Andalusia guided bike tour

Andalusia bike route from Cordoba to Granada fully supported

Day 1: Madrid Total distance is 15 km/10 miles in a flat terrain

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.

Day 2: Cordoba 15 km 10 miles through city streets

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.10 centuries ago, Córdoba was one of the biggest and most influential cities in the world and the capital of Muslim Spain. Today Córdoba is well-known for its mosque but the city abounds with artistic and architectural treasures. The old Arab and Jewish quarters with their narrow streets offer the visitor a unique experience.

Day 3: Zuheros Total distance is 45 km/30 miles on a disused railway track

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.

Day 4: Priego de Córdoba Today’s total distance is 40 km/28 miles with a modest initial climb along a wide rural track

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.Surrounded by olive groves and with a fine mediaeval castle, Priego is a small and delightfully picturesque town, considered the cradle of Spanish baroque architecture. The town is a maze of incredibly narrow streets, a labyrinth of whitewashed walls, cobblestone pavements and corners and niches over- flowing with flower pots.

Day 5: Granada Today’s total distance is 50 km/32 miles along rolling country roads with minimal traffic

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”.

Day 6: Granada Today’s total distance is 20 km/12 miles rolling terrain

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.

Day 7: Seville

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.

Day 8: Seville or Madrid End of trip

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.

Gracias.

!Hasta pronto y buen viaje!

WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE GUIDED BIKE TRIP?