Bike Tour: Andalucia cycling - 8 days

Arrive in beautiful Andalucía and settle into your comfortable 4-star accommodation. After today's journey, you may wish to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and then enjoy an aperitif before dinner.

Challenge: Travel to Andalucía.

Choose among several options for cycling in the area (15km to 41km long). All three routes include a visit to the village of Priego de Córdoba and of course the joy of riding along endless country lanes, winding through olive orchards with views of historic Moorish watchtowers.

Challenge: 15-28-40 km / 9,3-17,3-24,8mill. 300/500/600 m ascent/descent. 

Villages along the way: Priego de Córdoba

A day for strenuous ascents. From Priego, you ride up and straight through the Sierra Albayate. Then it's on to Montefrío, another lovely village of white-washed houses clustered round a Moorish castle. Your accommodation is a converted traditional olive oil mill and press, recalling the vital importance of liquid gold in this land.

Challenge: max.47km / 29,2mill, 880m ascent / 520m descent.

Villages along the way: Montefrio

A day to rest and relax or to enjoy an excursion by bus to Granada, a small city with an ancient past and a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. In addition to the Alhambra, stunning display of Moorish architecture not to missed, the city has other jewels to offer: the enchanting labyrinth of narrow lanes in the Albaycín quarter, the steets lined with tea houses or the impressive Capilla Real (Royal Chapel). Remember to book your Alhambra tickets on-line in advance (optional).

Challenge: Visit Granada and the Alhambra.

Villages along the way: Granada

Once again the enchanting tapestry of beautiful grey-green orchards on gently rolling hills, waves in a sea of olive trees. Soothing landscapes to purify your soul. Today's route is composed of a short, practically flat section of 8km on tarmac, and an easier final on your way to Iznájar

Challenge: 48-52km / 29,8-32,3mill, 585/900m ascent, 1200/1115m descent

Villages along the way: Milanos, Algarinejo, El Higueral

After a long ascent from Iznájar back to El Higueral, you resume yesterday's route to Rute. Then you do a cycling route through lovely countryside, marvelling at the seemingly endless array of olive orchards. You then follow a section of the `Via Verde´, a converted railway bike path ideal for cycling. Your accommodation in the village of Zuheros makes an excellent base for visiting Córdoba and the Mezquita (for this option, book an extra night at Hotel Zuhayra).

Note: don't panic! If you think today's route is too much, you can book (in advance) a taxi with bike carrier (see supplements in prices) and start the route either in El Higuera (11 km less, 415m in ascent less) or in Rute (54 km, 700 m ascent/ descent in total)

Challenge: 55 km / 34,1mill, 500m ascent/ descent.

Villages along the way: El Higueral, Rute, Cabra, Zuheros

A shorter ride today, through the beautiful area surrounding the Sierra Subbética Natural Park. Back at your 4-star accommodation in the country, a refreshing plunge in the pool. This evening, choose from among 3 restaurants for dinner.

Challenge: 23-25km / 14,2-15,5mill, 250m ascent, 360m descent.

Villages along the way: Zuheros, Luque

Your arrangement comes to an end today after breakfast.

Challenge: Travel from Priego de Córdoba