Centuries ago settlers in the Iberian Peninsula gave an impulse to its economic progress, leading to the prominent position it has won today for the supply of vegetables and fruits of the region. The mildness of its climate favours an outdoor life, along with its exuberant feasts such as the " Fallas Valencianas ".

Nevertheless, Valencia is a modern town, and a visit to its art galleries and its town center is a must.

We shall be staying two nights in Valencia, 2 nights furhter down south at Oliva bnowadays a touristy centre made attractive by its peaceful and lovely beach.. We will get to see lovely villages such as Javea, Altea, Calpe and Moraira, where many foreigners live all year round due to its mild climate. We will taste the good cuisine of the region, above all its world famous rice dishes in different types, such as the renowned Paella and fresh fish, always accompanied by the best of Spanish wines. In general, cycling routes are covered in the mornings, lunches are in-group and at the first hours of the afternoon-evening we are back in the hotels. Evenings are free.

ITINERARY COSTA BLANCA TOUR

Day 1: Valencia
Participants’ individual arrival in Valencia. Introductory group meeting at the 5-star hotel and cycle selection and adjustment to participants’ requirements at 6.00 pm, followed by a welcome drink. Dinner arrangements at participants’ own expense.
Clients arriving in Madrid by air are offered the option of travelling with us to Valencia in our minibus on Day 1, a 4-hour-plus journey including one stop; alternatively taking the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Valencia, with a journeying time of just 1 hour 35 minutes. (Train tickets are not included in the price)

Day 2: Valencia city tour 20-30 km (approx. 17-20 miles cycling)
Following a generous breakfast buffet, we depart from the hotel following cycling lanes as far as the Port of Valencia to view the site of the 33 America’s Cup sailing competition, then cycling onwards to spend a while pedalling along the Formula 1 track of Spain’s Gran Prix. We continue on to El Arenal, Valencia’s city beach, where we can rest for a while either basking in the bright Costa Blanca sunshine, or even taking a quick dip in the Mediterranean.
From here we cycle into the city centre to visit the main landmarks such as the cathedral, the train station (of architectural importance) and the Bull Ring, to mention just a few.
Lunch will be at a typical city restaurant, followed by a free afternoon, allowing for a visit to the modernistic oceanographic museum, or simply resting. Dinner will be provided at a beach-front restaurant.

Day 3: Oliva golf resort 52 km cycling  (33 miles)
After a hearty breakfast, we cycle from our hotel towards the Albufera natural park. We exit the city of Valencia over a new bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Calatrava)
Cycling some 20 km (13 miles) to the beach at El Saler. Here we can break to enjoy a quick swim in the Mediterranean if we choose. Our route then takes us towards El Palmar in the Albufera nature reserve. Here, a boat excursion will allow us to enjoy this paradise of rice fields and for bird-lovers, the wide variety of bird species that abound in this reserve. For lunch we will be served a sumptuous “Paella Valenciana”, the rice speciality of the restaurants here, while enjoying a fine view of this freshwater lake.
Our afternoon ride takes us towards Cullera, a village surrounded by rice fields, where we’ll complete our day’s cycling at the lighthouse. Here, our minibus will transport us to our 4-star golf resort in Oliva.

Day 4: Oliva golf resort 60 km   (38 miles)
Our day’s ride begins from our hotel and takes us to Pego, where we 
start climbing through a valley with spectacular views, following country lanes and passing through one little village after the other, constantly surrounded by orange, lemon and almond trees. The latter start their bloom in February. The route from Pego is constantly uphill but without major climbs. A menu lunch is provided in the village of Magarida. Afterwards, our cycle route back to Pego is mostly downhill and from there we return to the hotel. A relaxing swim in the sea or in the hotel’s pool will provide a great finale to today’s super cycling experience. Or, for the golfing enthusiasts, here you’ll find a chance to take in a bit of practice.
Dinner is provided  at the hotel.

Day 5: Javea 55 km  (34 miles)
Starting from the hotel, today’s cycling route takes us along the coast and through the orange groves along the “camis” (lanes) towards the port of Denia. Here we begin the  climb towards Javea, cycling on to stop at a gorgeous beach surrounded by rocks. Here we will have time for a refreshing swim, followed by lunch overlooking the beach. Afterwards, we cycle up to the lighthouse at Cap de la Nau, where on a clear day, the views are quite spectacular, and we may even get to see as far as the island of Eivissa (Ibiza). Our cycling day ends at the 4-star Parador hotel in Javea.Dinner is provided at the hotel.

Day 6: Javea 65 km  (41 miles)
Departing from the hotel we pedal inland on quiet country lanes towards Paracent, where an easy 6 km (4 miles) climb begins to the Col de Rates providing some excellent views of the surrounding countryside. We stop in a small village for a sumptuous lunch before cycling further down to Calpe and Moreira. Here, for those who prefer to finish their cycling for the day, our minibus is available to transport you back to the Parador. Alternatively, you may cycle the stretch back to Javea.
A farewell dinner is provided at the port of Javea.

Day 7: Departure or extension of your trip
Following our final breakfast, we will arrange the transfer back to Valencia and from there, our minibus will drive us back to Madrid.
Optional return to Madrid: the AVE high-speed rail link journey lasting only 1 hour 35 minutes.