7 Night - Andalusia – White Villages

2-9 October 2010    Guided Tour

A trip through the southernmost tip of Europe. Dazzling whitewashed villages set against an intense blue sky, olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see, flamenco, beautiful local architecture and narrow winding streets which speak of its Arab past, a benevolent climate, long and unspoilt beaches, tapas, friendly and hospitable people - just what you need for that perfect cycling holiday where the exhilaration of riding through the open scenery combines with the pleasure of discovery around every bend.

This tour offers an ample vision of this charming area. We begin in the mountains of Malaga behind the Mediterranean Costa del Sol, and then make our way eastwards to the Atlantic seaboard of the province of Cadiz and the aptly named Costa de la Luz - the Coast of Light. Every day we stop in some of the most famous white villages to be seen in Spain.

Trip Code - SAT7AND1

“Just a note - bit belated - to thank you for a totally excellent holiday. Great organisation, smashing route, good food, nice wine, lovely people, brilliant time all round - and help, I've run out of superlatives !

Oh yes, and great route directions [apart from the famous 4 (missing) kilometres!]” Diana Wright – London, England

Day 1 Transfer to Ronda

Pick up from arrival point and transfer to hotel in Ronda.

After arriving at our first hotel we will have the chance to explore this beautiful town split into two by the most incredible ravine.

Whitewashed houses where the labyrinth streets betray their Arab past.

The elegant bullring and the fine town walls.

Day 2 Round ride to Setenil de las Bodegas

Optional ride to Setenil de las Bodegas where the houses are built into the cliff face.

Beautiful views of the mountains of Ronda. Visit the Roman archaeological site of Acinipo.

A landscape of olive groves where the characteristic black pigs are allowed to graze in the open.

Spend some more time exploring the fascinating town of Ronda.

Distance 46 km – 29 miles

Day 3 Ronda – Zahara de la Sierra

Today's trip takes us through the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and provides spectacular and beautiful mountain scenery combined with the picturesque white villages dotting the landscape.

As we approach Grazalema, we turn off to follow the shores of the reservoir of Zahara -
El Gastor. Zahara de la Sierra is another fine village in a wonderful setting.



Distance short 59 km – 37 miles
long 78 km - 49 miles

Day 4 Zahara de la Sierra - Arcos de la Frontera

Leaving Zahara, we head towards Grazalema. Here we can take the opportunity to wander round the enchanting streets and enjoy the marvellous surroundings of the village.

After a short ascent we have a tremendous long descent towards Arcos de la Frontera, one of the most famous of the white villages, perched high on a hill and dominated by its castle.








Distance short 75 km – 47 miles
long 99 km - 62 miles

Day 5Arcos de la Frontera – Medina Sidonia

After leaving Arcos, we head southwards towards the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, one of the largest cork forests in Europe. On reaching the park, we turn southwards towards the Atlantic coast.

Tonight's stop is in the village of Medina Sidonia, an old Arab fortress town overlooking the Bay of Cαdiz



Distance short 55 km – 34 miles
long 75km – 47 miles