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  Quiet Paths                    
 

5 or 7 days • Inland Andalusia, Granada Province
Self Guided (or Guided upon request) • Beautiful Country Inns & Hotels
Moderate Cycling

 

 

 
Frescos on a church in Granada, Andalucia, Cycling Tour, Spain
With a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada and Tejeda, this awe-inspiring landscape of rolling countryside and medieval villages is quintessential Andalusia. Thermal waters, Arabic baths, wide open skies, curving roads past tranquil olive groves, shepherds guiding flocks and into quiet town centres where residents stroll in late afternoon sun, gathering on benches to discuss the day's events. And what better way to enjoy this break than with a trip to the classic city of Granada to visit her palaces, cathedrals and walkways.
 


 HIGHLIGHTS

 
 
     
  • Moorish Granada and her atmospheric sights
  • Alhama de Granada and its Gorge and Roman baths
  • The Iglesia de Encarnación masterpiece in Montefrio
  • Thermal springs and hot bath experiences
  • Stunning Rural scenes through Lakes, Valleys and Mountains
  • Food - Rio Frio trout, Arabic pastries, Goat's cheese, Asparagus, Olives and Cured hams
  •  
Flowering village balcony, Andalucian village, Cycling Holiday, Spain
 
Alhama de Granada's church, Andalusia, Cycling Holiday, Spain
 
Field of poppies, Andalucia, Cycle Holiday, Spain
1

Alhama


30 or 80km /
19 or 50m

Meet in the stunning town of Alhama de Granada, immortalised in Lord Byron´s evocative poetry. Enjoy the afternoon cycling through the blossoming countryside to a great view point looking down to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea far below. Spend the early evening walking the gorge and exploring the arabic quarter of this historic town. Your accommodation tonight is a family run inn, full of local character and country charm.
2
Around Alhama

50 or 80km /
31 or 50m

Cycle a circular route following river valleys and scenic country roads to a beautiful blue lake. Circumnavigate the lake, entering a National Park full of almond and olive trees. Finish the day with a soak in the Roman thermal baths of Alhama before sampling the local wine and tapas bars.

3
Alhama to Montefrio







58 or 85km /
36 or 53m

A day of cycling through dramatic landscape and flat fertile plains, exploring agricultural villages of the Genil Valley. Arrive in the impressive mountain village of Montefrio, famous for its rotunda church and dramatic setting. We know you will enjoy the magical 16km downhill today! Relax in your very own luxury hacienda, set high above the olive groves. Take a swim in the sparkling pool or soothe your muscles in the hotel's own bano arabe (arabic bath - not included in price - see extras below). Savour your 3 course dinner on the patio under the grape vines (dinner included in price!).

Option: Why not take an extra day to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of this magical spot?

4
Montefrio to Granada

55 or 85km /
34 or 53m

Depart Montefrio with a short sharp climb upwards passing ancient burial grounds. Pass through hill villages with impressive views of the highest mountains in mainland Spain, the Sierra Nevada. Spot wild asparagus, vine tomatoes and chickpeas growing abundantly. End the day by entering the beloved city of Granada, before having time to wander this romantic place.

5
Granada


Rest day

After a buffet breakfast in your centrally located hotel, take a stroll and enter the most famous and magnificent Moorish Palace in the world, the Alhambra. Immerse yourself in a time gone by before picking up souvenirs in the shopping district to remind yourself of the Quiet Paths you have travelled. The tour can end today, or continue on until day 7.

6
Granada to Alhama

60 or 85km / 37 or 53m

Back on the road, cycle through the small villages that supplied Granada with its agricultural produce for a millennium. Stop for lunch at a local cyclist´s inn before a heady descent down to the lakeshore. Coastal mountains in your sights, end the day back in tranquil Alhama at your picturesque inn.

7
Alhama & Onwards

A final relaxing breakfast to start the day, before a short morning walk through the arabic quarter. Sample a last local tapas before saying `adios´ to this pastoral area and making your onward connections for lunchtime.

 
Route Alhama de Granada, Montefrio, Granada, Alhama - See Map for route
Accommodation

Specially chosen 3 star city hotel, a luxury hacienda hotel and a beautiful country inn - all bedrooms are en-suite

Food

All 6 breakfasts (4 for the 5 day option) and 1 dinner at the hacienda (3 courses, drinks not included)

What's Included

- Accommodation and Food as stated
- Luggage delivered to your next hotel
- Welcome meeting and introduction to the route and area
- Emergency support and contact details
- Pre tour pack & Tour guide book / maps / route notes
- Complimentary souvenir Cycling Country water bottle

Extras - Hire of good quality TREK hybrid touring bike with front handlebar bag, rear rack, puncture kit and spare tube - 75 Euros (or 85 Euros for 7 days)
- Entrance to Alhambra Palace
- Massage treatments / Hot bath experiences
Special: enjoy a private 30 minute massage in Alhama and a private arabic hot bath in Montefrio (1.5 hours) for 60 Euros extra per person - please advise when booking beforehand. Offer available for any tour departing upto March 2012.
- Private one way transfers to/from Alhama from Malaga airport can be arranged (including bike transport if required) for 115 Euros and from Granada for 65 Euros (upto 4 people).
Activity Level

Moderate - distances are a daily average of 55km. Expect hills. Each day there is an option to extend the distances to an average of 80km making it Challenging

Terrain Good surfaced roads on quiet country roads (busier as you near Granada). Suitable for touring-hybrid bikes (there is a 3km stretch of unpaved road). The countryside is rolling and the terrain is hilly in parts. Be prepared for hills.
Staff

1 guide will meet and greet in Alhama and provide daily luggage transfers. As we are based in Alhama de Granada, we are never far away from offering advice and assistance. Feel free to drop in anytime.

Group Size 2 to 12
Dates

Customise Your Dates - minimum of 2 people - any dates throughout the year given availability (apart from December) (check for availability)

Price

5 days: Eur 520 (single supp. Eur 125, high season supp. Eur 85)
7 days: Eur 655 (single supp. Eur 165, high season supp. Eur 115)
High season supplement applies for Spanish Bank Holidays and Fiestas
Discounts for 4 or more booking together
See Special Offers for deals

Guided Option This tour is available as a fully supported and guided option if booking with a group of 4 or more. With a van as extra support, the tour could be made Easy Going as the distances can be changed. Please contact us for prices and availability.
A beautiful Andalusian Mountain, Cycling Country, Spain