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Your guides for this tour will be Enrique (+34 696 54 60 88) and Sergio (+34) 654 098 039..
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Your insurance policy number is 21173684. You can find your insurance documents here.
At leisure in Madrid
Eating and drinking in Madrid
Sunday, 3rd November: Córdoba
Accommodation: Palacio de Bailio
Route: 10.5km/6.5 miles
Elevation: +99m/+324 ft
Meals included: Dinner
In the evening, you will enjoy a tapas dinner in Córdoba’s old town – the perfect introduction to Andalusian culture!
Monday, 4th November: Loja
Accommodation: Casa Olea Rural Hotel
Route: 62.1 km/38.6 miles
Elevation: +878m/+2881 ft
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast this morning, we will transfer by van out of Córdoba and head south towards the natural park of the Sierra Subbética.
Our first cycle route will take us through the vineyards of Montilla, our first Protected Denomination of Origin wine region, until we arrive at Lagar Los Raigones, a traditional, family-run country estate that has been making wine and olive oil for many generations.
10:30am: Guided tour and wine tasting at Lagar Los Raigones.
Next we’ll continue along a peaceful vía verde biking path, a former railway line once used to transport trains full of olive oil from Andalusia to the rest of Spain. The route borders the Sierra Subbética mountain range, offering fabulous views of the massif as we cycle all the way up to the charming medieval Moorish village of Zuheros, a striking example of beautiful Andalusian architecture.
We’ll stop for lunch at the beautiful pueblo blanco (white village) of Luque, from where we can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, before continuing south to our next hotel, a charming property set in an impressive rural location.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together at our peaceful rural hotel.
Tuesday, 5th November: Antequera
Accommodation: Parador de Antequera
Route: 65.5 km/40.7 miles
Elevation: +1210m/+3969 ft
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
The natural park of the Sierra Subbética mountain range is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Andalusia!
We’ll travel by van to the romantic Andalusian white village of Priego de Córdoba, nestled in the mountains. This historic city is one of the key stops on the Route of the Caliphate between Córdoba and Granada. We’ll explore the winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and flower-filled patios of Priego’s old quarter, overlooked by the town’s imposing castle, a Moorish fortress reconstructed in the 13th century by the Christian conquerers.
Next, we’ll continue through a sea of olive trees and along quiet roads that curve through the mountains, biking south towards the valley of the river Genil. Our next stop, Iznájar, is a gem of traditional Andalusian architecture: a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, winding their way up a hill overlooking the impressive reservoir of the same name. The Moors called the town Hins Ashar (stone castle), after the 8th century castle that keeps watch over the area from the top of the hill.
From Iznájar, we’ll continue south through the Andalusian countryside until our lunch stop: a converted traditional cortijo (farmhouse).
After lunch, we’ll continue to Antequera, where we’ll enjoy a guided visit before checking into our hotel.
The city of Antequera dates back to time immemorial, to the extent that even the Romans named it “Antikaria”, meaning “ancient”! The city’s Bronze Age dolmens have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the patchwork of streets reflect the many different eras and cultures that have left their mark in the city over the centuries. The city is surrounded by mountains, of which the most famous is the Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers’ Peak), the base of many local myths and legends.
Dinner tonight is not included. We recommend the excellent restaurant at the Parador de Antequera, for delicious gastronomy and fabulous views!
Wednesday, 6th November: Antequera
Accommodation: Parador de Antequera
Route: 46.3 km/28.7 miles
Elevation: +908m/+2980 ft
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, we’ll hop into the van and travel to the spectacular city of Ronda, world-famous for the soaring Puente Nuevo bridge which crosses the Tajo gorge to connect the ancient Arab medina with the modern Mercadillo neighbourhood on the other side of the Guadalevín river.
Next, we’ll enjoy a spectacular route through vineyards and olive groves to Setenil de las Bodegas, one Andalusia’s most famous (and most beautiful) pueblos blancos. This small town is famous for its picturesque urban layout: the town centre is embedded in the basin formed by the Guadalporcún River as it passes through the city, with the result that many of the houses are built directly into the caves formed by the overhanging rock.
Next, we’ll head to the ancient Roman city of Acinipo, one of the best-preserved in the region. Perched 1000m above sea level, this spot impresses for both its fascinating ruins and its spectacular views. The city had a population of around 5,000 people in the first century AD, and even minted its own money.
Our route will end at a winery set in the majestic Sierra de Ronda mountain range, where we’ll enjoy a visit before enjoying a delicious lunch, paired with the bodega’s very own wines.
2pm: Lunch at Bodegas Garcia Hidalgo.
After lunch, we’ll travel by van back to Antequera. Dinner tonight is not included, so you can enjoy an evening at leisure exploring Antequera’s traditional tapas bars and taverns. If you’d prefer a sit-down dinner, we recommend Restaurant Mar de Gloria (open Mon – Sat 7:30pm – 11pm).
Thursday, 7th November: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos
Route: 58.3 km/36.2 miles
Elevation: +855m/+2805 ft
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning, we’ll head out of Antequera and up to the fantastic natural landscape of Torcal. From here, we’ll enjoy a beautiful route with the mountains as our ever-present backdrop. We’ll cycle up to the charming mountain village of Riofrío, famous for its pure river waters which have made the area a production centre for organic beluga caviar, and consequently a place of pilgrimage for fans of fine gastronomy.
Our route ends with lunch in Riofrío – make sure you try some of that famous caviar!
From here, we’ll travel by van to Granada.
Arriving into Granada is like stepping into another country; Granada was the capital of the Spanish Caliphate for two and a half centuries, and the Moorish influence is still very noticeable in the architecture, gastronomy, and culture of the area.
