Travel through Andalusia: for centuries a bridge between European and Moorish culture, this region is considered by many to be the most enchanting in Spain. The architectural treasures of Seville and Cordoba are among the most impressive in Europe. The landscapes range from mountainous green dotted with cork trees, to sunflower fields and orange groves. The Spanish food and wine is a delight, especially in the typical restaurants or tapas bars Rotalis has selected. You'll live and breathe the historical atmosphere in several wonderful hotels located in tastefully renovated 16th and 17th century castles or mansions. The trip begins and ends in Picasso's hometown of Malaga, a city easily accessible by plane.
Tour Details
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Location
Andalusia
Season
Spring, Fall
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Malaga
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Andalusia, Spain
Distance Traveled
17-29 Miles Per Day
Skill Levels Accommodated
The overwhelming majority of this tour takes place on small paved backroads with little or no traffic. On the fifth and sixth day there are two short stretches of road with more traffic contact. The tour is generally quite easy, but nevertheless has occasional climbs.
Fully Guided
Yes
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Accommodations
The hotels are all of a good standard, a few of them in the four-star luxury category. All hotels offer local color and charm, some are located in historical buildings.
Dining
This trip will enable you to experience all aspects of Andalusian cuisine, from delicious fish dishes, to succulent local beef and of course many varieties of tapas.
Rates
$1,726.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Single Room Supplement: € 252 per person (approximately $328 USD)
Click here to email this tour by "Rotalis Bike Travel" to yourself or to a friend.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday Malaga - Ronda (17 miles)
The bike trip begins after a short bus ride up to the small village of Canete la Real in the mountains of the Serrania de Ronda. From here you’ll cross a beautiful landscape of sunflower and asparagus fields, olive groves and red earth. The route to Setenil de las Bodegas is mainly downhill and affords spectacular views of the several "pueblos blancos" (white villages). Tonight the luxurious Hotel "Reina Victoria" with its tropical gardens and 19th century flair awaits in Ronda (pool). Before dinner you will visit this formerly Moorish town perched on a cliff as well as its famous bullfighting arena.
Day 2: Monday Ronda - Arcos de la Frontera (20 miles)
In the morning you’ll reach the lush mountainous landscape of the Sierra de Grazalema after a brief bus ride up to the Puerta de las Palomas. From here you can enjoy gorgeous views before hopping on the bike to begin a nine-mile descent to a 17th century olive mill. For lunch a stop is included in the romantic "pueblo blanco" Zahara de la Sierra, before crossing farmland dotted with occasional ranchos and bull herds. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive in what is perhaps the most original and typical Andalusian town - Arcos de la Frontera, formerly a fortress of the Spanish kings. You’ll stay in the family run and very cozy Hotel "Real de Veas". In the evening, enjoy tapas and a flamenco show.
Day 3: Tuesday Arcos de la Frontera - Seville (26 miles)
Today's itinerary takes you along the gently rolling hills between Arcos and Gibalbin, and then on to the countryside around Las Cabezas de San Juan. Here you’ll find abandoned Haciendas (manor houses), a few lonely windmills and some small lakes nestled among cork trees. After cycling to the farming town of Lebrija, you’ll reach the splendid city of Seville by train. An extensive guided tour of Seville including the Alcazar palace, the Giralda cathedral and the old town is planned in the afternoon. You will be staying in the Hotel "Casas de la Juderia", a beautifully renovated former palace. Dinner will be served in a nearby restaurant that is mainly frequented by locals.
Day 4: Wednesday Seville - Carmona (25 miles)
In the morning you have the opportunity to discover some more of this extraordinary city on your own. To avoid the intense traffic around Seville, in the late morning a 20-minute bus ride will take you out of the city and your biking begins near the small town of Utrera. From here you’ll cross a rather flat landscape of sunflower fields and haciendas, cycling on small roads with nearly no traffic. Today, the vastness of Andalusia, as well as the scope and economic importance of the large farms, becomes apparent. Enjoy having lunch in a hacienda before reaching the lovely town of Carmona. The "Alcázar de la Reina", an elegant and enchanting hotel in the Moorish style, will welcome you for tonight's stay (pool). On a tour through the old town, which was founded by the Cathars, you will also see the Roman necropolis of the first century.
Day 5: Thursday Carmona - Palma del Rio (29 miles)
After a short bus ride you’ll reach La Puebla de los Infantes, high in the hills of the Sierra Morena. From here, almost the entire day's biking is down the gentle slope of this mountain range. You’ll pass innumerable olive groves, cork oaks and grazing black Iberian pigs - source of the famous "jamon iberico". You may even have an opportunity for a swim in Lake El Retortillo before arriving in Palma del Rio in the late afternoon. Today you are a guest at the charming "Hospederia de San Francisco", a hotel set in a 15th century former monastery with a lovely pool located in the medieval gardens. Tonight you will dine in the monks' former refectory.
Day 6: Friday Palma del Rio - Cordoba (24 miles)
To circumvent the somewhat monotonous countryside along the Guadalquivir River you will be taken into the eastern Sierra Morena by bus. This rather wild and secluded area is particularly well known for the raising of fighting bulls. The approach to Cordoba is mostly downhill, on small backroads with little traffic contact. The last miles lead along palm tree avenues in the elegant quarter El Brillante and through the old city center. You will get a first impression of this magnificent metropolis. The centrally located Hotel "Macia Alfaros" welcomes you tonight (pool). There will probably be some time left to go for a stroll through the alleys of this Moorish city or buy some delicacies, before celebrating your last dinner in a well-known typical restaurant offering Cordobese specialties.
Day 7: Saturday Cordoba - Malaga (0 miles)
Cordoba, more than any other Andalusian city, allows a glimpse of the Christian, Moslem, and Jewish history of this region. In the morning, a local tour guide will lead you through its center with a visit to spectacular sights such as the former Great Mosque and the old synagogue. Around noon you’ll take the train to Malaga (two hours). From here you have excellent flight connections to most large European cities, as well as good connections to the U.S. via Madrid, London or Frankfurt.
Notes
2007 Trip Dates: March 3-10; March 10-17; March 17-24; March 24-31; March 31-April 7; April 7-14; April 14-21; April 21-28; April 28-May 5; May 5-12; May 12-19; September 15-22; September 22-29; September 29-October 6; October 6-13; October 13-20; October 20-27
Arrival: Individual arrival in Malaga on Saturday. Malaga has good flight connections from most major European cities. Transatlantic passengers generally arrive via Madrid, London or Frankfurt. The centrally located Hotel "Don Curro" will have your room ready starting at 2:00 p.m. at the latest. The room is already part of the package, but dinner on Saturday is not. It is therefore suggested that you visit one of the nearby restaurants in the center of the old town. If time allows, a visit to the famous Picasso Museum (open until 9 p.m.) is also recommended. The actual bike tour begins on Sunday morning.
Featured Adventures
