SPAIN BIKE TOUR OF ANDALUCIA
WITH NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS

Welcome to southern Spain’s legendary Andalucia - a picturesque land of beaches, mountains, flamenco & fantastic riding! After personally exploring this region on our tandem, we were very impressed by all the friendly people, quiet roads, charming white villages and the harmonious blending of multi-cultural traditions and architectural styles. The rolling countryside was a collage of vineyard-laden valleys, olive orchards and forests that extend to rugged mountain peaks on the horizon. Every road was simply another treasure to pedal!

One of Andalucia’s many charms is its fascinating diversity. Impressive historical cities are a short ride from quaint whitewashed villages. Vast cultivated valleys are flanked by pristine national parks. Seaside beaches lie beside majestic mountain peaks. Islamic and Christian cultures merge to create a warm ambiance that draws you into the magic of southern Spain. Flamenco music was born here, and its rhythm still defines the soul of Andalucia.

The tour begins in the beautiful city of Granada, home of the world-famous Alhambra Palace and unforgettable flamenco. After a short van transfer, we start riding in the countryside amidst rolling vineyards and sleepy little towns. Each day’s route passes through an impressive and ever changing panorama of natural wonders including the spectacular Chorro Gorge and the Guadalhorce Reservoir, where water and wind created a whimsical landscape. We continue westward and finish the tour along the Costa de la Luz, where golden beaches meet the Atlantic Ocean and we have occasional glimpses of Morocco in the distance.

Each day a support van accompanies the ride to provide luggage transfer, rider assistance and picnic lunches when needed. Our lodgings are a fun mix of charming hotels and comfortable inns, and the wholesome food and local wine throughout this region add a tasty dimension to the tour. Andalucia’s great riding, fabulous scenery and perfect weather are waiting. We hope you will join us for this exciting tour!

ITINERARY

PLEASE NOTE: Exact distances may vary from those stated due to local road conditions or decisions made by tour leaders. Additional mileage can be arranged for those who want more riding. A support vehicle will accompany the tour for rider assistance.

Day 1 - Meet at hotel in Granada, group orientation and a tour of the historic Alhambra Palace, a 700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site. The time for the group orientation meeting will be finalized in your pre-trip letter. Please let us know if you will be arriving early and would like extra nights prior to the beginning of the tour.

Day 2 – After a short van transfer from Granada, we begin riding westward through undulating fields dotted with olive & almond orchards to Alhama de Granada. Ride: 73 km

Day 3 – Today’s stage zigzags through a region of fertile valleys and rocky promontories, ending with an unforgettable winding downhill with the Mediterranean in the distance. Overnight in Periana. Ride: 64 km

Day 4 – Rolling vineyards lead to our evening’s stay in a wonderful lodge near the stunning rock-capped plateau of Torcal. Ride: 69 km

Day 5 – A morning hike in Torcal Natural Park and a short afternoon ride on rollercoaster hills past the spectacular Chorro Gorge and on to our lodging near the shore of Guadalhorce Reservoir. Ride: 37 km

Day 6 – Starting with an easy spin along the shoreline of the Guadalhorce Reservoir, our route passes sleepy whitewashed hamlets and ascends amidst magnificent scenery to Puerto del Viento, the “Pass of the Wind.” Our lodging is close to Ronda in a charming inn. Ride: 51 km

Day 7 – We head north of Ronda, stop to visit an eclectic village built into a cliffside, and then cycle to the white village of Grazalema, nestled in a postcard perfect mountain valley. Ride: 59 km

Day 8 – This unforgettable day of riding takes us through the Alcornocales Natural Park and is a rollercoaster treat of mountain valley & ridge top riding with fantastic views in all directions.  We overnight in the beautiful white town of Alcala de los Gazules.  Ride: 73 km

Day 9 – Our last ride passes through several white villages and ends at the Atlantic Ocean in Los Canos de Meca, a quiet beach town where you can see the distant shore of Morocco. Enjoy the beach! Ride: 55 km

Day 10 – After breakfast we say our goodbyes and depart for home or other destinations. Please let us know if you would like an additional night(s) in Los Canos de Meca.  The beaches are nice and, if you brought your own bike, there is still some great riding to be done along the Atlantic coast.

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

TOUR BEGINS: Granada, Spain
TOUR ENDS: Canos de Meca, Spain
TOUR DATE: 10 days, May 12 - 21, 2010
TOUR PRICE: €1,950 Euros/pp double occupancy, €300 Euros/pp single supplement
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 9 night's hotel, 9 breakfasts and 9 dinners, support vehicle
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Bike rentals (you may choose to bring your own bike or rent one for €100 Euros), lunches, beverages, gratuities for local guide.

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