerary All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights All dinners Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service Gratuity for your B&R guide(s) E-bikes (US$200 supplement) Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. 2016 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, pack your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?ftt=private to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at 1-800- 387-1147. Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at 1-800-387-1147 or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. 7