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White Villages of Al-Andalus |
7 days •
Granada to Ronda
Self Guided (or Guided upon request) • Country Inns & Hotels
Moderate Cycling
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Beginning in Royal Granada with its magnificnet Alhambra Palace, ride from the "Last Arabian Frontier", tracing the footsteps of the Caliphs, the Islamic rulers. Enjoy time in traditional white villages set against green backdrops, sample traditional tapas and enjoy tremendous scenery of national parks, mountains, gorges, lakes and the sea. Finish your journey in Ronda, Hemmingway´s muse and the perfect ending to a cycle-touring adventure. |
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- Encounter enchanting white villages in dramatic settings
- Granada and Ronda, two of Spain´s most beloved towns
- Roman Antequera, her churches and Moorish fort
- Sierra de las Nieves national park vistas, the gigantic El Chorro gorge & the lunar-scape of El Torcal
- Tapas and Rural dishes - Rabbit, Fresh Trout, Sheep and Goat´s Cheese, Seasoned Olives, Kid, Egg Plant with Honey
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"Four of us celebrated significant birthdays (50) by cycling the White Villages of Al-Andalus. What a terrific trip through the real Spain, great quiet route, friendly and clean accomodation and terrific food. Geoff and Maggi were outstanding and ever helpful. Route directions great, no wrong turns, no waiting for bags, and all the pieces came together for us without a hitch. Can't wait until the next time. Muchas gracias a Cycling Country par una adventura tan buenissima"- Gerry Cleary, Ireland, 2009
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1 |
Granada
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Arrive in Granada and, if time permits, visit the Alhambra Palace, the most magnificent blend of Arabic ruler´s ingenuity and medieval Christian king´s architectural skill. Spend the afternoon wandering the souk, cathedral, museums and sun soaked plazas. |
2 |
Granada to Alhama
65km /
40m |
Ride out of Granada to the Genil valley, where Washington Irving, Queen Isabella, Christopher Columbus and the Duke of Wellington once trod. Cycle winding hills and small villages before arriving at one of the more romantic towns, Alhama which for centuries has lured travellers with its thermal waters, gorge and attractive Arab quarter. |
3 |
Alhama to Axarquia
50km /
31m
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A day of unforgettable vistas awaits you as you climb out to the fertile plain of Zafaraya. Pass through a beautiful U-shaped mountain doorway, the only geographical break in the coastal range before setting your eyes upon the shimmering Mediterranean sea 900 metres below. Spend the night in a small white village with 360 views of the scenic landscape. |
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Axarquia to Antequera
55km /
34m
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Still in the Malaga province, travel through this mountain scenery, enjoying the varried terrain of rocky outcrops and hilltop villages. The day ends in the Baroque town of Antequera with her Roman ruins, churches, Arab castle and home to some of Europe´s oldest prehistoric burial grounds.
Option: Why not take an extra day to rest and explore the sights and history of Antequera? |
5 |
Antequera to Ardales
55 km /
34m
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Leaving Antequera, take an optional (challenging) mountain ride up to El Torcal, a strange and beautiful wind-sculptured limestone national park. Spend the day cycling country roads abundant with the fragrant smells of orange groves. Visit one of Spain´s most interesting geographical features, the Garganta del Chorro, an awesome gaping chasm in the moutain. |
6 |
Ardales to Ronda
64km /
40m
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Experience bandit territory by riding through the Sierra de las Nieves national park, home to white washed villages and dramatic moutain scenery. Arrive in Ronda, a place Orson Welles loved so much his ashes were spread near here. Snap photos from the staggering viewpoints before taking a welcome rest in your centrally located hotel. |
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Ronda
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After breakfast, spend the morning visiting romantic Ronda. strolling her winding alleyways, Spain´s first bullring and her landmark bridge straddling the gorge the town perches upon. TIme to say adios and make your onward connections with memories of those sunlit white washed plazas of Al-Andalus. (options to extend trip; extra nights accommodation available at the beginning and end/ airport transfers - please ask). |
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| Route |
Granada, Alhama, Antequera, El Chorro, Ronda - See Map for route |
| Accommodation |
Specially chosen 3 star hotels and country inns - all bedrooms are en-suite - 6 nights.
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| Food |
All 6 breakfasts
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| 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
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| Extras |
- Hire of good quality TREK hybrid touring bike with front handlebar bag, rear rack, puncture kit and spare tube - 85 Euros
- Hire of good quality ORBEA racing road bike (carbon - alu frame, Shimano Ultegra -105 groupset, triple chainset) with seat post bag for puncture kit and spare tube - 115 Euros
- Private one way transfers from/to Granada, Ronda, Malaga can be arranged (including bike transport if required).
- Extra nights in Granada, Antequera and Ronda |
| Activity Level |
Moderate - distances are a daily average of 55km. Please note this is very hilly countryside with some longer and steeper climbs. It is classed as Moderate as the distances are shorter than those associated with a longer Challenging ride, but be prepared for ascents.
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| Terrain |
Good surfaced roads on quiet country routes (busier as near Granada, Ronda). Suitable for racing road bikes and hybrid-touring bikes. |
| Staff |
1 driver will meet and greet in Granada 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 |
3 to 12 (only 2 cyclists is possible with an additional supplement of Eur 190, or carry own luggage in rear pannier bags provided for no supplement) |
| Dates |
Customise Your Dates - minimum of 2 people - any dates given availability (check for availability)
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| Price |
- Eur 695 (single supplement Eur 195)
- There is a supplement of Eur 190 if there are only 2 riders (not charged if you carry your own luggage in rear pannier bags provided!)
- High season supplement Eur 65 (Spanish bank holidays and fiestas)
Discounts for 4 or more booking together
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| 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 support, the tour could be made Easy Going as the distances can be changed. Please contact us for prices and availability. |
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