INCLUDES
Distinctive Hotels
Authentic Cuisine
Airport Transfers
£1,850 / €2,250
Stages
7 Fully Guided
the ultimate end to end cycling event in portugal
YOUR TRIP IN DETAIL
START POINT:
Chaves (Porto Airport)
FINISH POINT: Faro (Faro Airport)
LONGEST STAGE: Stage 4: 125km
CLIMBING STAGE: Stage 3: 1,800m+
AVERAGE PACE: 10-17mph / 16-27kph
EVENT CAPACITY: 25 riders
- Distinctive Hotels
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Airport Transfers
- Luggage Transport
- Bike Box Transport
- GPX Maps
- Team Volta Ride Guide
- Support Van
The Original. The Best. The N2 Challenge Returns.
Over seven unforgettable stages, you will ride the length of Portugal from north to south – across the cork forests of the Alentejo, through vineyard-laced valleys of the Douro, and past quiet rural villages steeped in tradition. But this is more than a cycling tour – it’s the original N2 Challenge, founded by Volta Pro Tours over a decade ago.
Long before others tried to follow, our founder Adriano Placidi turned the idea of riding Portugal’s entire N2 road into a reality. Since then, we’ve guided hundreds of riders over more than thirty editions and know this route better than anyone – every curve, every climb, every café stop. Our ride guides have a personal history with this journey. They’ve ridden it countless times, and it shows in every moment of the experience.
We run this iconic event just once a year – in April, when the road is at its quietest, the days are long, and Portugal is in full springtime bloom. It’s the perfect time to ride, and we make sure every detail is handled so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
From the moment you arrive, we take care of everything – airport transfers, bike box services, daily luggage transfers, and high-quality, characterful accommodation. Each day begins with a buffet breakfast and a comprehensive stage briefing, complete with an itinerary card and GPX files to guide your route.
As you ride, the Volta Crew supports you every step of the way—your luggage arrives before you do, and our recovery wagon is always on hand. We’ll make sure you discover the best lunch stops, enjoy perfect pacing, and get the recovery you need to finish strong.
At the end of each stage, unwind in handpicked hotels with excellent hospitality and comfort. Dinners and breakfasts are included, so your focus stays on the road, the scenery, and the joy of the ride.
There are many tours trying to imitate the N2 Challenge – but there’s only one original. Join the team who started it all, and ride the route with the people who know it best.
“It’s epic without being ridiculously savage, it’s as good as it gets.”
Yanto Barker – Founder, Le Col
The Original. The Best. The N2 Challenge Returns.
Over seven unforgettable stages, you will ride the length of Portugal from north to south – across the cork forests of the Alentejo, through vineyard-laced valleys of the Douro, and past quiet rural villages steeped in tradition. But this is more than a cycling tour – it’s the original N2 Challenge, founded by Volta Pro Tours over a decade ago.
Long before others tried to follow, our founder Adriano Placidi turned the idea of riding Portugal’s entire N2 road into a reality. Since then, we’ve guided hundreds of riders over more than thirty editions and know this route better than anyone – every curve, every climb, every café stop. Our ride guides have a personal history with this journey. They’ve ridden it countless times, and it shows in every moment of the experience.
We run this iconic event just once a year – in April, when the road is at its quietest, the days are long, and Portugal is in full springtime bloom. It’s the perfect time to ride, and we make sure every detail is handled so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
From the moment you arrive, we take care of everything – airport transfers, bike box services, daily luggage transfers, and high-quality, characterful accommodation. Each day begins with a buffet breakfast and a comprehensive stage briefing, complete with an itinerary card and GPX files to guide your route.
As you ride, the Volta Crew supports you every step of the way—your luggage arrives before you do, and our recovery wagon is always on hand. We’ll make sure you discover the best lunch stops, enjoy perfect pacing, and get the recovery you need to finish strong.
At the end of each stage, unwind in handpicked hotels with excellent hospitality and comfort. Dinners and breakfasts are included, so your focus stays on the road, the scenery, and the joy of the ride.
