La Vuelta a España 2024

GRAND DEPART PORTUGAL

 

 

Lisbon Grand Depart & the Portugal Stages!
Vuelta Bike Tour

 

 

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Lisbon, Atlantic Coast, Coimbra, Wine & Marble Country

7 days / 6 nights – Fully Guided & Supported

Luxury 4 star Hotels

From

€ 2745

LA VUELTA A ESPAÑA 2024
PORTUGAL GRAND DEPART

PORTGUAL – LISBON, ATLANTIC, COIMBRA, WINE & MARBLE COUNTRY

Join us for a great week of cycling as we take you to the Grand Depart of La Vuelta 2024 in Lisbon, along the Atlantic Coast and into the natural parks and wine area of Portugal. A series of exciting stages, we offer you the chance to ride and see the La Vuelta in Portugal, with official VIP status! This will be our 17th year of providing access to this incredible event – the most thrilling of the 3 Grand Tours consistently over recent years.

It was a nice surprise when La Vuelta was announced to begin in Portugal, as it’s an area we ride regularly on our guided Portugal tours!

The route begins in Lisbon, one of our favourite European capitals set beside the sea. With a warm up ride into a national park with incredible vistas to the sea, cycle the opening time trial on closed roads before the pros beside the coast. Ride Stage 2 from the rural inland mountains to the VIP finish and stay in the historic university town of Coimbra.

Follow Stage 3 from the VIP start to the finish at a castle, heading through the sierras. And to finish up, stay in your own castle before cycling the wine and marble area of the Alentejo. The is a tour for those wanting to see some of the best cycling in Portugal.

With VIP stage and behind the scenes access, your chance to have a close connection with the pro teams and Vuelta organisers, luxury hotels and the race route to cycle, this action packed fully guided and supported tour is a great taster of Grand Tour racing.

Dates

15 Aug 2024

%

Riding Level

Moderate

upto 85KM Daily Average

PORTUGAL DEPART ONLY OPTION

See the Vuelta Depart. Non cycling VIP access. Please ask!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Watch LIVE and RIDE the 3 race stages of La Vuelta in Portugal!
  • 5 Ride days in Portugal
  • Cycle the race route as a VIP, only hours before the Pros arrive
  • VIP Access to stage finishes (drinks, tapas, big screen tvs at finish) and depart village
  • Ride the Time Trial Depart in Lisbon on closed roads!
  • Cycle the Atlantic coast and parklands including Sintra, Arrabida and Sierra de Estrela
  • UNESCO Coimbra and the wine and marble town of Estremoz
  • Tour of La Vuelta media, doping control and technical areas
  • Private guided walking tour of Lisbon
  • Fantastic luxury accommodation, fine local food
  • Options for non cyclists to come along

CC Advantage

Ride with an official operator who knows Lisbon and Portugal well

Podium photos and behind the scenes access – VIP status

Fully supported riding by experienced guides, including Vuelta a Espana masters rider and mix of male / female guides.

Enjoy a drink with an ex-pro and understand what it takes to ride a Grand Tour

Wonderful accommodation, great food, scenery and fun on the roads of Portugal

Local company with the best connections to La Vuelta

Receive a Cycling Country Vuelta race jersey by Santini

Vuelta Road Bike Tour - Tour of Spain Meta“The Vuelta tour was probably the best bike tour I have ever done. Ok the days were long, but your team gave us the best access I have ever had to a Grand Tour. The routes you designed to ride the best climbs and see the stage finishes were exceptional. Chapeau!”

J. Stafford

Ontario, Canada, La Vuelta VIP Bike Tour

LA VUELTA

FIGHT FOR THE RED

Route Map

itinerary

Being fully guided and supported (our support vans are accredited to drive along the race route), you can cycle with the group or at your own pace.

Non cyclists are welcome to enjoy the event (please enquire).

Day 1. LISBON ARRIVAL (LISBON, PORTUGAL)

Thursday, 15 August 2024 

Arrive in Lisbon at your leisure and meet at the centrally located 4 star hotel at 14:30 for an informal welcome meeting and drink.

