CYCLING IN SPAIN

TOURS                                  

  

MAJORCA

      

MAJORCA - single hotel base

   

CAMINA DE SANTIAGO  "ROUTE OF ST. JAMES"     

  

ANDALUSIA CALIPHATE

  

ANDALUSIA WHITE VILLAGES 

  

  

MAJORCA

8 day independent tour

“La Luminosa” – “the inspired”, as the Spaniards call the largest of the Balearic Islands. Majorca bathes in 300 years of sunshine per year, and offers cyclists a wonderful blend of sand, sun and sea. The best way to explore this Mediterranean landscape with its 2000 year history is definitely by bicycle.

 

 

 

Tour Rating: Moderate to Intermediate

You cycle on side roads and field paths. A few hills to negotiate!

  

  

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Cala Blava / Puig d´en Ros

Day 2: Cala Blava – San Jordi approx. 50 km
This stage follows the coast to Capocorp Vell, residence of the Cyclopes (remainders of settlements of natives). Typical wind mills seam the road to the salt fields of Llevant with the rose-white shimmering salt lakes. In San Jordi sandy beaches with crystal clear water welcome you.

Day 3: San Jordi – Porto Cristo approx. 60 km
Your tour leads you via Ses Salines to a botanical garden. Visit of the picturesque bay of Cala Santanyi. Cycling through little fishing villages to the famous natural bridge “Es Pontas”. Near Porto Cristo the Dragon Caves impress with bizarre pictures and rock formations.

Day 4: Porto Cristo – C’an Picafort    approx. 55 km
Through the sleepy village Son Carrio you cycle to Manacor, the city of Majoricas-Pearls and ceramics. Via Santa Margerita (“most beautiful village square of Majorca”) you cycle through delightful scenery to Can Picafort.
 
Day 5: Puerto Pollenca / Alcudia approx. 45 km
No need to pack the suitcase, you will stay another night in Can Picafort. Today you cycle through a bird sanctuary to the bay of Pollenca (roman harbour). Along the coast you reach Alcudia (oldest town of the island) and back to Can Picafort.

Day 6: C’an Picafort – Porto Soller approx. 45 km + Bus transfer
Via Muro and Inca you cycle into the interior to the mountains of the Sierra. Bus transfer to the monastery Lluc (sightseeing possible) and up to 1200 m above sea level. Enjoy a beautiful descent via Fornalutx (“most beautiful village of Spain”) and through orange- and citrus-plantations to Porto Soller. Delicious Paella is served in Fornalutx (included).

Day 7: Porto Soller – Playa de Palma approx. 20 km + train transfer
With the nostalgic train you go through the Valley of Oranges down to the capital Palma. Afterwards you join a guided sight seeing tour of the old town and cathedral. The last few kilometres lead you along the coast to your hotel in Playa de Palma.
 

Day 8: Individual departure or extra days

  

Airport / Transfers

Fly in/out of Palma. Regular airport shuttles are available to the city centre.

 

Schedule and Prices

  

DATES 2010

Departs every Friday from March to June, plus September and October

Price per person, double occ. CAD $1050
Single supplement:   $320
High season surcharge for departures 28th May to end-June   $75
High season surcharge for departures 3rd to 19th September   $100
This tour includes:

*   7 nights in superior 3 & 4 star hotels in a double room with ensuite

*   Buffet breakfast daily and six 3-course dinners

*   Rental hybrid bike (24 gears) + pannier

*   Luggage transport between hotels

*   Welcome session and detailed route information session by our local guide.

*   Road maps and tour information in English

*   City tour in Palma (incl. cathedral)

*   Trip on the famous train "Red Bolt"from Sollèr to Palma

*   Transfer across the Tramuntana Mountains with a stop at the Monastery Lluc

*   Special paella lunch with wine

*   E-signposting

  

        

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MAJORCA - single hotel base

8 day "all-inclusive" independent tour

“La Luminosa” – “the inspired”, as the Spaniards call the largest of the Balearic Islands. Majorca bathes in 300 years of sunshine per year, and offers cyclists a wonderful blend of sand, sun and sea. The best way to explore this Mediterranean landscape with its 2000 year history is definitely by bicycle.

Enjoy this lovely island without unpacking more than once from the superb Hotel Maioris.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival to Puig de Ros

Day 2: Colonia San Jordi    approx. 50 km
In the morning you will have a personal welcome briefing where you also receive your rental bikes. Afterwards there is a short bus transfer to San Jordi which awaits with its sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Your first bike tour leads you along the saline fields and the salt Lakes of Llevant and typical wind mills to Capocorp Vell, empire of Cyclops (first nation’s houses). Your return to the hotel is not too distant.

