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This wonderful six night cycling holiday takes you through some of Spain’s wildest scenery and most picturesque medieval towns, past towering mountain ranges and natural parks. Along the route you’ll mainly overnight in ‘Paradors’; unique converted palaces, monasteries and castles – a truly memorable cycling holiday.
Departing from the old castle of Oropesa, you’ll spend 5 days exploring the rich agricultural scenery on the south side of the Gredos Mountains, in the La Vera region of Spain.
Monfragüe National Park
If you enjoy medieval architecture, then delightful surprises await in the beautiful old cities you’ll stay in during your cycling adventure. Oropesa immediately sets a high with its winding flag-stoned streets and impressive castle turned Parador.
The historic quarter of the ancient walled city of Plasencia is equally stunning, and you’ll love the old Arab fortress town of Trujillo with its many monuments. At the end of the trip the world heritage city of Caceres awaits, with its welcoming taverns and traditional plazas.
Extremaduran cuisine is famous for its Iberian pork and mutton dishes. You’ll find local specialities to be traditionally simple but generous, usually enjoyed with delicious, fresh, local bread.
Of course, the Paradors themselves are notable highlights of this trip. Each offers a totally unique and unforgettable experience.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip as you’ll be averaging around 50km a day. On the whole the terrain is pretty level but you will encounter a few hills along the way.
Oropesa can be easily reached from Madrid by train. On arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this pretty medieval town. Enjoy a delicious evening meal in one of the town’s many traditional restaurants before retiring to your hotelto prepare for the next day’s cycling.
Set off on your first day’s ride across flat terrain, passing through typical Mediterranean woodlands, towards the foothills of the towering (and often snow-capped) Gredos Mountains. Stop for the night in Jarandilla de la Vera, a small town boasting a number of remarkable medieval buildings and ancient Roman bridges.
Leave Jarandilla de la Vera for another relaxing day’s cycling through picturesque Spanish countryside to the walled market city of Plasencia. Plasencia’s strategic location on the bank of the river Jerta has ensured the city’s status, and acted as a magnet for noblemen since the 15th century. Its cathedral and historic quarter is a must-see today. Tonight’s accommodation is a gothic, 15th century Monastery, complete with thick stone walls and vaulted ceilings.
From Plasencia cycle south towards the Tajo River and natural park of Monfragüe, which is famous for its bird life. Along the way pass through open countryside dotted with oak and cork trees. The large farms that you pass every now and then use the excellent grazing land to rear wild bulls and iberico pigs.
Today you continue cycling through woodland to the historical hilltop town of Trujillo. The town was the birthplace of Francisco Pizzaro and his brothers who conquered Peru. It offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities, including monuments, churches and an old Arab fortress and wonderfully preserved architecture.
Tearing yourself away from the sights of Trujillo, your last day of cycling will give you a final opportunity to explore this beautiful, wild landscape. Making your way through tiny villages, you’ll arrive at the monumental city of Caceres – ready for a gentle stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets, a cool drink in one of the city’s many taverns and an evening relaxing on a terrace in one of the numerous plazas. Of course, your last night is once again spent in a charming parador, this one an exquisite former palace.
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed hybrid models with 24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, plus a lock, and a repair kit with pump, per room.
Electric bikes are also available.
We suggest you bring your own helmet. Alternatively, helmets are provided on arrival.
On this holiday the accommodation is as much a highlight as the cycling. Paradors are national heritage properties which have been restored and sympathetically converted into unique, hotel-style accommodation. These properties were originally Palaces, Monasteries or Castles and a stay in a Parador is always a memorable experience. Also included is a restored farmhouse.
Superior PLUS: Charming hotels
Oropesa: Casa Platón Páramo
Jarandilla de la Vera: Mirador de la Portilla
Plasencia: Parador de Plasencia
Monfrague: Hotel Palacio de las Corchuelas * or Hospederia de Monfrague
Trujillo: Parador de Trujillo
Cáceres: Parador de Caceres
* Hotel Palacio de las Corchuelas only accepts payment in CASH.
Fly to Madrid
Research flights from the UK here
Take the train to Oropesa. Call the Parador in advance to arrange a transfer from the station.
Easy
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Moderate
Challenging
