If you think your Spanish jamon couldn’t taste any better, try eating it after cycling up the side of a mountain for several kilometers straight. I realize that for some this proposition may sound like anything but a vacation, but traveling across Andalucia by bike is actually an incredible way to cover a lot of ground–stopping in small villages you might not otherwise have time for–without having to rent a car or being stuck on a tour bus. It also allows you to interact with your environment.
Words by Trek Travel Guest Erin F. For more stories of Erin’s voyages home and away, visit her blog: VogueTrotter
After much internet research–looking at high-end cycling tours that lacked top-notch bikes despite big price tags, as well as more affordable options that seemed isolating and labor intensive–we finally settled on Trek Travel.
The best part about Trek Travel is that despite their fancy race bikes and super fit cycling guides, your trip is, above all else, a vacation. No pace lines, no obligatory climbs. Don’t want to get back on the bike after too many glasses of CruzCampo beer at lunch? Just hop in Trek Travel’s magical white van and head back to the hotel to relax in the indoor pools. Or need a sugar fix to keep you energized before your final descent into town? The van’s got a full range of treats whenever you need it. In short, Trek Travel makes breaking a sweat mountainside, rather than beachside, a whole lot of fun.
Still, Jason and I were admittedly a little nervous as we waited to meet our fellow cyclists at the Seville train station on day one. Normally the notion of a traveling with anything resembling a formal “tour group” sends a chill down both of our spines (our shared distaste may be one of the reasons we fell in love). Luckily, Trek Travel treats socializing just like it treats cycling–do it at your own pace. Our group was a mix of people at different phases of their lives–CEOs, small business owners, scientists, retirees–many of whom we’d be unlikely to ever interact with back in New York, due to lifestyle or location. But much like the landscape and architecture of Andalucia–the surprising fusion of personalities and backgrounds seemed to work just fine. And together as a patchwork pack, we climbed to some of the most stunning vistas on the planet.
About Erin:
Since returning to NYC after living abroad for seven years, I’m aspiring to keep the same “new eyes” that I have when I visit a place for the first time. Whether in old or new Amsterdam, walking along the canals of Venice, Italy, or Canal street in Chinatown, I want to approach it all as an first-class adventure.
The bell tower of the Seville Cathedral in Spain fuses both Arabic and Christian styles into a single structure reaching for the heavens; and typically mediterranean palm trees grow next to wintry pines on the same Malaga mountain. While the Andalucia region is quintessentially Spanish–with its flamenco dancers, sherry drinking and white villages perched upon cliffs–it also blends cultural and natural elements in unexpected ways, keeping visitors to this southernmost province endlessly intrigued.
Words by Trek Travel Guest Erin F. For more stories of Erin’s voyages home and away, visit her blog: VogueTrotter
I’ll admit, however, that on my own recent trip to Andalucia, I arrived with few expectations. Although I had seen much of the countryside in France and Italy and Portugal, my knowledge of Spain was limited to chocolate dipped churros and pitchers of sangria from a girls weekend in Barcelona five years ago. Which is the equivalent of eating a “dollar slice” in NYC and claiming to know the south and its legendary soul food.
Ready to start our Andalusian adventure, my boyfriend, Jason, and I arrived in Seville on a rainy Saturday, confirming what all five of my weather apps were trying to tell me for days. Yet, looking at the city’s colorful buildings that still managed to pop amidst the gray skies, as bitter Seville oranges floated down the newly formed streams of the cobblestone streets, I knew something that no weather app could ever predict–we were in for a special week.
From the greeting you receive when you walk through the door to the pillow you lay your head on at night, our team of expert trip designers take special pride in selecting the best hotels for your vacation. We’ve spent years researching the ins and outs of every place worth visiting, but once in a while even we are surprised by exceptional quality of accommodations found in far-flung corners of the Earth.
Our Hotel Of The Year award is designed to highlight those properties that set the bar a little higher. This year’s winners, La Plaça de Madremanya and h2 Hotel, redefine charm and exceed every expectation of hospitality. Savor the rich flavors, lavish in picturesque views, and cherish every minute of well-earned relaxation because it doesn’t get much better than this.
Situated halfway between the hinterland of Girona and the neighboring Empordà district is a small paradise of gentle hills, with the village of Madremanya at its heart. Positioned on a hilltop and crafted exclusively from honey-colored stone, the village has an Italian look to it. It is here, with meandering streets and Spanish sunshine, that time truly stands still.
