Skip to main content
The N2 with inGamba, Laurens ten Dam and Ted King

The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.

Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
22 Apr 2024
26 Apr 2024

The N2 with Laurens ten Dam and Ted King

$4,850
Lead Guide:

Sérgio Paulinho

Often referred to as Portugal’s answer to Route 66, the Estrada Nacional 2 is the country’s most iconic road, winding its way the entire length of the country from the ancient city of Chaves to Faro, on the balmy southern coast of the Algarve.

Join Laurens ten Dam and Ted King for the ultimate adventure of doing the N2 in 3 days of riding.

Cutting right through the centre of this beautiful country, the N2 gives us a chance to explore a side of Portugal that is often ignored by visitors, who favor the coastal big cities and sunny beach resorts. We’ll pass through untouched mountain ranges, the stunning Douro Valley wine region, UNESCO World Heritage sites, spectacular lakes, and a host of historic villages and towns.

And you’ll be in the best of hands along the way because most of the inGamba team of soigneurs and mechanics call Portugal home. This special randonnée is an opportunity to share their intimate knowledge and discover one of the world’s most charming and unique destinations.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*†
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

MEET THE GUIDES

Sergio

Sérgio Paulinho

The World Tour veteran

After an impressive pro career that started back in 2003, Sérgio Paulinho joined the inGamba team at the start of 2022 after his retirement. But we’ve known him for a long time, as not only did he race against our founder João Correia, but he was also a teammate of our star guide Manuel Cardoso back in the day. A two-time national champion in Portugal, Sérgio has also won stages at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and in 2004, he won a silver medal in the road race at the Athens Olympics. So it’s fair to say the man has pedigree! It isn’t the racing victories that impress us most about Sérgio though, it’s his personality, his friendly nature on and off the bike, and the fact that he’s always ready with a smile. That said, if you find yourself running out of gas on a big climb, it certainly helps to have someone like him beside you!

Rui Vinhas

Rui Vinhas

Born in the North of Portugal, Rui has been riding his bike since he was 10. In 2011, he became a professional cyclist and just five years later he won the Tour of Portugal. The following year, in 2017, he was the runner-up in the Portuguese Cycling Championship. His talent and incredible bike skills will be by your side during our trips.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Porto

FINISH LOCATION:

Faro

TOTAL ELEVATION:

9,148m

TOTAL DISTANCE:

727km

DAYS RIDING:

3

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Montargil – Faro
Day 4 – 281km

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Chaves – Aguieira
Day 3 – 3,720m

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

ARRIVAL

Monday

As we say goodbye to the beautiful city of Porto, we are now heading towards Chaves. This charming old Roman town nestled in the Trás-os-Montes region of northern Portugal is renowned for its natural spa and therapeutic thermal springs. Interestingly, this picturesque town has been situated on the border with Spain since the formation of the Portuguese state, and has played a significant role in history as a strategic city. It’s no wonder the town’s name translates to “Keys.”
2

CHAVES – AGUIEIRA

Tuesday | 224km & 3,720m

Our journey begins by crossing the picturesque Natural Park Alvao, where breathtaking views of nature surround you. As we enter Douro Valley and cross the river at 90km, get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning scenery around you. The biggest challenge of our journey is a 30km climb, but the reward will be worth it. Once we reach Bigorne, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the majestic Montemuro mountains. And the cherry on top of this thrilling journey is the finish line in Aguiera.
3

AGUIEIRA – MONTARGIL

Wednesday | 222km & 3,346m

Today, we will ride from Dão to Alentejo. The first half of the day will have a few short climbs, but the real challenge starts after 50km, around the town of Góis, where we will face a 14km climb. This region is known for Aldeias do Xisto, which consists of 27 villages spread across the Lousã and Açor ranges. These villages are called “schist villages” because they are made of schist stone. Once we reach the summit, we will still have a little over 150km left, including a couple of long and technical descents on the kind of twisty, quiet roads that cyclists dream of.

4

MONTARGIL - FARO

Thursday | 281km & 2,982m

We leave Montargil behind on day 3 and start with rolling roads. These roads are usually empty as we ride through the plains and olive groves, typical of this area. Towards the end of our journey, when we have 60km left, we will be challenged by Caldeirão – one of the highest mountains in the Algarve. Once we reach the summit, it’ll be a downhill ride to Faro, the capital of the Algarve region.
5

DEPARTURE

Friday

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

InGamba Red

The NYTRO GRAVEL has a pure road racer DNA which upon launch marked an era in the E-BIKE/GRAVEL world. Featuring an iconic design, the Nytro Gravel is perfect for anyone looking for a road bike with powerful support for the toughest climbs.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Nytro Gravel E-Bike
(available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

Saturn Silver

Portugal Articles

pouring wineFood + DrinkPlacesPortugal
August 30, 2023

Why the Alentejo region is your next wine adventure

Alentejo is more than a place on the map.  It's a rich tradition and unique culture that is a must-visit for any wine lover. Despite being just 30…
road to the seaPlacesPortugal
July 14, 2023

Why you need to visit the Azores with inGamba

The Azores is our newest destination and we're really excited about it. We're not the only ones, either, because it's just been added to a list of  must-visit…
CyclingPeoplePortugal
April 19, 2023

MEET SÉRGIO PAULINHO, INGAMBA’S WORLDTOUR VETERAN

As a pro, Sérgio Paulinho was one of the most dependable riders in the peloton. He was also one of the toughest, surviving the physical and mental rigors…