Away from the Crowds

Reviews

At the Reservations stage your team were far more responsive than another tour company I was speaking with, and you came up with a very competitive quote for the holiday.

The whole service from Away From The Crowds was excellent, from my initial query right through to checkout of our final hotel.

At the Reservations stage your team were far more responsive than another tour company I was speaking with, and you came up with a very competitive quote for the holiday.

The bikes were really good – and our apologies for returning them in such a muddy state! They were far better and more modern than bikes we’ve rented on other cycling holidays, and the pickup and dropoff arrangements were seamless. I think next time I might bring my own saddle though – nothing wrong with the one on the bike I hired, but you get used to a certain way of cycling!

All hotels were at least good and most were excellent (The hotel in Montellano was probably the most basic of them all). The Parador de Cadiz was an absolute treat!

The luggage was always there on time, either in Reception or in our room.

The cycling route was very good – we used the GPX tracks on a Garmin rather than the book provided but didn’t have any real problems in following the route. The climbs into Carmona and Arcos de la Frontera were particularly spectacular!

All in all an excellent holiday, and we won’t hesitate to use you again for future holidays in Spain. Thanks you all of your team for everything you did to make our trip so enjoyable.

David Huges, Alderley Edge, UK.

Muchas gracias, David. We look forward to hosting you again in the future!

Gaynor, Aftc

The hotels were the best we've ever had, the food was the best ever!

We absolutely loved our cycling holiday with Aftc, as always! The communication with Aftc was excellent-really responsive and helpful -from the start of the booking process, right through our holiday.

The e bikes were fantastic- I don't actually think we could have managed this route without them as the distances were long. The bikes themselves were great- and the handover in Seville was really good- very helpful man who explained everything and arrived on times etc.

The routes were really interesting- very different to Asturias and Segovia- more larger towns in the Andalusia itinerary. We really enjoyed cycling in the towns as the cycle paths are so good in Spain. There's so much to see of interest. We were a bit less keen on the miles of agricultural plains that seemed to go on forever ! But the wetlands were fascinating, and the towns we stayed in were all absolutely brilliant- we loved both Seville and Cadiz, and Arcos de la Frontera. We also liked Montellano- as an example of an authentic , non touristy Andalusian town.

The hotels were the best we've ever stayed in with Aftc. Amazing paradors with fabulous views, swimming pools, lovely food.

Also the first hotel in Seville ( Las casa de la Judeiria ) was like staying in a film set- it was incredible ! I must mention the manager at the hotel in Montellano ( Hotel Andalou) - he was SO helpful, very trusting ( we could help ourselves from the hotel bar to beer, G and T etc !!- he phoned a restaurant for us, and gave us really good advice about the town etc and was very engaged and interested to talk to us- so completely different form a chain hotel.

So, in conclusion- we loved this tour- lived up to all our expectations of the high standard we've come to experience with our trips with you.

The hotels were the best we've ever had, the food was the best ever! The cycling routes were perhaps a bit less enjoyable than previous- but I have a preference for the greener and mountains up North- you can't do anything about the geography. It was a wonderful trip from start to finish- thank you so much!

Emma and John Armstrong, Bromsgrove, UK

Thank you, Emma and John! As you say, the south of Spain is very different to the north! We'd recommend La Rioja for your next trip - full of green countryside, little quiet roads, fabulous hotels and the best wine and food! ¡Hasta pronto, amigos!

Aftc

the organization of the entire cycling trip was excellent, from the hotels to the instructions and the choice of bikes

We would first like to commend 'Away from the Crowds' – the organization of the entire cycling trip was excellent, from the hotels to the instructions and the choice of bikes.

We will definitely return to Andalusia – because of its beauty, culture, food ….and also its friendly people. We felt very safe, even on roads with traffic and in the cities, because drivers were considerate and didn't overtake us where it wasn't safe.

During the power outage, it wasn't so bad because the hotel took such good care of us. In general, all the hotels provided excellent care for both us and the bikes.

As for the weather, we only had one rainy afternoon, which was on the third day of our journey near Arcos. Luckily, we had suitable clothing, so it wasn't too bad.

We were most impressed by the cycling through the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park and the Via Verde de la Sierra. The landscape was magnificent.

We mustn't forget the wonderful small towns we cycled through. They offered many opportunities for coffee and a bite to eat. All of this delighted us, and we've decided to get in touch with you again soon and will definitely come back to Andalusia.

Ljiljana and Leonard, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

world-class

Another wonderful cycling holiday organised by Away from the Crowds. The Seville to Cadiz trip is expertly organised. As usual, the organisation and detail was exceptional.

All we had to do was pedal and enjoy the combination of fantastic scenery and the World-renowned cites of Seville, Jerez and Cadiz. The combination of the cities and two ancient historic towns (Carmona and Acros de la Frontera) made this a memorable trip.

Thank you again guys, your should be proud of your service as its world-class.

Ged Bell, UK

Thanks Ged. Always a pleasure to host you.

Jaime, AFTC.

The experience of having you guys as our travel organisers was first class!

Aftc was first class!

Bikes were fantastic!

The GPS App was essential....a bit confusing at times but quickly got you back on track. Would have liked to have had the distances in kilometers rather than miles....but could not figure out how to change that.

Weather was a shame but the responses from Aftc were timely and we felt very well looked after!

All in all....The experience of having you guys as our travel organisers was first class!

So thank you!

Amanda and Anthony Hopkins, New Zealand

Thank you, Amanda. We continually review the GPS app to ensure that it's clear and user-friendly, so we hope we've ironed out the 'bumps'. I'll also add some details to the RWGPS instructions as to how to toggle between miles and kilometres.

Gaynor, Aftc.

We opted for an upgrade in Parador Arcos de la Frontera which was amazing and probably the best hotel

Thanks for a great trip, Andalusia is amazing.

Everything went well, hotels were great.

We opted for an upgrade in Parador Arcos de la Frontera which was amazing and probably the best hotel although Jerez hotel was amazing too…Actually, they were all great!

Thanks for a great journey and we will certainly look to AFTC when considering our next biking holiday in Spain;)

Snorri Omarsson & Lilja Viglundsdottir, Kopavogur, Iceland

Travelling with friends Halldor Viglundsson & Hulda Bjorgulfsdottir, Iceland

Takk fyrir, ¡muchas gracias! A pleasure to have friends from Iceland travelling with us! Come and try the Extremadura tour next time!

Aftc Team

Everything was in time: bikes delivery, luggage transfers, shuttle. Hotels were superb! It was so nice to relax in a bathtub after a day of cycling.

Thank you very much for organizing our holiday. Your service was truly awesome!

Everything was in time: bikes delivery, luggage transfers, shuttle. Hotels were superb! It was so nice to relax in a bathtub after a day of cycling.

We passed beautiful cities, saw alcazars, churches. It would’ve been better if we’ve done it in springs when the fields were not empty, but it was enough beauty anyway.

The only setback was the amount of trash on the side of the roads, especially near cities and towns. This was the only setback that you can’t do much about, but we mention this just to raise the awesomeness of the problem.

In spite of this, the trip was beautiful: nature, culture, history, food!!

We would love to go again with you.

Thank you again, Marina and Alexei Belenky, USA.

it was very well organised by your company.

We had a very lovely holiday - thank you - and it was very well organised by your company.

Nice hotels and route. Some days it felt like there was quite a lot of road compared to our experience in Rioja but perhaps that’s just the reality of the region …

Ann Branch, Belgium

the bill from the bar in El Coronil simply said Inglisi - 20€!

We enjoyed the Andalucia trip very much. All the hotels were good and the cycling days were about right (given we were cycling in 40°C on day one and 30+ the other days). All the towns were lovely, and we particularly liked Sevilla, Carmona and Cadiz.

It was nice to ride away from the roads although some of this was quite rough and might not be as good in wet weather!

Stopping for lunch in the smaller towns and villages en-route was good although we were so obviously English (being very pale and having lunch at 1300) that the bill from the bar in El Coronil simply said Inglisi - 20€! #pThe ride to Cadiz, across the reserves was good. #pThe road into Carmona was a bit busy and it was the very hot day and not many places to stop, so that was the bit of riding that was less enjoyable. #pThe hotel in Jerez was a bit far out of the centre, so we didn't see as much as we would like. It was nice but we would have preferred being in the centre.

Thanks,

Neil. UK

We especially enjoyed the Paradors

Seville was really interesting and well worth the two nights we spent there. It's really walkable and there were plenty of things to see including the Giralda Tower (really worth going to the top for great views of the city), Triana (bustling and lively), the Plaza de Espana (we saw it late at night and it was very impressive) and the area to the south of the cathedral including the Jardines de Murillo.

All of the accommodation was really well-chosen. We especially enjoyed the Paradors (the breakfasts are the best we've had anywhere). It was great to be able to sit out on the terraces at Carmona and Arcos de la Frontera drinking wine and eating bar snacks looking out on really stunning views. The Hacienda la Morena near Montellano was a really special place and the lovely hosts made our stay very memorable. It had been a long, exposed and very hot day's cycling from Carmona to Montellano and it was a really great place to end up at.

There was a good variety of cycling. It was great to be able get all the way out of Seville on the first day almost entirely on cycle lanes, and to be able to avoid the busy traffic and then to be able to cycle along areas with historical interest (we enjoyed the well-researched trip notes on the area's geography and history)

Carmona to Montellano was probably the toughest day because it was the most exposed for the most amount of time and - even though there was not that much ascent - there was a long time spent in the saddle, pedalling (we live among a lot of steep hills and are used to lots of uphill cycling, but also benefit from the descents!). However, as the trip progressed, and the countryside became greener it became more varied we got a better appreciation of the area. The Greenway along the disused railway after Montellano was fun and picturesque. We also enjoyed the stretch from Arcos de la Frontera to Jerez and was a nice contrast from the long miles spent travelling through fields of sunflowers and wheat (although you really get an idea of the size of Spain when you cycle along its long straight roads and wide open spaces).

All the stops along the route were well-chosen and we just wish we could have stayed longer in them (especially Arcos de la Frontera and Cadiz)

Thanks for a great cycling trip.

Simon Wilkins, UK

a brilliant holiday

Communication from the company was excellent. No issues with luggage transfers. Sent GPS, road maps and detailed map book which was very handy when Garmin had an issue especially when cycling through some towns.

Bikes were sturdy touring bikes a bit heavier than our usual ride but very dependable.

We did have an issue after particularly heavy rain one day when we literally got stuck in clay / mud. We have suggested to AFTC team that maybe an alternative route is offered even if it's a little longer to stop others having the same issue. Some road cycling on busy roads but usually only for very short periods.

The scenery is stunning and all the Paradores and hotels we stayed in were beautiful and very comfortable bar the Jerez hotel. Although quirky, it didn’t quite hit the mark and major building work looks and sounds like it will be ongoing for a while.

Overall a brilliant holiday, well organised with beautiful hotels and scenery. Would definitely consider using AFTC again.

Hilary Shaw, UK.

Thanks for your feedback Hilary. We have changed hotel in Jerez since your comments. We really appreciate your input.

Jaime, AFTC.

I would have no hesitation in recommending your team

We had a great holiday -

Organisation/communication was great

Hotel standard perfect

GPS files invaluable

The roadside cafe mentioned on the route from Arcos to Jerez near the reservoir is well and truly shut !

I have to say I would have no hesitation in recommending your team .

Thanks Tab

Tabitha and Noel Tinker, UK

We loved the luxury

The organisation is fautless. Each hotel was fully expecting us on arrival and had our rooms ready and somewhere to safely store the bikes.

There were no problems with transporting our luggage either. Every morning we left it in the hotel reception and it was there waiting for us on arrival at the next hotel.

We also had one small problem where we had left a few items at a previous hotel. I called the emergency number and the lady from awayfromthecrowds helpfully advised me which hotel I should get my things shipped to and contacted them on my behalf.

The bikes were simple but solid touring bikes with front suspension and shimano groupsets which I always find dependable. They were well serviced and supplied by a small and friendly bike establishment in Seville by a man named Ali.

Our only issue was we had requested to male geometry bike and even double checked to confirm - however my partner still received a ladies bike.

A large waterproof pannier bag was supplied with each bike with all necessary tools.We were also supplied with excellent route maps and road books and .GPX files for our Garmin GPS - navigation was very easy with this combination.

The bike routes themselves were nice enough with quite a bit of variation. Be aware quite a bit of the route is on roads shared with cars, but we found the Andalucian drivers generally gave us a very wide berth which was great.

The run in to Jerez and Cadiz was on quite busy roads and through built up areas but we managed without any problem. Parts of the route were also on quiet unpaved tracks including a via verde on one of General Franco's unfinished railway routes which was lovely.

It was very hot for October - above 30 degrees every day so we set off early in the mornings to beat the worst of the heat. We only felt really hot on the climbs - of which there weren't many big ones.

What really shone out were the destinations and the hotels which really were first class. We loved the luxury and character of the Paradors and the hacienda at Montellano. It was great to be able to swim in the pools in the hot afternoons post biking.

The weak link was probably Palacio Garvey in Jerez - it wasn't terrible by any means but the room was a bit dark and dingy and the breakfast and facilities didn't match the others.

All the destinations were lovely places. Carmona was probably my favourite of them all, a lovely small Pueblo Blanco full of character after the hustle and bustle of Seville, and the Parador was truly amazing.

We sometimes found it tricky to find places for lunch in some of the small towns on route. Things were very quiet during the heat of the day - it was useful to pack some food in the panniers just in case.

Some basic Spanish also went a long way. I would gladly recommend this tour!

:) Guy Thompson, UK.

Thanks for the feedback Guy. We have taken on your comments about the hotel in Jerez and no longer use it. We appreciate your input to help us improve.

Jaime, AFTC.

If I had a suggestion for other customers it would be to stay longer at some of these towns

The Parador accommodations were amazing! This is only my second bike tour but these were the best accommodations I've ever had. I have never have stayed anywhere this nice even in my personal life.

All of the towns we visited were great! If I had a suggestion for other customers it would be to stay longer at some of these towns. Unfortunately, due to work and other constraints in our lives, we didn't have a lot of time to be able to spend two or more days at each one.

Overall we had a great time and I definitely want to come back to another part of Spain through your agency. It is unfortunate that we were there during a hot spell because it made the trip a little bit more difficult than it should have been.

Edna Gonzalez-Huff, Portland, USA

Thank you for an amazing trip. Everything went as planned

Thank you for an amazing trip. Everything went as planned, hotels were amazing, bikes were well maintained and the direction we had by means of your booklet or through the gps maps were amazing. Thank you again for a memorable experience.

Hassan Abdel Salam & Noha Badreldin Elkhouly, Barcelona,Spain and Egypt

CO₂ footprint offsetting