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Tours

E-bike Tour in the Schist Villages

Duration 7 Days
Type Self Guided
distance 239 km
Lodging Comfort
|E-bike Tour in the Schist Villages

Cycle and explore hidden treasures in Central Portugal, passing by beautiful river beaches and where centuries of History, tradition, and landscape remain preserved. Discover the traditions of inhabitants at your own pace with the assistance of an e-bike.

Located between Lisbon and Oporto and accessible through Coimbra, Guarda or Castelo Branco, the Schist Villages of Portugal quickly transport you into another world.
In this traverse you will bike from village to village, sleeping in some of the 27 Schist Villages of Central Portugal. The route passes by forest areas, fluvial beaches, climbs Lousã,  and crosses several important rivers and breathtaking landscapes! And believe it, you will be surprised by some of secrets that the local inhabitants keep for you.

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Aldeias do Xisto E-bike Explore Nature Portuguese Schist Villages

"Prepare for a surprising and wonderful trip and to have your expectations exceeded ."

Rick Jensen

Daily Itinerary
Dates & Prices
More Information

Daily Itinerary

Day 01
Arrive at Coimbra and transfer to Ferraria de São João
The scenic and cultural richness of the village is all too evident. The mutual support and close relations between the inhabitants are the inheritance of a deeply rural nature. Nevertheless, this is something that is not frozen in time.
Dinner and Overnight at Ferraria de São João.
Day 02
Stage 1: Loop Ferraria de São João (53 km | 33 mi)
Today’s bike ride will take you to different villages of this region. Before the end of the ride, you will get to know Casal de São Simão. In this village, you will have the chance to refresh yourself at the fluvial beach of Fragas de S. Simão, which is just a few minutes away.
(Lunchbox included)
Dinner and Overnight at Ferraria de São João.
Day 03
Stage 2: Ferraria de São João - Gondramaz (47km | 29mi)
The destination of the day is Gondramaz, but before you will get to know the Village of Penela and visit its Castle. Also in this ride, you have the chance to relax and refresh in the Louçainha river beach, a green spot where absolute tranquillity prevails.
(Lunchbox included)
Dinner and Overnight at Gondramaz​.
Day 04
Stage 3: Loop Gondramaz (Castanheira de Pêra, Coentral) 56km | 34.8mi)
Today you will cycle a loop between Gondramaz and Castanheira de Pêra. Castanheira de Pera is a friendly village in the authentic, rural countryside of Portugal. In the 19th century, Castanheira de Pera used to be well known for its wool industry. However, due to a serious crisis, the industry shut its doors. A museum in the village allows you to know the former wool industry of Castanheira de Pera.
Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to enjoy memorable landscapes, from several viewpoints and enjoy a relaxing massage.
(Lunchbox included)
Dinner and Overnight at Gondramaz.
Day 05
Stage 4: Gondramaz - Cerdeira (38km | 23.6mi)
Leaving Gondramaz behind, today you will cycle to Cerdeira Village, passing by Casal Novo and Talasnal Schist Villages. Hidden away in a small valley 700 meters above sea level, Cerdeira has the purpose of giving life to an old village, to create conditions for it to be a place of contemplation and artistic creation, learning and intersection between people of different cultures and knowledge, providing quality accommodation, suggesting ideas and itineraries to explore the surrounding region.
(Lunchbox included)
Dinner and Overnight at Cerdeira.
Day 06
Stage 5: Loop Cerdeira (Candal, Lousã, Comareira, Aigra Nova, Pena) (64 km | 39.7 mi)
The last ride will take you along the Lousã Mountain Range and you´ll be able to visit more Portuguese schist villages, such as Candal, where you will climb on a trail that will take you very near to the highest point of the Lousã Mountain, the Trevim (1204 m/3950 ft).
Descending towards the village of Góis, you will find the Aigra Nova and Aigra Velha schist villages. Before arriving at Cerdeira, you will cross the Schist village of Pena.
(Lunchbox included)
Dinner and Overnight at Cerdeira.
Day 07
Transfer from Cerdeira Village to Coimbra
End of Services.
Private Transfer to Porto or Lisbon (optional).
see all days

Dates & Prices

From 1165,00€/person  |  Min. 2 participants (Starting on Sundays*)
 
Normal season (01stJanuary - 30thJune & 01stSeptember - 31stDecember)
Single Supplement: 430€
Solo Traveller Supplement: 680€
3rd Person sharing a house (e-bike included): **695€


*other days: on request
** extra bed on the same room/house

More Information

Included
 
  • 6 nights with breakfast on selected accommodations;
  • Briefing with an A2Z Guide;
  • Transfer from Coimbra to Ferraria de São João and from Cerdeira Village to Coimbra;
  • 5 Lunchboxes and 6 Dinners;
  • Local transfers necessary for the itinerary;
  • Relaxing Massage;
  • Luggage transfers – 1 bag per person – up to 15kg/bag;
  • 24 hours support line;
  • E-Bike rental with pannier rack, pannier or handlebar bag, lock, quick repair kit;
  • 5 Bike Rides;
  • App on your phone with maps, GPS tracks and descriptions of stages;
  • Personal Accident Insurance.
  • A2Z Offer

 
Extra Services
 
  • Guided visit to Coimbra, Aveiro or Porto: on request
  • Extra night at Cerdeira, Coimbra; Lisboa or Porto: on request
  • Miniature Schist Houses Building Workshop (min. 2pax): 80€/pax
  • Traditional Portuguese Cuisine (Chanfana) Workshop (min. 2pax): 80€/pax
  • Fresh Goat Cheese Making Workshop (min. 2pax): 80€/pax
  • Transfer to and from Airport (Lisbon/Porto): On request
  • Helmet (rental): 20€
  • Helmet (purchase): 110€
  • Gel pad for the saddle (rental): 12€
  • GPS device (rental): 50€
  • Smartphone rental with RWGPS + Phone holder (rental): 50€
  • Powerbank (rental): 15€
  • Bag (Handlebar or Pannier) (rental): 12€ (the trip includes one of these pieces)

 
Not Included
 
  • Transfers from and to the airport;
  • Museum and Monuments fees;
  • Personal equipment
  • Other personal expenses
  • All items not mentioned in “included”.

 

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