Bem vindo a Portugal!

You will be met in the arrivals area at Faro airport, then be transferred, with your luggage, to Quinta do Freixo, a 45 minute drive away.

The hotel is in the central Algarve hills, 20 minutes from Loulé. It's the perfect spot to set up bikes and relax in the tranquil setting before starting your tour.

On the first afternoon we might have the time for an easy afternoon spin to check the bikes and discover the area if we like.

Our team will help you build your bikes if you have brought your bike with you or set your bike up if you've rented one from us.

You have the choice of an easy ride (1-1.5hrs) or a hike (45 mins - 1hr) to loosen off your legs after your journey, and get introduced to your beautiful surroundings.

We will eat dinner all together at the fantastic farm-to-table hotel restaurant.

We choose to stay in this wonderful family-run rural hotel because it compliments what we are offer on our retreat perfectly. Nestled in the central Algarve 'Serra', it offers far-reaching views and a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by its own 500Ha farmland. The onsite farm-to-table restaurant is fantastic, as well as the pool.

We will start the day with a wonderful breakfast together at the hotel. This will be followed by an easy 2-3hr ride including lunch en route at one of the picturesque villages close by.

The riding is always catered to the pace of the clients, so you don’t have to worry about your fitness or experience level. We will split into different ability groups if we need to during the rides so that everyone goes at the pace that is right for them.

We will arrive back in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the pool, read a book or have a walk before yoga at 5pm.

Duration

61km, 800+

An uplifting and energising yoga session to begin the week. All levels are catered for, so don't worry if you have never done it before, Pauline will take care of you!

This session will be taken either outside on the yoga deck in good weather, or inside.

Dinner all together at the hotel restaurant

Today you will ride all the way east to Silves, the ancient Arab capital of the Algarve. Make some time to admire the castle, one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the region.

In the afternoon we have a nutrition talk with Karelle

Duration

79km, 900m+ or 63km, 800m+

An easier alternative to riding to Silves - this ride is a beautiful easy loop through the heart of the orange plantations of central Algarve.

Duration

63km, 800m+

'The Wellness Plate' & getting the basics right.

Dinner all together at the hotel restaurant

For those on the 3-Day, 3-Night retreat, it's time to depart. We will arrange a transfer for you to the airport.

Today we have the option for a hike up Rocha da Pena - the stunning mountain that overlooks our hotel. It's a beautiful 2hr walk, with 360 degree views across the entire Algarve, all the way to the coast.

For those that would like to ride instead - no problem, we will have an option for that too.

We will come back for another fabulous yoga session with Pauline.

Duration

2hrs, 6km

Alex Cabrita, our amazing professional sports masseuse will come to the hotel and give a 30min sports massage (as relaxing or as firm as you'd like) to everyone.

Dinner all together at the hotel restaurant

Todays ride heads into the heart of the Serra de Caldeirao close to the hotel. It’s full of perfect peaceful roads, with great surface and very few cars. You will be in the forest for much of the climbing, with towering eucalyptus and gnarled cork oak providing shade throughout the year.

Alte, the ‘most typical village in the Algarve’, is a must-see for all cyclists riding in the Algarve. It has a bike café and a truly authentic feel to it. You will love this village!

Duration

62km, 1000m+

A yoga nidra session with Pauline, our amazing yoga instructor.

It's beginner friendly and will focus on deep relaxation and stretching after a lot of exercise over the last few days.

Dinner all together at the hotel restaurant.

Start the day with an optional sunrise walk in the beautiful hotel grounds.

This hilly ride will amaze you with it’s incredibly quiet and well-maintained roads and breath-taking views across the countryside. It’s a

challenging day, but we are in no hurry - time to get into a nice rhythm on the hills and take in the scenery.

During the afternoon we will finish the week with a selection of optional treatments by Erika and her team at Comfort Zone Concepts.

Duration

73km or 53km

It's time for a little bit of pure luxury! Enjoy your optional treatments - deep relaxing back and shoulder massages or cleansing facials.

'Gut Health' - what exactly does it all mean, and how can we all make small daily changes to improve?

Dinner all together at the hotel restaurant

We will be sad to see you leave!

We will take you to Faro Airport in time for your flight.

Até a proxima...

5-Day, 6-Night Retreat

3-Day, 3-Night Retreat

Arrival Saturday, leave Tuesday morning (Day 3 in the itinerary).

