Andalusia - Seville to Granada

Day 1: Arrival in Seville
Day 2: Carmona - Palma del Rio, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 3: Palma del Rio - Cordoba, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 4: Cordoba - Zuheros de la Sierra, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 5: Day of rest in Zuheros
Day 6: Zuheros - Alcala la Real, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Alcala la Real - Granada, 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 8: Departure from Granada

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.

Day 1: Arrival in Seville
Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel lobby of Exe Seville Macarena where you will have an orientation meeting and later go out for dinner and enjoy the local tapas experience. If you are interested in seeing Seville’s main highlights (i.e., Cathedral and Alcazar Palace), please try to organize this before meeting the group. (D)

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Seville Macarena.

Day 2: Transfer to Carmona. Carmona - Palma del Rio, 30 mi. (49 km)
Following breakfast is a 30-minute minibus or local coach shuttle to Carmona town where your cycling tour begins (you avoid riding out of Seville due to heavy traffic). The first ride - Carmona to Palma del Rio is on quiet secondary roads in open agricultural landscapes once ruled by both Moorish and Christian empires. Along the way, you'll pass fields of citrus, cotton, and sunflower, and numerous "Fincas" or traditional Spanish farmsteads. There is an optional 10 km extension to the pretty Baroque village, Peñaflor. Enjoy an evening guided walk of the medieval town and its historical origins. Tonight's stay is in the enchanting Monasterio San Francisco, a 16th-century Monastery adorned with courtyards and gardens with a swimming pool. (B)

Easy to moderate mostly flat valley riding with gentle ascents
Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio San Francisco. 

Day 3: Palma del Rio - Cordoba, 36 mi. (58 km)
Ride from Palma del Rio to Cordoba through open countryside containing poppies, cotton, and avocados. The historic Sierra Morena lowlands flank the valley of Guadalquivir providing much wealth and prosperity throughout Andalucia’s turbulent history. Soon after passing the imposing Almodovar medieval castle, you arrive at the beautiful city of Cordoba. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk of Cordoba’s Juderia, Patios, and CraftWorks before having dinner in one of Cordoba’s traditional patio restaurants. A must-see is the 9th-century Mezquita (Cathedral) which is one of the earth's most awe-inspiring architectural feats. (B)

Easy to moderate mostly flat valley riding with gentle ascents
Accommodation: TBA. The best 3 or 4-star hotel in the heart of Cordoba based on availability.

Day 4: Cordoba - Zuheros de la Sierra, 36 mi. (58 km)
Today’s ride (the longest of the week) offers the first taste of hilly landscapes as you approach Subetica National Park and its stunning green forests, waterfalls, and unique limestone craggy peaks. The route offers long, quiet stretches of rural roads. Vast plains reminiscent of Spain's Don Quixote heritage are encountered! Lunch stop is in the shaded park of Castro village, followed by a ride to the region's most famous olive-producing center, Baena. Here, you can visit the family-run organic cold olive press of Nuñez Prado before the final few km to Zuheros. (B, D)

Moderate to advanced cycling with with final 2 km climb
Accommodation: Hotel Zuhayra

Day 5: Day of rest in Zuheros
Your rest day is located in one of Andalucia’s most charming white villages – Zuheros. Famous in Moorish history as a small defensive strong-hold, this tiny hamlet offers pure nature, quiet village lanes, and opportunities to get out on foot into the mountains, ride the famous Via Verde paths, or simply relax in the serene village surroundings with a book and a tapas. *Please see the information below for further rest day options. Tonight's dinner is not included but we recommend dining at the lovely plaza venta under the fortress. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Zuhayra

Day 6: Zuheros - Alcala la Real, 31 mi. (50 km)
The ride today brings you through the rolling olive groves towards the mountains surrounding the famous Vega de Granada. Today’s route takes in a busier road for part of the day followed by a lovely rural lane and even a section of the Via Verde historical route. The stay at Alcala la Real (The Royal) is marked by a visit to this once regal town’s Moorish Fortress grounds as well as a light walk through the city itself. (B, D)

Moderate to advanced cycling on mostly rolling hills with the occasional longer climb
Accommodation:  Hotel Torrepalma