There are many tours trying to imitate the N2 Challenge – but there’s only one original. Join the team who started it all, and ride the route with the people who know it best.
“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.
Stephen Severs
"Fantastic way to see and cycle through all of Portugal on an iconic road route via superb hotels"
David Delonglee
"This was the first time I was partaking in a cycling tour, and I must say; I would do it again..."
James McCarthy
"The N2 Challenge is a must for any keen cyclist. You must be prepared for endurance, climbs and day after day 100mile stages. An experience of a lifetime..."
Tom Bass
"Not just the best cycling experience of my life but one of the best experiences all round..."
Karen Carter
"It was the first time I had ridden more than 80 miles in a day but with the support of the Volta team I completed 1000km in 7 days, so quite..."
Pete Hughes
"Great route planning, accommodation, and support from Adriano and the team. Highly recommended..."
Simon King
"Volta Tours offer a premium service with excellent support for serious riders. Their rides are excellent..."
Al Parker
For a 'Tour' experience, mileage was fine, especially as it gave us the ability to stop and experience/explore locations on route. Itinerary cards are an excellent idea with an easy visual outlining ride with cafe/lunch stops.
Tony Crombie
"Volta Pro Tours gave me the opportunity to experience a stress free multi stage riding challenge. Fully supported and encouraged by..."
Kelvin Morrison
"Fabulous cycling adventure of a lifetime! Fully supported 5 day "stage race" down the entire length of Portugal..."
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: NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
89km | 1,100m+
55miles | 3600ft
Start your journey from the symbolic N2 0km marker in the ancient Roman town of Chaves.
The fist day’s ride unveils stunning vistas – from Vila Real’s historic core to the renowned vineyards of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The descent to the Douro River offers picturesque views, adorned with vineyards and olive groves.
Complete the day at our selected hotel nestled at the foot of terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River.
3
STAGE 2: DÃO VALLEYS
120km | 1,700m+
75miles | 5500ft
Commence your morning with a scenic ascent from Douro Valley. Pause in Lamego to savour a coffee and admire the monumental Baroque staircase and fountains leading up to the sanctuary.
The N2 unfolds to its highest point before gracefully guiding you to Viseu.
Explore Viseu’s religious art and Renaissance architecture, indulging in regional cuisine at local eateries. Journey further into the captivating Dao region with its picturesque villages and vineyards, concluding your day for a peaceful night’s rest.
4
STAGE 3: CENTRO
110km | 1,800m+
68miles | 5900ft
Traverse a tapestry of rural landscapes, quaint hamlets, and lush market gardens.
This stage includes a breathtaking ascent through Gois’ woods, where towering trees provide a serene backdrop to your journey.
The exhilarating descent is matched only by the climactic ascent from the River Zezere gorge, offering a breathtaking vista of the majestic Cabril Reservoir.
Indulge in well deserved relaxation, cool in the pool and replenish your energy at our carefully selected restaurant, after an invigorating day on the road.
5
STAGE 4: RIBATEJO
125km | 1,300m+
77miles | 4300ft
A captivating ride through Ribatejo, where wooded hills and charming towns unfold before you, painting a picturesque landscape.
As you traverse the magnificent Tagus River, witness the landscape undergo a breathtaking transformation. The wooded hills give way to the vast, flat expanses characteristic of Alentejo, creating a dramatic shift in scenery that propels you towards the stage’s conclusion.
6
STAGE 5: ALENTEJO
65km | 600m+
40miles | 2000ft
Journey through olive groves, almond trees, and some of the best wine-producing vineyards in the region, experiencing the richness of Alentejo’s agricultural landscape.
Enjoy traversing fast, straight roads through this sparsely populated gem, taking in the breathtaking vistas along the way. Visit charming white-washed villages, where you can savour local cuisine and immerse yourself in the region’s peaceful aura.
7
STAGE 6: ALENTEJO
105km | 1,100m+
65miles | 3600ft
Experience the slow, peaceful life of Alentejo as you explore its charming white-washed villages. Take a break in one of the many streetside cafes, where you can soak in the laid-back atmosphere and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Follow the N2 on a journey through countless almond groves and expansive cork forests that stretch over the horizon.
