The Land of El Cid , 8 days
Retrace the steps of El Cid, Spanish hero of the middle ages, as he travelled south winning battle after battle against moorish kings who conquered Spain for 800 years.
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From the town of Riaza, in the foothills of the protected Guadarrama Mountains, explore the red stone villages and the medieval town of Ayllón. Later head south towards Guadalajara, down the "black slate villages valley". Cycle on to Jadraque, dominated by the impressive "El Cid´s Castle" and follow the natural park of the "Rio Dulce Canyon", to reach the unique and magnificent medieval town of Siguenza.
- Price : 585€ per person MINIMUM 2 PERSONS
- Grade : Moderate
- Recommended time of year : April - end of October
What´s included?
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- 7 nights accommodation in charming small rural hotels with breakfast included.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed maps with your trail clearly marked.
- Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc.
- Emergency support.
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Options:
- Bicycle and equipment rental.
Extra night/s in Madrid.
Itinerary description
- Day 1 Arrival by airport transfer to Riaza, Segovia, on the foothils of the Guadarrama Mountains. Bicycle and equipment hand-over. A chance to relax and explore the town´s fabulous main square, surrounded by colonnades topped with balconies and its Gothic church with its Renaissance tower.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Quemada, Riaza. (www.segovia-sp.com/casaquemada) - Day 2 Spectacular circular route cycling amongst a vast oak woodland, discovering the red stone villages, to visit the medieval town of Ayllon, full of Noble mansions from the 15th-17th centuries, and its palace and elegant main square and town hall. (breakfast included).
45 km by bike.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Quemada, Riaza. (www.segovia-sp.com/casaquemada) - Day 3 An initial push up the quesera mountain pass takes you into Guadalajara province and a very different landscape of large wooded valleys and the ocassional little village characterised by its traditional architecture using the available black slate. The small quiet roads descend into the remote "Tejera Negra Valley" where the stars shine bright at night, away from any light pollution (breakfast included).
40 Km by bike.
Alojamiento: La Era de la Tia Donata, Campillo de Ranas. (www.laeradelatiadonata.com) - Day 4 Cycle along quiet roads, past interesting towns such as Tamajón and Muriel, with a change for a swim at the Beleña reservoir to reach Cogolludo at the end of the day and enjoy its palace and beautiful main square with several restaurants and terraces (breakfast included).
36 Km by bike.
Accommodation: Hospederia Ballesteros, Cogolludo. (www.ballesterocogolludo.es) - Day 5 Wide open spaces as you cycle past many small plateaux on a traditional shepherding country. You climb up to an area offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and later decend on to the historic town of Jadraque, where its imposing castle dominates the landscape (breakfast included).
38 Km by bike.
Accommodation: Hostal el Castillo, Jadraque. (www.hostalcastillo.com) - Day 6 Cycle along good tracks from Jadraque to Pelegrina following the crystal clear waters of the river Dulce, as it sinks into a spectacular canyon, now a protected natural park. After a short cycle ride from there you reach the old historic town of Siguenza (breakfast included).
42 Km by bike.
Accommodation: La casona de Lucia, Siguenza. (www.lacasonadelucia.com) - Day 7 Time to explore Siguenza´s 5th century castle, 12th century cathedral, diocese museum, medieval necropolis and many churches and historic buildings as well as doing a circular cycle tour exploring the surrounding landscape. (breakfast included).
40 Km by bike.
Accommodation: La casona de Lucia, Siguenza. (www.lacasonadelucia.com) - Day 8 Transfer to Madrid Airport or city (breakfast included).
Our hire bikes and equipment :
We provide you with fully equipped touring bicycles. Remember that we carry your luggage between hotels so you can travel light. You can also bring your own bike if you wish!
- Orbea hybrid bike
- 21 gears
- 3 sizes (16”, 18” y 20”)
- bicycle stand
- mudguards
- water bottle
- large rear panniers
- map carrier
- Specialized helmets
- pump
- repair kit
- spare inner tube
How to get there:
- Which airport should I fly to? Madrid international airport.
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How do I get to the Starting Point? Bus service to Riaza to Madrid (1hr30mins).
How do I get back to Madrid? Train service to Madrid (1hr30mins).
