Monsanto is a breathtaking destination! If you ever find yourself in Portugal, make sure to visit—it’s absolutely worth it. Just a quick tip: wear comfortable walking shoes and leave your bike at the base of the hill. (Who knew I’d ever say that? 🤣🤣) I’ve shared a selection of photos at the bottom of the blog—this place is simply stunning!
Day 6 already! Today is a lighter day with just 39 miles (62 km) and 2,300 ft (700 meters) of climbing. According to Peak Tours, it’s an “easy day” to give our legs a well-deserved break 😊👌. Garmin’s route shows seven climbs today, all ranked as “Easy” or Category 4, which means they’re a bit more challenging but still manageable. That said, I’m starting to wonder if anyone at Garmin has actually cycled these hills—or mountains—and if they’d still call them “easy” afterward!
And of course, the obligatory brew stop in true Peak Tours fashion—mid-morning coffee breaks are always a highlight and never disappoint! 😋😋
One of the best things about holidays like this is the people you meet. This week, I’ve cycled alongside individuals from all over the world—Australia, Canada, Scotland, and the rest of the UK. I've also enjoyed moments of solitude. You can ride at your own pace (especially on the hills), but at the end of the day, you reconnect with like-minded folks, making it easy to share a meal or conversation without having to dine alone if you’d rather not.
What a day! The weather was perfect—sunny but not too hot ☀️, no wind, and flat, easy roads 🥰. I rode with Nigel again today, and we took it slow since it’s a rest day before the intensity picks up tomorrow. We've crossed the border into Spain and are staying in a charming village called Alcántara. It’s a beautiful spot, and I can’t wait to explore it further. My Garmin, watch, and phone have all switched to Spanish time, so I “lost” an hour today but will gain it back when we return. Crossing the Portuguese-Spanish border was effortless—just a bridge separating two countries, two languages, and even two time zones 😊👍.
I'm off to have a shower, do some washing & explore Alcantara 😊 Enjoy the photos of Monsanto, have a fab evening wherever you are & thank you for reading.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Rest assured, your email address will remain private. Thank you! 😊
Add comment
Comments
All sounds amazing and the sky is blue.
What a holiday it has turned out to be looking forward to hearing all about it on your return.
The blogs have been so varied and interesting
Doreen, it is lovely. Every day is different xx
The weather seems amazing looks like you having a good time. You have cross the border to our Spanish neighbours 😅 😜 I was there once Alcántara it’s beautiful
Ana, the weather has changed to blue sky & warm sunshine which is lovely. Alcantara is a lovely quiet town. Tomorrow we are back in Portugal 😊
Stunning photos Wendy thanks so much for sharing - I just want to get in the chariot & go! Maybe you need to teach me to ride my own bike!
Have a wonderful time!
lol….i don’t think you need me to teach you how to ride your own bike. You’ll have to get Richard to take you out xx
I’m glad you’ve finally got the weather- and a rest for your legs. Looks and sounds amazing. You are giving me inspiration to do something like this- although with far less hills 😆
You would be great at something like this, start small and work your way up - everyone has to start somewhere (a bit like sailing) 😊
What, no rain....?! Are you on the right ride?
Fingers crossed for tomorrow- I like the blue sky & sunshine ☀️ 👌
No - even with the fantastic food ,you are still not selling it to me.
Alternatively we spent today sightseeing with pizza and beer in a very sunny warm Rome !
Have a fab time in Rome, the evening e-bike tours are excellent- you could give them a try 🚴♀️🚴♀️👌👍
The photos look great and amazing views! What a difference the sun makes and blue sky!
So glad you have some nice weather now - must have been a challenge particularly on the cobbled streets and uneven paths.
It sounds like you are having a great time and sharing it with people with whom you share a passion and interests; cycling!
Looking forward to tomorrow blog! 🤞 no rain 🤞 no mist 🤣 no wild dogs! 🤣🤣
Enjoy 🍷 enjoy 🥘
Thanks Sean, I’m loving the sun & the blue skies 😁.
The cobbles are a pain but very Portuguese 🇵🇹. The wild dogs were a bit of a shock at first, I’m getting good at getting my water bottle out to squirt them although my aim isn’t very good 😂
Love your blog Wendy and your photos - I can feel the sunshine and enjoy every minute of your trip - from the comfort of my sofa! But yes I am a teeny bit envious - what a great thing to do! 👏🏻