INCLUDES
Distinctive Hotels
Authentic Cuisine
Professional Support
Airport Transfers
£2,150 / €2,615
Stages
5 Fully Guided
N2 Challenge
the original n2 cycling challenge
YOUR TRIP IN DETAIL
START POINT: Chaves (Porto Airport)
FINISH POINT: Faro (Faro Airport)
LONGEST STAGE: Stage 2: 175km
CLIMBING STAGE: Stage 2: 2,550m+
AVERAGE PACE: 14-19mph | 22-30kph
EVENT CAPACITY: 20 riders
- Distinctive Hotels
- Authentic Cuisine
- Professional Support
- Airport Transfers
- Bike Box Transport
- Hotel Check-In Service
- In-Room Luggage
- Kit Laundry Service
- Support Vehicles
- Team Volta Ride Guides
- Team Volta Crew
- Feed Stations
- Veloforte Energy Bars
- Energy Drink
The N2 Challenge is a truly unforgettable cycling adventure, spanning five days of epic landscapes, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. This fully guided and professionally supported cycling challenge ensures every aspect of your journey is seamlessly taken care of.
From the moment you arrive, we handle all the details—from airport transfers and bike box services to carefully selected accommodation in characterful hotels, so you can focus on the ride. Each day begins with a buffet breakfast and a detailed stage briefing, complete with an itinerary card and GPX maps to guide you through the day’s cycling route.
Over the course of this 738km bike tour, our experienced ride leaders will guide you through rugged mountains and serene valleys, passing through rolling vineyards and picturesque villages. Our support vehicles and trusty Broom Wagon are always nearby, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth and rewarding experience.
Team Volta’s expert support crew keeps you fuelled with energy bars and sports hydration, and our well-stocked feed stations will help you recharge for the next stage. At the end of each stage, you’ll enjoy delicious meals, including wine, and we’ll take care of your luggage and kit laundry services, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready for the next day’s challenge.
The N2 Challenge is more than just a cycling trip—it’s a celebration of everything that makes cycling in Portugal so special: stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
“It’s epic without being ridiculously savage, it’s as good as it gets.”
Yanto Barker : Founder Le Col
Flavours of Portugal
A cycling adventure beautifully complemented by the richness of Portuguese cuisine
Wendy Gillam
"Cycling the length of Portugal on the N2 with Volta Pro Tours is something I will never forget..."
Lorna Rodger
"Excellent package, great cycling, great support, great accommodation great food and wine..."
Simon King
"Volta Tours offer a premium service with excellent support for serious riders. Their rides are excellent..."
Marcus Holburn
"Just back from Volta Pro Tour's N2 Challenge - awesome week! Adriano and the team did a fantastic job. Great..."
Lisa Bywell
"My first cycling holiday and it was an amazing experience. We were expertly looked after by..."
Stephen Severs
"Fantastic way to see and cycle through all of Portugal on an iconic road route via superb hotels"
Paul Harris
"I had a fantastic time and met some lovely people. The scenery was stunning and varied and has given me a real flavour of Portugal..."
Ken Flewitt
"I have just returned from completing the September N2 Challenge and I would recommend..."
Angela Abbott
"Highly recommended. Adriano and Cinzia run a really unique cycling tour concept. Lovely people who..."
Shirley Catharine
"I would highly recommend Volta Pro Tours and I cannot wait to sign up for another tour!..."
READ ALL REVIEWS…
Stage Breakdown
1
PROLOGUE: TRANSFER PORTO AIRPORT
We will greet you at Porto Airport and transport you, along with your gear, to a historic hotel in the heart of Chaves. Post-assembly of your bikes, steal a moment to wander the town’s captivating historic center or spin your wheels with a brief ride.
As twilight beckons, gather for an informative safety briefing and team introduction, setting the stage for your upcoming adventures.
The evening will conclude with a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
2
STAGE 1: CHAVES
175km | 2,550m+
108miles | 8300ft
Commence your remarkable journey from the iconic N2 0km marker stone in Chaves, traversing Portugal’s diverse landscapes.
These markers guide you through each kilometre, leading to Faro, where the N2 738km marker stone awaits.
Conquer the ascent of Col’ de Covelo before marveling at the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. Brace yourself for the thrilling descent to the Douro River, followed by the challenging climb of Col’ de Lamego, boasting gradients of up to 14%.
After a day of adventure, find warmth and comfort in the medieval city of Viseu, where our handpicked hotel awaits your arrival.
3
STAGE 2: DÃO VALLEYS
160km | 2,400m+
100miles | 7800ft
Indulge in a hearty athlete’s breakfast, fueling up for a day of thrilling climbs and descents. Departing from Viseu’s cobbled streets, we navigate the N2’s winding route, passing charming villages and renowned Dão wineries.
Test your mettle at Col’ de Gois, tackling a challenging 16km ascent through fragrant mimosa forests, reaching 775m at its peak.
The exhilarating descent is matched only by the climactic ascent from the River Zezere gorge, offering a breathtaking vista of the majestic Cabril Reservoir.
Refresh your spirit, cool in the pool and replenish your energy at our carefully selected accommodations after an invigorating day on the road.
4
STAGE 3: RIBATEJO
125kms | 1,400+
77miles | 4600ft
Today’s stage offers a glimpse into a remote region where a solitary ascent leads to the captivating Geodesic Centre of Portugal.
Amidst the summer heat, frequent cafe stops and hydration stations ensure you stay refreshed. Traverse the evolving landscape as the N2 guides you into the vast expanse of Alentejo, revealing its timeless beauty.
