Gravel Explorer: Cycling the Azores
- Length 7 days
- From USD$3495
- Style/Level Gravel Explorer 4.0
- Countries Portugal
- Begin/End Povoaçao/Ponta Delgada
Overview
Portuguese navigators discovered the uninhabited islands of the subtropical Azores archipelago in the early 15th century. Positioned nearly 1,000 miles to the west of Portugal’s coast, the island chain’s proximity to Africa and Europe created a coveted point of resupply and rest throughout centuries of European colonialism, trade, whaling, and human trafficking. Today, the Azores appeals to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike with nine island destinations that are revered for their breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine, and marine biodiversity. Join us on this new Gravel Explorer tour as we pedal the stunning coastline, quiet back roads, verdant hills and lush valleys and forests of São Miguel the Green Island. Each day offers a new adventure as you cycle to the magical thermal hotspot of Furnas, then across Pico de Vara massif and west through fishing villages on the north coast, and finally above and into the breathtaking Sete Cidades caldera and volcanic lakes.Highlights
Includes
Keep in mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
- This tour spends time on and off paved roads so support van and aid may not always be readily available. You will have the option to pedal with a guide or pedal on your own, but please be aware that if you are cycling on your own we recommend you are comfortable cycling in remote areas.
- Navigation, hotels, meals? Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Gravel Explorer tour.
The island topography is challenging. Daily mileage is short in this tour, but the elevation gain and the steepness of the climbs are demanding.
Dates, prices & booking
Date | Price | Private room fee | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 20-26, 2024 | USD$3295 | USD$500 | Departure guaranteed to go! Re-Cycle discounts no longer available. | |
May 1-7, 2025 | USD$3495 | USD$500 | Dates are tentative. Book Now and Save $200, per person. | |
Oct 5-11, 2025 | USD$3495 | USD$500 | Dates are tentative. Book Now and Save $200, per person. |
Date | Oct 20-26, 2024 |
---|---|
Price | USD$3295 |
Private room fee | USD$500 |
Note | Departure guaranteed to go! Re-Cycle discounts no longer available. |
Date | May 1-7, 2025 |
---|---|
Price | USD$3495 |
Private room fee | USD$500 |
Note | Dates are tentative. Book Now and Save $200, per person. |
Date | Oct 5-11, 2025 |
---|---|
Price | USD$3495 |
Private room fee | USD$500 |
Note | Dates are tentative. Book Now and Save $200, per person. |
Download Itinerary
Itinerary
- Total distance 205km (127 miles)
- Average daily distance 41km (25 miles)
- Tour style Gravel Explorer
- Tour level 4.0
Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.
Bikes
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Mountain bike in the Azores
Frame : 29″ light aluminum by Specialized, Focus or Cube with 100mm travel Suntor or Rockshox fork – or similar; 27.5″ for size small frame Type : Mountain (Azores)
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E-mountain bike in the Azores
Surcharge: $250 Frame : Aluminum by Specialized, Cube or similar Type : E-Mountain (Azores)
Plan your trip
Photos
Reviews
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Fun, attractive, supportive, will exceed expectations.
Ryan C., Grand Haven, MI – April 2024 -
Beautiful and verdant. And strenuous! Although marketed as a tourist destination, the Azores feels very authentic, and some areas seem to have changed little since being founded.
Kevin M., Salt Lake City, UT – April 2024 -
Loved Sao Miguel Island! So many beautiful views and forests. Loved being exposed to the old villages, narrow streets and cows! A great trip and my first with a pedal assist bike, which I valued. Also first time on a fat tire bike.
Karen C., Carson City, NV – April 2024