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Rustic & Royal Routes - New itinerary! |
9 days •
Ronda, Antequera, La Subbetica Park, Jaen, Ubeda and Granada
Fully Guided & Supported • 4 & 5 Star Hotels & Country Retreats
Moderate Cycling
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Explore the quintessential ‘real Spain’ of central Andalusia, following rustic country paths, stopping to sight-see classic royal towns and cities. For literature lovers, the tour begins in Hemmingway's fabled white washed town of Ronda,riding onwards towards a charming 16th century convent, and a lair of soaring heights Jaén´s 8th century parador and the classic Renaissance of Ubeda. Closer to Granada, tour Guadix´sTroglodyte lifestyle and travel through the area which signalled the final moments of Moorish rule in Spain prior to their 15th century expulsion. Relax with a celebratory cooking course of fine cuisine of the area. A trip of a lifetime exploring a most enchanting region.
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 Culturally rich with architecture, the area explored harks back to over eight hundred years of Islamic influence as well as roman, christian, renaissance and even paeolithic. Visit the famous El Chorro gorge and El Torcal, a natural wonder with its weird rock formations before cycling past rolling plains of agricultural bounty. Relaxing in awesome to enchanting hotel stays that are steeped in history, it is a most peaceful place to spend time before heading to the royal Arabic city of Granada with its alluring Alhambra and Sierra Nevada backdrop.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Romantic Ronda's towering Bridge and Gorge
- Panoramas besides Labyrinths of Rock Formations
- Antequera’s Moorish Alcazaba and Baroque churches
- Ancient hilltop White Villages and Medieval towns with Eagle´s nest Castles & 16th century Convent stay
- Olive Oil press, Sherry Vineyard & Cookery experiences
- Exotic and Beloved Royal Granada and her Alhambra
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1 |
Ronda |
From our meeting point in Ronda, a place Orson Welles loved so much he wished his ashes to be spread here. Enjoy a welcome drink and then stroll Ronda’s winding Moorish alleys stopping to admire the incredible bridge and surrounding views on our guided walking tour. Tonight's stylishly converted town house hotel with bull fight memorabilia is centre to this timeless location where the views are staggering and the history unforgettable. |
2 |
El Chorro |
Experience the thrill of bandit country on your morning cycle by riding through the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, passing through small 'pueblo blancos' and blue lakes. Spend the night near to one of Spain’s most interesting geographical features, El Chorro, an impressive river cut gorge. Our 19th century converted mill is steps away from plunging chasms and a flowing river. |
3 |
Near Antequera |
Cycle out through orange and lemon groves, we wind a path through fertile valleys, discovering the quiet countryside. An afternoon leads us into the National Park of El Torcal, an optional ride for those with energy. Others may want to visit Antequera, a pretty town famous for its churches, fortress and ancient burial grounds. Tonight's accommodation is classic 5 star Andalucian, a beautiful 16th century convent newly refinished with enchanting frescos. |
4 |
Subbetica |
We transfer out in time for some sherry tasting at a local vineyard, before a gentle afternoon cycle trail. Get a glimpse of the rural life on this path, the original one olive oil was shipped. Onwards to a spectacularly set village, hanging from the hillside. Relax our boutique hacienda or poolside before sampling the area's tasty cuisine for dinner. A pretty spot for birds and flowers. |
5 |
Jaen |
Visit an olive oil mill on our guided tour before biking off through the beautiful olive groves of the region to arrive at our amazing stay for the night, its hilltop historic castle. Here's a taste of the real inland Spain in your Parador luxury hotel with elaborate tapastries. Panoramas from these ancient battlements are absolutely breathtaking.You will feel like monarchs in this eagle's nest! |
6 |
Ubeda |
Cycling though winding hills, we pass through some tremendous scenery of fields and mountains before coming to Ubeda, a royal town with its refined renaissance buildings sitting proudly in charming plazas. Have time to sample the rustic tapas and wine in the local bars and restaurants here. |
7 |
Guadix |
We head south and pass through an undulating landscape to arrive in the unique town of troglodyte living, Guadix. Find out about its interesting history in a guided walk and all about it cave homes, Cathedral and ceramics. Spend the night in the middle of the historic centre in this mansion town house.
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8 |
Granada |
Outstanding views of the Sierra Nevada mountains greet us on this cycle route through the valleys where Washington Irving, Queen Isabella, Federico Lorca and Columbus once trod. We head into our final stop, the Royal city of Granada, an outstanding place to explore. Enjoy our 4 star hotel set near to the interesting Realejo area and close to the river. |
9 |
Celebration
Lunch &
Onward Travel |
In a unique way to be introduced to this historic city, we have a private cooking course learning about Moorish dishes in the ancient Albaycin area, home to the Romans, Moors and Jewish communities. We prepare our own celebratory lunch before wishing, adios to each other and this lovely city to head home with memories of castles, caliphs and cycle touring.(Options to extend stay in Granada). |
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| Route |
Ronda, Antequera, La Subbetica, Jaén, Ubeda, Guadix, Granada - See Map |
| Accommodation |
4 & 5 star hotels and country retreats - all bedrooms are en-suite - 8 nights
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| Food |
All 4 dinners (2 in 5 star accommodation), 1 lunch, 8 breakfasts
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| Extras Included |
- Welcome drink and meeting
- Guided tour of an olive oil producer
- Visit to a sherry vineyard
- Private guided city walking tour of Ronda and Guadix
- A private cooking course and preparation of several dishesWine with evening meals
- Hire of 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier (NB Hire of Orbea Road bike with Shimano Ultegra-105 Groupset, triple 30 speed, carbon alu frame at an extra 95 Euros)
- 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 |
Transfers from Ronda train/coach stations at pick up. Drop off at Granada airport, train, coach stations. |
| Activity Level |
Moderate - Expect climbs and a daily average of 65km (upto 85km). The route is fully supported with a SAG van enabling tired cyclists to jump. |
| Terrain |
Quiet country roads or purpose made cycling paths. Rolling countryside and longer climbs |
| 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. 1 leader cycles with the group
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| Group Size |
6 to 16 |
| Dates |
21 October 2013
This tour is available for as a custom trip - make a party of 6, choose your dates and get ready to ride!
Custom Dates if booking with a group of 6 or more (check for availability)
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| Price |
Eur 2,195 (single supplement Eur 475)
See Special Offers for availability and deals |
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