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Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia

Spain
Available Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

8 days from

US$1,520

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Cycle
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Discover Cordoba and Seville in Southern Spain in just one week on your bikes

Trip Code: SGAC
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia

Highlights
  • Cycle through olive groves to the traditional towns of Lucena and Baena
  • Discover Seville and be seduced the sounds of Flamenco which spill into the street
  • Delightful cycling through old southern Spanish villages and towns
  • Visit and stay in the fascinating historic town of Cordoba
At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days cycling and sightseeing
  • Saturday departures
  • BIKE HIRE INCLUDED
  • Join In Antequera / End in Seville
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview
Is this holiday for you?

This trip has been designed for those seeking a challenging bike ride with the reward of sightseeing opportunities in some of Andalucia’s best known cities; Malaga, Granada, Cordoba and Seville. Cycling a mix of hillier, more strenuous rides of 55-65km with easier cycling days of 30-40km on generally flatter terrain provides a great challenge for regular leisure cyclists who are looking to push …

This trip has been designed for those seeking a challenging bike ride with the reward of sightseeing opportunities in some of Andalucia’s best known cities; Malaga, Granada, Cordoba and Seville. Cycling a mix of hillier, more strenuous rides of 55-65km with easier cycling days of 30-40km on generally flatter terrain provides a great challenge for regular leisure cyclists who are looking to push themselves but still require some easier cycling days too.

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Why KE?

We have combined three of the must visit cities of Andalucia on this one week cycling holiday so that you can experience the explosion of culture for which the region is famed.

We have included your hire bike in the cost of your trip so you can relax knowing it is all taken care of for you.

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Itinerary

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Arrive at your accommodation in opulent Antequera with its collection of red tiled roofs and 30 church steeples is mistakenly overlooked by many in favour of neighbouring Granada; allowing for a delightful atmosphere without the constant buzz of the crowds. Antequera dates back to the Bronze Age and it's varied history is showcased in its vast array of burial mounds, Roman baths, Moorish castle, Gothic churches and Renaissance fountains and Baroque towers all waiting for you to discover. In summer the fields surrounding the town are filled with sunflowers, creating the perfect frame around the town.

Accommodation

Hotel
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Today begins with an early morning welcome briefing when a local representative will fit you with your bike for the rest of your adventure. Once fitted with your bike you can take time to further explore Antequera.

When you have finished soaking up this historic town it's time to commence your journey on two wheels. Your route today is a hillier one, with 5 climbs to tackle as you cycle through olive groves and towns. Heading out of Antequera on the busier town roads you soon enter onto a greenway cycle path along an old railway line. Continuing on your way your route will take you through beautiful countryside and villages to Lucena, known for its quality production of Aceite de Lucena olive oil. Once checked in to your hotel you can relax and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

1010 M

Distance

65 KM
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Today is a shorter day on your bike which is much easier on your legs. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before hopping on your bike to join a greenway cycle path through more picturesque countryside, heading deeper into the olive oil production region to Baena. Life in this region of Andalucia is far more traditional. The people of Baena live from the land and are conscientious in preserving their traditions which is shown in the arrangement of the town, perched upon a hilltop and characterised by narrow streets which wind their way to the old town. The town is home to many interesting religious buildings including the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor dating back to the 16th century. You will have plenty of time to wander through the town, visit the hilltop castle and perhaps visit the museum of olive oil located within an old mill, where you can learn of the 6000-year-old craft. In the evening you will also be able to sample the local olive oil in one of the nearby restaurants.