Day 3: Island midpoint Sineu    approx. 45 km
In the morning you go by bus to Sineu. This small town is the geographic midpoint of the Island and well-known for its golden lion which is sitting on the stairs of the church. You cycle on beautiful paths through untouched nature and little villages always slightly downhill back to your hotel.

Day 4: Llucmajor and mountain Randa approx. 55-75 km
You start with a bike tour to Cap Blanc where you have a really beautiful view over the Mediterranean. On gorgeous bike paths you cycle towards midpoint. We recommend making a rest in Llucmajor at the Café Colon which is open since 1928. Llucmajor is also well-known for its shoe manufacturing. If you want to cycle a strenuous 20 km more you should go on to the top of Mount Randa. Afterwards you reach the hotel which is not too far away.

Day 5: Inca approx. 60 km
In the morning the bus brings you to Inca, city of leather manufacture. We recommend visiting some of the numerous shops there. Your today’s bike route is full of extremes. At the beginning you are cycling through idyllic hinterland and dozy little villages. As soon as you reach the coast the island gets alive. Your tour leads you along the Playa back to your hotel.

Day 6: Tramuntana Mountains and Sóller approx. 45 km
In the morning the bus brings you to the Sierra Mountains and monastery Lluc (possibility for sightseeing). Enjoy the panoramic view! You cycle via Fornalutx (most beautiful village in Spain – excellent Paella lunch included) and orange and citrus plantations to Porto Sóller. Afterwards you go by bus back to your hotel.

Day 7: Capital city Palma approx. 45 km
You start your tour on cycle paths along the coast via the Playa to the capital city Palma. Afterwards you join a guided city tour through this lovely old city with cathedral. Along the coast you cycle back to your hotel.
  

Day 8: Individual departure

  

HOTEL MAIORIS  ****

This comfortable 4**** hotel is located in a quiet location in Puig de Ros at the southern coast of the island. It is just five kilometres away from the pulsating Playa de Palma. If you want to go to the Playa there is a hotel shuttle service for free. The shops in the village are easily reachable by foot. Generously equipped rooms with balcony, bath room, air-conditioning, television and telephone. Two swimming pools, a whirl pool, sauna and a fitness room are there for your relaxation. A tennis court, mini golf and a sports field makes sure that you have various possibilities during your stay.
All inclusive: Our package includes breakfast, snacks between mealtimes, lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant (adequate and diverse buffet), non alcoholic and national alcohol beverages from 10.30 a.m. until 11.00 p.m.

 

Tour Rating: Moderate to Intermediate

The stages are easy to medium difficulty. Daily stages of 35 to 70 km – it´s up to you which route you take each day. You are cycling almost always on asphalted roads.   

  

Airport / Transfers

Fly in/out of Palma. Regular airport shuttles are available to the city centre.

 

Schedule and Prices

  

DATES 2010

Departs every Friday from April 30th to June 25th, plus 10th September to 22nd October

Price per person, double occ. CAD $885
Single supplement:   $230
High season surcharge for departures 4th to 25th June, and 10th to 17th September   $200
This tour includes:

*   7 nights in a superior 4 star hotel, in a double room with ensuite

*   Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinners daily

*   Rental hybrid bike (24 gears) + pannier

*    Non alcoholic and alcoholic national beverages from 10.30 a.m. until 11.00 p.m.

*   Use of the hotel own wellness area (pool, whirlpool, sauna…)

*    All transfers as mentioned in the program

*   Road maps and elaborate tour information in English

*   City tour in Palma (incl. cathedral)

*   Special paella lunch with wine

*   E-signposting

*   7 day Service Hotline

  

Note: (arrivals in April exclude beverages) 

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 CAMINA DE SANTIAGO - "ROUTE OF ST. JAMES"

Available as a 7, 9 or 14 day semi-escorted tour

For more than a thousand years people from different parts of Europe have travelled to the grave of Saint James in the north western Spanish Santiago de Compostela. The cultural path has not lost its attraction as every year many pilgrims set out on this journey to Santiago to experience the unique coexistence of culture and nature along the way. We offer you a chance to travel this exceptional path by bike. You cycle from Pamplona in Navarre to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

The tour is organised in such a way that a guide with a vehicle is at your disposal throughout the journey. We organise accommodation, luggage transport, and rental bike. With our detailed information package (maps, route descriptions etc.) you can plan the easy daily stages individually.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pamplona

Make your way to your start hotel in Pamplona today, where you will meet your guide and be given your rental bike. Transfers are available from the nearest airport in Bilbao.

