Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour

This is the tour for any cyclist who wants to experience Spain's most iconic region and cycle through breathtaking scenery.

Following the route of the Caliphs, from Cordoba to Granada, this first part proposes an enticing adventure for the mind, linking the two most prominent cities of Spain's Moorish occupation. If Cordoba had the grandeur then Granada had the finesse. On route, there are castles, corn fields, vineyards, huge olive groves, sun flowers, orchards. Arriving in Granada, we follow Washington Irving's route of 1829. A route that fascinated the senses of this American writer and diplomat. Seville, the Andalusian capital, is unique in its ability to evoke a diversity of sensations and the essece of the Andalusian spirit.

Our route includes the path of a disused railway perfectly adapted for cycling, minor country roads and pathways. Our accommodation is of the best quality; four star hotels in the main cities and smaller hotels with a charm in some villages.

We will savor the Andalusian cuisine that offers us traditional dishes accompanied by excellent wines. The mini bus will transport us to the strating point of each of the tour stages, and we will be bicycling for the most interesting parts of our route. Each stage of the tour may be adapted to the groups overall cycling skills.

Few cycling experiences can match the combination of the Andalusian sun, its delicious food and fine wines, visiting monumental Cordoba and Granada, and other jewels of the Jewish, Arabic and Christian culture.

You arrive independently in Madrid. We offer you as part of the Andalusian travel package an escorted 3-hour bicycle tour of Madrid. Optional unguided visit of the city and the Prado museum and other beauties of the city of Madrid. We are more than happy to suggest places to visit while in Madrid.

Early morning departure from Madrid on the high speed train (AVE) to Córdoba arriving in less than two hours. Transfer to the hotel, followed by a cycling tour of the city until early afternoon, then lunch. In the afternoon we are free to visit the Mosque and the picturesque historic centre.

Overnight stay in Stein am Rhein.

Day 3: Zuheros (45 km)

After breakfast we leave Cordoba by minibus to visit a famous winery in Montilla, the town giving its name to the world-renowned wine. We proceed by minibus to Lucena, where we begin cycling along the old rail track which is known as the "Via del Aceite". After our lunch stop, we continue cycling for some more miles through the olive groves. Dinner at the hotel of our choice.

Zuheros, one of the most picturesque villages in Andalusia, hangs from a rocky outcrop on the edge of a nature reserve. The castle and palace enjoy a spectacular position on top of an enormous rock, commanding splendid views of the Andalucian countryside. For those interested, the Bat Cave, 4 km. away, boasts a collection of extraordinary limestone formations.

After breakfast in Zuheros we cycle to the village of Baena to visit a certified organic olive oil producer. After the visit we bicycle to Luque and then on to Priego, crossing the impressive landscapes of "Sierra Subbética" mountain range. Following our descent we will stop for lunch at Carcabuey. In the afternoon, we cycle on to Priego where we dine at the hotel, or in a restaurant of our choice.

Our day begins with a short minibus ride to visit the castle of Alcalá la Real following which we continue to our cycling departure point, close to the village Moclín perched above pinewoods with a ruined fortress. From here we wind our way gently up and down through olive groves and pine trees, arriving at the reservoir of Cubillas where we stop for lunch at a fine restaurant with views on to the lake. Here, we can choose to continue cycling, or ride in the minibus to the hotel in Granada. For the cyclists we have a further 20 km (12 miles) on the level, via Güevejar, with more intense traffic as we approach the city centre, where our hotel is located. Dinner in the city of Granada.

Granada is a romantic destiny. In the words of Alexandre Dumas written in 1846: "With the pretty name of Granada , you have already created a medieval city in your mind, half Christian, half Moorish". But Washington Irving´s words define it more aptly: "It typified the oriental exoticism of the romantic vision of Spain”.

Our day starts with a visit to the Alhambra, after which we explore the city of Granada either on cycle, or on foot, taking in Albaicín, the original moorish quarter. Here we climb to the panomaric outlook point of San Nicolás affording us a magnificent view of the majestic Alhambra lit up by the soft rays of the setting sun - an unforgettable moment and maybe the best highlight of our cycling tour through Andalusia. After dinner in a tapas restaurant, we have the option of seeing a late flamenco show in one of the gypsy caves in Sacramonte.

Leaving the hotel in Granada we drive by minibus to Seville, the journey lasting about two hours. Here we have a light lunch at the hotel, followed by a city cycling tour. This will be the end of our cycling activities.

Guests return to Madrid by high-speed train (tickets included), or may extend their stay to enjoy more of the city of Seville on their own.

*N. B. Guests who spend their first night in Córdoba, have the option of adding the Madrid city program on their return from Seville.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

June 8th       October 26th        November 9th

Or any Sunday from March thru June, September and October if you have a minimum of four persons in your party.

- Accommodation in hotels of good 2 and 3 star level, in a double room with private facilities

- 7 buffet breakfasts, 7 menu lunches, and 6 dinners

- AVE High speed train ticket back from Seville to Madrid in tourist class

- English speaking tour guide who is familiar with the region

- All mentioned entry fees as per program

- Guided tour through Córdoba and Granada

- Quality hybrid or mountain bike (27 gears), disc brakes, & pannier.

- Luggage transport between hotels

- Accompanying support vehicle (you can travel in the bus anytime you like)

- CD photo album and welcome gifts.

MODERATE TO ADVANCED: There are a few hills to negotiate, plus there are a few longer stages! You may also take the accompanying bus if you need a break. A good level of fitness is required for this tour.

Fly into Madrid. A taxi from Madrid Airport directly to your hotel costs about Euro 30.00, or you may take the public transport for approx 10 Euro.