We chose the Marvao to Evora self-guided 5 day ride recommended by friends in New Zealand. Marvao proved to be a delightful hilltop town near the Spanish border where we explored the town and castle and ate fabulous food at Fago restaurant before starting the cycle the next day. All the upgraded accommodation was outstanding with beautiful pools which we certainly needed when arriving after days riding in 36 degree temperatures. We decided not to do the optional final day loop ride Evora-Evora as it was still so hot and we enjoyed our day wandering around the medieval town. Some days were a little longer than we expected – it pays to carefully check your schedule before you start. Overall a fabulous experience riding on fantastic, safe roads through gorgeous scenery – fields of cork trees, acres and acres of olive plantations, grape vines, wafts of wild roadside fennel, interesting towns plus we ate fabulous food. Live Love Ride provided us with great bikes (both conventional & eBike), and a very efficient service transporting us to the start, moving luggage between hotels and a final transfer back to Lisbon from Evora. The highlights from our Alentejo bicycle tour were staying at the fantastic Sao Laurenco do Barrocal farm hotel and riding up to Monsaraz the next morning to view Europe’s largest man-made lake, before continuing on to Evora. Highly recommended.
