On a self guided tour, the schedule is up to you, sleep in and catch a late morning coffee and pastry at one of the local cafes, or try to beat the sunrise to your next town and spend the day lounging on the beach, its really at your pace, that is what has made these tours so popular!Our Essence of the Coast© Costa Azul, and Castles & Vines© Alentejo tours start around 8-9 am just after a healthy and substantial fresh fruit, yogurt and muesli, cereals, ham & cheese, you-name-it buffet style breakfast. We offer luggage storage in our secure Costa Azul facilities, and the price is included in your tour, Guided or Self-Guided. Our guide will then brief you on the day's route, as well as clue you in to any key features along the route which are not to be missed. The SAG (Support And Gear) vehicle will always be with us on the ride, and our guides are prepared for those first aid situations or first aid bicycle situations, should they arise. Lunches will catered picnic style, relaxed along the way to keep things light, or our treat at a local fishermans shanty or European deli style care, and dinner will be at a local restaurant later in the evening. Our SAG vehicle is always supplied with plenty of water and refreshments to keep you hydrated and pedalling, so you need only to put your head up, and head down the road, enjoying the wind at your back! Upon arrival at each destination, you'll have time to explore on your own, or just relax in the hotel accommodations or under the shade of a tree or on the beach. There are usually activities planned with our partners in the areas, so when available we will guide you in the direction of these to help fill your afternoon. Typical activites (depending upon route and availability) include dolphin cruises, sport fishing, coastal cruises, surf lessons, jeep tours, or maybe the local festivals and artisans, to name only a few. When you book your guided or self guided tour, we can help you plan your activites depending upon what is happening at that time of year. We'll gather in the evening for our group dinners, included with your tour package. Here you can sample the fresh seafood or delicious dishes of the interior Portugal, a much heartier take on the gastronomy. Each meal will include choices of red or white (or green) wine, and all the trimmings making them a truly Portuguese feast with your new friends!
Picnics in the shade, or lunches on the shore... (enlarge)