Inspiring Cycling and Walking Tours in Europe!
You've come to the right place to plan your active vacation. Terracotta Journeys offers cycling and walking tours in Europe, off the beaten track in Spain, Portugal and France for the active traveller seeking a change of pace. When the harried life gets to be too much and your routine begs for change, we have the perfect solution: escape for a bike tour or guided walk in the old country. The ancient history, incredible scenery, natural perfumes and traditional wholesome cuisine will be a source of endless inspiration to keep you aloft for months to come!
Because we are passionate about biking and walking, we noticed that some travel companies were not offering active tourists the best of the back roads and scenery in Europe. Typical restaurants with truly great food were being ignored in lieu of more obvious and touristy places. In order to create the best possible trips we have done our upmost to select the calmest routes with stunning views, charming historic hotels and restaurants, and most importantly highly-motivated and enthusiastic trip leaders. Find out Why Terracotta Journeys is the best choice for your active vacation and check out our clients' comments below.
We see ourselves not merely as providers of great tours and services, but as active promoters of mutual understanding between different cultures as well as environmentally friendly (and healthy) ways to travel. We do this while delivering unforgettable experiences only possible on a journey far from home. Come and join us on a tour and partake in one of the most pleasurable and satisfying ways of seeing Europe.
How are we different? First of all, we focus on offering tours in the corner of Europe we know best, to give you an insider’s view of both Spain and Portugal – two countries each with their own unique culture varying greatly from region to region.
Secondly, we place special importance on Southwestern European cuisine and wine, from fresh seafood on the coast, to organic acorn-fed pig delicacies inland to wines produced in family-owned wineries. So, not only will you immerse yourself in the local everyday life as you bike or walk through medieval hilltop villages and more, but you’ll have the chance to savor the culture in every delicious regional meal.
Don’t take our word for it! Scroll down to see what our clients say about their bike tour or walking tour in Europe.
What's New?
The Ancient Secrets Behind Spain's Finest Ham are here. Come on a World Heritage Culinary bike tour with us and taste some of the best hams (prosciutto) in the world.
Click here to see new 2010 bike tour and walking vacation calendar.
Where to go on your next vacation? Portugal is on Lonely Planet's list of top 10 hottest destinations for 2010. See article here.
Congratulations Lisboa!
Lisboa, our hometown and where many of our tours begin, just won the World Travel Award for Europe's Leading Destination. In addition to this very prestigious prize, Lisbon also won the Europe's Leading City Break Destination award and the Europe's Leading Cruise Destination award.
Visiting Europe? We offer day trips to Portuguese tourist attractions. Check out details here!
The Best Cheese for the Big Cheeses
Wine Spectator recently rated the Portuguese sheep’s cheese “Queijo de Nisa” from the producer Monforqueijo as one of the top cheeses of the world. Terracotta Journeys’ guests have known how tasty this cheese is for a while, since we’ve been serving it on our picnics accompanied by some of the best Douro or Alentejo wines.
One of the world's top 3 wines comes from the wine country we visit on our Douro River and Port Wine Journey Tour.
Additionally, six wines from the same region appear on Wine Spectator Magazine's Top 100 list. Come for a bike tour and savor the regional wines at their source. For a full itinerary visit: Spain & Portugal - The Douro River and the Port Wine Journey
New Walking Tours in Sintra, Portugal!
Check out our new half-day walking tours in Sintra, one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. See the wonders of Sintra on foot: lush vegetation, private estates, castles and palaces. All tours leave from the National Palace in the heart of downtown Sintra. Different tours for different fitness levels. See more at: http://www.terracottajourneys.com/daytrips
Red, red wine!
According to recent studies, “red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human life span”. At Terracotta Journeys, we guessed as much awhile ago and have been working hard to ensure all of our guests lead healthy long lives. During our “treatments” we provide sporty fun activities during the day and very good foods with special life-span prolonging medicine at dinnertime. This is one more reason we say “saúde” (health) when we toast!
Here is a video of a recent cycling tour in Europe:
Cascais Wins the Best European Seaside Escapes Award
Client testimonials from our bike tours:
It was the perfect holiday. With every detail taken care of by Pedro (aided and abetted by Eva) our only task was to “follow the blue (GPS) line” and enjoy the day as it unfolded, each completely different from that which preceded it.
We will long remember: spectacular scenery, waking up in convents, castles (...), the fruit platters and the fish, wild figs and cumquats by the roadside, roasters crowing and goat bells tinkling, the triumph of completing a challenging day’s cycling, ancient monastery, sumptuous palaces, numbered cork trees, stork nests, blue and white houses, …
We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Terracotta Journeys experience, from the first point of contact to what, hopefully, will not be the last. Até logo. Obrigado/a
Sue and Will H., Melbourne, Australia – Costa Azul bike tour, September 2009
Greatest, most fun, best planned and organized adventure I have ever had. Every minute was rich with cultural mind openers, and pleasures of all sorts. I could not ask for more from Terracotta Journeys; I wouldn't have any idea how to improve on such a wonderful experience. Perfection in all aspects of the tour.
