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La Vuelta a España, Tour of Spain Special - 27 August 08 |
7 days • Sea to Sea, Málaga to Almuñecar via Granada
Fully Guided & Supported • Watch La Vuelta • Fine Hotels & Rustic Inns
Moderate or Challenging
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With Spanish road cycling on a high, we are proud to offer the chance to watch one of the classic races in the world, La Vuelta a Espana. This tour has been designed for all levels of cyclists, from the social rider to the experienced, with an opportunity to witness cycling history as we prepare ourselves to watch a stage of the tour. Starting from Malaga, we head out into the Andalusian countryside for a ride
through the great gorges and lakes regions. Spending time in the national parks
around Antequera, we cycle onwards towards Granada via the last Arabic kingdom.
Watch the Prologue stage of the tour, the best stage to see the pros up close.
What more inspiration do you need than to challenge yourself on one of the most
famous ascents in the tour - the Monachil climb within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Finally we
cruise down a 20km descent to spend our last night by the sounds of the
Mediterranean at our seaside hotel. An unforgettable way to end our Tour of
Spain.
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 Our tour of Spain holiday will be led by a strong Cycling Country team, including an ex-local racing cyclist from Granada who has raced with the best to become the sub champion of Andalucia. With full van support and fine hotels, this tour is also very much open to non-cycling partners, with a chance to visit the historic cities of Granada and Antequera, the white villages, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterrean. Plus the chance to sightsee the Alhambra Palace, the finest medieval Moorish architecture in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Watch the Prologue event of La Vuelta
- Challenge yourself on a mountain stage of the famous Sierra Nevada
- Ride with an ex-racing cyclist, learning new tips & techniques
- Granada, magnificent city of Monarchs and Moors
- Visit the royal Alhambra Palace
- The beaches of the Mediterranean
- Antequera´s castle and Roman remains
- Stunning scenery and cycling routes
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1 |
Malaga to Antequera
upto 60km |
We greet each other in the Mediterranean coastal town of Malaga, where the hilltop fortress is reminder of times gone by. Transfer out to a National Park area before beginning a ride through the lakes and canyons region of Andalusia. Have time to sightsee the massive El Chorro gorge before cycling onwards to the Baroque town of Antequera. Enjoy a sunset view from the castle after our welcome dinner. |
2 |
Antequera to Alhama de Granada
upto 100km
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Start the day cycling through bandit country, passing through valleys and agricultural land. Pass by olive and almond groves before ascending a pass to hurtle down into the only natural break of the coastal mountain chain. Cycle by agricultural plains and tomato plants, with shepherds tending their flocks of sheep and goats before arriving at Alhama, a town known as the Last Moorish Frontier. Enjoy a dinner at a restaurant run be a flamenco singer. |
3 |
Alhama de Granada Loop
upto 100km |
After a hearty breakfast, start to climb a category 3 hill before swooping down to the aqua blue of the Bermejales reservoir. Take a circular route around the mountain backed lake, before stopping for lunch in a café, popular with local cyclists. Ride some of the Tour of Spain and Tour of Andalucia route before spending the evening soaking in the famous hot thermal springs of Alhama or enjoy a walk around the historic centre via the town´s gorge. |
4 |
Rest Day - Prologue
upto 60km |
We transfer in (or you can cycle the 60km) to watch the first stage of La Vuelta, the Prologue race against the clock. From our carefully selected position you will see all the tour favorites - Contador, Menchov, Valverde - streaming past. Always a day of tension and high energy, the Prologue never fails to excite. Late afternoon is then free to explore the Granada and try the famous tapas. We stay in a centrally located 4 star hotel with a classic Moorish patio for the next 2 nights. |
5 |
Sierra Nevada Challenge
upto 40km
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After seeing the Pros, it is your turn to master one of the most feared stages of previous tours - the Monachil climb, where Vinokourov famously dropped Valverde to win the 2006 Vuelta. A hairpin thriller, you will ascend to a spectacular view point. Of course, just think of the downhill! With your adreneline still pumping, we head off for a night visit to the magnficent Alhambra Palace and then wander back down into the arabic market and cathedral area near to your hotel. |
6 |
Almunecar
upto 80km
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A day to remember as we leave Granada and head back into another National Park - this time for a whirlwind descent back to the Mediterranean beaches through a pre-historic pass that allows for a 20km downhill. Spectacular vistas and incredible cycling await you. We finish the stage with a farewell dinner on the seafront at a relaxing beach resort.
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7 |
Malaga |
After an early morning seaside stroll, we make our final transfers back to Malaga. We bid adios to eachother with fond memories of our very own La Vuelta. |
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| Route |
Malaga, Antequera, National Parks, Granada, Sierra Nevada mountains, Mediterranean Coast |
| Accommodation |
Fine hotels and country retreats - all bedrooms are en-suite - 6 nights (2 nights in 4 star, 2 nights in 3 star, 2 nights in a rustic inn)
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| Food |
All 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners (3 courses)
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| Extras Included |
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Entrance and audio guide to the Alhambra Palace
- Pre tour pack
- Tour guide book
- Daily snacks and refreshments
- Complimentary water bottle
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| Bicycles |
We recommend bringing your own road bike (we have facilities to collect and store bike boxes for the duration of the trip). With past experience, riders feel more comfortable with their own bikes. However, we can also arrange road bike hire at an extra cost for the tour (please enquire). |
| Transfers |
From and to Malaga airport, train or bus stations on the first and last day |
| Activity Level |
Moderate or 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 60 km - distances can be extended to 100km). Non cycling partners are catered for with chances to visit Antequera, Granada and the Mediterranean. |
| Terrain |
Quiet country and mountain roads. Rolling countryside with some longer 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 |
4-10 |
| Dates for 2008 |
27 August to 02 September
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| Price |
Only Eur 895 (Single supplement Eur 185) |
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