HOLY WEEK FESTIVAL: Baena is well known for its Holy Week celebrations which attract visitors from far and wide to witness rival teams of hundreds of drummers compete to make the most noise.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

725 M

Descent

800 M

Distance

45 KM
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Feeling refreshed today you will cycle to Cordoba, former European Capital of Culture framed by the foothills of the Sierra Morena. This romantic area is surrounded by pine forests and provides a special solitude as you cycle through empty streets and passing bull breeding farms as you head towards Cordoba. This beautiful city is home to one of the world's greatest Islamic buildings; the Mezquita with its forest of a thousand pillars and ornate prayer rooms. In the evening you can further soak up the fascinating history of Cordoba and Mezquita and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

FERIA DE LOS PATIOS: Every May the courtyards and patios of the houses in the old quarter of Cordoba are opened to the public as part of the Feria de Los Patios competition when the locals compete for the precious title of the prettiest space.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

930 M

Descent

1245 M

Distance

60 KM
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This morning you will have further opportunity to explore the many sights of Cordoba before hopping on your bike to cycle to Palma del Rio. Your route today will first take you along a gravel connecting road dating from Roman times and then on through the Guadalquivir Valley as you follow the Guadalquivir River as it winds its way towards Palma del Rio. Nearby, Ecija is the capital of horse breeding and as you cycle on your way you will pass farmlands and several stables too. Arriving in Palma del Rio you will be welcomed by fragrant orange trees which line the main street. The trees are particularly stunning when they are in bloom and the fragrance fills the town. Once checked into your accommodation for the evening you will have time to stroll through the town and enjoy the local delicacies at a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

500 M

Descent

540 M

Distance

60 KM
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Your route today will first continue to follow the Guadalquivir River and on through the lush rolling landscape of the Campina of Seville. A final ascent leads you to your final goal of the day, Carmona. Documented as one of the oldest towns in Mainland Europe, Carmona has lots to offer including the impressive Alcazar de la Puerta de Seville, a Moorish Fortress and defensive gate, part of which is now a Parador where you can enjoy a coffee stop with a view. The town has not changed much in the past 150 years and you can take a step back in time as you walk through the old Jewish quarters and the network of narrow cobbled streets filled with charm. We recommend taking time to visit the farmer's market where you can not only pick up delicious local produce but admire the architecture of what was once a convent. When you have finished exploring the town you can delight in sampling the local cuisine in one of the towns inviting restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

410 M

Descent

250 M

Distance

55 KM
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Your final ride of the week is an enjoyable downhill ride that will take you across the gentle rolling plateau of Alcores, one of the most fertile agricultural areas of Andalucia, and providing a lush green backdrop for your ride. Your route will take you past the former haciendas of the Kingdom of Seville, now large farms which line the roads. For centuries the Alcala de Guadaira has supplied Seville with bread and water and is said to be one of the founders of Flamenco. Listen as you ride for the familiar notes.

Your ride draws to an end in Brenes where you will say farewell to your bike and take the train to Seville, a must for Opera lovers. Three of the most important operas are performed in the city: Don Juan, the seducer; the cunning barber Figaro; and Carmen, the femme fatale who lost her life somewhere between the tobacco factories and the bullfighting arena. You will have time to explore this mesmerising city as it seduces you with the sound of flamenco coming from the nearby bodegas and you soak in the city's intoxicating mix of architecture, food and history. In the evening we recommend taking a stroll to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, located in the heart of the city and enjoy a glass of wine in its shadow as the sun sets; the perfect end your discovery of Andalucia.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

65 M

Descent

265 M

Distance

25 KM
Hide Details

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in your accommodation and perhaps a little more sightseeing in the city before making your onward journey from Seville.

Meals

B
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The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
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Train
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described
  • Luggage transfers
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
  • Welcome briefing
  • Bike hire
  • Train journey from Brenes - Seville including your bike

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Antequera
  • Travel from Seville
  • Local transfers
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tourist Taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per person per night
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Personal equipment
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit, about the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook and all your relevant documents no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start date. We will send your documents using signed for courier so that you can track your package and know that they are safely on their way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our sales team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker so please remind them to pack it before you set off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start date, please do inform our sales team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

Many places on this holiday have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles. Please check with the leader at the various locations. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) for days when drinking water out of the tap is not available. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

The Andalucian mix of climate and altitude make for a true culinary experience very different from what is deemed as typical Spanish food. You won’t find Paella in abundance in the mountain regions, but many hearty soups and stews along with meals such as ‘Chicken in Almond sauce’ a delicacy from the Moors influence. Almonds, chestnuts, olives, peppers and figs and berries feature heavily in cuisine in these regions which grow in abundance in the area.