Tim S. CA, USA
This trip was one of the most fun athletic vacations that Barbara and I have had for many years. The ability to have different length rides took a lot of stress off both of us. Richard & Barbara M. - CA, USA
We simply cannot thank you (Eva, Pedro and Jorge) for the gift of an unforgettable week. Every aspect of the tour, from the routes, to the equipment, from the accommodations to the meals was outstanding. Most importantly, you made us feel part of the Terracotta Journeys extended family. We will recommend you WHOLE HEARTEDLY to every biker or would-be biker we know and we will come again! With every best wish for your continued success!
Charles and Naomi K., CA, USA – World Heritage Culinary bike tour, May 2009
The sea cliffs were a highlight along with the farm land in the countryside . I enjoyed the side trips to the tile factory, the vineyard and windmill. (...) A very nice treat was the quality of the hotels and all the eating establishments. The equipment is [of] superior [quality] and BEST of all was the knowledge, safety and kindness of our guide Pedro. I will highly recommend this tour (Costa Azul).
Aleja, Colorado, USA - March 2009 Greater Lisbon bike tour
This bike tour took us through some beautiful places and back roads, and gently rolling Portuguese «flats»! We will never forget the wonderful cork trees, olive groves, grape vines, wonderful people and of course our afternoon cerveja breaks.
Gabriella and Frank, Toronto, Canada (Costa Azul + World Heritage bike tour, October 2008)
"What a fabulous trip! Pedro did a fantastic job of showing us his beautiful country. The biking was great (lovely vistas, wild flowers and charming farms). We enjoyed learning about local foods and the wine was wonderful. I hope there is another Terracotta Journeys in my future."
Marci B., Kansas City, MO, USA - May 2008
"As a non cyclist, I had reservations about riding 40+ Km per day. However, the biking schedule was set up perfectly to allow me to get stronger every day. I have travelled many places, but this trip along the Costa Azul ranks among the best of my experiences. Terracotta Journeys set up a perfect travel itinerary – I can say without reservation that I got to experience Portugal in a way that I never would have been able to if I tried to set up the vacation myself. Pedro is a host / guide without peer. I found myself saying frequently throughout the week “This (experience) is so cool, it can’t be any better than this” and then repeating the sentiment with each new experience. The accommodations were excellent, food delicious, and company entertaining. This was my first bike tour, but it will definitely not be my last. I hope to experience Terracotta Journeys’ World Heritage Tour in the near future."
Peter B., Kansas City, MO, USA
"What a wonderful experience this was! The cycling was top notch, taking on some of the most beautiful roads I have cycled. However, just as enjoyable were the hospitality by Pedro, the food and wine, the hotels … the total experience. Even a surfing lesson! (…) Thank you so much for our wonderful Terracotta Journeys, I know there will be more in my future and would recommend this trip to anyone!"
Jason F., Kansas City, MO, USA
"Thank you for a fantastic bike tour. We will remember the routes that you chose as included great scenery - especially enjoyed the small villages with quaint churches and all the tile houses. We will remember the wild flowers, the storks, sheep with bells, castles and the Spanish-Portuguese border. The paradores and pousadas were unbelievable. Each had its own charms and experiences. Also trying the local food and wine was always a highlight ..."
Deb & Jake G., Plymouth, MN, USA - May 2008
"It has been my dream to do a cycling tour in Europe and this met all my expectations and more! A perfect experience for our family, well chosen routes with excellent scenery, a variety of terrain and hotels with charm and history. We saw parts of Portugal we never would have seen on our own and Pedro and Eva saw to all our needs, including helping us to adjust to the language and the culture. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys combining exercise with great food, new experiences and time well spent with friends and family. We’re glad we found Terracotta Journeys and booked this trip with them! "
"We chose Terracotta Journeys for our custom tour in honor of my "big" birthday because of their responsiveness to our special requests, excellent hotel choices and passion for cycling and the region. We had a magical trip, experiencing challenging rides on well chosen routes through beautiful country that gave us a sense of enormous accomplishment and a breath-taking hike along the coast to the most western point of Europe. We visited beautiful monasteries, palaces and castles and learned some of Portugal's fascinating history along the way. Highlights included a delicious picnic in a cork grove, terrific seafood and great wine. Jorge, our guide, was not only knowledgeable, but also warm, affable, flexible and delightful company. We laughed more than we had in years. I highly recommend Terracotta Journeys."
Marsha W., Hartford, CT, USA - April 2008
"I have taken biking or hiking trips with more than ten different companies, and Terracotta Journeys is topnotch. The routes offered great scenery with minimal traffic; the hotels were distinctive and charming; and the food was marvelous. Terracotta Journeys confirms the wisdom of selecting a company that specializes in a region."
Pat W., Washington DC, USA - April 2008
Spain & Portugal - A World Heritage Grand Tour: Cycling in the Extremadura and Alentejo
Routes: You will cycle or walk along the most beautiful and unspoiled back roads. We have carefully chosen our routes for their scenery, comfort and safety. So you can concentrate on what matters most: enjoying the ride.
Historical Hotels: On every Terracotta Journey you will stay in charming historical buildings converted into premium hotels. We have selected the best hotels in every place you visit.
The food: SW Europe has a huge diversity of foods and wines. On our tours you’ll enjoy replenishing the calories you’ve burned during the day with delicious regional dinners and wines. You deserve it after an active day!