 

We will then take a private guided walking tour of Lisbon with José seeing the famous sights in the historic centre and Baixa. Lisbon is one of Europe’s best cities to visit, full of interesting monuments and an impressive setting beside the waterfront. Learn about Lisbon’s history and secrets with our insiders’ knowledge. With La Vuelta being in town, the atmosphere will be building.

 

Enjoy a welcome group dinner of 3 courses with local wines (and a glass of Port!) as we get ready for a great week of riding.

 

(We recommend arriving before in Lisbon to see all the sights and museums.)


DAY 2. PARKS & ATLANTIC COAST RIDE (LISBON)

See Peter Sagan at our La Vuelta a España Bike Tour

16 August 2024 – 80km

After a good buffet breakfast, we take a quick transfer out to escape the busier roads of central Lisbon. After setting up the bikes and making sure everyone is comfortable, we take a fantastic ride into the national park of Arrabida just south of Lisbon. This area provides us with some incredible views out to the blue Atlantic and to the home town of the football coach José Mourinho. It’s a ride to get the legs going, but also epic as we pedal along roads hugging cliff tops.

 

Finish the ride with a late lunch at a local restaurant. Portugal is famous for its seafood, sardines on the grill and peri-peri chicken!

 

After the transfer back to our hotel in Lisbon, have a free evening to explore her famous streets.

Day 3. GRAND DEPART – RIDE TIME TRIAL VIP STAGE FINISH (LISBON)

Bike Tour of La Vuelta 202417 August 2024 – 85 km

After breakfast we head out and quickly get riding to the famous area around the castle and sierras of Sintra. An incredible setting we cycle through the surrounding parkland. This route will be featured as the first part of stage 2.

 

After a ride back to the coast we will be ready for today’s main event, the Grand Depart, which this year is an Individual Time Trial of 12km. This is your amazing opportunity to ride the circuit on closed roads from the ramp, even before the pros have raced it! As we ride together, the pros will be warming up (i.e. riding pass us!). A unique experience.

 

Cycle through the finish line and then we will get ready to enter the VIP Hospitality Area, giving you the best viewpoint of the race. See the riders getting ready to race, the team buses and the stars of the cycling world. Who will be the first leader to don the red jersey of La Vuelta 24!

 

Have a free evening to relax and enjoy Lisbon. We have some great recommendations for those interested in listening to Fado, a typical music that captures the soul of Portugal.

 

 

Stage 1 La Vuelta 2024

 

To Explain –  the VIP Hospitality Area – This is an exclusive part of our La Vuelta tour packages, where each of our cyclists have access with personalized accreditation given on a lanyard at the start of the tour. Here, enjoy just metres from the Meta Finish line, a viewing zone to see the riders finishing the stage, and preview the entire race before hand via large plasma TVs. The place to be at La Vuelta after riding the route! Also included is an open bar and tapas tasters for a real Spanish experience. 

 

 

See more

 


Day 4. STAGE 2 – VIP STAGE FINISH OUREM (COIMBRA)

Valverde, Vuelta Bike Tour18 August 2024, 90km

A great day of riding awaits as we get to ride the race route of Stage 2. We will take a transfer out and enjoy the quieter roads and rolling terrain to the north of Lisbon. We aim to ride the last 90km of the route ahead of the race. Although no big ascents, we have the category 4 of the Alto da Batalha to cycle.

 

As we come close to our finish in Ourem, we pass Fátima with the world famous shrine of Our Lady, where international pilgrims often visit (non-cyclists have the chance to see this landmark). From here descend down to the stage finish. Enjoy VIP Stage finish access and today we have arranged a special behind the scenes tour. See the podium celebrations.

 

Stage 2 La Vuelta 2024

 

After watching the stage finish we will take a short transfer to our hotel in the UNESCO town of Coimbra. It’s university, one of the oldest in the world, is often cited as inspiration for the Harry Potter films. Enjoy a group dinner together and take a walk into the medieval centre.


