France-Bike presents this outstanding bike tour in Moorish Spain. This is a journey and an experience that bring together two of the most emblematic cities of ancient Al-Andalus: Cordova, home to the ruling Caliphs, to philosophers, astronomers, mathematicians and doctors who illuminated the Middle Ages with knowledge, centuries ahead of the European Renaissance. Granada, whose mighty kingdom cultivated the sciences above all and where formal refinement and architectural decoration, reached levels unmatched in any society of its time. Come and see these two cities, then, on a journey that combines culture, nature and anthropology, delighting the senses at every step. Your ride will be accompanied by tranquil hills of olive groves, holm-oak woods, vegetable gardens and vineyards, rushing streams, imposing watchtowers, proud castles, impeccable farmhouses and humble farmsteads, all giving the backdrop to an unforgettable visit.
Day 1: Arrival in Córdoba
Arrive in good time so as to visit the famous „Mezquita„ (Grand Mosque). Later you can take a walk through the old Jewish quarter to see its beautiful patios and have Tapas in its inns. Finally we suggest you to experience an authentic flamenco show to get you ready for a journey which has only just begun.
Day 2: Córdoba > Priego, ~24/26/36 km
From Cordova you go to village of Luque by bus. Here the comfortable bikes will be handed over and we will take care of your luggage. The bikes will be delivered with a handlebar bag and a pannier, water bottle, km counter, lock, repair kit and an extra inner tube. While you take a coffee or a fresh orange juice, we explain some more details of the route to you. Around midday you set out on quiet county roads to Fuente Alhama y on to Priego, where you will stay in a former Franciscan convent, carefully restored as a 2-star hotel with rooms around a charming Andalusian courtyard. In the afternoon and evening you can stroll through the baroque town of Priego de Cordoba and its historical centre the “Barrio de la Villa” and enjoy some tapas.
Day 3: Priego > Zuheros, ~54 km
From Priego you are making for Carcabuey on an old disused road. Heading along a little country road past the village of Algar, you then climb to the Gaena mountain pass. From there you have a long and pronounced descent to the splendid town of Cabra. You take the „Vía Verde„ (old reconditioned railway line), in gentle ascent to the romantic village of Zuheros.It is one of the few places that has managed to maintain the charm of another era. You’ll spend the night in the family run hotel in the center of the village. Take a stroll and enjoy the little streets and great views of one of the most beautiful, white-washed villages of Andalusia! You can have a gourmet dinner in your hotel “Tastes of Andalucia Zuheros” for 25€ pp (drinks apart). The dinner consists of 7 different typical dishes to share (as cheese from Zuheros, a salad such as orange salad or similar, tortilla, vegetables from the garden, fried fish, homemade croquettes, fried eggplants with honey (typical Andalusian dish) and a small homemade dessert with natural fruit).
Day 4: Zuheros > Alcalà, ~30/58 km
Today you bid farewell to the Subbetica Mountains, to immerse yourselves in the countryside of Jaén, riding along the comfortable „Vía Verde„ (old railway line). After passing the station in Alcaudete, you continue uphill, and the more bumpy trails and imposing watchtowers above remind you that you are entering Nasrid territory. You encounter the majestic „La Mota„ fortress defending the town of Alcalá. (This stage is hard, with a lot of climbs especially in the second half. We offer the possibility to cycle only on a Greenway for about 25 km and then an uphill until Alcaudete, from where you can continue with the luggage transfer for free. Transfer normally at 13:30)
Day 5: Alcalà > Tozar, ~27 km
After visiting the La Mota fortress, with its thick castle walls, imposing towers and the old cathedral built by the reconquering Christians within its confines, you head out of Alcalá la Real over its fertile plain, (and adjacent villages of Fuente del Rey and Santa Ana), riding between fields of cereal crops which are full of poppies in springtime. Once passed Casillas de Mures, the landscape changes and you head towards Tózar, just before the final bastion of the Nazrid kingdom. This village awaits you in the distance beneath the watchful eye of its imposing castle. In the afternoon you can walk towards the old cemetery with anthropomorphic tombs dug out of the rock and the remains of a defensive system set up during the Spanish Civil War.
Day 6: Tozar > Granada, ~55/66 km
After climbing to Moclín you will enjoy the great views of the Sierra Nevada during the large descent to Olivares. Soon the beautiful plain comes into sight, its arrival announced by the last watchtower you will see, opposite the „tres Juanes„ hermitage. Sierra Nevada forms an impressive backdrop. You now approach Granada, and have the option of entering the city from the North, taking a longer route through the foothills of the Alfaguara Mountains.
Day 7: Departure or additional nights
End of the journey in Granada.
