This cycling tour starts in Monte Real, namely at the outstanding Palace Hotel de Monte Real leading to the charming city of Leiria. A memorable bike tour across the fertile fields of Lis River.
The 4-star Palace Hotel Monte Real is just 20 minutes from the city of Leiria and 1 ½ hours from Lisbon Airport. It has 101 rooms, including 10 connected rooms and 5 suites, as well as banquet and meeting rooms, a spa and thermal spa, an outdoor pool, a bar and restaurant. At the Palace Hotel Monte Real, the charm and romanticism of the past mingle in perfect harmony with the freshness and sophistication of contemporary design and architecture.
The bike tour evolves in a dazzling natural scenario of agricultural fields, embraced by the Lis River. This river crosses 39,5 km to the river mouth, north from Vieira de Leiria beach. The Lis River fields are basically floodplains that surround the river basin of Lis. These fields are characterised by canals and reservoirs built for the purpose of irrigating agricultural land, including the cultivation of corn, vegetable gardens, rice and orchards. Unlike other rivers, the Lis River flows to the south to the North and not the usual way round !
This route crosses the enchanting village of Amor, meaning "Love". This is definitely a very poetic village of Portugal. Although the origin of the name of the village is quite arguable, legend has it that this was the place where the lover of King D. Dinis lived.
As we enter the city of Leiria by the riverside zone, a pleasant area for biking and walking, we spot 2 deeply interesting Museums: the Museum of Leiria and the Paper Mill Museum, two cultural references of the city.
As far as accommodation is concerned, we suggest TRYP Leiria Hotel. This is 4 star hotel, situated in the city center of Leiria, just 1 hour from Lisbon Airport. With easy access to the highway and only a few minutes away from the major attractions of the city, this facility is ideal for business or leisure. The hotel has 70 comfortable rooms with modern decoration.
