|
|
| |
Andalus Express |
|
7 days • Road Cycling • Granada to Seville, Inland Andalucia
Fully Guided & Supported • 4 Star Hotels & Country Retreats
Challenging Cycling
Catch the Express to Seville!
|
| |
|
| |
For those of you who have just a week, but want to ride between the 2 famed cities of Andalucia, this tour hits the highs with a route through fabulous rural countryside and off the beaten track villages and towns. A real adventure awaits for road cyclists who enjoy the challenge of some climbs and the open road.
|
| |
A route for the senses, we cycle through national parks, beside lakes lined with pine forests, between vineyards and along valleys full of orange trees. With rustic villages in between and some fine accommodation to enjoy in the afternoon, this tour captures the essence of Andalucia by exploring a diverse and ever changing area. The "Real Spain" for the cyclist who wants to see it all in a short amount of time. If riding in February , we can route the tour to watch the "Ruta del Sol" Vuelta a Andalucia 2013 Pro Race if required - all the top teams will be there. All Aboard the Andalus Express.
HIGHLIGHTS
|
| |
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
- Inspiring riding through rural Andalucia
- National parks, lakes and olive groves
- Challenging climbs with panoramic landscapes
- Tranquil white villages, historic Granada & Seville
- Tapas, sheep cheese and arabic inspired desserts
- Sample the local wine, sherry and anis liquors
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
1 |
Granada
|
Arrive in this lovely city of Granada and enjoy the ambiance of this historic place. Your day here can be easily filled with exploring the winding alleyways and back streets that make up this former Moorish capital, before we meet in the early evening for an introduction and drinks, followed by a relaxing welcome dinner. (Optional extra visit to the world renowned Alhambra Palace can be arranged). |
2 |
Alhama de Granada
85km / 53m |
Depart from Granada by cycling out into the flat valley countryside. Arrive in Santa Fe where Christopher Columbus met Queen Isabel and then drop into the primeval landscape of the Coastal Mountains and the lake of Bermajales. These are the roads frequented by the Vuelta a Espana and make for some stunning riding. Climb up again for a picturesque view of Alhama de Granada, a Roman spa town. Spend the early evening touring Alhama, a pretty town built over a deep gorge, and amble the Moorish quarter. Spend the night in a timeless hotel, with an open patio perfect for an afternoon beer or vino tinto.
|
3 |
Iznajar
78km / 48m
|
We make our way to Loja, a town steeped in legend, amongst the Sierra de Loja. Heading through rolling countryside of olive trees, rocky cliffs, mountain passes and fertile plateaus arrive in the pretty lakeside town of Iznajar. Famed for its precariously perched church, it has an exciting history stretching back 1000’s of years. Tonight's accommodation, a converted hacienda, gives you a 360 view of the surrouding lakes and mountains.
|
4 |
Lucena
81km / 50m
|
Travel winding roads and valleys in this pretty area to visit Baroque Priego de Cordoba with its fountains and churches. Heading deep into the national park of the Subbetica with its wheeling hawks and hillside hamlets and villages, we traverse the Sierra de Rute, home of anis. We end in in bustling Lucena where Boabdil, the last Moorish king was imprisoned, and have tiem to explore the town. We sleep tonight in beautifully restored 4 star convent, full of atmosphere. |
5 |
Ecija
75km / 46m
|
Today head west through olive groves towards into the famous vine growing area of Montilla, where strong “fino” white sherry is produced. Cycle between vineyards as we continue on through terrific countryside to Écija, very much a renaissance town with stately homes, Roman mosaics, and many mudejar churches and plazas. Our 4 star boutique hotel tonight infuses modern style with a twist of historic charm. Enjoy a group dinner in the hotel's fabulous restaurant. |
6 |
Seville
85km /
52m
|
Our final day of riding takes us out a smooth asphalt road through sunflowers and orange trees. Follow a canal before heading to the famed city of Carmona where we finish cycling for the day. Have time to discover this medieval yet elegant town, with its skyline of church spires and fortified palace, before we take a transfer to Seville. We arrive at our 4 star hotel in the heart of the city ready to venture out into the city's nightlife. |
7 |
Seville
|
After a fine buffet breakfast, explore on your own, the ancient city of Seville, said to be founded by Hercules. Wander around Carmen and Don Juan’s haunts of the Santa Cruz district and its pleasant plazas. The spinning Giralda wind vane on the cathedral's tower, once a Moorish minaret, now Christian bell tower, is an emblem of the city. (Optional extra guided city walking tours can be arranged). Bid adios to eachother and this fantastic journey before our onward journeys. Transfers provided to Seville train station and airport. |
|
| Route |
Granda, Alhama de Granada, Iznajar, National Parks of the Subeetica, Rute, Priego, Lucena, Ecija, Carmona, Seville. |
| Accommodation |
Quality Hotels & Country Inns - all bedrooms are en-suite - 6 nights (4 nights in 4 stars, including a converted convent and boutique hotel, 1 night in a 3 star rural retreat and 1 night in a beautiful country inn) |
| Food |
All 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners (3 courses with wine/beer/water/soft drinks)
|
| Extras Included |
- Pre tour information
- Tour guide book, maps, cue notes
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary Cycling Country Spain Jersey and Waterbottle
|
| Bicycles |
You can bring your own road bike (we have facilities to collect and store bike boxes for the duration of the trip) or we can arrange good quality road bike hire (Orbea carbon-alu frame, ultegra-105 groupset, 10 speed with triple or compact) at an additional cost of 95 Euros for the tour |
| Transfers |
From Granada airport on the first day and to Seville train station/airport on last |
| Activity Level |
Challenging (Daily average of 80 km over hilly terrain). The tour is suitable for experienced cyclists of all ages who have a good level of fitness and enjoy road biking. |
| Terrain |
Quiet country and mountain roads. Good aspahlt road surface. |
| Staff |
1 leader cycles with the group / drives support van to provide refreshments, acts as guide, offer tips and insights throughout the day, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance
|
| Group Size |
4-10 |
| Dates |
Custom Dates - if booking with a group of 5 or more (check for availability)
|
| Price |
Eur 1445 (Single supplement Eur 295) |
|
 |
|
 |