Cycle Andalucia

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Backroads of Andalucia Cycling Holiday

Cycle Andalucia on rewarding and quite undemanding on roads with little to no traffic, and takes us through a rugged and varied landscape. Sheer canyons chop their way into a semi-arid desert reminiscent of Arizona, whilst the Moorish villages of the Alpujarras and the splendour of Granada add to the diversity of this trip.

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Prices from £945 8 days including flights from UK.

Places Available from May 2009 - April 2010

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Cave Houses & Canyon Lands
We drive straight to Benalua, a short distance from Guadix where we stay for five nights in a unique (and comfortable) cave hotel. For centuries, the locals have lived underground and still some 3000 people live in this traditional way - with the cave/room temperature at a steady 18 degrees all year round. From our base we take several rides into the dramatic countryside, ranging from almond tree-lined high plains to canyon-scarred desert of stunning beauty. Guadix itself was not only a Moorish stronghold until late 15th century but also the first Spanish centre of Christianity in the 3rd century.

Alpujarras Descent
We drive up to the highest mountain pass in Southern Spain, the Puerto del Ragua (2,000m). From here we descend on our bikes into the Alpujarras, once secluded, which sheltered the last remnants of the Moors before they were finally expelled from Spain in 1609. The tiny villages still preserve the character of those days and it's here where the countryside mirrors that of Morocco's Atlas mountains on the opposite shores of the Mediterranean. The views are stunning - high mountains and contrasting eco-systems offer great variety and are blessed by a very mild climate, giving the area an almost semi-tropical feel.

Granada & the Alhambra
We head over to Granada on our bikes along the ancient road that connected the town with Guadix in Roman and Moorish times. After packing up the bikes there is no better way for relaxing our muscles than by enjoying the soothing atmosphere of the hot and cold waters of the Arabic Bath in the historical centre. The next day is free for personal exploration, whether visiting the magnificent Alhambra palace - for many the gemstone of all Islamic architecture in the world - or head-off to the Cathedral. A highlight is the old Moorish neighbourhood of the Albaicin quarter, with its cobble stone streets, built on top of a hill with ranging views across the mountains and the Alhambra.

The Trip

Grade B, moderate - 235km/6 days (average of 39km/cycling day). (Please see grading information on page 39). Predominantly on surfaces roads, this tour provides a range of gradients and some steep descents, suitable for those with some previous biking experience, and uses 4WD transfers for some rides. Some ascents up to 35km bur predominantly downhill riding of up to 1000m.

You will have :7nts - all hotels graded standard

Meals included - 7 breakfasts

Transport

Your transport will include: Stockli XC-6.5 Pro, Frame: Alu 7005 DB, Fork: Manitou Black Comp 100 with Lockout, Tyre: Ritchy Innovader Pro 2.1 Gear changer, derailer, bottom bracket, cartridge and brake: Shimano LX, Pedal: click and standard reverse pedals.
As with all our cycling tours, you must bring your own helmet. You may also bring your own pedals and saddles if you prefer. Please refer to individual dossier for other requirements. Panniers are provided on the bikes which can can be clipped on/off as required.

Tour leader/bike guide plus support staff/driver(s). Additional guide provided for groups of 8 or more. Minibus (airport transfers) and 4WD Landrover bike transportation and support vehicles..

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly London/Agadir.

Day 2 - Drive to Iherm in Anti Altas; ride to Ait Abdellah; drive to Tafraoute.

Day 3 -Drive to Ammeln Valley; ride through Anti Atlas to Lakhmis Ida Ougnidif; return to Tafraoute.

Day 4 - Ride to Tahala through lunar landscapes and oases; return to Tafraoute via painted rocks.

Day 5 - Ride through Ait Mansour valley to Talouste; return to Tafraoute.

Day 6 - Drive to High Atlas; cycle descent to Immouzzer.

Day 7 - Dramatic descent through High Atlas and Paradise valley to Atlantic coast; drive to Agadir.

Day 8 - Fly London.

TAFRAOUTE Mountain base in the heart of the Anti-Atlas.
AMMELN VALLEY Exploring the fertile landscapes and Berber settlements of the Ammeln.
PAINTED ROCKS Unusual art in the middle of the desert.
AIT MANSOUR VALLEY Spectacular dramatic gorges and lush palmeries.
IMMOUZER Hilltop settlement famed for its honey.
PARADISE VALLEY a spectacular descent down to the Atlantic Coast