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Active, self-guided cycling holidays in unexplored Spain

Sustainable tourism watermarkcyclist with a fantanstic panoramic view of Segovia in the background

Cycling holidaysLeisure cycling tour of Segovia and its stunning Natural Parks

A surprisingly beautiful and unknown area of Spain. Cycle through the fabulous medieval towns of Segovia and discover its incredible National Park.

"...splendid route though stunning countryside and lovely towns"

From 855 € per person

Difficulty level gauge

Difficulty:Moderate

Details ...

Duration:7 nights, 8 days

Dates:April to 31st October

Start:Any day of the week

Location on map of Spain

Undulating or hilly terrain with perhaps three ascents per day.

Cycling surface:Tarmac: 90.8%. Cycle track: 2.6%. Dirt road: 6.6%.

Average daily distance / climb:21 miles (35 km) / 1115 ft (340 m).

Description

Leisure cycling along stunning and quiet country roads in the Heart of Spain. This is the "Real Spain", away from mass tourism. Less than an hour away from Madrid International Airport.

  • Take a step back in time in the breathtaking historic city of Segovia, Unesco World Heritage Site. This ancient city is home to some of the best-preserved monuments in Spain, an astonishing Roman Aqueduct, a fabulous gothic Cathedral and a fairy tale Castle built on a cliff.
  • Discover the beauty of the Guadarrama National Park and the magic of the Duraton Canyon Natural Park and its remarkable birdlife.
  • Visit the fabulous medieval towns of Pedraza and Sepulveda, full of narrow cobbled streets and enchanting centuries-old stonehouses.
  • Pleasant cycling along quiet country roads, fields of lavender, thyme and rosemary, sunflowers and pasturelands.
  • Be transported back in time, as you gaze at the numerous captivating Romanesque churches that punctuate the peaceful Segovian countryside.
  • Three circular routes means you spend two nights in each hotel so you don´t have to pack each day and you can have a rest day if you so wish.
  • Extra nights in Madrid? Why not discover the vibrant cultural scene of Spain´s capital?

Itinerary

Segovia city

Day 1: Arrival to Segovia

This bike tour begins in the monumental city of Segovia, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1985. You will spend the first night in the city and have a chance to explore its many historic jewels like the towering Roman Aqueduct, a veritable marvel of ancient civil engineering which still provided water to the city only last century. Take time to enjoy a chilled glass of wine in the exquisite 'Plaza Mayor' while contemplating the magnificent cathedral, then take a stroll to the fairytale, ornate Alcazar, where Queen Isabel sent Christopher Columbus on his exploration of the Americas.
Cyclist with city in the background

Day 2: Segovia to Collado Hermoso

Distance: 26 miles (42 km). Climb: 1145 ft (349 m).

Small country roads and pretty rural countryside will bring you to the charming village of Collado Hermoso. You will have a chance to stop at the famous Royal Palace of San Ildefonso and visit its fabulous fountains and gardens. We recommend you eat along the way in one of the many excellent restaurants at Torrecaballeros.
Turegano castle

Day 3: Round trip to Turegano

Distance: 22 miles (36 km). Climb: 745 ft (227 m).

Today's route takes you away from the mountains to reach the little historic town of Turegano, home to a medieval castle well worth a visit. This extraordinary castle towers over the village, incorporating an earlier Romanesque church in its construction. Why not stop in the plaza to enjoy an aperitif or a delicious traditional meal!
Pedraza main square

Day 4: Collado Hermoso to Pedraza

Distance: 20 miles (32 km). Climb: 745 ft (227 m).

This morning you will cycle through small villages and wooded landscapes to reach the beautifully preserved town of Pedraza and its imposing castle. Considered one of the most beautiful walled cities in Spain, this place will surely be a highlight of the trip! Take time to wander through the cobbled streets and to browse the interesting artisan shops. There is a photo opportunity on every corner!
three cyclists in Segovia

Day 5: Round trip Pedraza

Distance: 18 miles (29 km). Climb: 820 ft (250 m).

Today you will explore the countryside around Pedraza. You will come across incredibly quaint villages anchored in a time warp! You will witness rural life as it was many years ago. The rustic style is ever present with perfect examples of rural Romanesque churches set in stunning countryside.
cyclists taking photos of sunflower fields

Day 6: Pedraza to Sepulveda

Distance: 19 miles (31 km). Climb: 1243 ft (379 m).

