Olé Andalucia
Date: __________ to ________
Terrain: Very Hilly | Daily Miles: 50-65
Difficulty Level: 4
$4,295
Biking in southern Spain is an exciting adventure set in a land of unspoiled, natural beauty. Ride in the wild forests and park lands of the Cazorla, past undulating groves of silvery olive trees stretching for miles in all directions from the city of Jaèn. Cycle on quiet roads with the snowcapped Sierra Nevada soaring in the distance, through wide open spaces, past amazing rock formations of a multitude of colors. Visit the brilliant Pueblos Blancos, or white towns, shimmering in the brilliant sun. Even in Autumn, temperatures are mild. In Granada, tour the Alhambra Palace and imagine how royalty lived. The influence of Andalucia’s Moorish past is apparent at every turn. Wrought iron balconies filled with flowering geraniums decorate white stucco buildings. The Andalucian people are fun-loving and warm and the Mediterranean cuisine is especially delicious. Thanks to the legacy of Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain, cyclists are welcomed with a cheer in every part of Spain.
Stage One • Antequera 30 mile loop. Enjoy a scenic ride to Andalucìa’s largest natural lake, the breeding ground for hundreds of flamingos. Back at the luxurious Parador, enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, sit by the pool or sample some tapas at the bar. Tonight La Corsa welcomes you to Spain at our "Benvenidos" dinner party.
Stage Two • Antequera to Priego de Cordoba. 58 miles - 5396 feet. Ride in spectacular scenery - almond trees, cactus, and vast tracts of olive groves. Follow the Route del Vino (wine route) to the Museum of Anis. Our destination, Priego de Cordoba, lies at the foot of the highest peak in the province. Famous for its many Baroque churches and monasteries, don't miss the sumptuous interior of the Church of the Asunciun.
Stage Three • Priego de Cordoba to Jaèn. 64 miles - 6428 feet. A scenic route takes us into the rural mountains. Dramatic countryside is covered with olive trees as far as the eye can see, creating wonderful patterns over the hills. Jaèn was the first capital of the kingdom of Granada. Tonight we dine at Jaèn’s best restaurant, filled with bullfight memorabilia and famous for its incredible Spanish food.
Stage Four • Jaèn The towers of Jaen's Cathedral soar above the town, yet the city has an Arabic quarter to explore, with winding streets and ancient monuments. Visit the wonderful folk museum and art galleries or the Arabic Baths. Try some tapas, the unending variety of tasty little dishes for which Spain is famous and Jaèn has some of the best.
Stage Five • Jaèn to Cazorla. 71 miles - 6380 feet. The Sierra de Cazorla is a jumble of ragged peaks, pine forests, and olive-covered lowlands and offers some memorable mountain scenery. Cazorla is a lovely, undiscovered white village of narrow alleys hung at alarming angles down the hillside. Our hotel is high on a cliff with a pool out on the stone terrace and great views of the soaring rocks.
Stage Six • Cazorla to Granada. 48 miles - 3680 feet. Shuttle into city center. A pretty ride from Cazorla into the peaceful countryside, takes us past olive groves and bull farms. Stop for a typical Andalucian lunch under the palm trees in the plaza. Late afternoon transfer completes our final leg to Granada.
Stage Seven • Granada Optional Rest Day / Loop ride in the Sierra Nevada. Granada is a city resplendent with the ancient glory of the Moors. Tour the Alhambra Palace, without doubt the high point of Moorish artistic achievement in Spain. Wander through the Albaicìn neighborhood, still evocative of its Arabic past. Or, if you want more miles, challenge yourself on a ride up to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada - Europe’s highest paved road.
Stage Eight • Granada to Alhama de Granada. 51 miles - 4428 feet. A quiet route takes us out of Granada over the mountain pass and around a tranquil lake. We follow a river gorge as it rises up above Alhama. Our last stretch is a winding descent that takes us to a natural thermal spring, the perfect place to soak one's tired feet after a long day’s ride. We enjoy a perfect carbo loading dinner of homemade paella, the saffron rice dish brimming with chicken, sausage, vegetables and seafood.
Stage Nine • Alhama de Granada to Antequera. 66 miles - 6298 feet. Enjoy superb views to the distant Mediterranean. Climb up to El Torcal natural park, marked by eerie, wind-sculpted limestone rock formations. A cluster of whitewashed buildings and tall church spires poke above the clay ti le rooftops. Back at the Parador you can go for a swim or sample the tapas bars in town before dinner
Stage Ten • Antequera. Loop ride to El Chorro Gorge. An optional loop to a dramatic gorge cut in the rocky cliffs. Ride past cool looking blue lakes and tropical vegetation. Have an afternoon cerveza and some tapas before heading back to Malaga.
Early Bird Special - Sign up for Olé Andalucia before midnight, December 31, 2006, and get 10% off!
Celebrating our 15th Year!