Closer to the coast in Malaga you will find many tapas restaurants and menus with a plethora of seafood dishes to choose from along with many welcoming bodegas serving local wines and delicacies. Food plays a key role in the way of life in Southern Spain and Andalucian’s love to eat out. Our top tip is to dine in the restaurants frequented by locals; they usually choose the best spots!

Breakfasts in the area are typically continental, often featuring beautiful homemade jams and local honey accompanied by fresh bread and pastries. Lunches can be enjoyed in local cafes or produce can be bought from small grocers and bakeries. A trip to Andalucia is not complete without a visit to one of the bodegas to sample the Serrano ham produced in the villages of Las Alpujarras, washed down with some organic wine from the region. It is certainly recommended after a day cycling.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

We have hand selected 3 and 4 star hotels many with traditional Andalucian style to help submerse you in the fascinating culture of this historic region of Spain. All have been chosen for their fantastic locations and warm hospitality and where possible we have chosen hotels with swimming pools to cool off after a busy day exploring. The hotels all offer a great breakfast buffet to fuel you for the day ahead and rooms are on a double or twin basis.

It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to enjoy this magnificent region a little longer. Please refer to the dates and prices tab for further details or speak to one of our sales team.

During high season you may be booked into an alternative accommodation of a similar standard in the area.

Bikes come with 21 gears and all bikes come equipped with a pannier and handlebar bag for your daily essentials plus a milometer, a bike lock, pump and repair kit.

The bikes provided for this trip come in two different frame types- unisex or male bike frame. Unisex bikes being provided for passengers up to a height of 185cm and male bike frames are provided for those above 185cm. If you would prefer a specific frame bike i.e. a male bike frame, please request this with our sales team.

You also have the option of upgrading to bike plus hire on this trip for an additional supplement of £ 70. The bike plus option provides a slightly sportier sitting posture and comes with upgraded items such as 27 gears, hydraulic brakes and a front suspension fork. This is a great option for those looking for a slightly comfier ride without upgrading to an e-bike.

Please note that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet in Spain. We strongly recommend you to bring your own helmet with you for the best comfort however, you can purchase a helmet to collect on your arrival in Antequera for an additional €40.

We also recommend packing a gel seat for extra comfort or a pair of padded cycling shorts, whilst the cycling is leisurely and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore it is always nice to have some padding for a comfortable ride.

E-bikes are also available at an additional supplement of £ 250. We are also able to arrange tandem bikes, children’s bikes, trailers and child seats. Please ask our sales team for details.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your ride. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is under 20KG and that your luggage is ready for collection each morning. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials with you.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Severe Allergies

Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required.  We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.

The advantage of a self-guided cycling holiday is that you decide the pace. This trip is designed for regular leisure cyclists who are comfortable with some longer ascents. You should be comfortable with cycling up to 65km a day on some hilly terrain. Your routes will alternate between generally flat rides and hillier more strenuous ride to allow you some recovery. Your rides will largely be on quiet roads or bike paths with some busier sections as you enter or leave a city. We advise you to dust off your bike and head out on a few rides before your holiday; after all the fitter you are the more enjoyable your cycling will be.

Andalucia has somewhat of a varied climate thanks to its fantastic mix of coast and mountains. You can expect warm sunny days almost every day from June through to September with temperature in July and August reaching up to 30 degrees or even higher on the coast. However the evenings can cool dramatically in the mountainous regions to a chilly 8 degrees even in the summer months, so don’t forget your jumper. Winters are much cooler with snow on the mountain tops and daily temperatures of up to 20 degrees but evening temperatures down to freezing point.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Cycling shorts

  • Cycle helmet

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Scarf

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Rain protection

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit for your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

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DATES & PRICES

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

More Information

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Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

This trip is available for departures on Saturdays throughout the dates listed.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

We offer some transfers to your hotel from the nearest airports, please refer to the 'joining arrangements and transfers' for further details for this trip.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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