Self-guided tour of Andalusia
Description
This self-guided bike tour of Andalusia offers a captivating perspective on the stunning beauty and fascinating history of this region of southern Spain. Ideal for those who want to enjoy challenging bike rides, this trip allows you to explore from hotel to hotel at your own pace.
You’ll ride along smaller highways and country roads, with the majestic Sierra Subbética as a backdrop. This breathtaking landscape, full of fields and typical villages, encapsulates the very essence of Andalusia. Immerse yourself in the wonder of clear skies, meander through tranquil olive groves, and watch shepherds herd herding into peaceful town centers. There, residents stroll in the afternoon sun and congregate on benches to discuss the day’s events.
Your accommodation will consist of charming hotels located in picturesque Andalusian villages, giving you the perfect opportunity to sample authentic traditional cuisine along with excellent wines.
Highlights:
- Explore the typical white villages of Andalusia.
- Option to enjoy a relaxing Arab bath and massage.
- See stunning rural landscapes including lakes, valleys, and mountains.
- Indulge in exquisite local food and wines.
- Experience beautiful and refined accommodation in rural settings.
What’s included?
- Six nights’ lodging in historic and charming hotels.
- Buffet breakfasts.
- Three dinners.
- GPS routes to download to your device or use on your mobile phone.
- Daily luggage transfer between hotels from the start to the end of the tour.
- Emergency phone number for 24-hour assistance.
Not included:
- Lunches and three additional dinners.
- Flights and transportation to and from Lucena.
- Bike rental.
Itinerary
We enthusiastically welcome your arrival to Andalusia and the beginning of a fascinating tourist experience! Today's arrival is free. Lucena is located 60 km from Córdoba and 85 km from Málaga, with convenient access from Granada, Seville, and Jaén.
This afternoon, we invite you to explore Lucena and discover the Gothic-Renaissance church of San Mateo, dating back to the 15th-16th centuries, featuring one of Andalusia's most beautiful Baroque altars. You can also visit the castle, the former Medinaceli palace, the residence of the Count of Santa Ana, and the house of Rico de Rueda. Lucena, known as the Pearl of Sefarad, once hosted a prominent Jewish community. This charming city offers visitors a mix of history, heritage, and stunning surroundings.
Your accommodation for tonight is a rehabilitated convent, full of charm and local character. A special place to start this exciting adventure! Dinner is included at the hotel; please indicate your desired dinner time at the reception.
Route: 44.9km +773 m / -611 m
After enjoying breakfast, begin your route through the picturesque Andalusian landscape, characterized by hills covered with olive groves and vineyards. From the village of Cabra, the route takes you along the "vía verde," the old railway route where trains loaded with olive oil used to pass. The destination of the day is the charming Moorish village of Zuheros, a treasure of Andalusian beauty nestled in the Sierra Subbética.
Zuheros preserves the traditional architecture of white houses with ocher roofs. Located at the foot of a Moorish castle housing the Local History Museum, a stop is recommended. A visit to the Bat Cave is a must; a natural opening inhabited since the Neolithic era. Located 4 kilometers from the village, the cave offers cave paintings and a stunning view of the region from its entrance. You can reach it by bike for the more adventurous or by taxi from the hotel.
At the end of the day, enjoy a three-course dinner at the hotel, prepared with local ingredients.
Route: 49.2km +863 m / -846 m
Today, enjoy a day of cycling through spectacular landscapes towards Carcabuey, a typical white village on your way to the next destination: Priego de Córdoba.
This afternoon, take time to stroll through this romantic and typical Andalusian village, located in the circle of mountains of the Natural Park of Las Sierras Subbéticas. This stop is essential on the Route of the Caliphate, the European Cultural Tour that crosses Andalusia from Córdoba to Granada. It is recommended to explore the fountain with more than 100 years of history, the various baroque churches, and the castle behind the hotel, accessible from the impressive Adarve balcony. The viewpoint also offers an incredible view of the sunrise.
Before dinner, relax in the hotel's Arab baths with a soothing massage for body and soul. Tonight, dinner is not included. We recommend the Balcón del Adarve restaurant or the Asador La Muralla, both near the hotel, to enjoy local cuisine made with Denomination of Origin olive oil.
Route: 31.8 km
+528 m / -744 m
After breakfast, enjoy the olive groves and serene paths that wind through the mountains, cycling towards the Genil River valley, passing by the impressive Iznájar reservoir. Spend the afternoon by the pool, with stunning views over Lake Iznajar. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Route: 47 km +1100 m / -427 m
You will arrive at Bobadilla to enjoy the Royal Hideaway Hotel, an iconic 5-star hotel with a spa for an authentic luxury experience. The route will take you through beautiful villages, with mountains and olive trees as a backdrop. Bobadilla will welcome you with the scent of its anise, making anise distilleries a tradition that made it famous.
Note: La Bobadilla Hotel will be available between March 13 and November 7; in case your trip is in another month, we will use Hotel Rural La Paloma.
Route: 43 km +500 m / -461 m
On your last day, enjoy Antequera, a charming city that is part of the UNESCO Heritage. Antequera, located in the hills north of Málaga, features an Arab fortress, the Alcazaba, and you will stay at the Parador de Antequera.
This marks the end of your journey. We hope you have enjoyed exploring the picturesque villages of Andalusia. If you need assistance with your plans, feel free to contact us.
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