Cycle Andalucia (Original)

Hola! Welcome to Spain and the city of Seville, capital of Andalucia and the largest city in southern Spain. Meet the tour group at 7 pm this evening and perhaps get to know each other over a late night dinner – Spanish-style!

Meet with your bike support team and get fitted to a bike before commencing a historical cycling tour around town, exploring both the classic and modern Seville. The tour will go for around three hours and covers interesting places in Triana, such as the old historic centre, the Maria Luisa Park, and Plaza de Espana. Ride - Approx. 15 km. No elevation gain

Cycle the Via Verde de la Sierra and to Zahara de la Sierra today. Begin with a transfer to the town of Puerto Serrano, where the Via Verde (green road) de la Sierra starts. Vias Verdes are disused railway lines, normally used in their day for mining transportation purposes, now repurposed for cycling and walking. Cycle 16 km up to the old train station of Coripe. Take secondary roads for a further 15 km to the town of Algodonales. Pedal a further 9 km to Zahara de la Sierra, set atop a hill with a majestic castle hanging from the rocks and overlooking a turquoise reservoir. It's a perfect place to have a picnic. Afterwards, continuing cycling on flat terrain next to the Reservoir for a further 10 km. Finish the day with a private transfer up the mountains to the beautiful town of Grazalema. Cycling distance: 50 km Elevation gain: 1025 m

Today's cycling route takes you from Grazalema to Ronda. You can cycle all the way, with no need for a transfer. Head from Grazalema down to the valley and through beautiful secondary roads, along a canyon, and to the village of Montejaque and later Benaojan and Jimera de Libar. Finish in the town of Atajate, then take a transfer to the famous town of Ronda and see its beautiful bridge over the cliffs. Since today's cycling is not too long, there is ample time for a walking tour around town before dinner. Cycling distance: 43 km. Elevation gain: 880 m

Today's ride is a most beautiful one – Ronda to El Chorro. Departing Ronda, climb to the mountain pass of El Viento, located in the Natural Park of the Sierra de las Nieves. Then descend to the lovely white village of El Burgo. From there, cycle to the equally photogenic Ardales, on less demanding terrain. Finally, enjoy a nice descent to El Chorro, who sheer walls make it a popular destination among climbers. For the last stretch, to Antequera, take a transfer. Stretch the legs on a visit to Antequera Alcazaba, the 14th century Moorish fortress set on a hilltop (your entry fee is taken care of). Climb the 50 steps of the Torre del Homenaje for some nice views of the 'Rock of Lovers' and beyond. Cycling distance: 60 km Elevation gain: 900 m

On today's cycling adventure you can forget about the mountains and instead check out a nature reserve known for its birdlife. Ride along nice, flat planes towards the Natural Reserve of the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (Lagoon of the Fountain of Stone). Here you can likely see a colony of flamingoes that lives here for long periods of the year. Afterwards, take a transfer back to the hotel in lively Antequera and enjoy a leisurely evening. Cycling distance: 52 km Elevation gain: 204 m

Today's cycling route takes you from Puente Genil to Zuheros. Head along Via Verde, which is free of cars and almost flat. This time you use an old railway track that runs through endless olive groves next to the Natural Park of the Sierras Subbeticas to finish in the beautiful village of Zuheros, another town with an eye-catching castle. This town is famous for its goats cheese, so if you have time, perhaps pop over to Las Balanchares where you can buy some straight from the source. Cycling distance: 48 km Elevation gain: 350 m

Enjoy a day off the bike. With no cycling on the agenda, take the time to enjoy the magnificent ancient city of Granada. The narrow hilly stone streets of this town don't lend itself to cycling, but are of course a dream to stroll around. Your leader will take you on a walking tour through the old Moorish area with local craft market, shops, and tea houses. We will also visit the precursor to the famed Alhambra, the Palacio de la Madraza. This complex housed the Muslim School of Islamic Law founded by Yusuf I in the 14th century and later became Granada's first City Hall 'Casa del Cabildo'. Currently the palace houses a number of departments of the University of Granada. The visit includes an interesting mix of architecture and gives you a small insight into Granada's colourful history. At the end of the day why not enjoy an optional farewell dinner with the group. Granada is well known for its particular take on Spanish cuisine, so make the most of it. Note: Growing tourist crowds, especially from cruise ships, have made gaining entry to the spectacular Alhambra palace a real challenge, and are often sold out months in advance for group bookings. For this reason we do not include entry. Should you wish to visit the Alhambra we advise booking online.

The trip comes to an end, with no further activities planned.