The jewel at the heart of it all is the Hotel La Plaça de Madremanya. Somewhere off the grid of any map, between decadent meals and exemplary service, is a place that cannot be forgotten. Surrounded by a sweet-smelling garden and looking out over the green Gavarres Mountains, the setting is nothing if not extraordinary. So celebrate you must, among friends old and new, as the sun sets on another day in this sweet Spanish paradise.
From an undulating roof alive with succulents to ripples on the creek by its feet, h2hotel is rooted in nature and fluid by design. Its light-flooded space makes you want to stay. Espresso with your check in? Cocktail with your keys? Just step up to the multitasking Receptobar or join the crowd at Spoonbar for modern Mediterranean nibbles and an artisanal cocktail.
Striped bamboo floors, funky Peace Industry rugs and local art draw you in. Chef Louis Maldonado’s earthy favorites and unexpected flavors leave you wanting more. Mostly, though, it’s the vibrant energy of people enjoying what’s become the gathering hub for Healdsburg. It is a place where happiness comes easily and adventure is just waiting to be had.
At Trek Travel, we promise to deliver the experience of a lifetime for our guests. We promise to surprise, wow and exceed expectations. But we never know how you truly enjoyed your vacation until you tell us. And we won’t know how to make it better without your opinion. Below is a note from Aisling, a recent guest on our Costa Brava vacation, that reminded us just how impactful your feedback can be.
Dear Ambre, Eric and the rest of the Guest Services Team:
I wanted to write and thank you for organizing the Costa Brava trip I recently participated in. I also wanted to let you know how exceptionally wonderful our two guides Gabe and Matt were.
I honestly booked this trip with zero expectations, mostly because it fit in between dates when I was seeing a friend in Barcelona and attending a wedding in the UK and I wanted to do something outdoors. I bike around NYC a few miles here or there to commute, but very rarely go more than 5 or 10 miles in a day. In fact, before I left for the trip the extent of my preparation was biking out to the beach and back in my bathing suit and flip flops (roughly 20 miles) just to see if I could theoretically bike the distance required on the trip. I had no real idea about bike fit, technique, or equipment. Nor was I sure how committed I would actually be with friends a short train ride away in Barcelona who texted me every day to see if I had had enough and was coming back to hang out with them.
Much to my surprise, despite the fact that I was woefully out of shape, completely ignorant of preventive care, ailed with chronic injuries and partied much too hard in the previous week, I was totally hooked from Day 1 and I have to credit Matt and Gabe for that. I am sure you frequently hear praise about the guides in terms of their organization and magical ability to have everything you could possibly need or want. That is certainly true. However, some of their other attributes impressed me even more.
I want to compliment them both for being extremely solicitous without being intrusive or overbearing. Want a van day? No problem, bike goes in the van. Need to be dropped off at a store? No problem, no questions asked. It’s rare to actually be treated with consideration without being infantalized, especially for a woman traveling alone and completely new to a sport. I always felt like I was treated with honesty and never pandered to, which massively increased my ease with the idea of group travel and having a guide. I was also pleasantly surprised at their versatility in conversation. I think I expected that as we were on a trip for enthusiasts, all conversation would be regarding cycling. While they were certainly able to have those technical conversations with other guests, I did not feel excluded for being less knowledgeable. I did not even have to use the ace up my sleeve–my experience with the Tour of Britain, which I encountered the week before while trapped in a London taxi for 2 and half hours behind the Team Sky bus with a massive hangover and a screaming baby. It’s a credit to Matt and Gabe that afterwards, I reflected back on the experience with much more curiosity and wished I had been more knowledgeable of the cycling world at the time.
I wrote in my evaluation that this was a life-changing experience, which seems like hyperbole, but in fact is not. I had a bad accident in Spain six years ago that has left me with limited flexion in my left ankle and compensating injuries in my right knee. I actually have pain whenever I walk, and in the past three years I have not been able to find an activity that I can do without pain–including swimming and cycling. This was part of the reason I had no real expectation of being able to complete the week, as every time I try and do something active (no matter how low impact), I end up off my feet with an ice pack and Ibuprofen. I was shocked that three days into the trip the pain in my knee was gone and it was beginning to feel stronger. Normally I cannot step out of a car unassisted, or walk up and down stairs easily. By the end of the trip I was hopping in and out of the van on my own with only the slightest hesitation. And never during cycling, or in the evenings after, did I feel knee pain. This was unheard of for me.
