Activity: Guided sightseeing

We meet at your hotel in Sevilla, where we will gather for a tour briefing and bike fitting. Following the tour orientation, you may take advantage of a tour of the city to see sights including Seville’s Cathedral, which is the third-largest cathedral in the world. Next, we’ll take a tapas tour of some of Seville’s best tapas bars. 

Seville has too many attractions to list them all here, but among the must-sees are the Royal Alcazar, Plaza de Espana, and the enormous cathedral. Additionally, Seville was Spain’s most significant city from the 13th through the 16th centuries. It served as the planning hub for the New World voyages of explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernan Cortes, and was home to several kings and queens.

A second alternative that comes highly suggested is to travel a little distance outside of Seville to the Roman remains of Italica. Emperors Trajan and Hadrian both called Italica home, and Hadrian in particular had a significant impact on the city. In addition to building many of the streets, baths, and temples that are still in existence today, he supported the construction of the enormous amphitheater, which was the fourth biggest in the Roman world.

We have a welcoming reception and dinner together that night, and we indulge in tapas eating, one of Seville’s favourite past times.

Cycling Distance: 45 km 

We start the day with a short transfer out of Seville to bypass city traffic before heading toward Hornachuelos Natural Park.

The landscape unfolds with gently rolling terrain, where we ride past palm trees, orange groves, cotton fields, sunflowers, and cacti. These fertile plains, nourished by the Guadalquivir River, have been the lifeblood of the region for centuries. The Romans once used the river to transport soldiers and precious metals, while during Muslim rule, it became part of an intricate irrigation system—except when Vikings disrupted the peace with their raids!

As we venture deeper into Hornachuelos Park, we ride alongside a tranquil lake, with the chance to spot vultures and majestic imperial eagles soaring above. 

Palma del Río, where we savor a delicious lunch featuring local specialties like gazpacho or salmorejo. We then settle in for the night at a stunning hotel set within a beautifully preserved heritage property.

Cycling Distance: 34 km 

Leaving Palma del Río, we ride parallel to the Guadalquivir River, making our way to the breathtaking castle of Almodóvar del Río.

Originally built in the 8th century, Almodóvar Castle rises dramatically above the surrounding plains with its fairytale-like silhouette. Its striking medieval architecture even earned it a role as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

From Almodóvar, the route continues along gently rolling roads toward the remarkable Medina Azahara, a UNESCO-listed palace city. Built in the 10th century by Abd al-Rahman III—Spain’s greatest Muslim caliph and one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages—this once-magnificent city reflects the splendor of Al-Andalus.

A short ride then brings us to our lunch stop on the outskirts of Córdoba, where we enjoy a delicious meal of regional specialties. Afterward, we complete the final stretch to our hotel, located in the heart of the city’s historic center.

Córdoba is one of Spain’s most captivating and culturally rich cities. You’ll have a full day to explore its stunning monuments, winding streets, and vibrant neighborhoods at your own pace.

Activity: Guided sightseeing

Today is your free day in the beautiful city of Córdoba. Córdoba is arguably the city most closely connected with Muslim rule in Spain, even more so than Seville and Granada.

For seven centuries, Cordoba served as the Al-Andalus Caliphate’s capital. In addition, it was the biggest metropolis on earth when it reached its zenith in the 10th and 11th centuries.

There is still a tonne of amazing monuments from this and ancient eras. The most well-known structure is the Mezquita, a former magnificent mosque that now serves as the city’s primary church. In addition, the Judera (Jewish Quarter) is a fascinating network of little alleyways where you may visit the old house of the renowned philosopher Maimonides.

Additionally, the city is home to some remarkable historical ruins, including the Roman bridge that spans the river and leads to the Mezquita. Even though they were destroyed during Julius Caesar’s army’s siege of the city in the first century BCE, portions of the Roman wall still exist.

Cycling Distance: 42 km 

The route begins with a transfer out of Córdoba before setting off on a circular ride along the edge of the Subbética Natural Park. Here, the terrain becomes more rolling as we follow a stunning balcony road, weaving through open countryside and charming whitewashed villages—hallmarks of this beautiful region.

We pause for a delicious lunch near our destination, then continue the short remaining stretch to the village of Zuheros.

Zuheros is one of Spain’s most enchanting pueblos blancos, with its striking 12th-century castle perched dramatically above the valley. 

Cycling Distance: 40 km 

Today’s ride takes us deeper into the serene beauty of the Subbética Natural Park, offering one of the most scenic cycling routes of the trip.

Rolling olive groves and whitewashed villages are scattered across the landscape, punctuated by small castles and watchtowers—reminders of the region’s historical significance. As always, we ride along exceptionally quiet roads, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings. A highlight of the day is a visit to the vibrant town of Luque, where we take a moment to soak in its lively atmosphere.

The route finishes just outside Priego de Córdoba, where we stay for the night. This picturesque town, once a key stop along the trade routes of the Muslim Caliphate, boasts a charming old quarter centered around a historic castle, dramatically perched atop a sheer cliff.

Cycling Distance: 58 Km

Leaving Priego de Córdoba, we continue along peaceful and picturesque country lanes, passing through olive groves and fertile farmland, with stunning views unfolding around us.

The route takes us through the rolling hills between the two towns, with a couple of moderate climbs before a rewarding long descent into Montefrío. This captivating town, another of Andalucía’s quintessential white villages, is dominated by its 14th-century hilltop fortress. Montefrío also boasts some delightful boutique shops specializing in the region’s famous olive oil.

Meal Schedule: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch / Dinner

Cycling Distance:  45 Km

On the final day of cycling, we leave Montefrío behind and head towards the vibrant city of Granada.

Our route is mostly downhill, with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains looming as a stunning backdrop. We ride through the fertile Vega de Granada valley, where a wide variety of crops are grown. Depending on the season, you might spot fields of cherries, asparagus, watermelons, apricots, tobacco, figs, lentils, and much more!

En route to Granada, we stop for coffee in Santa Fé, a historic town known for being the place where Christopher Columbus met Queen Isabella to secure her approval for his voyage that led to the discovery of the Americas. From there, we cycle into Granada along a scenic river path, avoiding the traffic as we make our way into the heart of the city.

Arriving in Granada, we celebrate the completion of our adventure, reflecting on the past week of exploration along this historic trail. It has been a journey through time, immersing ourselves in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Andalusia. Though parting ways is bittersweet, we do so with the hope that our paths will cross again on another adventure somewhere in the world.