CYCLING, NUTRITION & WELLNESS
A week of self-focus in the heart of the Algarve
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9th – 15th March 2024, 4-10th May 2024 and 9th – 15th November 2024
Bike Type: Road or Hybrid
Number of riding days: 5
Tour Type: Guided
Airport Faro
Km / day: 40-80km
Elevation gain / day: 800-1000m
Overall Difficulty: All Levels
Accommodation: Boutique Rural Hotel
Delicious locally sourced food. Breathtaking cycling. Sustainable travel.
We have created this holistic cycling escape to share our passion with like-minded people for the nature, great food and cycling.
- Fabulous high quality accommodation in Quinta do Freixo, an organic farm in the heart of the Algarve countryside, tastefully renovated in 2021
- A wonderful menu of meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), designed by Karelle, our registered nutritionist
- 6 breathtaking guided rides into the local Portuguese landscape (different groups for all levels)
- Beautiful roads; smooth, safe and traffic-free
- A choice of yoga, pilates and stretching sessions throughout the week
- A massage during the week to refresh and relax
- A truly bespoke week of cycling – we will work with each client and design the perfect routes to suit them
- A range of optional nutrition talks in the evening and a chance to speak to Karelle one-on-one with any specific nutritional questions you might have
- Mechanical support
Karelle and Fiona, your hosts!
Who is this trip for?
This cycling, nutrition and wellness holiday is aimed at discerning cyclists or triathletes who would like to enjoy a warm-weather cycling getaway in beautiful surroundings and high quality accommodation, as well indulging in delicious cuisine. It is also aimed at guests that care about sustainable tourism, for example the positive impact tourism can have on local people’s livelihoods.
If you are looking for an escape where all of your needs are catered for and you truly get a chance to focus on yourself – then this is the holiday for you.
Let us plan every last detail for you, from your airport transfer to your post-ride snack. All you have to do is book your flights and we will take care of the rest.
Cycling and Wellness Itinerary
This trip consists of 2 travel days, 5 cycling days and 6 nights. Scroll down look below at the itinerary below for a more detailed overview of the example schedule for the week.
Accommodation
For those wishing to escape the disenchantment of regular holiday accommodation, Quinta do Freixo is the ideal destination. This beautiful organic farm with 800Ha of land nestled in the Algarve hills is in harmony with the local landscape as well as the local communities nearby. Quinta do Freixo is run by a wonderful local Portuguese family who you will attend to your every need.
Quinta do Freixo was tastefully renovated in 2021, with beautiful twin and double rooms each with fantastic views over orange groves and further down the valley. Each room has a small private outside area to relax, and there is a shared salt water pool for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Cuisine
Karelle, our fantastic registered nutritionist will carefully plan every meal during the week.. ..The menu will be seasonal, with . . organic, food miles… etc etc
Allergies or dietary requirements? No problem, we can take care of everything.
Heritage and Culture
As you know, this holiday is not just about cycling… as you ride, you will also experience the culture and heritage of the Algarve – the local cuisine, music, wine and liquor making, the agriculture, historic monuments and the ancient creative traditions.
What bike do I need?
This tour is designed specifically for road riding, and we will ride from 50 to 120km each day (depending on your fitness level). We would highly recommend a road bike, or e-bike or a hybrid bike if that is more comfortable for you. We can hire all types of bikes for you – just get in touch.
WHO ARE WE?
FIONA HUNTER JOHNSTON
I have over 10 years experience in the cycling and events organisation industry.
I am absolutely passionate about sharing the ‘real’ Portugal with my clients, and I can’t wait to welcome you to this beautiful country.
KARELLE LAURENT
VISION
We have created this holistic cycling escape to share our passion with like-minded people for the nature, great food and cycling.
- Fabulous high quality accommodation in Quinta do Freixo, an organic farm in the heart of the Algarve countryside, tastefully renovated in 2021
- A wonderful menu of meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), designed by Karelle, our registered nutritionist
- 6 breathtaking guided rides into the local Portuguese landscape (different groups for all levels)
- Beautiful roads; smooth, safe and traffic-free
- A choice of yoga, pilates and stretching sessions throughout the week
- A massage during the week to refresh and relax
- A truly bespoke week of cycling – we will work with each client and design the perfect routes to suit them
- A range of optional nutrition talks in the evening and a chance to speak to Karelle one-on-one with any specific nutritional questions you might have
- Mechanical support
What’s Included?