Day 5. STAGE 3 – VIP STAGE DEPART LOUSA / FINISH CASTELO BRANCO (ESTREMOZ)

 Cycling The Best of La Vuelta 2024, Bike Tour of La Vuelta 202419 August 2024, 80km

A great morning awaits as we ride from the hotel front door in Coimbra to the race depart. Something a bit different we have access to a VIP stage Depart in Lousa. It’s a great spectacle and a chance to see all the background and workings of the La Vuelta and the professional teams. We see the pros depart as they start their day’s work.

 

However, we have decided to take advantage and head out to ride the last part of the race to the finish line in Castelo Branco! Cramming it all in, we will see the race twice day from a VIP perspective. We envisage a big sprint finish if the peloton manage to control the breaks.

 

After seeing the podium, we will head south to our amazing luxury castle hotel for the night in Estremoz, high on a hilltop. This pousada hotel is a great place to have our celebratory final dinner together, in a banquet hall literally fit for past kings.

 

Stage 3 La Vuelta 2024

 

To Explain – The Vuelta Depart Village is an added perk of our VIP hospitality package. Each day the teams must sign on to start the day in a presentation, but prior to this, the riders are warming up, giving interviews, signing autographs and prepping their bikes. As well, a presentation area of local businesses and sponsors have stands where we can get nibbles, drinks, gifts and as well enjoy the friendly Vuelta family atmosphere.

 


Day 6. MARBLE AND WINE COUNTRY (LISBON OR SEVILLE)

Cycle Tour of La Vuelta 202420 August 2024 – 60km

We have decided to finish your Portuguese Vuelta with a morning ride around the famous marble quarries and wine country of the Alentejo area. A stunning area, cycle past corks forests, olive trees and vineyards.

 

A loop takes us back over the Serra de Ossa climb, often used in pro races, and back to our hotel.

 

It’s decision time to either say goodbye and transfer back to Lisbon (2 hours), or continue on to Seville (3 hours) and the Vuelta Week 1 Tour in Andalucia (combined tour discounts apply!)

(Note: 4 star hotel with breakfast included in Lisbon or Seville tonight).

 


Day 7. ONWARDS

21 August 2024

After breakfast we wish you safe onward travels. We hope you have enjoyed and experienced Portugal like never before, on a Grand Tour!

 

Trip details

Tour of Spain Bike Tour

Road Cycling Tour: Guided

Bikes: Trek Carbon Road

Route: Lisbon, Atlantic Coast, Coimbra, Estremoz, Lisbon (or Seville)

Group Size: 4 to 10

7 days, 6 nights: 5 ride Days – 3 Live Stage days, VIP entrances and Stage Village Depart, Transfers to/from Lisbon.

Riding Level

Moderate – The tour is suitable for cyclists of all ages who have a reasonable level of fitness and enjoy road biking. Our support van enables other riders to enjoy the trip without worrying as you can opt out of the bigger climbs. On the longer climbs everyone can ride at their own pace. There is the option for non-riders to come along.

Accommodation

Specially chosen quality 4 star hotels – all bedrooms are en-suite

Food

All breakfasts and 3 group dinners including wine, beer, soft drinks

Extras
  • Cycling Country is one of the few official Tour Operators in the world designated to run this tour and we are proud to do so.
  • VIP access to STAGE FINISHES and stage village DEPART. Including private race viewing area at finish line with complimentary drinks and tapas.
  • We have access to the podium for your own photo, plus a behind the scenes tour. We enter areas that are off bounds to most and work with La Vuelta organisers ensuring your VIP experience is unique.
  • Ride the race route crossing the finish line on race day (access that the public will not have).
  • Get close to the pros – meet the stars of cycling
  • Our vans are accredited to drive the race route – jump in for a rest if required
  • Ride with experienced bi-lingual local guides, including the sub champion of Andalucía and a Vuelta a España Masters rider – we have run Vuelta tours for 17 years.
  • Complimentary Cycling Country La Vuelta full zip cycling jersey by SANTINI
  • Complimentary Cycling Country gifts, helmet bags, luggage tags, water bottles, Vuelta tshirt and cycling caps
  • Route notes, maps, profiles, suggestions for dinner, etc.
  • Daily snacks (including Organic Mule energy gels and bars, fruit and drinks)
Staff