Today you will cycle from the foothills to the plains of Castilla. This route takes you through fields of sunflowers and wheat. Eventually it will lead to the hill top town of Sepulveda, where you can have a picnic near the natural spring or take a dip in its crystal clear waters! As your destination looms in to view you will marvel at this medieval jewel with its narrow winding cobbled streets and historic noble houses. Take time to discover the hidden treasures that Sepulveda shelters around every corner. Explore...!
Duraton canyon

Day 7: Round trip Sepulveda: Duratón Natural Park

Distance: 23 miles (37 km). Climb: 1991 ft (607 m).

On this your last cycling day, you will enjoy the highlight of your trip, the spectacular Duratón Canyon Nature Reserve. Cycling in the shadow of the overhanging cliffs of the canyon alongside the meandering river, you will pass under the pleasant shade of poplars while admiring the impressive enormous birds of prey swooping overhead.
Segovia cathedral iluminated at night

Day 8: Departure

Why not treat yourself to an extra night or two in Segovia or Madrid before your departure?

Travel

Frequent questions:

Which airport should I fly to?
Madrid International Airport.
How do I get to the Starting Point?
From Madrid there are frequent high speed trains to Segovia (30m approx).
How do I get back?

Take a bus from the nearby village of Boceguillas to Madrid (Avenida de America). To reach Boceguillas you can ask for a taxi from the hotel. It takes about 15m. (Ask at the hotel in Sepulveda for a bus timetable).

There are buses from Sepulveda to Segovia (Monday to Friday, at weekend a private transfer is required, 1hr). From here another high speed train will take you back to Madrid. Alternatively you can take a private transfer to take you directly from Sepulveda to Madríd Airport (1h:10m approx).

Useful links:

Hotels

Fabulous hotel on the main square of Segovia, right in front of the imposing Cathedral. Six nights in charming rustic Posadas set in historic buildings and medieval towns.

Bedroom in Segovia hotel

Night 1: Segovia

Situated in the very heart of Segovia, next to the Main Square and the Cathedral, this 15th century building was turned into a hotel and spa in 2005, incorporating many arqueological remains to up-to-date comfort.

Hotel in Collado Hermoso

Nights 2 and 3: Collado Hermoso

A peaceful and cosy spa hotel set within the Guadarraman National Park. Comfortable rooms decorated in rustic style. Enjoy its library, a drink in the terrace or its mature garden.

Dining area in Pedraza hotel

Nights 4 and 5: Pedraza

Located in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Pedraza, this rural hotel combines comfort with old Castilian rustic style. Ten very comfortable rooms and dining room, beautiful inner courtyard and bar.

Hotel in Sepúlveda

Nights 6 and 7: Sepúlveda

One of our favourite hotels!!! A protected building and one of the oldest in Sepulveda, with a XIIth century Romanesque front and XVth century inner courtyard. It consists of eight carefully decorated bedrooms around an exquisite inner courtyard.

Our Bikes

Touring bikesElectric bikes

Designed to withstand heavy loads and provide high safety and comfort even after long hours of riding in the saddle, these adventure bikes will serve you well both on and off-road.

The downside to all these extra features and equipment is weight, but on a long distance tour, reliability, comfort and safety, win the day.

Gentleman's push bikeLady's push bike

Characteristics:
  • Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
  • Broad range of gears.
  • Stable carriers for luggage transport.
  • Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo.
  • Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
  • Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
  • High bar and low bar models and sizes xs to XL.
Equipment provided:
  • Odometer
  • Rear pannier
  • Map carrier
  • Helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Lock
  • Pump
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Multitool set

Touring bikesElectric bikes

Not every type of electric bike is suitable to use in a cycling tour. Most e-bikes are actually designed for city cycling rather than long distances routes.

Experience allows us to choose e-bikes with the most suitable features for touring: reliability, simple operation, long battery life and short charge time.

Electric bike

Characteristics:
  • Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
  • Broad range of gears.
  • Stable carriers for luggage transport.
  • Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo.
  • Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
  • Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
  • Sizes S to XL.
Equipment provided:
  • Odometer
  • Rear pannier
  • Map carrier
  • Helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Lock
  • Pump
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Multitool set

Prices

Basic price:

Per person in double room855 €

This includes:

  • 7 nights' accommodation. 7 breakfasts.
  • Visit permit Duratón Natural Park
  • 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.
  • Activity insurance.

