Bike Andalusia

Bike Andalusia Southern Spain / May 6-15, 2009

Be a part of our spring trip to Andalusia in southern Spain, where wildflowers bloom and the scent of orange blossoms fills the plazas!

Occupied by the Moors from the 6th century until the end of the Reconquista in 1492, Andalusia (known then as Al-Andaluz) developed the most sophisticated culture of the Middle Ages during the “golden age” of Islamic influence, leaving behind splendid monuments and cities for us to enjoy as we cycle through the area for 10 days.

After meeting up in Granada, our bus will take us to Cordoba where we will spend time at the Mezquita, a 10th century mosque, and enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. We’ll continue on to Palma del Rio where a converted monastery will be our home for two nights.

Our cycling will begin in Palma and follow the Guadalquivir River for a while before turning away into the hillier Sierra Morena region where we will stay one night in Constantina, which dates back to pre-Roman times. Most days we’ll cover 25-35 miles of gently rolling terrain, but the trip to Constantina is tougher. The support van will always be available if needed.

Next we will spend two nights and a day without the bikes in Seville. This beautiful city was an imperial city and repository for the riches of the Spanish treasure fleets. Christopher Columbus is buried in the cathedral, which claims to be the largest in the world. In addition to a guided walking tour, we’ll have the option to attend a flamenco show and explore a little on our own.

After Seville, we’ll pass through the Coto Donaña National Park, a conservation area where we might spot some pink flamingoes if we’re lucky. Our route will continue on to the pilgrimage site El Rocio, where we will stay in a former orange plantation, and Mazagón, where we will stay in a luxury “parador” by the sea. While in Mazagón we’ll take an excursion to La Rabida, where we can see replicas of Columbus’s ships and visit the ancient monastery where he made his plans and said his prayers before departing on his first voyage to what would become the New World.

Throughout the journey there will be time to relax by the hotel pools, savor the local food and wine (sherry is produced here), and unwind with our traveling companions as we pass through this part of Spain.