2021 allowed us to adapt to the new normal and got us back on the road with our travelers. This year was all about small group vacations looking to bike Spain. Riders were looking for flexibility, quality time, personal attention, and personalization. We created experiences to feel intimate, safe, and local. We felt so lucky and fortunate to welcome riders to our Spain bike tours in 2021 and really appreciate all of the travelers that trusted us with their vacations. Here are few of the rides that created new memories for us in 2021: 

1. Andalucia 

Biking in Andalucia mixes culture and history with sun, beaches and mountains. We had a few tours take off in Andalucia this year. Our self-guided and guided bike tours got to enjoy riding through whitewashed villages, the sounds of flamenco music and the taste of local tapas. 

Andalucia never fails to enamour. We rode through kilometers of olive groves, passing medieval castles and Moorish cities. Visiting the Great Mosque in Cordoba is always a highlight. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world, a forever symbol of what was al-Andalus.  After leaving the city of Cordoba we pedaled the Subbetica Mountain range. Riding an E-Bike on these hilly ascents is definitely helpful, some of the hilltop finishes could reach up to 13% slope! But the e-bikes were our faithful partners, giving us that extra push at the exact moment we needed it. 

Some tours either continued onto Granada, a lively city with the stunning Alhambra as it’s backdrop, or onto Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest towns, or to Jerez for sherry tastings and flamenco shows. We ate local cuisine like salmorejo (a delicious tomato soup), learned incredible history, and visited remarkable locations.

 

2. Spain and Portugal Custom Tour 

This summer we created a custom Portugal/Spain guided tour for a group from the USA.  Being able to bike Spain and bike Portugal in one trip is a treat.

The group was just delightful and we had such an amazing time. We started in Porto, a fascinating and vibrant city, and then made our way to the Douro wine region for wine tastings and a boat tour along the river to visit vineyards and places that are usually only seen on postcards.

From Portugal we crossed into Galicia, Spain and took a sail trip to the Cies Islands National Park. It was a gorgeous day with crystal clear waters. We then headed to Santiago de Compostela, a city full of history and heritage. And we took a day trip to Finisterre, where the world was thought to have ended many centuries ago.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we got to experience La Vuelta a Espana. We watched the last stage in the VIP Section and enjoyed the proximity of the cyclists and an extensive gourmet buffet with exquisite food and drinks.

 

3. Camino de Santiago

Our 2021 Camino de Santiago tours were a definite favorite among travelers this season.

We created self-guided and guided trips for families, couples, and adventurers from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. We had hikers and bikers trek Europe’s oldest tourist trail every morning, become familiar with the fresh air of the mountains, and see their energy take them to new places. We customized for all interests like ending in Finisterre or visiting Ribeira Sacra.

We got to mix the old with the new in places like the Parador de Leon, recently renovated and reopened. We tried new restaurants like Lume, and we savored the classic wines of the regions. In each hotel, we were greeted by lovely staff and we met pilgrims from all across Europe. The Camino is truly a wonderful experience.

Our staff provided pickup services, transfers, great communication and problem resolution that made all our travelers on tour feel supported and encouraged.  We have our 2022 dates published and ready to book! Click here to check out our new date.

 

4. La Vuelta a España

After the 2020 cancelations and restrictions, we were happy to get back on the road with the pros. We were able to get up close and personal with the riders and felt the organization had measures in place to keep everyone safe.

We had a few groups become a part of our Vuelta tour. There was a group from a financial firm for an ultimate team-building activity where they enjoyed the VIP suite in Plaza Obradoiro with an open bar and buffet to watch the final ITT arrive in Santiago.

And we had our week-long riders that got to ride next to Primoz Roglic during his warm up sessions and ride through the finish lines. The rides were unbeatable and challenging. The mountain climbs gave us beautiful views over different regions in Spain. The hotels were elegant and comfortable for a relaxing evening with savory dinners to fuel up for the next day.

The excitement you feel from taking part in a grand tour never gets old! We recommend it a hundred times over. You ready to join us in 2022? 

 

5. Rioja

Visiting Rioja is a wine-lovers’ number one choice. Especially in early autumn, when it’s harvest time. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some of Spain’s best-known wines. When you add that with cycling through the dramatic valley of the Ebro river surrounded by rolling hills and  sweeping vineyards, it’s a can’t miss bike tour. 

This year Rioja was one of our top destinations for self-guided tours. There’s something about the scenery that draws the autonomous travelers. Our self-guided bike tours gave flexibility and independence for those looking to explore on their own schedule. But we still provided assistance and support. We took care of hotel reservations, luggage transportation from hotel to hotel and provided comprehensive information packages and detailed route descriptions. We kept our hotline open for any emergencies, problems, or suggestions during the tour.

Our guests loved the minimal time each day on heavily trafficked roads, the spectacular views and of course, the winery visits. 

 

Are you ready to book your 2022 trip with us? Contact us and we’ll get you set up.