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Olive Trails |
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7 days •
Via Verde Rail Trails, Seville, Córdoba, National Park and Granada
Fully Guided & Supported • Superior Hotels & Inns
Easy Going Cycling
Recommended in USA Today Newspaper
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Need a little pampering but want some exercise? Here is a softer option than climbing the hills of Andalucia but still with the great views. Enjoy and experience the history, the great cities of Seville,
Córdoba and Granada 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 majestic city of Seville with its flamenco tradition and atmospheric Santa Cruz historic centre, before heading out into the orange and lemon growing area of Southern Spain. Enjoy Córdoba with its incredible UNESCO mosque and cathedral complex and Jewish quarter, and then venture onwards 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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- Seville, full of Spanish legends and history
- Stay in a beautifully restored 16th century monastery
- Córdoba´s Mezquita mosque-cathedral complex
- Enjoy a relaxing Arabic Hamman style hot bath
- 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 Cheese Tasting experiences
- Alhambra Palace, home of the Medieval Caliphate Sultans
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1 |
Seville |
We meet in the historic city of Seville. Spend the afternoon on a private guided walking tour with Alfonso, our Sevilliano guide, of former Hispalis, the Roman City. We take in a tour of the inspiring Giralda Tower & Cathedral with its secrets of Columbus and amble the romantic Santa Cruz quarter, visiting the haunts of Don Juan & Carmen |
2 |
Seville to Palma del Rio
25km / 15m |
After a leisurely breakfast we are out into the countryside of the orange groves surrounding Cordoba. Cycle onwards through small hamlets and farmland to the town of Palma del Rio with its baroque church and numerous cafes. A real treat, we stay in a luxury 16th century 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 and a group dinner in the grandeur of its wooden beamed dining room.
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3 |
Palma to Córdoba
upto 35km /
22m |
After a buffet breakfast, take a ride out into the flat plains. View small rural villages with local farmers harvesting the land. Spot cotton fields, sunflowers and a garden variety of produce. Arrive in the wonderful ambience of medieval Europe´s cultural centre, Cordoba with patio gardens & its famous Mezquita Cathedral. Try out a Baño Arabe (an Arabic hamman bath) in traditional style. We dine tonight in courtyard restaurant of a former countess´s house. |
4 |
Cordoba to White Village
30km /
18m |
After our guided walking tour of the Mezquita and the Jewish quarter, finding the hidden alleys of this special place, we transfer out to join the lovely traffic free rail trails near Lucena. This relaxing ride 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. Sample a group dinner of local produce. |
5 |
White Village
Rest Day - ride or walk |
Wake up in one of the most beloved villages in Andalucia, 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. (There is time for an optional walk in the national park.)
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White Village to Granada
30km /
18m
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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 |
Seville, Palma, Córdoba, Via Verde Rail Trails, 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 3 dinners
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| Extras Included |
- Private guided walking tour of Seville
- Entrance and private guide to Seville Cathedral
- Private guided walking tour of Córdoba
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Entrance and private guide to the Mezquita Mosque Cathedral
- Guided tour of an organic olive oil producer
- Cheese tasting
- Guided tour of the Alhambra Palace, Granada
- Hire of 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier
- Wine with group dinners
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary Cycling Country Andalucia Spain cycling jersey
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Complimentary water bottle
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| Transfer |
From arrival point at at Seville airport or train station to departure point at Granada airport, train or bus station
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| Activity Level |
Easy Going - Daily average of 30km |
| Terrain |
Flat countryside. The riding is on quiet country roads and Via Verde routes - traffic free, converted railway tracks with a hard packed surface. 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 2012 |
12 to 18 March
OR
Custom Dates if booking with a group of 6 or more (check for availability)
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| Price |
Eur 1,545 (single supplement Eur 285) |
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