Day 2 : Pamplona – Estella (approx. 45 km)

This morning we take a cycle city tour of Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls festival, before heading through Puente la Reina to Estella.

Day 3: Estella – Logrono (approx. 50 km)

Today we cycle thrugh the heart of La Rioja wine country to the town of Logrono.

Day 4: Logrono – Burgos (approx. 60 km)

Rolling vineyards line the Pilgrims route to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, then onwards to the city of Burgos, one of the most important rest stops along the ancient trail.

Day 5: Burgos – Castrojeriz (approx. 65 km)

Time to explore Burgos this morning before cycling through the rolling countryside to the small town of Castrojeriz.

Day 6: Castrojeriz – Carrión de los Condes/León (approx. 50 km)

Today you cycle through the lovely village of Fromista, before reaching Carrion de los Condesi for lunch. This afternoon cycle onwards to the historic city of Leon, famous for its many cathedrals.

Note: 9 day itinerary starts today with your arrival in Leon.

Day 7: León – Astorga (approx. 50 km)

Today you cycle to Astorga , remember to keep looking behind you as there are many vantage points with great views over Leon. You will pass through the villages of La Virgen , San Miguel and Villadangos with a climb of around 120m, from here it is pretty flat. You should stop at Hospital de Orbigo and relax by the river before completing the last stretch to Astorga. Astorga has a Roman heritage with some wonderful buildings to see.

Day 8: Astorga – Molinaseca (approx. 50 km)

Today you cycle up towards Cruz de Ferro from 870m to 1520m before dropping to 600m at Molinaseca. On this stage you see some wonderful mountain scenery

Day 9: Malinaseca – Sárria (approx. 45 to 90 km)

Today you ride out across the valley to Villafranca del Bierzo where it is wise to stop and take a look around this lovely town. Cycle onwards or take the van to Sarria.

Day 10: Sárria – Palas de Rei (approx. 65 km)

Cycle through the green hills, till you reach Portarmarin. Portamarin has an association with Grappa or Orujo. The church San Nicholas has numbers on each of the stones as it was once moved from the old town to its current place due to flooding. Continue onwards to Palas de Rei, cycling mostly downhill.

Day 11: Palas de Rei – Arzúa (approx. 45 km)

A chance today for a general downhill day , only one climb of 400m as you leave town.

Day 12: Arzúa – Santiago de Compostela (approx. 35 km)

Today is the final cycling day, your Pilgrim along the St James Way is nearly complete. Just the last few climbs, not so high before your final descent into Santiago and a well earned rest.

Day 13: Free day in Santiago

La Compostela : This is a certificate issued by the Catholic Church to all Pilgrims who have completed  the cycle tour . We give you a passport which needs to be stamped each day and then you can receive the certificate from the Cathedral before your departure

Day 14: End of tour.

Individual return or extend your stay in Europe.

      

 

Cycling pilgrims

 

 

Tour Rating: Moderate to Intermediate

A few hills to negotiate! Most of the time you can choose between cycling on asphalt roads or on the actual hiking path. A good level of fitness is required for this tour as altitude changes of up to 450m per day will be encountered.

      

  

Airport / Transfers

Fly into Pamplona and depart from Santiago de Campostela. Regular airport shuttles are available from/to each city centre.

  

  

Schedule and Prices - Semi Escorted Tours

   

DEPARTURE DATES 2010

7 day tour:  June 12th                           September 11th

9 day tour:   April 29th                           May 13th,  27th                 June 24th                 July 8th    

                     August 13th,  27th            September 23rd

14 day tour:  April 24th                          May 8th, 22nd                   June 19th                 July3rd

                      August 8th,  22nd             Sept.18th

Price per person, double occ. 7 days CAD $1150
  9 days   $1550
  14 days   $2050
Single room surcharge     $50 / night
This tour includes:

*   Accommodation in selection of three star hotels and local guesthouses, in a double room with private facilities

*   Breakfast each day

*   1 dinner in Arzua

*   Rental hybrid or mountain bike (21 gears) + pannier. Repair service enroute.

*   Luggage transport between hotels

*   Accompanying minibus with a skilled and trained travel guide, who knows about the country, present during the whole tour (you can travel in the bus anytime you like)

*   Detailed tour information and daily route talk.

*   Road maps and tour information in English

    

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ANDALUSIA CALIPHATE

8 day Escorted tour

The route through the caliphate leads from Córdoba, the awesome capital of the caliphs to Granada. Between those two cities the whole beauty of Andalusia is awaiting you. You pass fields, mountains, national parks, manor houses, fortresses, churches and palaces along the tracks of brilliant Andalusian history where you discover the Moorish heritage of Spain and the most beautiful parts of Andalusia. We are sure that you'll never forget this experience for body, mind and soul when you are in close contact with nature while enjoying the numerous places of interest, cultural offers, hospitable inhabitants, festivals, traditions and the typical Andalusian cuisine.

