Andalucia Cycling Holiday cycling holiday spain

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Tour information
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 Muslim 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.

Accommodation and Meals
5nts cave hotel, 2nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport
21-gear hybrid bikes with front suspension, bag-rack and pannier bag for day things.

Comments
Grade B - 173km/4 days (average 43km/cycling day). One afternoon is left free with an optional ride available. The area around Guadix is not densely populated at all - thus few cars will disturb us. Cycling is mostly on the flat or downhill though there are several short uphill sections, generally when ascending out of river valleys. Andalusia is a very mountainous province but this trip offers easy to moderate cycling. 90% on good quality tarmac road. 10% off road on good condition dirt roads.
Group Size
Approx. 12 to 16.

Tour Staff
Our Tour Leader cycles with the group on days 3 & 4 - no vehicle back-up is provided on these days. On other days the tour leader will be following the group in a back-up vehicle should assistance be necessary.

• BENALUA: Nr Guadix, unusual
  accommodation in a cave hotel.
• SIERRA NEVADA FOOTHILLS Five days of
  cycling 200km of varied and spectacular
  scenery, including two longer downhills.
• GRANADA Take in the atmosphere of the
  last Moorish capital on the Iberian peninsula.

Day 1 Fly London/Malaga, drive Benalua.

Day 2 Cycle along the northern Sierra Nevada.

Day 3 Cycle into the plains and canyons of the Guadix Hoya.

Day 4 Rest day or cycle through the Guadix cave quarter and visit old town.

Day 5 Cycle downhill from Puerto de la Ragua Pass into the Alpujarras.

Day 6 Cycle across the Sierra Nevada into Granada.

Day 7 In Granada.

Day 8 Drive to Malaga; fly London.