CONQUISTADORES ROUTE BY BICYCLE

This is a tour that takes us through the lesser visited regions of Spain. When Spain was discovering the new continent, this region was the cradle of many who left in search of adventure in the New World.

We will tour the sierra mountain range and the plains of Extremadura with stops at the most important sites. This attractive route affords us to contemplate nature and benefit from it, as well as enjoy the many villages and hamlets we pass through. Cycling through vineyards we touch the local´s way of life and take our rest at charming and unforgettable lodgings offering the regions best cuisine.

As in most trips we organize, our accommodation is in Paradores, ancient palaces or mansions of the nobility converted into comfortable and up to date hotels with the latest technology installations but maintaining the charms of times gone by. Cycle tours, usually take place in the morning followed by lunch and then, after arriving in the hotels there is free time to visit the sites of historical interest and relax.

Itinerary

Day 1. Ávila.
Pick up at the airport and transfer by minibus to the Parador in Ávila (approximately 2 hours ride). Selection of bicycle and introductions. Evening free to visit the town and its famous walls. Supper at the Parador .
Avila is another of the towns forming part of the worlds´ human heritage in Spain. Its walls are perfectly preserved. To be seen are its cathedral and the church of San Vicente where a number of works of art are kept. Its Parador “ Raimundo de Borgoña ” is situated in a Palace built in the walls of the town. Its name makes reference to the Conquistador of the town, promoter of the walls to safe guard the town during mediaeval days.

Day 2. Gredos (Ávila). 45 km. 110 mts. gradient.
After breakfast we bike around this city, always surrounded by a beautiful countryside and near its walls. After lunch we will leave by minibus on a lovely road towards the Sierra de Gredos where we will spend the night. Dinner at the hotel.

Gredos is a magnificent mountain range and the Parador is in one of its look out points. Comfortable and classic, it was the first Parador founded by the King of Spain, Alphonse, in 1926 as a hunting resort.

Day 3. Jarandilla de la Vera (Cáceres). 52 km. 420 mts. gradient.
After breakfast we will leave by minibus to the heart of the mountain, from where we will bike on nice roads crossing the Sierra de Gredos towards the lands of Vera. After breakfast we will be pedalling along the foothill of the mountain. We will come through picturesque villages quite unique for its architecture, plenty of forests and prairies.

Jarandilla is the centre of these lands, owing its importance to the Castle of Oropesa, nowadays the Parador, where we will be staying.King Charles V was another guest while the monks got his rooms ready in the monastery of Yuste.

Day 4. Plasencia (Cáceres). 55 km. 200 mts. gradient.
As usual after our breakfast and on our bikes, we leave towards Cuacos de Yuste where we will visit the monastery where Charles V retired and died. We go up the pass of Piornal from where we all will admire the splendid views of the valley. The descent takes us towards the splendid valley of the Jerte River to arrive in Plasencia. Evening will be free to visit at your pace then, dinner will be waiting for you.
Plasencia is a town on the banks of the river Jerte. It has a double mediaeval wall. The Parador is a wonderful example on how to give clients the best.

Day 5. Oropesa (Toledo). 45 km. 30 mts. descent.
By minibus we leave towards Oropesa to start on a 30 km route following an old railway track, descending towards Calera near our final destination.
The Parador is once more our lodging and where we will have supper.
The Castle and the Parador ¡, (a XII century perfectly preserved palace), are two of the milestones in Oropesa that can be seen from a long distance.

Day 6. Chinchón (Madrid). 55 km. 159 mts. gradient.
By minibus we go along the river Tajo to a winery from where we will do some miles. Then by bus we reach the city of Toledo, that we will know by bike. Enough time to visit it and have lunch. At the afternoon, we will go by minibus to Chinchón where we will dine and spend the night at the Parador.
Toledo is place made special by its Arab, Jewish and Christian elements. Many narrow street, its Cathedral and the bridges over the river worth to visit it. Chinchón has a irregular but very nice main square. The Parador is a carefully restored 17th-century convent.

Day 7. Madrid.
In the morning we will be setting off for Madrid where we will arrive after an hour´s journey. Optional: Madrid city tour by bicycle.
Free time. We suggest a visit to the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor (Main square) and the Prado Museum.

Day 8. End of trip.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

¡Hasta pronto y buen viaje!

   

Price per person	EURO 1845 in a double room at Paradores de Turismo and 4- star hotels. Single supplement Euro 255
Other options	For extra nights before or after the tour please consult us
Departure dates	2013 Starting on Sundays anytime with a minimum of 6 participants
Difficulty level	B (Intermediate) and C (Advanced). 5 routes of 40-65 km/28 - 40 miles per day Adaptable to the groups´ ability
Days/nights	8 days/7 nights
Included in the price	7 nights accommodation in Parqadores and 4-star hotels All buffet breakfasts and VAT taxes 5 suppers with a drink 6 menu lunches, drinks included Local bike tour leader in English, German and French possible Modern support vehicle VW New 27 gear bicycles, individually adapted Tecnical support Daily refreshments & fruits Admission fees Documentation Free CD with photo album and our welcome gifts Our fantastic 3-hour Madrid city tour either at the beginning or end of your tour if your time allows it All about Bravobike, our team, vehicles, bicycles and routes
Supplements/ options	For extra nights and further information before or after the trip, please consult
Discounts	Groups of 10 and more people please ask for discount