Airport transfers
6 spectacular days of guided road riding throughout the best of Algarve
7 nights high quality accommodation – Quinta do Freixo
All meals designed by nutritionist Karelle Laurent
Buffet breakfast
Lunch (either at the hotel, picnic lunch or at a local café)
3 Course Dinner at Quinta do Freixo
100% organic ingredients, locally sourced
1 massage (choose relaxing or sports) per client
Guided Yoga, Pilates and Stretching sessions
Range of fantastic running trails right from your door
Knowledgable and friendly guides beside you every pedal of the way
Support vehicles
GPX files of all stages in advance
Mechanical assistance
Professional drone and GoPro photos of your trip
Ride snacks
All staff first-aid qualified
Civil liability Insurance
5* service – our promise!
Not Included
Flights
Extras, e.g. Bike Hire, Single Room Supplement
Cycling, Nutrition and Wellness Holiday
Arrival into Faro (or Lisbon) Airport, transfer to Hotel
We will meet you on arrival into Faro Airport, and take you to our amazing boutique, family run hotel at Quinta do Freixo, Benafim. You will love the peaceful atmosphere of the hotel and it’s surrounding countryside.
Quinta do Freixo is situated in the heart of the Algarve, with fabulous cycling routes in all directions. Not only that, there are walking routes from the door into the hills in the 500ha property, a beautiful yoga deck and fabulous pool to relax by in the afternoons.
DAY 2
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 evening for a post-ride snack, free time delicious dinner together. After dinner there will be an optional Nutrition Q+A’s with Karelle.
DAY 3
To get you inspired and energised, we will do a sunrise walk before breakfast in the stunning estate that is owned by Quinta do Freixo.
After this, we will have a 3-4hr ride to the historic town of Silves including lunch in our favourite cafe in the beautiful town square. You will arrive in the afternoon for free time, then a massage with Alex, our fantastic local masseur.
We will enjoy another superb meal together at Quinta do Freixo in the evening.
The restaurant setting at Quinta do Freixo is fantastic – in the evenings we will be blessed with views over the valley at sunset as we enjoy our meal.
DAY 4
Today we will having breakfast together, following which there is a choice of either a long local hike or a ride. We will meet again in the afternoon for yoga with the incredible Pauline who will take us through another yoga flow to relax us after the days exercise.
Pauline an highly experienced yoga instructor living in the Algarve. Her wonderful energy and vibe will leave you relaxed, energised and inspired.
After dinner there will be the chance to learn all about gut health with Karelle who will take another session.
DAY 5
Today we will have a slightly later start, and we will all meet together at breakfast.This is because we have a beautiful longer ride north into the Alentejo to see the heart of the ‘real’ Portugal, including a traditional Portuguese lunch.
We will be truly immersed into the authentic Portuguese countryside all day – a real step away from your ‘normal’ life.
After, there will be time for massages, before dinner and recovery yoga in the evening.
DAY 6
We will start the day with meditation before breakfast. Then after heading out on the bike and a light lunch in one of the local villages, we will head back for free time by the pool before a last nutrition Q&A’s with Karelle before dinner.
Karelle, who has immense experience in sports nutrition, specialising in endurance sports, is on hand any time to go into detail with any particular question or topic you would like to discuss.
All good things must come to an end and we will be so sad to see you go! We will transfer you to Faro Airport and from there you will take your flight home. See you next time!
Twin Room
Perfect for couples or friends travelling togetherSingle Occupancy
Perfect for single travellersA Group?
We can offer great rates for groups – just get in touch!.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for our Cycling Nutrition and Wellness Week and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
FAQ’s
I am a beginner cyclist, can I still join?
Of course! We love beginners because there is so much we can help you with and this is the best part of the job for us. We pride ourselves on providing holidays for all abilities, and we have guides for different fitness levels. Often groups will be divided into different groups so suit everyone. Whether you want to improve your fitness, your skills, confidence or all three – we are here for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Can I hire a bike?
Yes. Just get in touch to let us know exactly what you would like and we will give you a quotation. We can provide road bikes or e-hybrid bikes for our cycling, nutrition and wellness retreat.
I would like to create my own bespoke holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB’s
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
@echappee.portugal
