Ride through hidden Andalusia, in an area the tourists rarely see. A wonderful combination of limestone mountains, olive trees, white villages - the essence of Andalusia. The people will give you a warm welcome and you will encounter unique customs, superb Mediterranean gastronony and beautiful countryside. And take the opportunity to combine the tour with a visit to the incomparable cites of Granada, Córdoba and Málaga.
Arrival and transfer to our hotel close to Priego de Córdoba (5). Our hotel is a fine 4-star typical Andalusian building with a good restaurant and swimming pool.
The hotel is in a quiet country setting just 5km outside Priego de Córdoba.A short introductory ride today to become acquainted with our bikes and visit some of the local villages and hamlets such as Carcabuey and Zagrilla. Priego de Córdoba is one of the most beautiful Andalusian towns. It combines the picturesque whitewashed and geranium-bedecked old Arab quarter with several magnificent churches from the Cordoban Baroque period. 20 - 12 miles
Today we ride through hills and olive trees towards the village of Montefrío. We have spectacular views of Priego as we ride, and then the most spectacular countryside en route to Montefrío. This was the last stronghold of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel before their final conquest of Granada in 1492. Tonight's accommodation is a charming country inn at 6 km from Montefrío. 44 - 27 miles
Here you can take the opportunity to book an extra night in Montefrío and use the free day to visit the nearby city of Granada.Leave Montefrío through more beautiful countryside and olive plantations towards the village of Iznájar, a typical Arab village with its castle dominating the dramatic setting overlooking the blue waters of the Embalse de Iznájar. Our hotel is a typical Andalusian hacienda on the shores of the lake. 48 - 30 miles
Today we ride around the Sierra Subbética to the marvellous Moorish village of Zuheros (the name comes from the Arab word for rock, suhayra), with its 9th century castle perched high above the surrounding countryside and with the backdrop of the Sierra Subbética. Accommodation in the charming and traditional Hotel Zuhayra. 48 - 30 miles
Today is a free day in Zuheros. Options include a via ferrata in the Bailón Canyon (15 July - 8 January), a visit to the Cave of the Bats, a walking tour to Bailón Canyon and the Cave of the Bats, a cycling roundride, or a trip to visit the marvellous city of Córdoba with its spectacular mosque.
We return to our first hotel in Priego de Córdoba. We have a direct route which will enable us to enjoy the pool and facilities at the hotel. Or alternatively we can cycle along the Vía Verde cycle path past the Laguna del Salobral and small villages such as El Tarajal and Zagrilla Baja. 27 - 17 miles or 36 - 23 miles
Transfer after breakfast to departure point. End of our services.
We think cycle touring is the ideal way to travel in Europe and that is why we are very pleased to launch European Bike Adventures, as it allows us the opportunity to offer a whole new set of experiences to people we know will appreciate them.
Accordingly we have taken our time in selecting the portfolio of cycle tours you find listed here.
A selection of hand-picked bike trips in spectacular places throughout Europe that focus on fun with the same attention to detail and quality that hundreds of our very satisfied clients have been enjoying with Ibero Cycle Tours since 1999.
On a self-guided tour, you are basically independent. IberoCycle transports luggage to the next hotel.
Riders are expected to complete each day's ride, unless there is an emergency, or a mechanical problem.
Cyclists do not travel as part of a group or with a guide, although they may coincide with other cyclists on the same trip.
Our "IberoCycle On Call" service means we are always available for help or advice.
Cyclists are provided with our own detailed Route Guide and maps for their chosen route.
Fitter cyclists may extend stages at will.
Málaga
Our usual arrival point t for this tour is Málaga. This is a pleasant city with a sizeable port and beaches and a population of over 500,000. It is an interesting place to spend a day or two.
Please note that we transfer to Málaga on the final Saturday morning. It may be an idea to spend an extra night there and spend a relaxing day sightseeing, shopping, beaching etc. Sights include the Castle of Gibralfaro / Alcazaba (the old Moorish fortress which dominates the city), the port area, the historical centre with its shops and tapas bars, the Picasso Museum and also the house where he was born, the 16th century Renaissance cathedral, and the Roman theatre.
A fun way of visiting Málaga is to take a city bike tour. We recommend Málága Bike Tours. These tours depart every day at 10 a.m. (book previously). Kay Farrell and her team will give you a fun insight into Málaga from a bike seat. You are free to then go back and visit the places in more depth.
Please consult us to book extra nights in Málaga at the end of the tour.
Granada / Seville / Cordoba
Whether it is on this tour or another tour, you simply have to visit these cities. All three are delighful and have stunning examples of Moorish architecture such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, and the Alcázar Palace of Seville. Obviously hiring a car gives you a lot of flexibility to visit the cities, although you don't need it once you are there. You may prefer to use the excellent bus or train services.
Granada is not really accessible by train from Málaga. Use the excellent ALSA bus service, which has departures both from the airport, and also Málaga Bus Station. It is probably advisable to pre-book tickets online.
Córdoba and Seville are accessible from Málaga (María Zambrano Station). Some of the trains are the AVE high-speed train. This also links both cities to Madrid, which may be worth bearing in mind. The Spanish train servivce website RENFE will provide complete timetables and information.
Morocco
Africa lies just across the Straits of Gibraltar from Tarifa, so you may like to take this opportunity to visit by taking a ferry from Tarifa on the Saturday after the tour.
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Low Season
01
Mar
24
Oct |
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| Self Guided / per person | ||
| Standard Heart of Andalusia | Adult Double | €880 |
| Adult Single | €1055 | |
