Difficulty Rating : 7 Start: Seville Finish: Granada Terrain: Starts gentle/undulating, then gets hillier towards end Daily Average: 56km Weekly Average: 275km Tour Type: Group Teaser: This trip unifies the beauty and charm of rural Spain with some of its most beautiful cities.
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This trip unifies the beauty and charm of rural Spain with some of its most beautiful cities.

We enjoy peaceful rides through quiet plantations of oranges, avocados, olives, cotton and sunflowers offer us a glimpse of rural life in Andalusia's colourful valleys.
Our evenings are spent immersed in the historic and cultural elements of the cities and small villages en route. A particular highlight is the culinary delights to be had such as the wide range of 'Tapas' dishes, wines and sherries to be savoured.

Our safari starts in the magnificence of Seville, where the vibrancy of its flamenco roots echoes through the labyrinth of lanes and alleys in the old town. The tour takes us to Cordoba, once the capital of the western world, where we will be able to visit possibly the most beautiful mosque in the world. Our final destination is Granada, one of Europe's most exotic cities with its snow peaked backdrop and the imposing Alhambra Palace, as we finish our tour deep in the beauty of Moorish culture.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Seville

The tour starts with a guided walk in central Seville and Barrio Santa Cruz. Tonights dinner is included and the trip leader will go over all aspects of the journey and teach you some essential Spanish survival phrases too!

Day 2

Carmona to Palma del Rio 49 km / 30 miles

The tour starts with a short transfer to Carmona where you can wander through exquisite lanes absorbing the medieval and Baroque quarter, the Moorish Fortress and market place. We cycle to Palma del Ris on quiet roads once ruled by both Moorish and Christian empires. Passing fields of citrus, cotton, sunflower and a number of classical ´Fincas´ or traditional Spanish farmsteads adding great flavour to the day.
Tonight we stay in the enchanting 16th century Monasterio San Francisco, adorned with courtyards and gardens and a swimming pool. It was here in the 1500´s the Franciscan monks gave California its modern names (Las Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, etc).

Day 3

Palma del Rio to Cordoba 58 km / 36 miles image 1 Palma del Rio to Cordoba 58 km / 36 miles

Our cycle takes us through the open countryside where poppies, cotton and avocados line the roadside. The historic Sierra Morena lowlands flank the valley Gudalquivir providing much wealth and prosperity throughout Andalucia’s turbulent history. Soon after passing the imposing Almodovar medieval castle, you arrive at the beautiful city of Cordoba.
This afternoon we take a guided walk of Cordoba’s Juderia, Patios and Craft Works before our dinner in one of Cordoba’s traditional patio restaurants. A must see is the 9th century Mezquita (Cathedral) that is one of the earth´s most awe-inspiring architectural feats!

Day 4

Cordoba to Zuheros de la Sierra 61 km / 37 miles

Today’s cycle (the longest of the week) offers a variety of hilly landscapes as we approach Subetica National Park and its stunning green forests, waterfalls and unique limestone craggy peaks. Here are long, quiet stretches of rural road with very little signs of habit. Vast plains reminiscent of Spain´s Don Quixote heritage are encountered!
Lunch stop is in the shaded park of Castro village – followed by a ride to the region´s most famous olive producing centre – Baena. Here we can visit the family-run organic cold olive press of Nuñez Prado before our final few km to Zuheros.

Day 5

Rest day (Zuheros mountain village)

Your rest day is located in one of Andalucia’s most charming white villages – Zuheros. Famous in Moorish heritage as a small but formative strong-hold, it´s surrounded by outstanding mountain scenery and an exquisite cliff-hanging square backed with a fortress and mosque. This tiny hamlet offers unspoilt nature, quiet village lanes and options to explore the national park. Or, you can ride the famous Via Verde paths or simply relax in the serene village surroundings with a book, vino and tapas.

Day 6

Zuheros to Alcala la Real 50 km / 31 miles

Our cycle rambles past olive groves leading into mountains surrounding the famous Vega de Granada – essential foothills to the Sierra Nevada. A large portion of riding is on the Via Verde (a 19th-century olive oil train line), with a perfect gradient. It is now a famous cycle route for southern Spain. We later pass a series of small villages in Jaen Province before climbing a historic pass to what could be our first glimpse of the impending Sierra Nevada range that backdrops Granada itself. Our stay at Alcala la Real (The Royal) is marked by an optional visit of this once regal town’s Moorish Fortress as well as an informative walk through the old town itself.