8pm: Dinner and flamenco show at Venta el Gallo. The flamenco tablao is located in the traditional Sacromonte district of Granada, approximately 15 minutes from your hotel by taxi. Please consult with your guides to arrange transport to the show.
After the show, your guides will say goodbye.
Gratuities
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard for each individual guest is 7.5-10% tip of the trip price at the end of the tour. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips among themselves. Local currency is preferred.
Friday, 8th November: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos
Meals included: Breakfast
Please make sure that you bring your passports with you today, as you will be required to show them in order to enter the Alhambra.
You can access your Alhambra tour voucher here. Please make sure that you allow enough time to arrive punctually, as your Alhambra tickets are booked for a specific time.
10am: Meet your Alhambra tour guide at Hotel Alixares, opposite the Alhambra car park. In case of any issues, please call (+34) 607 62 62 07.
Approximate tour duration: 3 hours.
At leisure in Granada
Eating and drinking in Granada
Granada is famous at the international level for its tapas: small plates that are provided free of charge to accompany a drink. Typically, these improve in quality and quantity with each round of drinks!
Some of our favourite tapas spots include Taberna La Tana, Bodegas Castañeda, Los Manueles, Bar Aliatar Los Caracoles (to try snails!), Bar Los Diamantes and Restaurante Casa Torcuato.
Saturday, 9th November
Departure day
Meals included: Breakfast
Morning at leisure in Granada.
Granada train station is located around 20 minutes from your hotel by taxi. Please ensure that you allow plenty of time to get to the station and pass through security before boarding your train.
You can access your train tickets here.
3:21pm: Train departs Granada train station.
6:57pm: Train arrives into Madrid Puerta de Atocha train station.
Please note that 9th November is a public holiday in Madrid (La Virgen de la Almudena), so some shops and restaurants may be closed, or operating on a reduced schedule.
We hope you enjoyed exploring the Route of the Caliphate with us!
To check the weather before you leave on your trip, please take a look at current weather conditions at www.weatheronline.co.uk. For historical temperature and precipitation statistics visit www.weatherbase.com or take a look at the Spanish Meteorological website with detailed information per region (http://www.aemet.es/en/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos)
The history of Spain is a compendium of influences from the different cultures that have lived in the country. The first settlers on the Peninsula were the Celts and the Iberians. The Roman presence in Hispania lasted for seven centuries, during which time the basic borders of the Peninsula in relation to other European towns were set up. Many institutions were inherited from Rome such as the concept of family, Latin as a language, religion and law. At the start of the 5th century new settlers from the North arrived and settled on the Peninsula: the Visigoths in the interior and the Swabians on the West. The decomposition of the Visigoth state apparatus would lead to the successive infiltration of Arab and Berber troops from the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the beginning of the 8th century. In the middle of the 8th century the Muslims had completed occupation and Cordoba became the center of the flourishing Andalusian state. The Arab presence in Spain would last for almost seven centuries and leave an indelible mark on the Spanish cultural heritage.
Following a long period of peaceful coexistence, the small Christian strongholds in the North of the Peninsula took on a leading role in the Reconquest, which ended with the capture of Granada in 1492 under the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, traditionally considered the founders of peninsular unity and the imperial management of the Spanish revival. The 16th century represents the zenith of Spanish hegemony in the world, a process that would last until the middle of the 17th century. Following the death of Charles II, the last of the Austrians, who died without having had children, Phillip V inaugurated the dynasty of the Bourbons of Spain.
The crisis of the Old Order opened the doorway to the Napoleonic invasion. The War of Independence was a war against the French invasion, but also a revolutionary war due to the decisive involvement of the people and the clear formation of a national consciousness that would later shape the 1812 Constitution. The Courts of Cadiz thereby enacted one of the first Constitutions of the world which ratified that sovereignty would reside in the nation. The conflict between liberalists and absolutists, or in other words, between two different ways of perceiving the establishment of the state, would be one of the longest Spanish conflicts throughout the 19th century.
The ballot box is introduced into Spain and with it the first democratic experience of the 20th century: the second Republic, a brief attempt to introduce the reformations the country needed, frustrated by General Franco’s military rising and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. The military victory of General Franco gave way to a long dictatorial period that would last until 1975. Following his death, the Spanish peacefully made the transition from dictatorship to democracy in a process known as ‘the Spanish model’. Don Juan Carlos I, as King of the Spanish people, became the chief of a social and democratic state of law, which molded the Constitution of 1978.
More information…? Should you be interested in a specific theme, please check here, you will find many info about culture, environmental issues, nature, society, geography and politics.
In Spain you have exquisite and innovative dishes with the guarantee of internationally prestigious chefs. The highest quality products from the best producers, recipes combining popular tradition with artistic creation and offer you exciting, new flavors. Spain’s culinary revolution, headed by master chefs like Ferrán Adriá, Arzak and Berasategui turns the pleasure of good food into a luxury for the senses that is at its finest when savored in Spain.
Spanish cuisine is nowadays recommended in the finest restaurants, heralded by the most prestigious critics and demanded by millions of consumers over the world. It has gone through a real revolution, which, in the time of a few short years, has put Spain at the top of international cuisine. With traditional styles as the basis, a modern, innovative cuisine has developed, identified by the use of quality products and by the creativity of its chefs.
To read more about Spain’s cuisine
You are probably familiar with some common safety guidelines. Below are those that we follow at Bike
Spain, and we ask that you follow them while traveling with us:
Bike Spain Tours will provide you with a helmet (if requested), a water bottle, a tshirt, phone case and a handlebar bag. On our guided tours, you will also receive a complimentary bike jersey.