I entirely credit this alleviation of pain to the time Gabe and Matt put in to making sure that the fit of the bike was correct and discussing with me the importance of correct fit. At home, I just use whatever bikes have come into my life through various people. Now that I know what a well-fitting bike can do, there’s no going back. My ignorance of bike fit was such that they could have easily been less precise with the fit and I would have not known the difference. I really owe them a debt of gratitude for being so professional and raising the bar to a level which I would not have known to ask for myself.
And finally, I did not mention to either Matt or Gabe during the trip, but I am actually terrified of falling ever since I had my accident. This basically manifests itself by excessive breaking on my part and talking myself out of my fear during steeper descents. As someone who never had fear before and is aware of this as a behavior change since my accident, I find it really frustrating and limiting. Not to say caution should not be valued, but I can tell I am slowing myself in excess of the necessary level of control when rounding curves. Without alerting them to my fear, I actually had casual discussions with each Matt and Gabe separately to discuss technique when going round curves on the descent and was reassured when I got consistent advice from them independently. I found that although I am familiar with staying off the front break and slowing before entering the curve, I really had not been stabilizing myself with my outer leg.
The road was quite winding on the second-to-last day and uncomfortably reminiscent of the coastline where I had my accident. The way I felt while cycling on this road in the morning, before asking advice, and in the afternoon, after receiving instruction, were completely different experiences. On the the ride back, I let the group go ahead and went at a slower pace, partly so I could practice and develop more confidence and partly because the recognition that I was doing this without holding my breath in fear was a very personal and emotional experience that I preferred to have privately (just me and Taylor Swift). I really appreciated that I was given space and not pressured into going the speed of the group. Again, I should have thanked Matt and Gabe at the time, but the day was already pretty perfect and I had plenty of other shared experiences to discuss and be grateful for.
So thank you, Matt and Gabe. I know this was pretty verbose, but I have spent a lot of time the past week thinking about why this trip had a much greater-than-expected impact on me. It was not just the sunshine and perfect sleep that comes with physical activity. You both contributed greatly to it. I have never been interested in group travel or following anyone else’s lead, but you turned it into something I enjoy. The past few years I have been living my life frustrated by the limitations of my body. Thank you for giving me back the feeling of free and easy.
It’s early morning but I wake well rested. The sunlight is soft, the Mediterranean calm, and now the alarm clock buzzes in the background. From the comfort of our hotel room, my eyes slowly open and I am reminded of the counsel from my father, half a world away:
Don’t you know you’re living the dream?
And, as it turns out, I am. I woke this morning in a Leading Hotel of the World. A five-star paradise. A Mediterranean retreat. If the spectacular beauty of the surrounding rocky coastline and unspoiled beaches aren’t enough to put a smile on your face, then surely the balcony, spa or pool outside your door will do.
You wouldn’t pick our group out of a crowd – a couple of studious doctors, a NASA flight controller chasing a dream, a self-proclaimed half-assed real estate lawyer and a State Department diplomat to Cyprus. But as I walk downstairs I am reminded that after just one week and a handful of conversations, names are known and stories are shared. The receptionist embraces my broken Spanish because she knows I’m trying to progress. The bellman admires our bikes because a former racer knows a good machine. The teachers will arrive outside early after years of preaching punctuality to their students.
It’s the second-to-last day of our weeklong Costa Brava trip but there came a point this morning when I couldn’t focus on preparations for tomorrow’s trip end. The sun was shining bright and I filled water bottles for the umpteenth time, grease smeared across my calf, bike tools in my pocket, and a fresh cortado cupped in my hands. The caffeine had combined with the excitement of the day and left me far too distracted for the likes of goodbyes and shuttle transfers.
So with the wind in our hair and sun on our faces we took to the road. Pedal we did, hill after hill, turn after turn. Open roads are places to escape with friends. Views are supposed to be shared. After yesterday’s recon of the costal road from the comfort of a sailboat, today we took to the pavement and made our way to the next seaside village. Turns out heaven lies somewhere between S’Agaro and Tossa del Mar, with a finely tuned bicycle and good company, beside rugged cliffs and contrasting colors.
After exploring the seaside villages and centuries-old castles, we turned back the way we came. It would be hard for the flavors of tonight’s Michelin-starred dinner to improve upon such a perfect day, but seamless conversation and bottomless laughter erupted effortlessly in-between each decadent course. So with tired legs and energized hearts we raised a glass of cava and toasted the wild coast.
