Cycling Tour In Andalucia

Arrive and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning we drive about 1½hrs to a place near Ecija where we join our first Via Verde – a graded bike trail that has been converted from an old railway line. The valley scenery is complemented by the lack of motorised transport, so we can enjoy our cycle in peace. The tour leader will continue by road with the luggage vehicle to Cordoba to meet you on arrival. The cycle route is generally on the flat following the Guadalquivir Valley and leads us into Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Córdoba was the first of Spain’s important Moorish cities established in 719AD. It was the most enlightened of the Moorish period with one of Europe’s leading universities of the time and is nowadays considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. This afternoon there will be an orientation tour by the tour leader followed by free time. We recommend a visit to the renowned Mezquita (optional), an extraordinary and unique building where instead of destroying the original mosque the Christian king decided to build a Cathedral within it. The early massive structure dates back to the 8th century, its roof supported by a forest of 850 coloured columns. In the evening we suggest you take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing (optional).
30 km cycling, (+200m ascent / -400m descent)

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we start the day with a 1hr drive into the Sierra Subbetica mountains to the start point of today’s cycle. We then follow a superbly scenic Via Verde route from Lucena to Luque, where we rejoin with our tour leader and vehicle and drive a further 2hrs to Benalua town in the Guadix area on the northern side of the Sierra Nevada. On arrival we check in to our most unusual accommodation. We plan to have a picnic along the way (not included). The remainder of the afternoon is left free.
35 km cycling (+200 ascent / -130m descent).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we cycle into the spectacular valleys of the Guadix Hoya, a desert-like landscape remniscent of Arizona. It was in these areas where in the 1960s the famous Italian Western movies were shot. The whole area was once a very fertile region with settlements from Meglithic times boasting hundreds of Dolmens or stone tombs from those days. We'll pass Fonelas village - one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain where a host of fossils have been excavated, dating from a fascinating period. After a picnic lunch (not included) at a great view point we then continue via Gorafe village and finally reach the high plain again before taking a short transfer back to the hotel.
60 km cycling (+350m ascent, -250m descent)

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We begin with a short drive to La Peza (20 mins), where we mount up and what better way to warm up those muscles than a steady ascent for a few kilometres (again on a car-free road). Then it's free-wheel time. Passing lakes and excellent mountain scenery, with just a few flat or uphill sections, we descend all the way to the very outskirts of Granada. Driving to our hotel in the city, we can take a spot of lunch in one of the many excellent cafe/restaurants and then the afternoon is free. you may like the idea of an optional visit to the ancient Arabic Bath to relax all those aching muscles.
38 km cycling, (+320m ascent/ -450m descent)

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today is free for your personal exploration in this most famous and beautiful of Andalucian cities. The Arabic name ‘Al Andalus’ was given to the part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years. We include an afternoon orientation walk around the city which indicates the main points of interest including the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter where many Islamic traditions are retained, giving the city its characteristic look of white walls and narrow streets. From the highest point are spectacular views across to the Alhambra and Generalife with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. When dusk falls, we suggest a stroll around the old Moorish Quarter to see its illuminated patios. The major highlight of Granada, and indeed Spain, must surely be the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline. The Generalife, the summer residence of the Caliphs, are rated among the top ten landscaped gardens of the world. Entrance to the Alhambra is not included in this tour.
No cycling today

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we will return to Seville by bus (4 hr). The capital of Andalucía overflows with life and variety. It has a popular quarter in Triana and a high-born area in Santa Cruz. Ramparts dating back to the 13th century, the Alcázar and the Giralda, all remind us of earlier Moorish occupation and later buildings reflect the Mudejar architectural style, a mixture of Moorish and Christian styles. On arrival we will take an orientation cycle around the city. Sevilla has a network of cycling routes, some of which we will use, thus making it easier to move around town. There should also be some free for you in the late afternoon to explore this beautiful city. We recommend a visit to the Alcázar, a wonderful Moorish and Mudejar royal palace and the impressive Cathedral with its imposing Giralda tower – originally a 13th century minaret. (15km cycle flat)

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast