Seville, Cordoba & Granada Cycling Tour

Itinerary

The full eight-day itinerary:

1. Arrival – The cycling tour begins at 6pm at your hotel in Sevilla where we meet for a tour briefing and to bike fit you. After the tour briefing, you can take advantage of a tour of the city; taking in the Cathedral in Seville, which is the 3rd largest Cathedral in the world. We will then enjoy a tapas tour of Sevillas finest tapas bars.
2. Italica & Carmona – We ride out of the city on cycle paths heading towards the ancient Roman city of Italica. Italica has a brilliantly preserved Roman amphitheatre as well as the remains of impressive mosaics, baths and Roman houses. After lunch we continue the cycling tour to Carmona; a beautiful fortified Roman town in the heart of the plains of Andalucia. Steeped in history Carmona has several Roman and Moorish structures which we will visit both on the way to and in the town itself. (25-78km)
3. Palma de Rio – We leave Carmona following quiet back roads through fields of citrus, cotton, sunflowers and past traditional Spanish farmsteads. The Guadalquivir river, which also features in todays ride, is a key part of the history of the region; it was used by the Romans to transfer troops, by the Muslims for irrigation and also a primary trade route for goods arriving from the Americas. The hotel is located in a 15th century monastery in Palma del Rio; a one-time lodging place of Christopher Columbus. Palma del Rio is a picturesque town which, more recently, was central to the resistance movement in Andalucia during the Spanish Civil War. (32-68km)
4. Cordoba – We leave Palma del Rio and take a cross country route on the edge of the Sierra Morena Natural Park, reaching the beautiful hilltop castle in Almodovar del Rio, which dates back to the 8th century. The cycling continues from Almodovar on a flat route running parallel to the Guadalquivir River to Cordoba. Take time to explore the  Jewish Quarter which contains a fascinating array of narrow streets, in the heart of the city is the Mezquita – the Great Mosque of Cordoba. This is a marvellously decorated building which also is now home to the Cathedral. You can also visit the many Roman remains, the most impressive being the city bridge near the Mesquita. The Alcazar de los Reyes – a royal building which was at the center of the Spanish Inquisition, and the Royal Stables are also well worth a visit. (25-68km)
5. Subbetica Natural Park – We leave Cordoba and head into the stunning Subbetica Natural Park on rolling cycling terrain through kilometre after kilometre of olive groves. Tonight’s accommodation is in a traditional cortijo (farmhouse) inside the Natural Park close to the typical Andalucian white village of Zuheros. The picturesque town of Zuheros is home to a 12th century castle and also prehistoric caves containing neolithic paintings. (40-66km)
6. Montefrio – Next stop is at Almedinilla: a Roman village with an excellent archaelogical museum including the remains of a Roman settlement. The tour continues to the white village of Montefrio where you will stay in a converted 19th century olive mill. The scenery is picturesque riding along a scenic valley route surrounded by rolling hills. Montefrio is home to a 14th Century Alcazaba which was a Moorish Fortress built to defend against a Christian invasion. (36-68km)
7. Granada – The final day in the saddle leaves Montefrio and crosses the quiet Vega Natural Park, finishing in Granada – the jewel in the crown of Spanish history. In addition to the world famous Alhambra Palace, Granada is also home to the magnificent Albayzin district and an impressive cathedral. On your last night of your trip your tour leader will accompany you on a Tapas style tour of some great local haunts! (35-72km)
8. Departure – Your tour ends after breakfast. However, we recommend you stay for at least one or two more nights in this historic city and can happily arrange accommodation for you.