• Airport transfers to and from Faro Airport

• 6 nights at Quinta do Freixo

• Buffet breakfast each day

• Our special retreat Cycling Jersey

• Meet & greet, bike set up, orientation

• Minimum 4 guided rides

• 3 course meals plus wine each evening, designed by Karelle

• Lunches each day

• 2 nutrition talks and Q&A sessions with Karelle

• 2 yoga sessions with Pauline

• 1 massage mid-week with Alex

• Stretching and meditation sessions

• Civil Liability Insurance

• 5 star Service – our promise
  
  
  For the 3-Day, 3-Night retreat, see the schedule for what is included.

• Coffees bought at cafes en route

• Flights

• Transfers from airports other than Faro

• Other costs not listed above

• Carbon Road Bike Hire, V-Brakes (€175 total)

• Carbon Road Bike Hire, Disc Brakes (€250 total) 

• Carbon Road Bike Hire, Disc Brakes, electronic shifting
  (Di2 or Sram AXS) (€290 total) 

• E-Road Bike Rental
  (€270 total) 

• Optional treatments - e.g. facial, extra massage (€TBC)

The climate in the Algarve is suitable for cycling most of the year around. March is a fantastic time to enjoy the the start of spring - with flowers coming up everywhere and very few tourists still.

This tour is designed for beginner all the way to advanced cyclists! All rides can be adjusted to suit the participants. The Algarve terrain is rolling - it's not incredibly challenging (unless you want it to be) but it's not flat.

We recommend a 28 cassette on the back to make the steeper climbs in the area enjoyable ;)

We have e-road bikes available for rental for those that would enjoy the cycling more that way!

The hikes are not too technical, but we do recommend you bring walking shoes or trail trainers to suit the rockier trails.

Karelle, our host and certified nutritionist takes care of all the menus for the week. Food will be seasonal and will vary a little depending on what the farm is harvesting in the moment.
Food is fresh, packed full of all the nutrients you will need to replenish your body, fuelled for the week of excercise and keep you energized.

Karelle will also be available for 1:1 sessions during the week if you’ve got particular questions regarding your diet.

• Bike*

• Inner tube, hand pump, levers, multitool*

• Pedals

• Helmet

• Cycling shoes

• Walking shoes / trainers

• Powermeter/Di2/Sram batteries/Garmin chargers as appropriate*

• Sunglasses (including clear lenses if you have them)

• Cycling gloves (depending on season)

• Cycling rain jacket

• Saddle (All of our hire bikes are equipped with a saddle, of course. However, we recommend that you bring your own if it is comfortable for you rather than spending a week sitting on a saddle that may not be suitable for you.)

• Bib shorts, jersey, gilet, socks- minimum 4 sets.

• Arm/leg warmers

• Rain/wind vest

• Base-layer (depending on season)

• Chamois Cream

• Rear bike light + chargers

• Water bottles x 2 (we have bottles available to purchase).

• Garmin/Wahoo and mount

• Energy bars/snacks that you particularly like!

• Regular clothes and light jacket or jumper for evening

• Yoga-wear

• Swimsuit (many of the hotels have pools or spa)

• Evening shoes / sandals

• Passport (Check expiry date)

• Travel Insurance

• Sun protection

• USB charger

• First aid kit

• Toiletries

• Cellphone and charger

• Credit/debit card

• Medications and prescriptions

• Power adapter

• Ear plugs / eye mask

• Powerbank

Karelle Laurent

'I am french and a mother of two. I am (also) lucky enough to call Portugal my home. I am a registered nutrition therapist (Karelle Laurent Nutrition). I have a clinic and I offer 1 – 1 consultations with clients to support them with their performance and health goals. I also offer group sessions online to clients based in Singapore, France or the UK and here in Portugal'

Fiona Hunter Johnston

'I moved to Portugal 10 years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made. I have a passion for cycling and exploring new routes both on-road and off road. I have had Paradise Cycling Tours for 4 years now, and it's the dream job.

When I made friends with Karelle on the bike, it was clear that creating a partnership together made sense, and we had something unique to offer.'

Paradise Cycling Tours Unipessoal LDA

Bairro da Boavista 6
8100-016 Alte
Portugal
NIPC 517913704
RNVAT 11760
Terms and Conditions, Insurance and Licenses

Contact:
Fiona Hunter Johnston
+351 931325694

Karelle Laurent
+33 6 13 41 27 12

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