At least 2 to 3 tour leaders (4 clients to 1 guide ratio) with full van support to provide support, refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance. A guide always cycles with the group. Company Owners are accompanying this trip

Bikes

We can arrange good quality road bike hire:

 

  • Trek Emonda carbon, Shimano Ultegra, compact – 250 Euros extra
  • Trek Emonda carbon, Shimano 105, compact – 195 Euros extra
  • Orbea Gain M20 Road E-Bike, carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra – 400 Euros extra

Please note if bringing own bike, there is a 75 Euros bike box charge

Transfers

Transfers provided to hotel in Lisbon at end

Terrain

Country and mountain roads. Rolling countryside with some climbs.

Lodgings
Our hotels are a great collection of spots. All rooms are en-suite, have good facilities being 4 stars, and wonderful buffet breakfasts. Our locations in Lisbon, Coimbra and Estremoz allow you to explore all the local sights whilst staying in fine accommodation. Each one unique, you will enjoy your stays in these specially chosen lodgings.

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La Vuelta a España Bike Tour - Girona Hotel Best Hotels on La Vuelta Bike Trip Andorra
 
Reviews

Bike Tour of La Vuelta 2021 Cycling Bike Tour of the Tour of Spain 2021 Cycling Bike Tour of the Tour of Spain 2021 Cycling Bike Tour of the Tour of Spain 2021

“We returned to Andalucia for the 2018 La Vuelta having enjoyed the la Vuelta 2017 tour so much with Cycling Country.
We expected to repeat that enjoyment and we were not disappointed.
Great riding, great viewing, the best of hotels and food and an interesting and challenging group of cyclists.
Geoff and Maggi, our hosts, dedicated themselves 100% to our pleasure and comfort and were ably assisted by the two bike guides, Dean and Javi.
All participants have their own priorities. For some their own cycling, for others watching the professionals really close up and intimate.
For us it was a combination of those two, plus staying in such lovely hotels, you couldn’t find better, where we rubbed shoulders with the teams from Trek, Sky and Bahrain.
From the modern sophistication of our 4 star hotel in Malaga and the 5 star hotel in Granada to the stunning beauty of the Parador hotels in Ronda and Nerja.
The riding was hard and hot and, for the most part, great fun.
Anyone who says the last km of the 2540m Sierra Nevada climb is ‘fun’ doesn’t inhabit the same planet.
Nice climbs and even more spectacular descents, particularly the Puerto de Leon.
We look forward to next year’s tour with anticipation knowing that whatever the route, whatever the composition and size of the group, we will have fun.”

J & P. Sharman, London, UK – La Vuelta 2018

“La Vuelta’s epic climbs – a truly spectacular and special cycling week with Cycling Country. Even in a country blessed with great places to ride, Andalusia stands out as a truly spectacular region. La Vuelta offers climbs that legends are made of. It offers beauty, brutality, drama and this year a piece of cycling history with Contador’s Angliru ending I would like to thank Cycling Country (CC) for the enthusiasm and vision in creating an outstanding week, and for their impeccable support with logistics. I love the accessibility and closeness CC provides to La Vuelta. You are never too far away from the pros. Meeting Fernanco Escartin, a former Spanish road racing cyclist, now responsible for route design and road selection, provided enormous insight in the running of La Vuelta. Having the group stay in the same hotels as the professional teams provided the opportunity to meet mechanics, support people and also the professionals. As an Italian supporting Vincenzo Nibali I was excited to know I was staying in the same hotel as the Bahrain-Merida team. Although following La Vuelta so closely I still managed to go out and enjoy the local custom. In Almeria I went really local by having a couple of drinks at Cafe Bar Nevada and dined at Cafe Puga. I think I was the only non-Spanish so you could not have found a more local place. I found similar places in Granada. Additionally the delightful place we stayed at in Zuheros was special – probably one of prettiest villages and scenery in Andalusia.The cycling was superb. Given that the whole area can become swamped by cyclists during the Vuelta I thought CC did a fantastic job to keep everyone on target. It is clear that this is a family run business with great knowledge of the area. The guides are all local and provide enormous support and valuable insight. A true pleasure to be able to spend time with them. Geoff and Maggie, the owners, should be immensely proud for how they contribute to La Vuelta and how they run CC. Their tours contribute towards establishing the Vuelta as one of the most dramatic tours. Hasta Luego!!!”