Pedal through this picturesque landscape, where each twist and turn of the road reveals new delights waiting to be discovered along your cycling adventure.
8
STAGE 7: ALGARVE
115km | 1,300m+
71miles | 4300ft
Get ready to journey through the jewel of Portugal on this ultimate leg of the adventure.
After a relaxing stay in the heart of Alentejo, embark on the final stage, renowned as one of the best segments of road in Portugal.
The final stage promises an unforgettable experience against the vast backdrop of south Alentejo, with some riders dubbing it the most sensational stage of the N2 Challenge.
9
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: NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
89km | 1,100m+
55miles | 3600ft
Start your journey from the symbolic N2 0km marker in the ancient Roman town of Chaves.
The fist day’s ride unveils stunning vistas – from Vila Real’s historic core to the renowned vineyards of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The descent to the Douro River offers picturesque views, adorned with vineyards and olive groves.
Complete the day at our selected hotel nestled at the foot of terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River.
3
STAGE 2: DÃO VALLEYS
120km | 1,700m+
75miles | 5500ft
Commence your morning with a scenic ascent from Douro Valley. Pause in Lamego to savour a coffee and admire the monumental Baroque staircase and fountains leading up to the sanctuary.
The N2 unfolds to its highest point before gracefully guiding you to Viseu.
Explore Viseu’s religious art and Renaissance architecture, indulging in regional cuisine at local eateries. Journey further into the captivating Dao region with its picturesque villages and vineyards, concluding your day for a peaceful night’s rest.
4
STAGE 3: CENTRO
110km | 1,800m+
68miles | 5900ft
Traverse a tapestry of rural landscapes, quaint hamlets, and lush market gardens.
This stage includes a breathtaking ascent through Gois’ woods, where towering trees provide a serene backdrop to your journey.
The exhilarating descent is matched only by the climactic ascent from the River Zezere gorge, offering a breathtaking vista of the majestic Cabril Reservoir.
Indulge in well deserved relaxation, cool in the pool and replenish your energy at our carefully selected restaurant, after an invigorating day on the road.
5
STAGE 4: RIBATEJO
125km | 1,300m+
77miles | 4300ft
A captivating ride through Ribatejo, where wooded hills and charming towns unfold before you, painting a picturesque landscape.
As you traverse the magnificent Tagus River, witness the landscape undergo a breathtaking transformation. The wooded hills give way to the vast, flat expanses characteristic of Alentejo, creating a dramatic shift in scenery that propels you towards the stage’s conclusion.
6
STAGE 5: ALENTEJO
65km | 600m+
40miles | 2000ft
Journey through olive groves, almond trees, and some of the best wine-producing vineyards in the region, experiencing the richness of Alentejo’s agricultural landscape.
Enjoy traversing fast, straight roads through this sparsely populated gem, taking in the breathtaking vistas along the way. Visit charming white-washed villages, where you can savour local cuisine and immerse yourself in the region’s peaceful aura.
7
STAGE 6: ALENTEJO
105km | 1,100m+
65miles | 3600ft
Experience the slow, peaceful life of Alentejo as you explore its charming white-washed villages. Take a break in one of the many streetside cafes, where you can soak in the laid-back atmosphere and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Follow the N2 on a journey through countless almond groves and expansive cork forests that stretch over the horizon.
Pedal through this picturesque landscape, where each twist and turn of the road reveals new delights waiting to be discovered along your cycling adventure.
8
STAGE 7: ALGARVE
115km | 1,300m+
71miles | 4300ft
Get ready to journey through the jewel of Portugal on this ultimate leg of the adventure.
After a relaxing stay in the heart of Alentejo, embark on the final stage, renowned as one of the best segments of road in Portugal.
The final stage promises an unforgettable experience against the vast backdrop of south Alentejo, with some riders dubbing it the most sensational stage of the N2 Challenge.
9
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.