  

Day to Day Itinerary

  

Day 1: Individual arrival in Fuengirola
Your hotel is located directly at the sea, next to the Moorish fortress Soheil which was built in 12th century. The lively small town Fuengirola is reachable within a few minutes walk. All rooms are equipped with the newest technology. We are sure that you will enjoy the sea view as well! A swimming pool is awaiting you in the tropical garden. The hotel is also equipped with an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness club, sauna, steam bath, massage facilities and thalassic therapy centre / Spa centre (you can book these services directly in the hotel).

Day 2: Fuengirola – Montilla – Lucena approx. 50 km
You start with a transfer (about 2 hours) to Montilla where you visit a traditional Bodega. On idyllic side roads you cycle through the vineyards of Montilla-Moriles. Along the Via Verde – a disused railway track– you reach the city of Lucena.

Day 3: Lucena – nature park Sierra Subbética – Córdoba approx. 40 – 60 km
You start again on the Via Verde where you pass olive groves and rural landscape in the nature park of Sierra Subbética. Fantastic views of former caliph villages are accompanying you until you reach the small town of Baena. You leave the Via Verde and visit a traditional bio olive mill. After the visit you have two possibilities:

Possibility 1: Stroll through the typical Spanish town Baena (Moorish fortress) and then go by accompanying bus to Castro del Rio.

Possibility 2: Cycle on calm side roads through the adorable river valley of Rio Guadajoz to Castro del Rio.

In the late afternoon you go by accompanying bus from Castro del Rio to the first highlight of your journey: Córdoba. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Roman bridge, the mosque / cathedral and the old city wall.

Day 4: Gorgeous Córdoba approx. 25 km
Enjoy your tour through historic Córdoba. You start with one of the most important houses in world history, the Mezquita (mosque), today a cathedral. It combines architectural balance and harmony and is with its 856 columns made of marble, granite, jasper and beautiful arches, a masterstroke of Arab architecture. Afterwards you visit the former Jewish quarter with its narrow and decorated alleys. After the city tour enjoy your free time in Córdoba. We recommend visiting the caliph residence Medina Azahara which can be reached by bike.

Day 5: Lagoons and picturesque landscapes approx. 40 – 70 km
In two hours you reach Martos by bus transfer. Along the Via Verde you pass lagoons and picturesque landscapes before you come up to the train station of Luque. Via the Sierra Subbétiac you go by bus or bike to your hotel which is located near Priego de Cordoba.

Day 6: Moclin pass – Granada approx. 40 km
We are not expecting you to cycle on the busy national road, therefore you go in about 90 minutes by bus to Moclin pass. Afterwards you cycle on calm side roads – surrounded by a unique panorama over the Sierra Nevada – downhill towards Granada. Enjoy your dinner and the view to the illuminated Alhambra Palace in the evening in a romantic restaurant which is located in the former Arab quarter Albayzin.

Day 7: Granada and Alhambra
The Alhambra, masterpiece of Moorish architecture is the highlight of your tour! It looks like an Arab fairytale castle with its trick fountains and filigree arabesques. Stroll through the beautiful garden and enjoy the fascinating palace.

In the old city of Grenada you visit the Capilla Real, a grave chapel of Catholic priests. After the guided tour you have enough time to stroll through Granada on your own. In the late afternoon you go by accompanying bus back to Fuengirola.

Day 8: Departure

 

Tour Rating: Moderate

Most routes are flat however 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 reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour.

 

 

Moorish architecture at Alhambra Palace

Airport / Transfers

Fly into Malaga. By bus you reach Fuengirola every half an hour for about € 3 per person. By train you need 35 minutes, a taxi from the train station to the hotel costs about € 15 per ride.
A taxi from Malaga Airport directly to your hotel costs about Euro 50.00.

  

Schedule and Prices

   

DEPARTURE DATES 2010

March 7th,  21st,  31st            April 11th             October 17th              November 6th,  21st

Price per person, double occ. CAD $1770
Single room surcharge $400
High Season Surcharge for March 31st departure $130
This tour includes:

*   Accommodation in very good hotels of 3*** and 4**** level (former palaces, renovated monasteries and hotels), in a double room with private facilities

*   Buffet breakfast each day

*   Tour guide who is familiar with the region

*   All transfers from/to Fuengirola during the course of the tour

*   All mentioned entry fees as per program

*   Guided tour through Córdoba and Granada

*   Comfortable accompanying minibus with bike trailer

*   Quality Canondale hybrid or mountain bike (21 gears), disc brakes, & pannier.

