Spain End To End
This fully supported and guided 10 day Spain end to end biking tour starts in Gijon and follows the ancient Via de la Plata all the way to Seville, past Rhonda and finishes in Malaga.
From
€2290
Secure your holiday with a deposit.
Tour Highlights
Tour Information
A true end to end tour.
Our cycling tour, start in Gijon and discovers the wonders of Merida, Seville, Leon & Ronda to mention just a few. Combine that with the fantastic scenery and relatively traffic free route it makes for an unforgettable cycling holiday.
Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and home to a World Heritage site. Merida is of great historical importance as too are Salamanca & Malaga.
Wanting a true end to end? If cycling and history are your thing, then this is an absolute must do tour.
This tour is aimed at more experienced cyclists covering 90 miles / 145km per day on average, but it's good to remember and understand that some sections are harder than others and that this experience is not a race, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience.
During this guided cycling holiday, you will be supported by an accompanying vehicle and cycling guide. The tour leader cycles with the group, whilst our support vehicle is on hand should you require assistance. Our support vehicle will always carry a spare bike (just in case), inner tubes, tyres and essentials.
If you find some sections to much or simply need a rest our 'Broomwagon' is always on hand to assist.
Staying in mainly historic Parador (or similar) hotels and enjoying their superb accommodation, combine that first class service and a dedicated team we guarantee an enjoyable cycling holiday.
Tour Dates
2023 Dates to be announced
Tour Price
From
€2290
Secure your holiday with a deposit.
Optional Extras
Bike hire €280
Single room supplement €350
What's Included?
- 9 nights in quality accommodation
- Admission to selected historical sites
- Breakfast & lunches
- Tea, coffee and water and snacks whilst cycling
- Fully guided and supported
- Support vehicle with spares, tyres & tubes
- Detailed routes allow you to cycle at your own pace
- Airport/station transfers
- Daily luggage transfers
- Cycling shirt
- Suggested kit list
What's Not Included?
- Evening meals
- Cycle hire (available for a fee)
- Flights
- Insurance
History of The Route
We follow parts of the Vía de la Plata (Silver Way pilgrimage) & the Ruta del Plata (Roman trade route).
During the reigns of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, the Romans created this grand trade route in the west of the Spanish peninsula that linked the Cantabrian coast with the lands to the south of Hispania. Goods, troops, traders and travellers moved along this trail, spreading the Roman culture, its language and way of life. This trail continued to be used over the centuries, both by Arabs as well as Christians during the Middle Ages, and went on to play an important role on the Iberian Peninsula.
Today our modern road systems follow many of these century old routes. Much of the original route survives in one form or another. We have adapted this route for the perfect cycling holiday.
The route begins in Gijon heading south. From there, you climb the Cantabrias heading towards Leon still heading south, we come to Zamora, through fields and alongside lakes until we get to Caceres, Santa Ponce and it's old Roman Baetica, the route takes us into Seville, Rhonda and finally Malaga and completes our end to end
Tour Route Map
Tour Itinerary
Day 1, Gijon
Arrival Day
We meet and greet you at Asturias or Santader airport and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and unwind. Bikes should be readied, tyres checked and ready to roll, alternatively bike hire is available. A briefing dinner is scheduled for 7.30pm, so allow plenty of time on incoming flights. If you have the time we strongly recommend you stroll around this fabulous city, or take a guided tour.
Day 2, Gijon to Leon
Distance: 147km Elevation: 2514m
We leave Gijon on its network of cycle lanes and quickly emerge into the Asturias countryside. The road starts to rise and we have a gentle but steady climb setting you up for the main event, the climb up the Arbas del Puerto. Once at the summit you can take in the beauty of this region. Asturias is a lush green mountainous region of Spain that doesn't disappoint. We now have a well earned descent towards Leon following the river and ancient Ruta del Plata.
Day 3, Leon to Zamora
Distance: 145km Elevation: 377m
Probably one of the easiest days with hardly any climbing just rolling roads. Entering Zamora over the stone bridge that crosses the River Duero the whole city is laid out in front of you. Dig into the heart of this city and there is plenty to see in Zamora. History has left an imprint on the city in the form of small Romanesque churches, 24 of them, along with stone walls, fortresses and castles. The cycle route takes us through quiet countryside, with trees leaning towards the sun like sun flowers whilst swaying in the breeze.
Day 4, Zamora to Banos de Montemayor
Distance: 163km Elevation: 1865m
When you cycle an ancient Roman route you should expect some long straight roads right? Today we give you Roman roads. With rolling hills and changing scenery the road may be long but certainly worth it. Especially when you arrive into Salamanca, a university town claiming to have the oldest university in Spain. Salamanca boasts two magnificent cathedrals standing on a single site, an absolute must for any visitor wishing to explore the city’s rich heritage. The La Clerecía Towers, dating back to the 17th century are one of Salamanca’s best-known landmarks, along with the Plaza Mayor. Our stop for the night is the spa town of Banos de Montemayor. There we have laid on a visit to the Roman Baths for a relaxing treatment or two.
Day 5, Banos de Montemayor to Caceres
Distance: 131km Elevation: 1196m
This stage takes us through the grazing pastures of the Extremadura cattle farms. before entering the ancient city of Plasencia, the capital of the Jerte Valley. A walled city since its foundation by Alfonso VIII of Castile, Plasencia city centre has been declared to be a Cultural Heritage Site; because of its religious buildings, palaces and aqueduct. Starting to climb you see the Alcantara Reservoir and summit the Los Castaños Pass before heading down to Caceres. Any trip to Extremadura must include a stop in Cáceres. Also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its Moorish walls enclose and preserve the second biggest water cistern in the world, the remains of Roman settlements and a unique and perfectly preserved collection of Medieval and Renaissance buildings.
Day 6, Caceres to Zafra
Distance: 130km Elevation: 1005m
An easier day allows you a look at Merida. Entering the city you instantly feel the historic nature of the place. Founded in 25BC the town has some of the most important Roman remains in Europe. The archaeological site has World Heritage status by UNESCO. before heading off to Zafra. Be sure to look back across the Roman bridge when leaving Merida and remember to have your camera handy. We arrive in Zafra, a small charming town that is big on history, hospitality and food.
Day 7, Zafra to Seville
Distance: 140km Elevation: 1411m
Heading south we start to cycle towards the 'Sierra Norte', beyond are hills and fields full of crops and oak trees that have Iberian pigs roaming freely feeding on the acorns. We enter Andalucia and make our way to Seville. Working our way through the city on cycle lanes we arrive at the impressive 'Plaza de Espana'.
Day 8, Seville to Ronda
Distance: 162km Elevation: 2184m
Leaving Salamanca behind us we keep heading north to the historical gem that is Zamora. Cycling through mainly vineyards and farm land you'll go through villages dedicated to wine production.
Day 9, Ronda to Malaga
Distance: 103km Elevation: 1463m
Waking up this morning should fill you with a great sense of achievement. Our last cycling day, a shorter journey takes us to the beaches of the Mediterranean and completes our end to end. Arriving early allows plenty of time to take in this marvellous city. We then have our last meal together and say our goodbyes. Transferring you back to the airport in the morning.
Day 10, Malaga
Distance: 114km Elevation: 1260m
All good things must come to and end ! We say our goodbyes and transfer you to Malaga airport.