Overview

Welcome to Andalucia and your self-guided biking trip! Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the Hotel Maestranza in Ronda at 10:00 AM. Please come dressed in your cycling clothes and bring any personal cycling equipment you may need for the day, such as pedals, saddles, GPS units, etc. After an overview of the week ahead, you'll be fitted to your Trek bike to ensure that you are well-prepared for the week ahead. Then, you'll embark on your first cycling adventure through the Spanish rolling hills with views of unspoiled, limestone mountains along quiet, picturesque roads to the unique town of Júzcar, also known as the Smurf village, the blue village! After taking things at your own pace, finish your ride back at your hotel. Unwind and relax, perhaps with an aperitif by the pool, before savoring your first Andalucian dinner, either at the hotel's restaurant or a local restaurant in town. The choice is yours.

Overview

Be prepared to take lots of photos today! The ride today is a scenic but challenging route through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. If you're up for a challenge and want to add some spice to your ride, you can tackle the Puerto de las Palomas, a well-known climb among the riders of the Vuelta de España, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and lake as you twist your way up and over the pass. Whichever option you choose, your destination is Grazalema, another delightful pueblo blanco nestled amongst the beautiful mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema. Here, you can explore charming cafes and bistros for lunch and try locally produced organic Payoyo goat's cheese before a mellow rolling ride through a forest of oak and cork trees back to Ronda. This evening, we suggest taking a stroll through Ronda to discover the secret gems of this historic town. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the El Tajo gorge from the new bridge, the Puente Nuevo, which was completed in 1793. Then, wind your way through the old city of Ronda that served as an important historical location when the Moors filled it with mosques and palaces. Nowadays, the cobbled streets are lined with handsome mansions, some of which are still occupied by Ronda's titled families. Dinner is yours to discover in town, and we have provided a list of our favorite bistros from around the city to help you choose.

Overview

After enjoying a bountiful breakfast, grab your bike and venture out to explore more picturesque whitewashed villages in the Andalusian countryside. Follow the panoramic road towards Algeciras and the Mediterranean Sea. From there, you can choose to ride for a longer or shorter duration, depending on your preferred option. If you turn west towards Grazalema Natural Park, you'll find yourself in a protected area filled with huge limestone mountains, wildlife, and remote rocky vistas. Take a break and have coffee with the locals in the main plaza of one of the sleepy villages. Then, continue your loop, surrounded by open farmlands and large olive orchards back to Ronda. Along the way, soak in the authenticity of rural Andalucia and appreciate the charm of hidden towns like Cortes de la Frontera. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. After a day of cycling, unwind by the pool, or try out a new dining spot in town for dinner.

Overview

You've never seen anything like today’s itinerary! Cycle past the ruins of the old town of Ronda in Acinipo and choose to visit the Roman amphitheater and archaeological remains of Ronda la Vieja. Ride through country roads amidst the ubiquitous olive trees into the hills of the Sierra de las Salinas towards the unique town of Setenil de las Bodegas, a white village famous for its “cave houses”. If you feel like a challenge, extend your ride toward the hilltop town of Olvera before heading to Setenil to enjoy some gourmet tapas paired with the local wine varietals. Afterward, ride back to the hotel and enjoy some relaxing time in the hotel spa. Tonight, we suggest going out on the town to enjoy a Flamenco guitar show performed in a traditional tablao of Ronda before having another memorable dining experience in town.

Overview

Before the end of your self-guided bike tour in enchanting Andalucia, choose to relax at the hotel, walk into town at your leisure, or take an early morning spin across the Puente Nuevo and down past the old part of town for a bucolic ride coupled with a final climb up to the Puerto del Viento for a last view back toward Ronda. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before saying hasta luego to this fascinating land. Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the hotel at 12:00 AM to take your bike and say farewell before you depart to continue on your Spanish journey.