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Tours

Mountain Bike Tour in the Schist Villages

Duration 7 Days
Type Self Guided
distance 239 km
Lodging Comfort
Ref. Tour: tour024

Cycle a trail that connects the 27 Schist Villages of central Portugal and passes by beautiful river beaches. Discover the traditions of its inhabitants.

In this traverse you will bike village to village, sleeping in some of the 27 Schist Villages of Central Portugal, using trails that are part of the long-distance trail that connects all of them. You also have options that allow you to do the distances according to your cycling level. The route passes by forest areas, fluvial beaches and climbs the Lousã and Açor Mountains, crossing several important rivers and breathtaking landscapes! And believe it, you will be surprised by some of the secrets that the local inhabitants keep for you.

Daily Itinerary

Day 01
MB Tour 1: Talasnal | Candal | Cerdeira | Aigra Nova | Comareira (24 km / 15 mi)
Meeting point at Talasnal. Leaving Talasnal village early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit Vaqueirinho, Catarredor and the Schist villages of Candal and Cerdeira. A few kilometres after Candal, you will start climbing 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 Gois, you will first find Aigra Nova, where you can visit the Schist villages shop and the Lusitânea complex, where you can learn about the native species reproduction process. Go on and you'll soon reach your final destination, Comareira village.
Overnight in Comareira.
Day 02
MB Tour 2:  Comareira | Aigra Velha | Pena | Fajão (39 km / 24 mi)
Today you will ride towards the Protected Landscape of the "Serra do Açor" (Açor mountain). The day begins with a long climb but, in the end, you will be rewarded with a fantastic downhill ride to the village of Fajão.
Overnight Fajão.
Day 03
MB Tour 3: Fajão | Janeiro de Cima (24 km / 15 mi)
On this third day, the easiest of all, you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in the Stª Luzia water reservoir.  You will arrive quickly at your destination, the beautiful village of Janeiro de Cima. If you arrive early, it is possible to make a loop to visit Barroca, where the Schist Villages Management Center is located.
Overnight in Janeiro de Cima.
Day 04
MB Tour 4: Janeiro de Cima | Álvaro (30 km / 19 mi)
Today you will ride in the direction of Álvaro among the meanders of the Zêzere river - Geosite. Along the way, you will pass by Janeiro de Baixo, with a similar house construction as Janeiro de Cima. You can't miss visiting this village and stopping by the Watermill carved in the rock.
Overnight in Álvaro.
Day 05
MB Tour 5: Álvaro | Pedrogão Pequeno (42 km / 26 mi)
Today you will continue along the Zêzere river, starting in Álvaro and towards Pedrógão Pequeno.
Overnight in Pedrógão Pequeno.
Day 06
MB Tour 6: Pedrogão Pequeno | Casal de São Simão | Ferraria de São João (46 km / 29 mi)
The destination of the day is Ferraria de São João. Before, you will get to know Casal de São Simão. In the end, you will have the chance to refresh yourself at the fluvial beach of Fragas de S. Simão, which is just a few minutes away.
Overnight in Ferraria de São João.
Day 07
MB Tour 7: Ferraria de São João | Gondramaz | Chiqueiro | Casal Novo | Talasnal (34 km / 21 mi)
The last ride takes you towards the Schist Villages of Lousã mountain, passing very near the São João do Deserto sanctuary. During the first 16 km / 10 mi, you will climb progressively, with the remaining route being more accessible and having some spectacular descents. A little over half the route, you will pass through the pretty village of Gondramaz. Continue toward Talasnal and the closing of the Schist Villages loop. You can make a short detour to visit the villages of Chiqueiro and Casal Novo.
OPTIONAL - Overnight in Lousã or Talasnal.
see all days

Dates & Prices

From 990,00€/person  |  Min. 2 participants

This tour is also possible Guided. Ask us for more information.

More Information

Included

6 accommodations with breakfast
Mobile phone with 24H helpline
Luggage transfers 1 bag per person - up to 20kg/bag
Van support
Maps and documentation
GPS tracks (using the app "Ride with GPS" on your phone)  
Insurance
A2Z offer

*For more information about lodgings please contact us!

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