Day 7

Alcala la Real to Granada 57 km / 35 miles

We pass through Jaen Province’s Sierra ranges and into the great valley (vega), that contains Granada itself. Beautiful countryside marked by olive and almond groves perched on high valleys, cliff walls and along pretty rivers and reservoirs. Our final ride to the heart of Granada offers inspiring views of the snowy Sierra Nevada peaks and with luck, we capture a view of the Alhambra Palace set above the hustle and bustle of New Granada. We picnic near a pretty lake where a refreshing dip is on offer. This evening we are guided through the lanes of Granada’s brooding Albaizan District visiting enchanting courtyards and capturing the beauty of the Alhambra Palace at night from one of the city’s most spectacular miradors.

Day 8

Tour end

Guests are free to depart this morning after breakfast from Hotel Dauro in Granada / no transport included. Onward travel from Granada is straight forward and plentiful. Bus companies leave for all major destinations and the train service will connect you to Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and beyond. International flights are also available from Granada to Spanish and limited European destinations.

  • 7 nights accommodation in village hotels
  • All breakfasts and three dinners
  • Guide in a support van
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • Route notes and map
  • helmet, gel seat pad included (on request)
  • toe clip options on request

Bike rental is not included in the tour price.
€100 for 21-speed hybrid bike, €225 supplement for an e-bike

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I had such a great time!
Our group leader Jeff was fantastic - relaxed, well organised and ever mindful of the needs of the group

Emer Bradley (Seville to Granada group tour 2012)

Tour price 2024
€1,635 per person sharing
€1,895 single room supplement

Not included bike hire:
€100 hybrid bike
€240 e-bike

Minimum to run group tour is 4 pax.

Other dates available for 2 or 3 pax for a supplement and any group over 4 pax at the normal publishing price.

How to get to the starting point in Seville:

Suggested Airports for your arrival:
Seville, Jerez and Granada have regular international arrivals.
Upon airport arrival: we recommend you take the easy, economic airport city bus transfer that arrives to the Prado bus station. This bus station is an short 7 minute walk to the Hotel Murillos in the Barrio Santa Cruz.
A private taxi shuttle from the airport direct to the hotel is approximately 30 euros total (ask for the meter / metro) official rate.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

SEVILLE

1st Night - HOTEL MURILLO (2 star Superior)
Named after Seville’s most famous 17th century painter, this hotel is conveniently located in a quiet area of Barrio Santa Cruz – close to all historic sites, superb tapas bars and offers mode comfort with Andaluz décor, style and charm. (Free Wifi)   www.hotelmurillo.com/

SEVILLE image 1SEVILLE image 1

Palma del Rio

2nd Night - MONASTERIO SAN FRANCISCO (3 star Boutique / Heritage) One of our heritage hotels for your vacation! The Monastery is a grandiose estate and comes adoed with open courtyards, rich flora, a swimming pool and a history that cannot be matched.  It was from here the Franciscan Monks set up colonies in Califoia – giving the region its namesake such as San Francisco, Las Angeles and more!  (Free Wifi) 
www.intergrouphoteles.com

Palma del Rio image 1Palma del Rio image 1

Cordoba

3rd Night - POSADA DE LA VALLINA (3 star Boutique)
This charming 17th century manor is situated across the lane from the imposing Mezquita Mosque in the heart of Cordoba.  With it´s lovely arches, marble, woodwork and inner courtyard the Posada is a quiet hideaway from Cordoba´s busy historic quarter.    (Free Wifi)  www.hhposadadevallina.es

Cordoba image 1Cordoba image 1

Zuheros de la Sierra

 4-5th Nights - ECO HOTEL ZUHAYRA (2 Star Superior Eco Hotel)
 Zuhero’s highest rated hotel is a charming Inn that is situated in the heart of this ancient hamlet.  All rooms are of traditional Andaluz décor with a friendly welcoming staff for our 2 night stay!  Enjoy the views reaching across the Cordoba plains or relax in the quiet patio area with a favourite book. (Free Wifi) www.zercahoteles.com

Zuheros de la Sierra image 1Zuheros de la Sierra image 1

Alcala la Real

 6th Night - HOTEL TORREPALMA (3 star town center)
A true Arabic town enhanced by the Conquistadors where little has changed!  This comfortable 3 star mode hotel is situated right in the centre of town surrounded by tapas bars and a great local vibe. 
(Free Wifi) www.hoteltorrepalma.com

Alcala la Real image 1Alcala la Real image 1

Granada

 7th Night - HOTEL DAURO (3 Star city center)
Situated in the old city center the Dauro presents all possibilities for enjoying the high energy of Granada.  Tapas bars, great shopping and charming pedestrian lanes with colourful courtyards are just out the door. 
(Free wifi) www.hoteles-dauro.com  

Granada image 1Granada image 1

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Tour Date Options

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We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.