Day 7: Alcala la Real - Granada, 35 mi. (57 km)
Your final riding day begins as you pass through Jaen Province’s Sierra ranges and into the great valley (vega), that contains Granada itself. Beautiful countryside marked by olive and almond groves set on high valleys, cliff walls, and along pretty rivers. This final ride to the heart of Granada offers inspiring views of the snowy Sierra Nevada peaks and with luck, you capture a view of the Alhambra Palace set high above the hustle and bustle of New Granada. Today is a picnic along a pretty lakeside where you can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

In the evening there is a guided tour through the lanes of Granada’s exotic Albaizín district and Moroccan Quarter visiting lovely plazas and capturing the beauty of the Alhambra Palace at night from one of the city’s most spectacular miradors. Tonight dinner is not included but we normally have a final group farewell celebration in one of the city’s lovely open plazas. This evening your tour leader(s) will also depart the tour.

Please note – your leader is always available to assist with onward travel advice, translations, and highlights/ideas for visiting Granada. Additionally, if you plan to visit the Alhambra (which is highly recommended), remember to book your tickets by credit card well in advance – this can be done through the Alhambra Website. (B)

Moderate to advanced cycling on mostly rolling hills with the occasional longer climb
Accommodation: TBA. The best 3 or 4-star city hotel in Granada will be booked based on the group number and time of year for the tour.

Day 8: Departure from Granada
Guests are free to depart this morning after breakfast from Granada / no transport included. (B)

*Rest Day Options
Zuheros is a fantastic village for those who appreciate natural outdoor settings. With a stunning mountain backdrop containing forests, caves, walking paths, waterfalls, and more, you will enjoy this friendly village and charming hotel.

You may also return to Cordoba city and explore this beautiful city more extensively. There are comfortable modern coach connections directly from the village to and from Cordoba – easily making the city a valid day visit.

Additional options (all self-guided): 

• Walks in the Subbetica National Park (30 min. to whole day excursion)
• Bird watching
• Cave visit (cave of the bat/1 hr. guided tour
• Organic olive tour press tour in Baena
• Cycle the Via Verde routes
• Relaxing in the village or surrounding countryside
• Guide treks, rock climbing, caving courses
• Day trips to surrounding towns

Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or view our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Very nice, charming 3 & 4 star hotels and B&B’s located in town centers or at a nearby location with enchanting views. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. For example on the evening of Day 3, you will be accommodated in the Posada de la Vallina, a 3-star boutique charming 17th-century manor, situated across the lane from the imposing Mezquita Mosque in the heart of Cordoba. With its lovely arches, marble, woodwork, and inner courtyard the Posada is a quiet hideaway from Cordoba´s busy historic quarter. If one or more of the preferred hotels are not available, we will offer you a hotel of equal standing.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Silvertip Lite Spanish BH

The Silvertip Lite from Spanish brand BH Bikes is a versatile machine that is ready to take on road or dirt paths. The bike features a light, tough aluminum frame for smooth performance. The Suntour fork soaks up bumps and vibrations. Reliable Shimano components take care of shifting and braking, and parts from KMC, Emotion, and Rubena handle the rest.

• Lightweight aluminum frame in men and women's styles (unless specified all women will receive a drop crossbar/step-through bike frame)
• Shimano components
• Front and back disc brakes
• Emotion Cross saddle
• 28-inch wheels
• Rubena 700*40 tires
• Anti-slip platform pedals

Accessories

• Rear rack (no panniers)
• Front waterproof carry bag
• Mounted water bottle cage and water bottles
• Helmet, toe cips (strap and strapless), & gel seat pad are available free of charge with advanced reservation.

Electric Bike

• Brands: Devron, Amigo, Monty or similar
• 24v and 36v battery bikes, standard style
• Up to 100 km of autonomy
• Speed up to 25 km/h
• Distance: 60 km per day on economic power use
• Power up to 350W
• Effective V-brake or hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano 18-speed derailleur
• Chambers with anti-puncture gel
• Various pedal assist modes

Accessories

• Rear rack (no panniers)
• Front waterproof carry bag
• Mounted water bottle cage and water bottles
• Helmet, toe clips (strap and strapless), & gel seat pad are available free of charge with advanced reservation.