Andalucia is the Spain of one's dreams. Picture white-washed villages, hearty food and wine and the thrill of flamenco. We bike along the old trade routes between Moorish and Christian Spain, through olive groves and remote villages, to Spain's most extravagant architectural jewel, the Alhambra and La Mezquita.
Highlights:
- Moorish architecture at the Alhambra;
- Dazzling gypsy flamenco dancers;
- Dramatic views of silvery green olive groves from our inns;
- Andalucían specialties of paella, jamon serrano and gazpacho;
- Breathtaking views and miles of wheat fields and sunflowers as we bike through the Sierra de Loja.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, 2 & 3 - Palma del Rio and Córdoba
Our warm up ride leads through the flat countryside around Palma del Rio before a sumptuous dinner of fresh gazpacho and hearty paella with gambas. Next, we cycle to Córdoba through the scenic Hornachuelos National Park. A visit to a toro farm and the castle of Almodóvar del Río with its breathtaking views of the Guadalquiver Valley are but a few of the highlights. On our guided visit of Córdoba we discover the labyrinth of narrow white streets of the old Jewish quarter and La Mezquita, a 15th c. cathedral set within an 8th c. mosque. Tonight, Córdoba beckons with its seductive flamenco music. Overnight at the Hospedería de San Francisco, a restored 15th c. monastery. Two nights at the Hotel Amistad Córdoba, in the heart of the city's historic district.
Day 4 - Lucena
We follow the Route of the Caliphs through golden fields of wheat and sunflowers before a visit and tasting at a sherry-style winery. We continue our ride amidst the vineyards of Montilla-Moriles toward the Sierra Morena Mountains and through millenarian olive groves. Overnight at the Hotel Fuente de las Piedras, a beautiful 4 star hotel.
Day 5, 6 & 7 - Loja and Granada
Our ride takes us through the undulating olive groves and past the Iznajar reservoir. En route we stop in Cabra for a tasting of some of Spain's famed extra virgin olive oil. Riding through the fertile Genil River Valley we take in some of the most spectacular views of the week. Relax poolside or horseback ride on our layover day. Our last morning, we transfer to Granada, the crown jewel of the Moorish kingdoms in Spain. We visit the majestic Alhambra, with its ornate palaces and scented gardens, the Cathedral and Souk, and finish in the evocative Moorish quarter of the Albayzín. Two nights at the 5 star Hotel La Bobadilla, set on a 1,000 acre estate.
Testimonials:
"The accommodations and the food were excellent. This was truly a first class experience." Len & Sheila Stoane
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
Meals - all breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunches;
Hotels - Historic paradors and elegant inns.
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