Conclude your journey with a relaxing poolside finish or a rejuvenating dip in Montargil lake, offering the perfect respite after a day of exploration and adventure.
Experience the tranquillity of this region and savour every moment of your cycling journey through Portugal’s heartland.
5
STAGE 4: ALENTEJO
162km | 1,550+
100miles | 5100ft
Pedal through Alentejo’s timeless landscape, where ancient cork oaks punctuate the rolling plains, standing as sentinels of Portugal’s heartland.
As we set off in the morning and follow the N2 deep into this sparsely populated region, anticipate roads that are fast, straight, and smooth—a cyclist’s dream, as Dr. Hutch once described them, “devoid of traffic.”
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this untouched terrain, where the only sounds are the gentle hum of tires on tarmac and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Experience the sheer joy of cycling through Portugal’s pristine countryside.
6
STAGE 5: ALGARVE
120km | 1,300+
75miles | 4250ft
Following a serene night embraced by Alentejo, you’ll be poised for the grand finale.
Stage 5 transcends mere cycling; it’s a crescendo of a symphony, acclaimed by many as the pinnacle of the N2 Challenge.
Whether it’s the road’s seamless path, the solitude of the journey, or the pivotal climb into the Algarve that stirs your soul, Stage 5 leaves an unforgettable mark.
As the journey culminates, carry not just the pride of completion, but a tapestry of stories to share, making Stage 5 an indelible chapter in your cycling saga.
7
DEPARTURE: TRANSFER FARO AIRPORT
After a relaxing night in the heart of Faro, morning transfers to Faro Airport will bid you farewell, but not goodbye, as we anticipate your return for another exhilarating ride.
1
PROLOGUE: TRANSFER PORTO AIRPORT
We will greet you at Porto Airport and transport you, along with your gear, to a historic hotel in the heart of Chaves. Post-assembly of your bikes, steal a moment to wander the town’s captivating historic center or spin your wheels with a brief ride.
As twilight beckons, gather for an informative safety briefing and team introduction, setting the stage for your upcoming adventures.
The evening will conclude with a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
2
STAGE 1: CHAVES
175km | 2,550m+
108miles | 8300ft
Commence your remarkable journey from the iconic N2 0km marker stone in Chaves, traversing Portugal’s diverse landscapes.
These markers guide you through each kilometre, leading to Faro, where the N2 738km marker stone awaits.
Conquer the ascent of Col’ de Covelo before marveling at the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. Brace yourself for the thrilling descent to the Douro River, followed by the challenging climb of Col’ de Lamego, boasting gradients of up to 14%.
After a day of adventure, find warmth and comfort in the medieval city of Viseu, where our handpicked hotel awaits your arrival.
3
STAGE 2: DÃO VALLEYS
160km | 2,400m+
100miles | 7800ft
Indulge in a hearty athlete’s breakfast, fueling up for a day of thrilling climbs and descents. Departing from Viseu’s cobbled streets, we navigate the N2’s winding route, passing charming villages and renowned Dão wineries.
Test your mettle at Col’ de Gois, tackling a challenging 16km ascent through fragrant mimosa forests, reaching 775m at its peak.
The exhilarating descent is matched only by the climactic ascent from the River Zezere gorge, offering a breathtaking vista of the majestic Cabril Reservoir.
Refresh your spirit, cool in the pool and replenish your energy at our carefully selected accommodations after an invigorating day on the road.
4
STAGE 3: RIBATEJO
125kms | 1,400+
77miles | 4600ft
Today’s stage offers a glimpse into a remote region where a solitary ascent leads to the captivating Geodesic Centre of Portugal.
Amidst the summer heat, frequent cafe stops and hydration stations ensure you stay refreshed. Traverse the evolving landscape as the N2 guides you into the vast expanse of Alentejo, revealing its timeless beauty.
Conclude your journey with a relaxing poolside finish or a rejuvenating dip in Montargil lake, offering the perfect respite after a day of exploration and adventure.
Experience the tranquillity of this region and savour every moment of your cycling journey through Portugal’s heartland.
5
STAGE 4: ALENTEJO
162km | 1,550+
100miles | 5100ft
Pedal through Alentejo’s timeless landscape, where ancient cork oaks punctuate the rolling plains, standing as sentinels of Portugal’s heartland.
As we set off in the morning and follow the N2 deep into this sparsely populated region, anticipate roads that are fast, straight, and smooth—a cyclist’s dream, as Dr. Hutch once described them, “devoid of traffic.”
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this untouched terrain, where the only sounds are the gentle hum of tires on tarmac and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Experience the sheer joy of cycling through Portugal’s pristine countryside.
6
STAGE 5: ALGARVE
120km | 1,300+
75miles | 4250ft
Following a serene night embraced by Alentejo, you’ll be poised for the grand finale.
Stage 5 transcends mere cycling; it’s a crescendo of a symphony, acclaimed by many as the pinnacle of the N2 Challenge.
Whether it’s the road’s seamless path, the solitude of the journey, or the pivotal climb into the Algarve that stirs your soul, Stage 5 leaves an unforgettable mark.
As the journey culminates, carry not just the pride of completion, but a tapestry of stories to share, making Stage 5 an indelible chapter in your cycling saga.
7
DEPARTURE: TRANSFER FARO AIRPORT
After a relaxing night in the heart of Faro, morning transfers to Faro Airport will bid you farewell, but not goodbye, as we anticipate your return for another exhilarating ride.