One of our wishes is that all Ride Across Portugal participants live a very special cycling experience right from the start.

So, there's nothing like to start the Ride Across Portugal crossing the most beautiful road in the world. The athletes will ride the first 18 km of stage 1 on the N222 road, which connects Peso da Régua to Pinhão. An amazing winding road, along the left bank of the Douro River, surrounded by some of the most iconic Douro Valley wine estates. This road was elected as the "Best and Most Beautiful Road in the World", in an international contest promoted by the prestigious AVIS rent a car international group.

These first 18 km are a special aperitif for this 1st stage where participants will cross a magical journey through the Douro Valley and the typical mountain landscapes of northern Portugal.

Green is the main color of the valleys and the slopes crossed in this stage, always with the Douro River as the star of the day.

Participants will pass through some of the towns and villages of the Douro region, connected by hillsides decorated by the famous vineyards of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

And it is in the middle of the mountains, in a small village full of history where athletes will rest and recover from the effort of this first stage. At the surprising Thermal Hotel of Longroiva, athletes will find all the conditions to relax and recover in the best way for the next day's stage.

On the second day, one of the most special Ride Across Portugal's stages awaits for all participants.

The arrival at Alto da Torre (1,993m high) - the same iconic Volta a Portugal's queen stage finish - makes this an unforgettable stage. Not only due to its difficult challenge and need for personal overcoming, but also for Serra da Estrela's landscapes and unique images.

But before arriving at this highly symbolic cycling spot in Portugal, the athletes will travel through some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in this country, with the final ascent being done through the fantastic Zêzere Glacier Valley.

The connection between Alto da Torre and the end of this stage, is made in constant descent (about 14 km) through a breathtaking landscape.

Considering the high mountain journey of the previous day, we can consider this 3rd Stage as a recovery stage. However it’s not a flat and monotonous stage.

On this day, the participants ride through the beautiful and undulating roads of Beira Baixa.

One of the highlights of the stage is the Tagus River crossing bridge just in front of "Portas do Rodão" (Rodão Gates) a spectacular natural granite monument that offers to the athletes the view of one of the most iconic postcards of our country.

At the end of the stage, it’s time not only to appreciate history, but to live it in person. The recovery will be made in the unique atmosphere of the brand new and spectacular hotel that was implemented in the oldest stud farm in the world, the Royal Alter do Chão Stud Farm, where RAP participants can relax in the middle of a world famous stud farm, with the whole history around the Puro Sangue Lusitano horse.

The 4th stage is purposely shorter, allowing athletes to recover from the effort accumulated in the previous days. The early arrival at the end of the stage gives all athletes time to combine their recovery with the discovery of the magic and beauty of the city of Évora.

The typical undulating landscape of Alentejo, with its cornfields and narrow roads surrounded by cork oaks make the perfect picture of the Alentejo region.

Avis, Pavia and Arraiolos are some of the most emblematic and historical cities and villages of Alentejo, visited in this 4th stage.

A perfect mix of history, culture and gastronomy gives to Évora a unique atmosphere  making it, one of the main tourist attractions of Portugal.

The Mar D'Ar Hotel, located inside the historic city walls is the perfect place to rest and recover for the two remaining stages to the end.

With the end approaching, the super stage will consolidate the physical form acquired throughout the week on the longest Ride Across Portugal stage. With a distance similar to a stage of a big Tour, on this day the riders can live the experience of professional cyclists, with the organization's team giving all the support so that everyone ends the day as winners of this challenge.

The most remote landscapes of Alentejo mark this stage, passing through some of the most iconic locations in this region of southern Portugal.

The stage is mostly flat, but very challenging, due the course design, the quiet roads and the diversity of some of the scenarios. The final climb and the conquest of the Monchique Montain marks the entry in Algarve, and will be the cherry on the top of the cake of this super stage.

The village of Monchique, right at the top of the mountain that dominates the Algarve landscape welcome all the brave riders. The great views until the coast and the charm that surrounds this termal village will be a deserved prize for the effort of all athletes.

At Monchique Thermal Hotel, the entire squad will relax and recover from this great stage, enjoying this thermal resort where calm and charm merge in a unique atmosphere.

The last stage is shorter and easier, recovering from the previous day's effort. A celebration stage that allows everyone to arrive earlier and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the arrival and the conviviality between the entire caravan around the conquest of this challenge.

Despite her shorter distance, this stage is quite interesting. The departure from Monchique Hotel will certainly be marked by everyone's desire to return to this paradise, a real oásis located a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and tourist spots on the Algarve coast.

After descending the Monchique montain, the participants ride  the first kilometers on the challenging road that follows the right bank of the dam and Ribeira de Odelouca.

The only pit stop of this stage is located in the iconic city of Silves, where history has strong marks, in special with the heritage of the Arab culture.

One of the most emblematic and spectacular scenery of the Portuguese Atlantic coast welcomes the end of Ride Across Portugal. The Chapel of Srª da Rocha, perched on a spectacular cliff above the sea, will be the unforgettable setting for all participants to celebrate the conquest of Ride Across Portugal.

The Hotel is located on the nearest cliff - 300 m from the finish line. A four-star, on a fantastic spot over the sea. After to take the recovery meal and packing the bicycles, it's time to enjoy the beach, the swimming pool or the terraces to relax and socialize before the closing dinner/party and trophy ceremony.

Crossing a whole country from north to south in six days is an unforgettable journey full of challenges and personal overcoming. And above all, it's a week full of conviviality, emotions and the sharing of a common passion with people from all over the world.