Algarve self guided cycling holiday

COUNTRY:: Portugal
LOCATION:: Algarve
HOLIDAY TYPE:: Self guided, moderate cycling holidays
DEPARTURES:: This trip can be tailormade at a time to suit you (Jul & Aug are best avoided as it can be too hot) and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
PRICE:: From €580 - €640 (8 days) excluding flights
MORE INFO:: Price includes accommodation, transfers, luggage movement and bike hire with helmets.
VOUCHERS:: Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

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Algarve self guided cycling holiday

Travelling with a local operator

This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.

How Algarve self guided cycling holiday makes a difference

This holiday uses local accommodation and we pay a fair price for the rooms we do not seek large discounts; all the places are Portuguese owned and run using local staff. By supporting the local communities we hope to bring much needed income into these rural areas where the local people struggle to survive (this holiday is well away from the large scale tourist developments).

Cycling is the perfect way to see an area without damaging the environment & we actively encourage all our clients to be environmentally aware. To help clients get the most out of the holiday we provide all our clients with an information sheet which includes tips and general background on lifestyle and customs of the local people.

We actively encourage our clients to be environmentally aware of all their actions and act in a proper, responsible manner at all times. Information, tips and recommendations on the life and customs of the local people are given to all clients. As much as we can our office recycles waste and we use recycled products when ever possible.

We are aware that travel in any country has some effect on the area and with this in mind we strive to lessen the impact, promote local employment through use and at all times show a positive attitude towards the environment and encourage others to appreciate its importance.

Algarve self guided cycling holiday

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Algarve self guided cycling holiday

Reviewed 09 Jan 2011 by Bunli Yang

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

This was a moderately strenuous cycling trip for a family of 4, and we had great fun finding great places to eat, in the off-season around New Year's.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Before starting out, try to do some cultural research on the small communities along the itinerary. Knowing about, for example, archaeological sites near the suggested routes can lead to extra-mileage side trips that the kids might agree to.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, the accommodations and the routings permitted us to make use of small business, local suppliers and local markets for just about everything--meals, coffees, drinks, fruits and snacks.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent choices of towns to visit, routes, and accommodations. More in-depth descriptions of possible Islamic and Jewish points of interest and tales would have been desirable.

Reviewed 05 Apr 2010 by Louise Duipmans

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The nice country of Portugal. The kindness of the people.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The bikes at the site were not the same as we've really got. On the site it were TREK bikes, at destination, we had old mountain bikes and we had problems to get it suitable for our length. I had expected much more quality and thought that we paid for the rent of TREK bikes. We got a map for cars of Portugal. It was too big. Next time, please give a more detailed map, especially for bikes and not of the whole country, but of the visiting part. We tried to buy it ourselves, but we only found car maps.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, as we travelled by bike and used the local facilities.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very nice, but need more attention on the bikes and maps. They are really important for the success of a bike holiday.

Read the operator's response here:

I am pleased that you had a good holiday. When it comes to the bike question I believe you are confusing us with another operator because no where on our site do we mention the name of the bikes used - there is another company in the Algarve that uses Trek bikes but their prices are considerably more than ours. Your son in law did most of the e-mailing for your holiday and in all the correspondence (which we have) there is no mention of Trek bikes. In fact we gave you exactly what was requested and exactly as per our web site, there is no way that our bikes can be termed old as our fleet was renewed last year. Our mechanic spent a considerable amount of time with you fitting the bikes but your attitude towards him was extremely negative because you wanted something that you had not paid for and that we do not provide. Under the circumstances I think he did a great job and during the week you did not have to call him or us because of a problem with the bikes. Your son in law privately e-mailed us to thank us for a 'great' time and there was no criticism from him about the bikes except to tell us that his had a slow puncture which was not a problem with the pump that we provided. There are no good maps of the Algarve as you also discovered, that is why we provide route notes and I do understand that you were able to find your way about with little problem.

Reviewed 08 May 2008 by Gaela Bailey

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Oranges and lemons on the trees, and the old ladies in the villages running out to greet us as we cycled by.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The area is undulating, so know that the distances are harder than they look!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes - food was locally sourced, hardly any petrol involved and lots of interaction with locals.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Really good - well organised and very memorable.

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