Supplements:

Single room supplementHelp button319 €

For those travelling with others, but wanting a room to themselves each night.

Solo traveller supplementHelp button496 €

For those travelling by themselves. Do not choose the "Single room supplement" as well in this case.

Extras:

Bicycle hire90 €

E-bike hire180 €

Adult tandem180 €

GPS rental (one per group)30 €

Transfers:

Taxi Madrid to Segovia (1-6 persons)Info button160 €

1h15min transfer

Taxi Sepulveda to Madrid (1-4 persons)Info button166 €

1hr transfer

Taxi Sepulveda to Segovia (1-4 persons)Info button86 €

1h10min transfer

Other options:(Prices on request)

Extra night(s) in Madrid 

Extra night(s) in Segovia 

If interested, please contact us with your plans, requirements and queries,

or simply use the next "Get a quote" section, which we would recommend.

Get a quote

Calculator

Basic price:

Per person in double room
855 €plusminus

Supplements:

Single room supplement
319 €plusminus
Solo traveller supplement
496 €plusminus

Extras:

Bicycle hire
90 €plusminus
E-bike hire
180 €plusminus
Adult tandem
180 €plusminus
GPS rental (one per group)
30 €plusminus

Transfers:

Taxi Madrid to Segovia (1-6 persons)
160 €plusminus
Taxi Sepulveda to Madrid (1-4 persons)
166 €plusminus
Taxi Sepulveda to Segovia (1-4 persons)
86 €plusminus
 
Total: *

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 Extra night(s) in Madrid
 Extra night(s) in Segovia

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Reviews

...the monastery at San Frutos will be something we remember for many years for the amazing views and for watching the vultures.

We had a great holiday and please pass on our thanks to the whole team. Our holiday was well planned with just the right balance of rural, mountain and village/fortified castles. The finish at Duraton Canyon was amazing, and the walk down to the monastery at San Frutos will be something we remember for many years for the amazing views and for watching the vultures.

Observations are as follows:-

Luggage transfer was very efficient. We really appreciated having access to our bags as soon as we arrived after long days cycling.

GPX files. These were great. Thanks. - the turn by turn directions meant a we didn’t have to pay as close attention to the road book all the time.

Transfers. - your transfer from Madrid to Segovia by taxi was great and much better value than anything I could find online.

Spanish language. - it would be worth emphasising just how little English is spoken in this region- even in the hotels. We knew a few words of basic Spanish, but might be worth recommending Google Translate in your notes especially the camera function for translating menus!

We’ll be sure to post a review online for you guys and hope to take a holiday with you again some day.

Thanks

Simon Vaux, UK

absolutely superb

I can safely speak for our entire group when I say that our Spain tour was absolutely superb, including all of the excellent services and equipment that you provided, our nightly lodgings, our splendid route though stunning countryside and lovely towns, the Spanish food (and wine!), and the welcoming Spanish people that we met.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are already planning another bicycle tour vacation with your company. You have so many fine itineraries for us to consider!

Hope to see you again. Maybe next year….

Salud,

Larry Rice. Buena Vista, Colorado, USA

we felt like we were in a dream, it was so beautiful

We biked the medieval villages tour the first week of September. It turned out to be the best possible time – clear cool mornings, hot sun in the afternoons (siesta time) and gorgeous cool starlit nights.

The daily itineraries were perfect, biking on small country roads in gold and dusty green landscapes, stopping in small towns for a cold drink on the plaza mayor and to walk around a church from the 12th century – we felt like we were in a dream, it was so beautiful.

The directions were perfect and perfectly clear, the support was impeccable (kudos to Raquel and Edward and Jaime), the inns were welcoming and comfortable and truly delightful – we can't believe we happened upon this company and this vacation: it was perfect!

One note about the route: we are somewhat in shape, we bike not every weekend but regularly enough. Out of an excess of caution we opted for the 'ebikes' with battery pedal assist. And that first day, slogging from Segovia up into the hills to Sotosalbos, we congratulated ourselves on our wise choice.

We found over the week that we didn't need the pedal assist that often, but when we needed it, we needed it. We are in our mid-50s, more or less in shape – if you are around the same demographic, we advise paying that little bit extra and getting the ebike – it is, after all, vacation.

Barbara and Andy Green, USA

the accommodation excellent

The organisation of the holiday was faultless, the accommodation excellent, the people delightful.

