Alegria in Andalucia
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY AND LIFESTYLE OF SOUTHERN SPAIN

Andalucia is the Spain of one's dreams. Picture white-washed villages, hearty food & wine and the thrill of flamenco. We bike along the old trade routes between Moorish & Christian Spain, through olive groves and remote villages, to Spain's most extravagant architectural jewel, the Alhambra.

Day 1 & 2 Palma del Rio
Our warm up ride leads through the flat countryside around Palma del Rio and preceds a scenic loop through the spectacular Hornachuelos National Park. Fighting bulls, Iberian pigs, and a picnic at a Carmelite convent are but a few of the highlights.
Two nights at the Hospederia de San Francisco, a restored 15th c. monastery.

Day 3 & 4 Cordoba
We cycle on to Cordoba, visting the castle of Almodovar del Rio with its breathtaking views of the Guadalquivir Valley en route. On our guided visit of Cordoba we discover the labyrinth of narrow white streets of the old Jewish quarter and La Mezquita, a 15th c. cathedral set within an 8th c. mosque. Tonight, Cordoba beckons with its seductive flamenco music.
Two nights at the Hotel Amistad Cordoba, in the heart of the city's historic district.

Day 5, 6 & 7 Loja and Granada
A visit and tasting at a sherry-style winery before we follow the Route of the Caliphs. We pedal amidst the vineyards of Montilla-Moriles, toward the Sierra Morena Mountains and through millenarian olive groves. On to the fortress town of Lojato and Granada, the last jewel of the Moorish kingdoms in Spain. We visit the majestic Alhambra, with its ornate palaces and scented gardens, the Cathedral and the Souk, and finish in the evocative Moorish quarter of the Albayzin.
One night at the 5 star Hotel La Bobadilla, set on a 1,000 acre estate.
One night at Casa Morisca, a beautifully restored 15th c. palacio

Dates: Mar 19-25, 2006, Apr 23-29, 2006, May 28-Jun 3, 2006, Sep 24-30, 2006, Oct 1-7, 2006, Oct 29-Nov 4, 2006
7 days/6 nights
Level: 15-52 miles/day, Gently rolling to rolling terrain, A few climbs
Cost $3280 , single supplement: $600
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1 from unrestricted menus - appetizers, soups and salads, main courses, coffee and dessert; most lunches
Hotels: The best hotels of the region - Historic paradors & elegant inns. All include private baths and luxuries such as marble baths, terraces and fireplaces.

Includes:

• Maximum group size is 16
  
• 2 experienced guides
  
• all maps, trip notes and detailed route directions
  
• support van and luggage transfer
  
• all gratuities at inns and resaurants are included, as are all state and local taxes
  
• use of all facilities at Hotel La Bobadilla is included
  
• t-shirt and water bottle
  
• wine at some select meals. Other alcoholic beverages are at your discretion
  
• 21 speed Specialized hybrid. Helmet, water bottle and handlebar bag are included. Toe clips also available. You may bring your own clipless pedals and we will attach them. We supply complimentary helmets, but for the best fit, bring your own. Handlebar bag includes map case, full color map, spare tube and a bike lock

Weather - Spring and early summer tours are filled with wildflowers. Warm days are followed by cool nights. Fall months celebrate the harvest. The days are still warm and the vineyards are full of locals picking the grapes.
Average high and low temperatures - April = 71/50, May = 79/55, June = 87/62, July = 95/66, August = 95/67, September = 90/64, October = 78/56

How to get there: Fly to Seville or trains from Madrid take 2.5 hours. Guides meet you in Seville at 12 noon.
Finish: In Granada at 12 noon. Flights or train service is available.

"And unlike many group ventures, it's an intimate, first-class affair .. there's no oppressively regimented schedule"-
New York Magazine

"For folks whose tastes run to small, elegant inns and gourmet restaurants".
- Travel America

"I discovered one of the best cycling touring companies to ride with ...an impressive company offers trips loaded with amenities and flair ...they thought of everything you may possibly need..."
- Cape Cod Life

" ...5 star accommodations in historic palaces, exquisite unlimited cuisine prepared by first class chefs and a daily choice of menus make this a bike lover's dream..."
- Italia Magazine