One-day cycling tour of the walled city of Avila

We meet at 9 a.m. at our office situated at calle Juan Alvarez Mendizabal no. 19, a step away from Plaza de España. After a brief hour’s journey by minibus, we start our cycling tour at Avila Natura golf and recreational resort. We begin by exploring the countryside around Avila and finally make our entrance to the city along the ancient cobblestone streets. This city was declared a national landmark and in 1986, UNESCO raised Avila to the status of Heritage of Mankind.

The imposing city walls with more than 80 turrets and 9 gateways constructed in the eleventh century aren't the city’s only attraction: its Gothic cathedral, and temple - fortress, are considered to be the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. Avila was the home of the Santa Teresa de Jesús,  a 16th century Mother Superior, writer, philosopher and medic, famous for her literary works and reforms. It has several Romanesque churches, monasteries, convents, emblazoned noble palaces and a fortified cathedral. Here you can admire, in the 16th century walnut-carved choir-stalls depicting scenes from the Old Testament, some fine examples of renaissance art. Notice also the stained glass windows which are of outstanding quality.  Avila also offers a great choice of quality cuisine: you can savour the excellent bean stew from the village of Barco or a hearty Castilian soup. Castile is also well known for its roasts like suckling pig, lamb or the outsize “chuletón” steaks of Avila. Trout raised in the mountain rivers of Gredos, Tormes and Alberche is another option. For dessert you can choose delicious fruit from the Tietar valley or the “yemas” sweetmeats made from egg-yolk and sugar, unique to Avila.

The principal festivity is the one celebrated in October in honour of Santa Teresa, offering parades of giant figures, puppets, bullfights and street fairs, ending with a firework display at night.  Around Easter-time, Holy Week is also a highlight of the year’s festival events, where images of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried in silent procession through the city’s streets. 

After a typical Castilian lunch there is still time to stroll along the city’s streets or climb up on to the amazing walled ramparts. Later we are driven back to Madrid in the minibus and you are returned to your hotel.

Any alternative arrangements can be made to suit individual requirements. Please use the reservation form below.

- Route for medium or advanced cyclists. (30 kms /19 miles, mostly level with some up-hills).

- Full day trip (9 am to 7 pm approx).

Euro 85.-