Cycle through the beautiful landscape between two of Andalucia's finest historic cities - Granada and Seville

Our journey begins in Granada, home to the romantic Alhambra Palace, and moves on through some of Spain's most impressive yet least-known landscapes. Following roads that for centuries echoed with the sound of Berber and Arab warlords, armies and tradesmen, this is a journey of discovery through a rolling landscape of whitewashed farmhouses, olive trees, citrus groves, rugged limestone gorges and dense forest parks. Ancient fortresses and decaying monasteries reveal the region's changing fortunes, and we continue across the stunning cliffs of Ronda and the Moorish citadel of Arcos de la Frontera to reach Spain's finest monument city - Seville. Its atmospheric tapas bars are the perfect place to reflect on a fine week's cycling.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Granada. 2 Optional morning visit to Alhambra Palace, one of the great wonders of Islamic architecture; afternoon ride through olive groves of the Sierra de Loja to historic Archidona. 3 Ride through rolling farmland to Fuente de Piedra Nature Reserve (Europe's largest colony of flamingoes); onto mediaeval Antequera, one of Andalucia's architectural showpieces. 4 Follow remote road below Sierra de Torcal past stunning lakes and through pine forest into the Ardales N.P.; lunch near famous gorges of 'Camino del Rey' (King's Walk); Sierra ride to farming village of El Burgo. 5 Cycle through UNESCO protected 'Biosphere Reserve' into outstanding bandit country of Sierra de las Nieves, home to eagles and vultures; downhill into fortified town of Ronda, with clifftop citadel and stunning gorge. 6 Into the heart of Sierra de Grazalema N.P., one of Spain's finest wilderness areas; lunch in the pretty town of Grazalema. 7 Through Alcornocales N.P. passing various lakes and climbing hills studded with cork oak; onto Moorish clifftop town of Arcos de la Frontera; drive to Seville to enjoy its superb historic monuments. 8 End Seville.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 50km (31m). Number of days cycling: 6 (1 optional). Vehicle support: 100%.A Terrain and route: the region is hilly, with a few climbs but generally this trip is not excessively demanding. Leader drives the support vehicle, sweeping the route several times a day. This is a flexible trip as maps and route notes are issued and the group can spread out.
Group size: Min 6, max. 16, plus leader-driver.
Accommodation: 6 nights 2-and 3-star hotels, 1 night pension.
Food: All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $200.00
Trip Reference: MWG
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.