*   Luggage transport between hotels

*   Accompanying minibus with a bike trailer (you can travel in the bus anytime you like)

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ANDALUSIA WHITE VILLAGES

 

8 day independent tour

 

The route through the white villages.

Andalusia – Land of the Light – is well-known for its Mediterranean climate and as a perfect region to spend your bike holidays. With the provinces Málaga and Cadiz you are in a beautiful landscape with gentle hills, stark cliffs, idyllic valleys and the white villages – the "pueblos blancos". It seems as if time stands still here. Typical are the white limed houses and the narrow alleys. These villages are gems of Andalusian architecture!

Your self-guided journey starts in the small town of Ronda and leads you to the beautiful pueblos blancos and the fascinating nature park Sierra Grazalema. This park is part of UNESCO world cultural heritage since 1977. You will be fascinated by the diversity of the landscape, the mountain panoramas, flora and fauna and last but not least the Andalusian cuisine. Be inspired of the fascinating mix between quiet paths and lively villages and discover the rural Andalusia on its wonderful bike paths.

 

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival Málaga
By transfer you reach in about 90 minutes Ronda, where you stay overnight.

Day 2: Ronda – discovery tour approx. 45 km
Ronda is an Andalusian jewel. Discover the lovely, white city as well as the Sierra. Your diversified bike tour leads you through the terrific mountain area until you reach the pass of wind. At the view point Mirador you have a spectacular view on the Sierra de las Nieves! In the evening you should taste Tapas and Vino to have enough power for the next day!

Day 3: Ronda – Grazalema approx. 45 km (A) or 60 km (B)
You leave Ronda and after 4, 5 km you continue already on calm side roads through green valleys and romantic mountain areas. Cork and evergreen oaks are accompanying you on your way to Grazalema. You will have again a beautiful view – today over the mountain village of Grazalema which you will reach soon. Enjoy the silence and comfort of your hotel at the entrance into the village.

Day 4: Grazalema loop tour approx. 40 – 55 km
In the Sierra Grazalema there is a special tree which only appears on three spots in the world anymore. Discover the beauty of the Sierra Grazalema on a loop tour which leads you to the village of El Bosque first. Enjoy the admirable tour which leads you up and downhill through gorgeous landscape and with beautiful views back to Grazalema.

Day 5: Grazalema – Olvera approx. 70 km (A) or 90 km (B)
On calm side roads you cycle through the hilly and wild landscape. In the village of Zahara de la Sierra you should visit the Arab ruin and narrow alleys. There is an artificial lake in the near where you have the possibility to take a bath. Afterwards the tour leads you to Olvera. The fortress thrones majestic over the typical Andalusian small town.

Day 6: Olvera – Setenil approx. 45 km (A) or 70 km (B)
The route is mountainous and very attractive. Your aim is the extraordinary village of Setenil de las Bodegas. The white village is located picturesque along a river. Characteristic are the houses which are built into the rock. In former times they were used to store wine. Stroll through the picturesque alleys and enjoy the Andalusian way of life.

Day 7: Setenil – Ronda approx. 45 km (A) or 70 km (B)
Ronda la Vieja was one of the most important Roman cities of Andalusia in the first century. Interesting is the Roman theatre. Breathtaking impressions are awaiting you on the long stage to El Burgo, a village in the heart of the Sierra de la Nieves.

Day 8: Departure
  

  

    

    

  

Tour Rating: Moderate or Difficult

Each day you have a choice of two cycling routes:

A: shorter stages in hilly terrain with some longer climbs and descents, for cyclists in good shape.
B: longer stages with medium, heavy and ambitious routes in hilly and mountainous terrain for active cyclists in very good shape

 

Airport / Transfers

Fly into Malaga. Transfers to and from Malaga Airport are included on arrival and departure days only.

   

Schedule and Prices

   

DEPARTURE DATES 2010

Every Saturday, all year.

Price per person, double occ. CAD $1130
Single room surcharge $170
This tour includes:

*   Accommodation in small family owned guesthouses and country inns, in a double room with private facilities. Most are rated 2 or 3 star.

*   Buffet breakfast each day

*   Transfers from/to Malaga Airport

*   Quality Canondale hybrid or mountain bike (21 gears), disc brakes, & pannier.

*   Luggage transport between hotels

*   Comprehensive maps and route notes

*   24/7 emergency help line.

  

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