1 |
Meet in Malaga - cycle to Axarquia
35km /22m |
Enjoy Pablo Picasso’s charming hometown, wandering its twisting alleys before we meet for a welcome drink and intro to each other and us. It will be our first day on the bikes and start off with a warm up on one of the well known climbs in the Vuelta a España, the Puerto de Leon. Swoop through the Axarquia region and its millennium old trade routes, away from bustling Malaga through lemons and orange. Enjoy our welcome dinner in a hillside town with a mountain backdrop. |
2 |
Alhama de Granada
80km / 50m |
Through Natural Parklands arrive at the primeval portal in the coastal mountain chain, the last known home for Neanderthals in Europe and a last view to the sparkling sea. Cycling by shepherds and their flocks amongst almond orchards, arrive in romantic Alhama de Granada with its thermal baths and gorge lookouts. Savour local produce at an atmospheric restaurant run by a flamenco singer for dinner.
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3 |
Alcala La Real
85km / 52m |
Leaving the coast and the mountains of the Sierra Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama behind for a moment, we welcome the fertile countryside and head north into the Poniente Granadino. Climb a category 2 to the moorish town of Montefrio before taking a smooth asphalt road to the the castle fortress of Alcala la Real, its regal setting impressive to all. |
4 |
Granada
78km /
49m |
Following Christopher Columbus’ footsteps we see the Sierra Nevada for the first time. Take a stunning route through small villages and impressive landscapes. Arriving in Granada and watch the Albaicin sunset, the changing hues reflected on the Alhambra, the red palace of the Moorish dynasty.
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5 |
Granada
70km / 44m or rest day
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For those with energy, climb the highest paved road in Europe - Pico de Veleta - at 3300m (weather permitting) to the craggy reaches of the Sierra Nevada high above the cloud! Descend.. imagine it, before spending the afternoon exploring on your own this lovely city of plazas and honey pastries. OR forgo the cycling & relax in Granada’s dulcet tones, touring the Alhambra Palace (optional extra), where medieval Islamic artisans created heaven for mortals.
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6 |
Gaudix
75km /
47m |
We travel a winding road past the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Peruse the road stall stands of folk art ceramics here, before arrriving in Guadix. Established by Julius Caesar, its Gothic cathedral hides its Moorish origins, and the Renaissance Plaza Mayor and Palace have a refined charm. Discover elf like cave homes built into the rock face.
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7 |
Gaudix
rest day |
A well deserved rest day for those legs here. Explore this interesting town, visting the cave dwellers or just, sit for coffee in a sunny nook and catch up on the diary. |
8 |
Andalusian village
69km /
43m |
Leaving Guadix’s troglodyte life, travel over one of Andalusia’s highest passes at the Puerta de la Ragua heading towards the rounded castle at La Calahorra. Going upwards into the cool air of the Sierra Nevadas, stop for Alpujarran hospitality in a mountainside village, a nature´s paradise.
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9 |
Almeria
80km /
50m |
This area of rolling desert known for being the cinema set of Lawrence of Arabia and the wild west director Sergio Leone, is explored as we travel onwards to the spa town of Almería, via an important Pre Bronze Age settlement and arrive in Almeria. Its massive 10th century Alcazaba fortress testament to when this city was called, “the Mirror of the Sea” and suffered raids by Moroccan Berber pirates. |
10 |
Almeria |
Enjoy the charming old centre of Almeria, Its warmness and waving palms lends a North Africa feel and its 17th century Plaza Vieja makes an elegant impression before our journey home and bid adios to the lovely Coast, taking our transfer back to Granada (options to extend) |
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| Route |
Almeria, Sierra Nevada, Gaudix, Granada, Malaga - See Map for route |
| Accommodation |
Specially chosen hotels and smaller inns - all bedrooms are en-suite - 9 nights
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| Food |
All 9 breakfasts and 5 dinners
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| Extras Included |
- Hire of lightweight alu-carbon Oreba Road bike with map carrier
- Complimentary custom designed Cycling Country Spain cycling jersey (choose your size when booking!)
- Complimentary Cycling Country water bottle
- Tour guide book of your route and all sightseeing stops
- Route notes and maps
- Experienced guides
- Daily snacks and refreshments (energy bars, fruit etc and drinks)
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| Transfer |
From arrival point at Malaga airport and back to Granada train or bus station at the end of the tour |
| Activity Level |
Moderate to Challenging - with van support available all the way, this tour is appropriate for Moderate cyclists who may require a transfer for some of the longer hills. (Daily average of 80 km over hills) |
| Terrain |
Quiet country and mountain roads. Rolling countryside with some long mountain passes. |
| 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 |
6-16 |
| Dates for 2012 |
Custom Dates - Your Choice if booking with a group of 6 or more (check for availability)
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| Price |
Eur 1,695 (Single supplement Eur 295)
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|
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Cross paths with packed donkeys and mountain goats and drop into the royal city of Granada, a place of tranquil plazas and a busy Arabic market. Visit the Albaicín quarter for a romantic spectacle of shifting sunset colours over one of the world’s greatest monuments, the Alhambra and the mountain chain you have journeyed over. Challenge yourself by riding the highest road in Europe before travelling onto the mysterious cave home town of Guadix. Climb over the Sierras with views to a shimmering sea below and relax once again beside it with a cold beer in Almeria. 