“17 switchbacks. That was how my Trek Travel guide described the climb up Col de Soller on the third day of my Trek Travel Ride Camp in Mallorca, Spain last month. And that was just the warm up.
That day my Garmin told me I put in 5 and 1/2 hours of ride time and climbed over 8,500 feet. My route took me up and over Col de Soller, then up and over the highest peak in Mallorca, the Puig Major, and then out and back to Sa Calobra, a gorgeous port town on the western side of the island accessible by a single winding road. Sa Calobra – the Cobra – descends 2,000 feet over the course of six miles. Reminiscent of ribbon candy or coils of spaghetti, that descent is at once both thrilling and terrifying as I hit the brakes sharply into the hairpin turns, then accelerated to get back up to speed, again and again and again…but more on that later.
When I dreamed up this vacation last fall, I had a few simple requirements. I wanted to ride a bike outside in February. I didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And I wanted it to be in a stunningly beautiful place. Oh, and I didn’t want to have to worry about flying my bike or riding a hybrid. Easy, right?
Trek Travel’s Mallorca Ride Camp fit the bill to a tee. This enchanting island jewel off the coast of Spain isn’t just for beach goers; it’s a choice destination for cyclists everywhere, including many pros. There, I got a rider’s-eye view of the Tramuntana mountains, fertile valleys, and tranquil turquoise waters on picturesque, pothole-free roads.
I’ve flown my bike across the country and I’ve rented bikes before on vacation. I’ve even resorted to trying to get in some training time on a heavy, ride-share bike now available in most big cities. It’s always kind of nerve racking (and expensive!) to hand over your bike to the airlines – fingers crossed it will get there in one piece. And somehow rented bikes never really feel the same to me. Call me spoiled.
What sets Trek Travel vacations apart is the quality of the bikes you ride. I had the option to ride a Domane 5.9 (included) or upgrade to an Emonda SLR, either one equipped with Shimano electronic Di2 shifting. Because Mallorca is a climber’s paradise, I opted for the Emonda upgrade. When I arrived, my guide had already set up my bike using my fit coordinates, which included swapping the stem out to a smaller length. After installing my own pedals and saddle, I hopped on for quick ride around the hotel parking lot. It fit like a glove.
But what really made the trip head and shoulders above other cycling vacations I’ve taken was our guides. It was a pleasure to show up each morning and have my bike ready, water bottles filled and Garmin maps loaded. Our guides’ knowledge of the country, language ability and most of all the pure joy and sense of adventure they brought to each ride – whether they were driving the support van or riding along with us – was awesome.
On the last day, as I was cycling along the coast from one ridiculously picturesque mountainside town to the next, I saw a large peloton approaching. Fast. A pack of thirty or forty men went streaming by in a flourish of colors, followed by their team car — Leopard. I gave them a friendly wave and a nod, communicating that feeling of joy of being out on your bike in one simple gesture. Yeah, I wasn’t going anywhere nearly as fast. But during my week with Trek Travel, I truly felt like a pro. And frankly, it’s something I could get used to.”
We are excited to announce that Andy Schleck will be joining us on a handful of cycling vacations in 2015. Join us in welcoming Andy to the Trek Travel team!
We already introduce you to the Trek Factory Racing team through our race trips. We already give you the chance to ride with Jens Voigt in places like Solvang. Now, we’re adding Andy Schleck to our pro roster. He’s signed up to join us on our Etape du Tour trip in July and Mallorca Ride Camp in May. If you’ve ever wanted to be on a first-name basis with one of history’s finest riders, here’s your chance.
Choose to join a few thousand other crazy cyclists at the Etape du Tour and ride your way through a Tour de France mountain stage. Or visit the enchanting island of Mallorca to test your legs in Andy’s old training grounds. There is simply no other way to ride with this former champion. And no excuse to pass this opportunity by.