C. Salinardi, London, UK – La Vuelta 2017

“With Cycling Country we made our first cycling trip to Europe. Geoff, Dean, Javi and the rest of the crew made our rides and stay really happy. Balbino took care of my mom and showed her Spain while me and my brothers went riding, then we met at the finish line of La Vuelta stages. It was a terrific Trip and we will for sure do it again!!!”

D. Botero, Medellín, Columbia – La Vuelta 2017

“Awesome Vuelta a España tour, amazing VIP access, up close & personal with the riders! We recently did a Vuelta a Espana tour with Cycling Country, and had an amazing time. The tour was well-organized and thought out, with rider enjoyment in mind, both from the perspective of riding and spectating. The Spanish-based company clearly has a very close relationship with the race organizers, which is to the benefit of Cycling Country’s clients. The VIP access to starts and finishes, as well as the podium, were unbelievable. Because the race is smaller, it is also much more intimate, enabling access to the riders. The behind-the-scenes access and perspective was very interesting, as was the talk from a retired rider. This was our third time doing a trip with Cycling Country, and the reason we chose them for our Vuelta shadow tour. Previously we have done self-guided tours or fixed-stay trips, and have been very impressed and pleased with the company and the service it provides. Geoff and Maggi are wonderful people and it shows in their dealings with clients. We would definitely recommend Cycling Country for any of its tours, but especially the Vuelta a Espana tour!” A.Sauve & Tim, Coburg, Ontario – La Vuelta 2017

“The Vuelta tour was probably the best bike tour I have ever done. Ok the days were long, but your team gave us the best access I have ever had to a Grand Tour. The routes you designed to ride the best climbs and see the stage finishes were exceptional. Chapeau!” ” John, Ontario, Canada – La Vuelta 2016

“Let me write a few lines of thank you. I just can’t believe what a trip you gave us all! It was truly a cycling tour that I will never forget. Well done to all of the Cycling Country crew and thank you again for the good times. The Vuelta was the ride of my life.”

Steve, Sydney, Australia – La Vuelta 2015

“The Vuelta Tour 1 (Andalucia 2014) was memorable! The VIP access was exceptional, beyond my expectations. Cycling Country beautifully handled different levels of cycling abilities in the group in the smoothest way, the coordination among them was very professional and efficient, providing to the group an ongoing feeling of safety, support and fun. I will highly recommend them to all my friends and they honestly deserve to run such a successful business. Muchas Gracias for the extraordinary experience! “

Luisa, Colorado, USA – La Vuelta 2014

“Rob and I would like to take the opportunity to send you a big thank you for everything you organized for the tour. We had an amazing time. The ride routes where spectacular and the VIP access was fantastic. Dean and Javi were both lovely, very helpful and encouraging. We had the best time and keep reminiscing about the week wishing we were still in Andalusia. It definitely exceeded all our expectations and hopefully will see you at next years tour. Thank you again”

K. and R. Garland, Australia – La Vuelta 2014

Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website .

 

 

 

DATES & RATES

LA VUELTA A ESPAÑA 2024

PORTUGAL DEPART

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

€ 2745

SINGLE SUPP. € 450

CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE

Discounts for 4+ booking together

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