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Olive Trails |
7 days •
Via Verde Rail Trails, Córdoba, National Park and Granada
Fully Guided & Supported • Superior Hotels & Inns
Easy Going Cycling
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Need a little pampering but want some exercise? Here is a softer option than climbing the hills of Andalusia but still with the great views. Enjoy and experience the history, the great cities of Granada and
Córdoba and some spectacular scenery without the straining and sweating. By journeying along the traffic free, disused network of railway lines that once connected this great landscape and quiet country roads, riders are able to traverse this ever-changing terrain easily and safely. A trip that is fit for those who aren’t keen to rack up the miles in the saddle but still enjoy some stunning sights and of course fine hotels.
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 Spend some time visiting the city of Córdoba with its incredible UNESCO mosque and cathedral complex and Jewish quarter, before heading out into the olive groves that made this city so wealthy. Here the rolling fields and indigo shadows of the rocky clefts of the surrouning mountains are truly peaceful and far away hilltop castles score the vista. An easy going cycle each day brings you into areas of great historical significance that boasted some of the greatest civilizations known in Europe including the Romans, Moors and Christian Monarchs. What better way to end this most engaging voyage then by arriving in
Granada, a place considered as the real heart of Arabic Andalusia.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Córdoba´s Mezquita mosque-cathedral complex
- Panoramas & old Ironwork bridges on the Trail
- Lovely white villages and ancient olive groves
- Ancient hilltop Fortresses and Medieval towns with Castles
- Olive Oil press and Sherry Vineyard experiences
- Alhambra Palace, home of the Medieval Caliphate Sultans
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1 |
Córdoba |
We meet in the historic city of Cordoba, once the most important city in Europe. After a welcome meeting we take a private and guided walking tour around the Jewish quarter labyrinth of the monumental area before entering the unique and mysterious Mezquita mosque-cathedral complex. Have time later to explore the medieval fortress palace, the tiny cobbled streets and the river walkways. Our accommodation tonight is a 4 star hotel with incredible views of the city. |
2 |
Córdoba to Palma del Rio
25km / 15m |
After a leisurely breakfast we are out into the countryside of the wheat fields surrounding Cordoba. Cycle a traffic free trail, trying out the bikes and taking in the beautiful scenery. After a short afternoon transfer, explore the farming town of Palma with its baroque church and numerous cafes. A real treat for the next 2 nights, we stay in a luxury monastery, once used as a staging post for the discovery of the New Worlds. Enjoy an afternoon swim in the hotel´s pool within the walls of its fragrant garden.
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3 |
Palma
upto 35km /
22m |
Enjoy a relaxing day of riding as we head out for a ride into the famous orange plains. View small rural villages, with local farmers harvesting the land. Spot cotton fields, sunflowers and a garden variety of produce. Enjoy a second night in the ambient and wonderful monastery, enjoying a glass of wine in the grandeur of its wooden beamed bar. |
4 |
Palma to White Village
30km /
18m |
Here is our chance to become sherry tasters and we experience this delight at a small vineyard on route. The area surrounding Montilla is famed for some of the finest grape produce in the world and we prepare to find out why! After lunch, we are in the perfect place to explore the Via Verde path by bicycle, an old railway line that has been converted into a bike trail. This relaxing trail takes us through ancient olive groves and we continue over 20th century ironwork bridges and quiet paths passing hilltop castles where El Cid rallied troops. Arrive at our alluring stop for the night, a beautiful white village, nestled up into the craggy rocks of the National park surrounding it. |
5 |
White village
25km /
15m |
Wake up in one of the most beloved villages in Andalusia, it is a tranquil place perfect for exploring or just sitting on the plaza and soaking in the scenery. We take the day to optionally ride some more of the via verde, breezing back down the trail, only to stop to try some local cheeses, wait for shepherds to clear the way or take a coffee at one of the reformed train stations. We then head off to begin our tour of an organic olive oil press and learn the wonders of this liquid gold. Have a short scout around a local town with its Mediterranean parks and medieval church tower. Our day ends back in the tranquil white village, sitting high between the olive trees.
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6 |
White Village to Priego de Cordoba / Granada
30km /
19m
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Start the day with a ride on quiet roads to through a National Park. High in the blue sky, falcons swoop above the white-washed farmhouses. Enjoy vistas of the Subbetica mountains before arriving in the classical town of Priego de Cordoba. Take time to lunch and then explore the churches, baroque fountains, castle and elegant town houses. Lose yourself in the Arabic alleyways where geraniums hang cheerfully from all walls, before we take our transfer into the city of Granada to our comfortable 4 star hotel for the evening. |
7 |
Granada |
Granada, city of christian monarchs and moorish sultans, awaits for us to be discovered. The morning will be unforgettable as we head up to the mesmerizing Alhambra Palace for a guided tour. Home to some of the most harmonious Islamic architecture in the world, the palace is an impressive finale our tour. Then with a few last moments to savour this lovely place, we must depart, taking
home memories of olive groves and peaceful vistas. |
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| Route |
Córdoba, Via Verde RailTrails, Subbetica National Park, Granada, |
| Accommodation |
4 nights in superior hotels and 2 nights in a smaller rustic hotel - all bedrooms are en-suite
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| Food |
All 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners
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| Extras Included |
- Private guided walking tour of Córdoba
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Entrance and private guide to the Mezquita Mosque Cathedral
- Guided tour of an olive oil producer
- Visit to a sherry vineyard
- Guided tour of the Alhambra Palace, Granada
- Hire of 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary Andalucia Spain cycling jersey
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Complimentary water bottle
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| Transfer |
From arrival point at at Córdoba train or bus station to departure point at Granada airport, train or bus station |
| Activity Level |
Easy Going - Daily average of 30km |
| Terrain |
Flat countryside. The riding is on Via Verde routes - traffic free, converted railway tracks with a hard packed surface - or quiet country roads. Some gradients. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to relax. |
| Staff |
1 leader with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guide, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance.
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| Group Size |
6 to 12 |
| Dates for 2010 |
Custom Dates if booking with a group of 6 or more (check for availability)
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| Price |
Eur 1,475 (single supplement Eur 265) |
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