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Open your mind for an outstanding expedition just beyond the boundaries of Madrid’s urban sprawl. On this bicycle tour you’ll find nature and culture, all at your fingertips. Visit the region’s most important sights on your own.
Most visitors to Madrid spend all of their time within the limits of the Metro’s Circular Line – a shame when you consider that, not even an hour out of the city, one of the most important natural areas in central Spain stretches out.
Love the outdoors but still want a good dose of culture and history on a cycling tour? This trip combines the peaceful landscapes of the South of Madrid with its extending fields of olives trees, the amazing natural environment of the Sierra de Guadarrama and some of the area’s most important monuments – the Aranjuez Palace, the really authentic medieval central place of Chinchon, the monasteries of El Escorial and Rascafría, the castle of Manzanares el Real and the medieval town of Buitrago de Lozoya, with its city walls and Picasso Museum. Combined with Madrid’s sunny spring, summer weather and unbeatable fall colors, this is a perfect introduction to attractions and charms that lie just outside Madrid’s city limits
Enjoy the memorable Spanish food, appreciate the culture and history of Spain, visit some of the best paintings museums, see wonderful palaces and historic buildings and ride by beautiful roads in a sunny place with a bright blue sky all year around.
Day 1: Madrid – Chinchon (Madrid)
Accommodation: Parador de Chinchón or La Casa de la Marquesa
Guests of Bike Spain Tours are taken by van to the town of Chinchon. Once we arrive at the hotel and have had a chance to unpack, we’ll have a welcome drink, fit your bikes and provide you with the road book and maps for the tour. Time for a short bike ride and after take time to visit this charming town and enjoy the restaurants around the main square.
Tourism of Chinchon: http://www.ciudad-chinchon.com/turismo/en/index.php
Day 2: Chinchon – Aranjuez
Route: 54 kms
Elevation: 320 m
Accommodation: NH Collection Palacio Aranjuez
Today you ride beside beautiful olives trees and ancient vineyards, similar to an Andalusian landscape. In the town of Colmenar de Oreja, take time to visit one of the famous wineries. Continue down to the river Tajus until Aranjuez, where you can visit the Royal Palace and its gardens, the old bullring, and eat in one of the famous restaurants. Even one Michelin star.
Wineries in Colmenar: http://www.vinosdemadrid.es/en/enoturismo/
On the way por http://www.realcortijosanisidro.com/index.html
Turism of Aranjuez: http://turismomadrid.es/en/discover/aranjuez.html
Day 3: Buitrago de Lozoya-Rascafría
Route: 35/50 km
Elevation: 400 m
Accommodation: El Caseron de los Trastamara
You will have a van transfer from Aranjuez to Buitrago. Upon arrival, you can visit the Picasso museum and after you ride to Rascafría.
Today’s route follows the Lozoya Valley along the southern flanks of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the town of Rascafría, home of the El Paular Monastery, founded in the fourteenth century. The monastery’s architecture reflects the mishmash of cultures which have invaded this part of the country – everything from Gothic to Baroque.
Monastery: http://www.rascafria.org/turismo/monasterio-de-santa-maria-de-el-paular/
Day 4: El Escorial
Route: 51 km
Elevation: 900 m
Accommodation: Exe Victoria Palace
Start the morning with a leisurely climb to the south face of the Guadarrama mountains. From the Navacerrada Pass (great for photo opportunities!) there’s an amazing ride down through some mountainside villages to the town of San Lorenzo del Escorial, with the impressive monastery. Built between 1563 and 1584, the Monastery of El Escorial was the biggest building of the Renaissance period.
Tourism: http://www.sanlorenzoturismo.es/en
Day 5: Soto del Real
Route: 43 km
Elevation: 347 m
Accommodation: Hotel Prado Real
From El Escorial, travel through some of the towns on the southern slopes of the mountains. As you approach Soto, you’ll pass through (and visit, if time permits) the Castle of Manzanares el Real – which, despite appearances, is an authentic fifteenth-century castle, owned by the Duke of Santillana and leased to the Madrid region. For cyclists who’d like a bit more time in the saddle, there’s the opportunity to head into and explore the La Pedriza Nature Reserve.
Day 6: Madrid
Route: 47 km
Elevation: +203 m
In 2005, motivated by the needs of cyclists who wanted to go to the Sierra but who didn’t want to have to use their cars, the Madrid regional government opened a 40 kilometre-long bike path that links the sierra with the city. You’ll use it to return to the city, savouring the expansive views over the plains, and be back in town by lunchtime to give guests the chance to explore more of Madrid on their own.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, end of the trip.
Hotel Rural Casa de la Marquesa
Enjoy the hospitality that this unique and elegant hotel has to offer and savour the lush gardens, a dip in the pool and the peaceful surroundings.
A statement of luxury, style and utmost comfort. Chinchón is one of the best-preserved villages in the region of Madrid, right in the heart of old Castilla, the perfect base to explore the historical surroundings.
NH Collection Palacio de Aranjuez
The NH Collection Palacio de Aranjuez offers total tranquility in the heart of a conveniently located town.
Meters from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palacio de Aranjuez, the hotel radiates gracious atmosphere and historic presence. Yet it is also in a central location that makes the whole city yours to explore on foot. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, it has a timelessly elegant atmosphere that will inspire you during your stay.
Caseron de Trastamara
A charming guesthouse located in the old town centre of Rascafria very close to the famous former Carthusian monastery of El Paular in the Valley of Lozoya.
Formerly a historic farm building belonging to the royal dynasty of kings in the 14th century, the building is protected and retains much of its old features and charm. It is the ideal country house for a retreat in the mountains of Madrid.
Hotel Exe Victoria Palace
As traditional as it is avant-garde, as classic as it is bold. This is the Exe Victoria Palace, a unique accommodation in a privileged location. Located in the historic centre of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the building’s design blends with the classicism of the surroundings, providing the hotel with an atmosphere of exquisite elegance.
The facilities at Victoria Palace Exe make staying at the hotel an excellent experience. Thus, you can enjoy quality cuisine in its restaurant, relax while you browse the press in its café-bar or enjoy sunny days in its magnificent outdoor pool.
Hotel Prado Real
The Prado Real hotel is located in the charming town of Soto del Real.
The hotel sports simple and modern rooms, as well as a restaurant that serves typical Castilian cuisine.
Hotel Opera
The Hotel Opera is a 4 star hotel located in one of the most attractive areas of Madrid. It counts with 79 rooms equipped with the latest technology.
The Hotel Ópera have single, twin, double, triple and quadruple rooms, as well as others adapted for guests with reduced mobility. The finest rooms have a jacuzzi and furnished terrace with incredible panoramic views of the Royal Palace, traditional Madrid, the mountains of Madrid, Casa de Campo park and the heart of the City Centre.
1.530,00€
Experience the best of Madrid and its surroundings by bike at your own pace!
| Dates | Any date up to 31 Oct 2023 |
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