This tour enables you to discover Spain's cultural and medieval heart. Blessed with natural beauty, great wines and good food, the area abounds in more than just history. From the World Heritage city of Segovia with its Roman aqueduct to the medieval villages and hill top towns and castles, you can unravel the treasures that make Spain such a special place.
The route leads along country lanes through idyllic scenery with the Natural Park of the Guadarrama Mountains in the distance. Enjoy the palace gardens at San Ildefonso and a swim in the natural springs. Pedal through the limestone canyon in the River Duraton Natural Park before reaching your final destination of the medieval town at Sepulveda.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,080 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
The tour includes a transfer back to Madrid or Madrid Airport at the end of the holiday. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily and is circular from Madrid. Tours run from 1 March to 30 October.
Hotels
- Classic
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A 4 star hotel with a pool, a small rural hotel, a charming 18th Century hotel and a 15th Century courtyard hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (4) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
3 days of cycling 17 - 26 miles (27 - 42 km) per day and 3 days of optional cycling
Terrain
Most days have a hill or two
Traffic-free
10% low traffic on most of the roads
Options
- Extend the tour by staying in Madrid £65 per person per night
- 7 evening meals (3 courses) £185 per person
- Book an electric bike £60
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Madrid/Segovia
Arrive at Madrid airport and we will let you have details of the AVE fast train service to Segovia which takes about 25 minutes. Settle into the Hotel Parador there and enjoy a relaxing swim with great views of the town or explore the sights of this fascinating town. Listed as a World heritage site, Segovia boasts a Roman aqueduct, a Gothic cathedral and a wonderful castle. Your host will also meet you to run through your itinerary and to familiarize you with the route.
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2. Day two
Segovia to Sotosalbos
Todays ride is a pretty one, much along country lanes with a few slopes to get you going at the start of the day. Take in the wonderful gardens at the famous Royal Palace of San Ildefonso and an ace lunch in Torrecaballeros. Your overnight stay for the next 2 nights is in Posada Fuenteplateada in the quiet village of Sotosalbos with its fine 11th Century church.
26 miles (42 km)
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3. Day three
Circular ride from Sotosalbos
This delightful ride leads gently downhill away from the mountains along small country roads, to reach the historic town of Turegano. Here the Moorish castle also houses a church and the beautiful town square will entice you with a great selection of lunch spots.
Optional 22 miles (36 km)
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4. Day four
Sotosalbos to Pedraza
Pedal through small villages and a wooded rolling landscape to reach the beautifully preserved medieval town of Pedraza. This national historic monument of a town is where you will spend the next two nights in the Hospedería de Santo Domingo. This is such a quiet ride you probably won't see a car all day and the Cega river will babble away at your side. How relaxing!
20 miles (32 km)
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5. Day five
Circular ride from Pedraza
The countryside surrounding Pedraza is stunning. Quaint villages abound with rustic charm and rural Romanesque churches. Savour the wildlife and love the views.
Optional 18 miles (29 km)
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6. Day six
Pedraza to Sepulveda
The ride today is through fields of sunflowers and wheat with spectacular views of the plains of Castilla. The historic cliff hugging town of Sepulveda is your destination where the Posada de San Millan provides characterful accommodation. Enjoy the cobbled streets of the town and its beautiful old buildings, unspoilt and timeless. We've even laid on a dip in the nearby crystal clear spring waters!
16 miles (26 km)
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7. Day seven
Circular ride from Sepulveda
This is a stunning final ride following the Duraton river as it flows through a Nature Reserve. The river path leads you through a deep canyon with high limestone rock walls on both sides. Shady poplars and nesting vultures will be your companions. The shorter ride returns to Sepulveda by retracing the outward route.
Optional 14 or 22 miles (23 or 36 km)
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8. Day eight
Transfer to Madrid and depart
We will meet you in Sepulveda and transfer you back to Madrid or to Madrid airport.