Warm Goat Cheese salad with Pomegranate vinaigrette
Salad Ingredients:
Good fresh goat cheese
Dark green salad leaves
Toasted hazelnuts
Dressing Ingredients:
Extra virgin olive oil
Dijon mustard
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
Pomegranate seeds
Preparations:
1. Put a tsp. of mustard into a bowl and add 4 large dashes of balsamic vinegar. Mix until emulsified. 2. Slowly add 2/3 T. olive oil while mixing until all the oil has been absorbed into the vinaigrette. 3. Season with salt and pepper, add more oil if needed and gently mix in a handful of pomegranate seeds. 4. Slice goat cheese into disks, place on a baking sheet and toast on both sides in an oven set at 400ºF until light brown. 5. Toss lettuce with the vinaigrette, place toasted slices of goat cheese on top and scatter the hazelnuts over the salad.
Recipe Source:
Penny Gatward, Trek Travel Guide
Region:
Costa Brava
Wine Pairing:
Raimat Chardonnay Costers del Segre Viña 27 2007
Halibut with Wild Mushroom Fricassee
Ingredients:
3 lbs. fresh or frozen halibut
3 T. butter, melted
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4 strips bacon
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup buttered bread crumbs
1 T. chopped parsley
Preparations:
1. Rub halibut with butter, salt and pepper. 2. Lay bacon on bottom of baking pan and place fillets of top. 3. Make a mixture of sour cream, cheese, crumbs and lemon juice. Spread over the fish. 4. Bake halibut at 350ºF until tender (20 to 30 minutes). 5. Serve sprinkled with grated cheese and parsley.
Serving Size:
6 to 8 People
Region:
Crater Lake and the Oregon Cascades
Wine Pairing:
Elk Cove Pinot Gris or 14 Hands Merlot
“It didn’t take my wife and me long to choose the new Barcelona Villa trip from Trek Travel’s array of adventures. We loved the idea of unpacking our suitcases and staying in one place for a week. As Priscilla said when we first discussed signing up for this trip, “You had me at private chef!”
The trip turned out even better than we expected. Almiral de la Font was spacious and luxurious. A portion of the original stone manor house dates to the 16th century and a subsequent addition served for many years as a church. As an architect, I appreciated the contemporary renovation that preserved the history and character of the house yet provided every modern amenity, including robust wifi. I liked relaxing in the appropriately named Moroccan “chill-out” lounge best.
It was an outdoor room covered with lush grape vines and bougainvillea and furnished with casual furniture and dozens of pillows.
Because we had the place to ourselves, we really bonded with our fellow travelers. It seemed like a week-long house party at the home of a favorite (and wealthy) relative. It was wonderful to tumble down to breakfast each morning at our leisure or to come home from a day of riding and relax in the hot tub with a drink from the open bar. Everything was included. I don’t think I touched my wallet all week.
We were also fortunate that trip planner and guide Penny Gatward lives in the nearby resort town of Sitges. She knows the region well and planned a variety of routes leading from the house each day to a featured destination. One day it was a tour, wine tasting and tapas at an outstanding local winery. Another day we rode past a medieval castle to enjoy a classic Catalan lunch at a surprisingly elegant country restaurant. And a third day we celebrated some legendary climbing in the Garraf National Park on a high terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. There was enough terrain to challenge even the most avid riders in our group, but those desiring a mellower experience found that, too.
We found our way to Sitges one evening to take a walking tour and sample authentic pinchos at a tapas bar favored by locals. But the best meals were the custom dinners at the villa prepared by Gillian and Connie, our private chefs. One night we all pitched in to help prepare a sumptuous paella with fresh local seafood. And for our final night they used the outdoor kitchen to grill a variety of meats and seasonal vegetables for a festive dinner on the terrace.
This is a trip that we could definitely take again. It would be wonderful to return to “our” private villa again someday!”
Our friends at Global Cycling Network have put together this great video on their top 10 cycling travel tips. They joined us on our Mallorca ride camp this spring and over the course of 7 days got some great tips, beautiful weather, and the type of riding Mallorca is known for.
“Whether you’re arranging your own trip, or joining up with a guided tour, we’ve got 10 tips that will help you to get the most out of your cycling tour.” –GCN
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discovor:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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The trip turned out even better than we expected. 
We were also fortunate that trip planner and guide Penny Gatward lives in the nearby resort town of Sitges. She knows the region well and planned a variety of routes leading from the house each day to a featured destination. One day it was a tour, wine tasting and tapas at an outstanding local winery. Another day we rode past a medieval castle to enjoy a classic Catalan lunch at a surprisingly elegant country restaurant. And a third day we celebrated some legendary climbing in the Garraf National Park on a high terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. There was enough terrain to challenge even the most avid riders in our group, but those desiring a mellower experience found that, too.