After making sure all bikes are properly fitted, we will take a pre-trip photo before beginning the journey from the centre of Porto. We will trace the River Duoro for 12km and then cross onto quiet, mountainous and forested roads. The first climb of the day (6.2km at 4.9%) comes at the 30km marker, followed soon after by a second ascent (5.1km at 7.4%) that will take us directly into the beautiful Serra da Freita, a favourite place among local hikers and climbers. Following a well-earned lunch stop and cruise down from the mountains, we will descend into the valley and towards our finishing town of Viseu. Renowned for its wine and olive oil, we will sample plenty of the local favourites during the evening.

The Queen Stage! A rolling opening 40km will prelude the biggest test (31.2km at 5.1%) of the whole trip: summiting Torre and reaching the highest point of mainland Portugal at the top of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Quiet, winding roads will take us to the roof of the country, with two nutrition stops en route before lunch at the summit.  At 1,993m above sea level, we will have a terrific panoramic view of the surrounding area. A twisting, enjoyable descent will lead into the village of Covilhã where there will be an option of a transfer taxi to the hotel in Castelo Branco. For those who opt to continue cycling the remaining 55km, there will be one more climb (7km at 2.4%) followed by peaceful roads into the historic finishing town.

After stage two’s monster effort, today we’re saying goodbye to high mountains and Alpine climbs and heading west through some of Portugal’s quietest and most rural roads. We’ll still have to climb, but the terrain is a lot more rolling and punchy. This is the most fertile region of the entire country so expect to see lots freshly-ripened figs alongside olive and pine trees. We’ll pass a few quaint and ancient villages en-route, as well as crossing over two different rivers. At the 100km mark we will begin a quick and fun descent into our beautiful finishing city of Tomar.

A well-deserved easy day is in store for those who want it, with a direct 31km route taking us from Tomar to Fátima, passing numerous villages on secondary and quiet roads. For riders who want a bit more of a challenge, the 70km route takes rides into the fabulous countryside north and west of Fàtima, the rolling green hills the home of multiple rivers and streams. At 53km we begin the ascent (4km at 5%) to Capela da Senhora do Monte that will gift us wonderful views over the magnificent valley. From there we’ll roll into Fátima. A beautiful small city, it receives up to eight million religious tourists and Christian pilgrims each year. Head to the gigantic plaza of the Sanctuary of Fátima to feel part of the experience. We will have dinner in one of the city’s restaurants.

Leaving behind Fátima we’re headed for another popular site in Portugal: the wild Atlantic coast and the surfing paradise of Nazaré, home to some of the world’s biggest waves. First, though, we pass through the charming village of Batalha that is renowned for its Gothic-style monastery that doubles up as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once by the coast, we’ll watch the surfers in Nazaré and then ride south along the long, sandy beaches for 30km. The small city of Caldas da Rainha -  once referred to as possibly the world’s most relaxing city - will be our resting place.

The sixth and final day will begin with 70km of cycling alongside or near to the Atlantic Ocean, with the sea breeze hopefully giving us a helpful tailwind as we march towards the capital of Lisbon. Instead of cycling into the heart of the city, though, we will finish our ride in the marvellous town of Sintra, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Palace of Pena. There will be an option to visit the palace, once home to the Portuguese royal family, before a transfer will take us into Lisbon. We will then celebrate the end of a brilliant week with drinks in the famous old town followed by dinner.