The historic villages, scenery, scents of herbs and lavender were stunning, can't wait to do it again; every hill climb was really worth it.

Loved Segovia and Madrid at the end of the trip too, they were a bonus but the solitude of the hills and paths was just marvellous.

Thank you for an excellent service and wonderful experience.

Patricia Methven, UK.

well planned cycle routes

This was a wonderful experience staying at comfortable and interesting historic hotels with delightful hosts. These were connected by well planned cycle routes that were sufficiently challenging for a moderately fit couple in (very) late 50s.

Bikes were a tad heavy but well maintained and reliable. All connection, baggage transfers, etc were smooth and without problem.

Towns and countryside were stunning We would not have known to visit them without the tour.

We did the tour in early October when the weather was just lovely - it may be a tad hot in this region at the height of Summer.

Duncan Veal, Australia.

The route was fascinating for us

We all had a wonderful time. The heat was definitely a factor, but we are from Arizona where currently it is 115F (46C) degrees most days!!!

We coerced our lovely hosts to feed us breakfast earlier than they were used to and got on the road early.

The route was fascinating for us and constantly reminded us how young the United States is. The people we met along the way couldn’t have been nicer and despite our poor attempts at Spanish, were most gracious.

Jorge deserves a huge raise for coming through with two additional electric bikes. Saved the day (actually, the whole trip) for Ken and Catherine. In fact, everyone with Senderos y Pueblos was fantastic.

Lee Lambie, USA.

We can certainly recommend this trip

We took the option of the ebikes and were very glad that we did this. There are quite a few long climbs and the ebike was wonderful.

The maps, small hotels and directions were great. the accommodation got better and better with the jewel being the old hotel in Sepulveda.

We think the new routes that went more off the main roads were better and think, if possible, to do even more small roads. We can certainly recommend this trip.

Jenny Hicks, Australia.

the rural scenery was delightful

We wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your Segovia's Medieval Villages tour. Although the weather was a bit challenging at times (cool with rain showers most days, snow one day) the rural scenery was delightful, the roads were in good condition and nearly empty, and the accommodations were uniformly excellent.

We particularly enjoyed the Hostal de Buen Amor in Sotosalbos, and the Posada de San Millan in Sepulveda. The young women who was our hostess at the Hostal de Buen Amor (Racha?) was very accommodating and friendly.

Pilar, who made us feel very welcome at her inn in Sepulveda, even drove us to the bus station in Bocegillas, so we could catch the bus to Madrid after the taxi driver cancelled at the last minute.

We also appreciated the arrangements you made for us for extra nights in Madrid at the Hotel Medium Cortezo, and in Toledo at the Hotel Eurico. Both of these hotels are very conveniently located, and provided very adequate accommodations.

The maps and directions you supplied were both accurate and easy to use, and the bicycles were ideal for the combination of highways, cobblestone streets, and gravel paths we encountered. We experienced no mechanical problems of any kind, or even a single flat tire.

We especially liked the fact that the trip alternated point-to-point rides with circular, "out and back" rides. This allowed us to settle in a bit at each hotel, and also gave us the flexibility to leave the bikes in the garage one day when it snowed in Pedraza.

Although we would have liked to explore the foothills to the south and east of town, the snow and cold made it easy to decide to skip the ride and instead catch up on our correspondence and simply wander about Pedraza a bit.

We will definitely recommend Senderos y Pueblos and your Segovia's Medieval Villages tour to our friends, and we look forward to trying out one of your other tours soon.

Paul and Lee Ann Weddle, USA.

amazing week of cycling

We just got back from our amazing week of cycling through Segovia's medieval villages.

Everything was perfect; the route was really away from the crowds through beautiful villages and swathes of countryside we would never otherwise have seen, the hotels were welcoming, clean, comfortable and full of character, the food was delicious and kept us cycling and the bikes were great too and very well fitted to us.

We will definitely be doing another trip like this!

Catherine Walker, UK.

CO₂ footprint offsetting

This holiday produces a carbon footprint of 0,3621 tonnes of CO₂. This includes taxis, luggage transfers and accommodation for every traveller.

We will compensate the CO₂ footprint for each booking through tropical reforestation projects in collaboration with the CeroCO₂ platform.

Additionally, you can also offset your own flight emissions by visiting myclimate. See the link below.

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