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Olive Trails - NEW |
5 days •
Rail Trails, Jaén, National Park and Córdoba
Fully Guided & Supported • Luxury Parador & Hotels
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 Jaén 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, 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 luxury and fine hotels.
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 Spend some time visiting the city of Jaén with its towering cathedral which took almost 2 centuries to build 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
Córdoba, a place considered as the real heart of Arabic Andalusia.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Jaén’s Baroque Cathedral and awesome Fortress Hotel
- Panoramas & old Ironwork bridges on the Trail
- Lovely Zuheros village and its cliffside retreat
- Ancient hilltop Fortresses and Medieval towns with Castles
- Olive Oil press and Sherry Vineyard experiences
- Home of the Medieval Caliphate Kings in
Córdoba
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1 |
Granada to Jaén |
We meet in the historic city of Granada and take a short ride around the plains of the pretty Valley of the Genil, which has fed this city for millenniums. After lunch we transfer to the city of Jaén. The cathedral here built from the 16 – 18th century reaches for the skies and the city boasts one of the most complete 11th century Arabic bath systems built for a Moorish king. Our place for tonight is a real experience as you perch atop this spreading landscape in the luxury Parador, the former Moorish fortress. Breath in the fresh air of this mountain nest. |
2 |
Jaén to white Village |
We are in the perfect place to explore on the Via Verde path, which will be our companion for the next few days and so we leave Jaén on this route of trains and oil. This relaxing trail takes us the way of the liquid gold 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. One of the most beloved towns in Andalusia, it is a tranquil place perfect for exploring or just sitting with a glass of wine and soaking in the scenery. |
3 |
White village to Lucena |
Morning starts with a guided tour of an organic olive oil factory, and a short scout around a local town with its Mediterranean parks and medieval church tower. Off we breeze 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. Our day ends in the interesting town of Lucena, with its medieval churches and where the last Moorish king was held captive. Here our mansion hotel, boasts the very elegant courtyard typical to this part of Al-Andalus. |
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Lucena to Córdoba |
Here is our chance to become sherry tasters and we experience this delight at a small vineyard on route. Heading into the Campania, the flat fertile area known to the Romans we pass the rolling fields dotted with whitewashed cortijo farmhouses and fields and fields of produce. We enter
Córdoba, the great city of the 13th century Caliphs, famed for its philosophers and craftspeople and delight in its tiny cobbled streets and cheerful ceramic flowerpots. |
5 |
Córdoba |
Start the morning by taking a private guided tour to wander this town’s pretty Jewish quarter labyrinth and the most magnificent Moorish building, the Mezquita temple, with its flurry of arches you could get lost in. 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 |
Granada, Jaén, Subbetica area, Córdoba - See Map for route |
| Accommodation |
3 nights in luxury & quality hotels (including a parador) and 1 night in a smaller rustic hotel - all bedrooms are en-suite
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| Food |
All 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
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| Extras Included |
- Guided city tour of Córdoba
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Entrance and guide to the Mezquita Mosque Cathedral
- Guided tour of an olive oil producer
- Visit to a sherry vineyard
- Hire of 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary water bottle
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| Transfer |
From arrival point at Granada airport, train or bus station, departure point at Córdoba train or bus station |
| Activity Level |
Easy Going - Daily average of 35km |
| Terrain |
Flat countryside. Most of the riding is on Via Verde routes - traffic free, converted railway tracks with a hard packed surface. Some very minor gradients. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to relax |
| Staff |
2 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guides, 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 2008 |
03 to 07 March
OR Custom Dates if booking with a group of 6 or more (check for availability)
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| Price |
Eur 825 (single supplement Eur 145) |
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