The Salomons Route in the Côa Valley promises an enchanting cycling adventure through a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. This picturesque path winds its way through ancient villages and medieval fortresses, allowing riders to enjoy the region’s captivating cultural heritage. With breathtaking views of the Côa River and its stunning granite outcrops, the route also features remarkable ancient rock carvings that tell the stories of early inhabitants, making it a captivating journey for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Discover the allure of this captivating destination and uncover the secrets that lie along the Salomons Route.
Key Points

- The Salomons Route is a 2-day electric bike tour that covers the historic villages of the Côa Valley in northeastern Portugal.
- The 129 km tour visits sites like Sortelha, Sabugal, Pinhel, Cidadelhe, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, and Escarigo.
- The tour offers the opportunity to explore the Elephants Journey and immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- The tour is guided and suitable for medium-difficulty cycling, with safety gear, accommodation, and meals included.
- The tour departs from Sortelha Castle, allowing participants to discover the area’s medieval fortresses and ancient villages.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Pricing and Reservation
- Included Services
- Support and Extras
- Experience Highlights
- Meeting Point
- Historical Lands Explored
- Scenic Landscapes and Narratives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?
- Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
- Are There Options for Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
- Can I Request a Private Tour or a Smaller Group?
- Is There an Age Limit or Requirement for Participants?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Portugal
- More Tour Reviews in Portugal
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Portugal we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview

The 2-day electric bike tour through historical lands covers a route spanning Sortelha, Sabugal, and Pinhel on the first day, and Cidadelhe, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, and Escarigo on the second day, totaling 129 km on asphalt with an altitude gain of +1610 m.
It’s a medium-difficulty tour not suitable for wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or the visually impaired.
The tour allows you to discover the story of the Elephants Journey and explore picturesque villages and towns while enjoying the beautiful landscapes and historical narratives of the region.
English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking instructors are available to guide you through this unforgettable experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Portugal.
Pricing and Reservation

The tour is priced from €360.00 per person, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
Customers can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows for flexibility and peace of mind when booking the electric bike tour through the historical lands of Sortelha, Sabugal, Pinhel, Cidadelhe, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, and Escarigo.
The total distance covers 129 km on asphalt with an altitude gain of +1610 m, making it a medium difficulty tour not suitable for certain individuals.
Booking this tour provides access to a range of included services, from the electric bike and safety gear to accommodation, meals, and luggage transfer.
Included Services

The tour includes an electric bike, helmet, reflective vest, padlock, and dismantling kit for participants. Plus, personal accident and civil liability insurance coverage is provided.
Accommodation in a double room, dinner, and luggage transfer are also included in the tour package. Participants can expect a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The electric bikes allow for easy navigation through the picturesque landscapes, while the safety equipment and insurance offer peace of mind. The included accommodations and meals ensure a comfortable and convenient journey, with the luggage transfer service adding an extra level of convenience.
Support and Extras
To complement the comprehensive service package, the tour provides a guide to lead participants throughout the journey.
Plus, an optional transfer service from Escarigo to Sortelha is available for those who require it. This transfer ensures a seamless start to the tour, allowing riders to focus on the cycling experience without the need to arrange their own transportation.
The guide’s expertise enhances the tour, as they share historical narratives and insights that enrich the riders’ understanding of the region.
With these added support and extra services, the Salomons Route in the Côa Valley offers a well-rounded and personalized electric bike adventure for all participants.
More Great Tours NearbyExperience Highlights
Discovering the story of the Elephants Journey captivates riders as they explore the picturesque villages and towns along the Salomons Route in the Côa Valley. Riders enjoy the beautiful landscapes and historical narratives of the region, immersed in the rich culture and heritage. The tour offers an opportunity to learn about the area’s fascinating past, with the guide providing insights in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
| Route | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Sortelha | Charming medieval village with castle ruins |
| Sabugal | Historic town with Templar-influenced architecture |
| Pinhel | Fortified town with grand churches and plazas |
| Cidadelhe | Scenic landscapes and remnants of ancient settlements |
| Almeida | Impressive 17th-century star-shaped fortress |
Meeting Point
Riders meet at the iconic Sortelha Castle to begin their electric bike adventure through the historical lands of the Côa Valley. The meeting point is conveniently located, allowing the tour to depart on time. Participants should confirm the starting time with the tour provider when booking, as availability may vary. The tour’s instructors are fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout the journey.
Here are 3 key things to know about the meeting point:
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Sortelha Castle serves as the departure location for the 2-day tour.
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Riders should arrive at the meeting point with sufficient time to get settled and ready for the ride.
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The tour provider will provide detailed instructions on the meeting point and starting time when the booking is made.
Historical Lands Explored
The tour explores the region’s captivating history, from the medieval fortresses and ancient villages to the tales of the Elephants Journey that have shaped the Côa Valley’s cultural heritage.
Riders will discover Sortelha, a well-preserved medieval town, and Sabugal, known for its impressive castle. In Pinhel, they’ll uncover the story behind the Elephants Journey, a historical event that left an indelible mark on the area.
On day two, the tour continues through the picturesque towns of Cidadelhe, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, and Almeida, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.
Throughout the journey, riders will enjoy the region’s rich tapestry of stories and breathtaking landscapes.
Scenic Landscapes and Narratives
Along the route, breathtaking landscapes unfold, juxtaposed with the captivating historical narratives that have shaped the Côa Valley’s cultural heritage.
Riders will be enchanted by:
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The majestic granite outcrops and rolling hills that frame charming villages, each with its own unique story to tell.
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The stunning views overlooking the Côa River, which has borne witness to centuries of human settlement and exploration.
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The ancient rock carvings and cave paintings that provide a window into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
These scenic wonders and timeless tales come together to create a truly immersive and unforgettable cycling adventure through this remarkable corner of Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?
No, customers cannot bring their own bicycles on this tour. The tour operator provides electric bikes, helmets, and other necessary equipment as part of the included services. Bringing your own bicycle is not permitted.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour and participate on their own. The tour operator will provide the necessary equipment and support for solo travelers.
Are There Options for Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
The tour provider offers accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests can request special meal options when making their reservation. The provider will work to accommodate individual needs and ensure all participants have an enjoyable experience.
Can I Request a Private Tour or a Smaller Group?
Yes, the tour provider offers private tours and smaller group options upon request. Guests can inquire about these alternatives when making their booking to ensure a more personalized experience.
Is There an Age Limit or Requirement for Participants?
There are no age limits or requirements for participants on this electric bike tour. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or the visually impaired due to the medium difficulty and terrain.
Salomons Route in the Côa Valley
Recap
The Salomons Route in the Côa Valley offers a captivating cycling adventure through a landscape rich in history and natural beauty.
Winding through ancient villages, medieval fortresses, and stunning granite outcrops, the route immerses riders in the region’s cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery.
This makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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