Welcome to our exciting New Cycle tour, which takes us on one of the most famous roads in Portugal the N2, whilst staying in fabulous 4/5* Hotels along the way.

 

The Baby of the Raid tour Routes, still Challenging & no less spectacular, runs from Saturday to Friday with 5 days of cycling which will take you down the backbone of Portugal, from North to South, providing the opportunity to ride on the longest continuous road the N2, crossing 4 mountain ranges, 11 rivers and 29 municipalities and 729km

 

This tour is aimed at cyclists who like a challenge with an overall distance of 729km and almost 10,000m of climbing needed to reach our end goal of the resort Port of Faro.

 

The tour has been planned so that mileage and climbs are achievable for most regular cyclists, however hill training and consecutive days in the saddle beforehand is essential.

 

Throughout the tour our cycling guide will be on hand to offer guidance and encouragement, and our support van will wait at convenient points along each route to provide assistance, whilst offering drinks, snacks and Lunches and at the end of each day, relax in our handpicked 4 and 5 Star Hotels and Restaurants.

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The Raid 'N2' Portugal ride stats...

 

We will start your journey next to the zero-kilometre milestone at the roundabout

near the Public Park in Chaves.

 

Each step of the way the stone markers will designate the kilometres you have travelled until eventually, you arrive in Faro, five days later at the N2 738km Marker stone.

 

 

Ride day 1 - NORTHERN MOUNTAINS

 

STAGE 1: CHAVES – VISEU: 170km | 2,635m+

 

Stage 1 introduces you to the famous

scenery of the Douro Valley, which leads you

onto the steady 30k climb up to Alp’du Villa

Real, your then descend to the Douro River,

Next up after a couple of rolling hills is the

challenging climb of Alp’ du Lamego (1,324m).

A long, but steady, 31 km climb with a couple of kickers to keep you interested rising up to 12% in places.

 

The stage ends in the charming medieval city of Viseu. With its narrow streets with traditional shops spread out in a mediaeval layout from Rossio. It is well worth a browse through them if you get chance before Dinner.

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Ride day 2 - DÃO VALLEYS

 

STAGE 2:

VISEU – PEDROGAO: 155km | 2,400m+

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After a hearty breakfast we leave the hotel

starting Stage 2, safely negotiating the pave’

streets out of Viseu.

 

The Raid begins to follow its way through the villages and vineyards of the famous Dao wine making region, With a rolling 100km through the rural landscape of rural Portugal and the many farming villages.

 

Just when you start to think the stage is done your greeted by Alp’ du Gois, in the foothills of Serra da Estrela. A 16km ascent starting through the mimosa woods to the summit at 1700ft.

 

The thrilling 10km descent is as gratifying as the climb itself, your then be met with the picturesque Pedrógão Dam (stop for Pictures) …just be sure to save a little in reserve for the short but steep climb up to the hotel and its spectacular view over the Pedrógão Dam.

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Ride day 3 - RIBATEJO

Stage 3:

PEDROGAO – MONTARGIL: 128km | 1,400m+

 

At the midway point, the Raid tour begins its

Rolling descent through the landscaped

slopes of the Ribatejo hills and into the

unique landscape of the Alentejo.

 

This stage is primarily one with all the

climbing and descending from the start, with a small climb to take your breath away. Alp’ du Melrica which takes you to the mid feed zone, this marks the halfway point of the Raid N2 ‘Portugal’

 

After the Alp’ du  Domingos the Raid travels across the River Tejo at Abrantes, the Tejo region is located in the very heart of Portugal and is known as the land of vineyards, olive groves, cork forests, Mertolengo cattle, and the famous Lusitano horses.

 

Viticulture has deep roots in Tejo and it is heralded as one of the oldest wine producing regions in the country.

 

The N2 road then flattens out around 60 miles with a much-needed rest bite on the legs leading you to the Stage Finish at Montargil.

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Ride day 4 - ALENTEJO

 

STAGE 4:

MONTARGIL - VILA GALE: 162km | 1,500m+

 

Leaving Montargil the landscape again is

rolling ready to sap those tired legs, look out

for the ancient cork oak trees dotted along

the road, this rural landscape far away from

the chaotic world that we live in…. welcome

to the Real Portugal.

 

You now should have noticed the change in temperature, leaving the north & now heading swiftly down to the south, the heat of the midday sun can catch you out, be sure to top up on the sun cream……ok Ice Cream.

 

After the seemingly never-ending Private driveway we arrive at The Vila Galé Clube de Campo hotel, located near Beja, in broad Alentejo.

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Ride day 5 - ALENTEJO

STAGE 5:

VILA GALE – FARO: 148km | 1,560m+

 

We are now on the final leg leaving The Vila

Galé Clube de Campo hotel, located near

Beja, in broad Alentejo.

 

You would be forgiving for thinking the Raid

N2 ‘Portugal’ is done, Stage 5 is another long

day and starts off on the flats leaving the Vineyards of south Alentejo. enjoy the impressive Views of the rural landscapes until we hit mile 58 and the final Climb of the Tour Alp’ du Palados 15km, before the 35km rolling descent into faro.

 

Maybe it's the smooth, quick surface or the deserted roads or, maybe, it's the winding climb that takes you into the Algarve.

 

Whatever your emotion, Stage 5 will deliver an extraordinary finale to an experience you will be talking to your friends about for years to come.

 

        Depart – FARO After a fantastic week cycling it’s time to depart to Faro Airport, thank You for the Memories.

 

 

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