Andalusia - Seville to Granada

Spain Bike Tour

Seville to Granada

This diverse riding week blends Andalusia’s three monumental gems; Seville, Cordoba and Granada with some of Spain’s finest rural landscapes and pleasant backwaters where little has changed. A one-of-a-kind cycle experience that caters to both lovers of history, art and romanticism and those seeking harmony with nature, fresh Andalusian air and some gentle riding days.

Peaceful rides through quiet plantations of orange, avocado, olive, cotton and sunflowers offer  a glimpse of rural life in Andalucia’s colorful valleys bordering the historic Guadalquivir River.  Evenings are spent immersed in the historic and cultural elements of the cities and small villages on route. A particular highlight is the culinary delights to be had such as the wide range of local ‘tapas’ dishes, wines, Sherries and fresh nuts, berries and fruits growing wild throughout the region.

Your enthusiastic leader is on hand to guide you through Andalucia’s secret delights and will introduce you to the true ‘Andaluz’ its eccentric people and vibrant customs! As a bonus, your trip leader offers a nightly cultural/heritage tour at each destination you arrive, providing you with complete insight into every stop along the way.

Experience the magnificence of Seville with its wonderful Cathedral housing the tomb of Columbus and an original Mosque tower; the charming Barrio Santa Cruz that inspired the opera Carmen and the sheer power of the Alcazar Fortress. At night feel the vibrancy of Seville’s flamenco roots, or simply be part of the energy and get lost in the labyrinth of lanes and alleys in the old town.

In Cordoba, once capital of the Western world, your leader will guide you on a historic tour of the old Jewish quarter and throughout the famous ‘patios’ with their wonderful floral displays. A stay in Cordoba would not be complete without touring possibly the most beautiful Mosque in the world, the Mezquita, with an enormous 16th century Cathedral suspiciously placed in its center!

At Granada, the final destination and arguably one of Europe’s most exotic cities with its snow peaked backdrop and the imposing Alhambra Palace in the foreground,  you  venture deep into Moorish culture and explore the lanes and plazas reminiscent of Moroccan souks in the Albaizín district plus much more.

Between these inspirational cities are 4 nights in lovely small rural towns of Roman and Moorish origins including 1 night in the birth place of California’s namesake Palma del Rio and another in the classic ‘white village’ of Zuheros – nestled snugly against a backdrop of steep, mountainous crags and pine forests where an optional cave visit offers glimpses of Palaeolithic man’s existence 25,000 years ago.

Overall, this unique itinerary has something for everyone and every level of interest and ability. Classic moments such as flamenco evenings, wine tasting, spring wild flowers and village fiestas make up only part of this holiday. If there is something of interest going on, you will  be part of it – and in Andalucia, there is never a dull moment!

If you are interested in this tour, you may also want to check out our Coastal Andalusia bike tour.

For a list of all of our bike tours in Spain click here.

Skill Level

Tour is described as easy to moderate, guided tour. See day-to-day itinerary for level of difficulty for each daily ride. Some days are fairly flat, and other days of cycling require a considerable level of fitness with rolling hills or climbs to conquer. Daily cycling distances range from 30 to 36 miles (49 to 58 km). Keep in mind a support vehicle is with you or very near by all day in case you cannot complete the day’s cycling.

Where You’ll Stay

Very nice, charming 3 to 4 star hotels located in town centers or at a nearby location with enchanting views.

What’s Included

• 7 nights hotel accommodations
• Breakfasts
• 4 dinners (3 courses)
• Water & snacks (during ride)
• Luggage transportation
• Guide that drives the support vehicle (please see remarks for details)
• Route descriptions & maps
• 21-speed hybrid bicycle, bicycle helmet, gel seats, toe clip options and carry bag

What’s Not Included

• Individual arrival to the hotel
• Remaining meals

Tour Dates

• March 31, May 5, May 26, September 22, October 13, 2013

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Arrival in Seville.
2. Transfer to Carmona. Carmona - Palma del Rio, 30 mi. (49 km
3. Palma del Rio - Cordoba, 36 mi. (58 km)
4. Cordoba - Zuheros de la Sierra, 36 mi. (58 km)
5. Day of rest in Zuheros
6. Zuheros - Alcala la Real, 31 mi. (50 km)
7. Alcala la Real - Granada, 35 mi. (57 km)
8. Departure from Granada

Day 1: Arrival in Seville.
Tour leader meets group in hotel lobby at 1900 hours – Orientation and easy walking tour of central Seville and Barrio Santa Cruz. Welcome group dinner. If you are interested in seeing Seville’s main highlights (i.e., Cathedral and Alcazar Palace), please try to organize this before meeting the group.

Day 2: Transfer to Carmona. Carmona - Palma del Rio, 30 mi. (49 km)
After breakfast you have a 30 minute minibus or local coach shuttle to Carmona town to begin ride (you avoid riding out of Seville due to heavy traffic). The first ride - Carmona to Palma del Rio is on quiet secondary roads in open agricultural landscapes once ruled by both Moorish and Christian empires. Optional 10 km extension to the pretty Baroque village (Penaflor). Evening guided walk of medieval town and its historical origins. Group dinner in hotel tonight provided.
Level: Easy – mostly flat.

Day 3: Palma del Rio - Cordoba, 36 mi. (58 km)
Ride Palma del Rio to Cordoba through open countryside containing poppies, cotton and avocados. The historic Sierra Morena lowlands flank the valley Guadalquivir providing much wealth and prosperity throughout Andalucia’s turbulent history. This afternoon you take a guided walk of Cordoba’s Juderia, Patios and Craft Works before our dinner in one of Cordoba’s traditional patio restaurants.
Level: Easy / Moderate – mostly flat / some hills in the second half.

Day 4: Cordoba - Zuheros de la Sierra, 36 mi. (58 km)
Prior to setting off this morning you are free to visit the famous Mezquita Mosque of Cordoba – made famous for becoming both a Catholic Cathedral and a Mosque in the same building – the Mosque was the original structure however! Today’s ride (the longest of the week) offers the first taste of hilly landscapes as you approach Subetica National Park and its stunning green forests, waterfalls and unique limestone craggy peaks. Group dinner is provided in hotel tonight.
Level: Moderate / Challenging at times / the biggest day due to length and variety of terrain.

Day 5: Day of rest in Zuheros
Your rest day is located in one of Andalucia’s most charming white villages – Zuheros. Famous in Moorish history as a small defensive strong-hold, this tiny hamlet offers pure nature, quiet village lanes and opportunities to get out on foot into the mountains, ride the famous Via Verde paths or simply relax in the serene village surroundings with a book and a tapas. *Please see information below for further rest day options. Tonight dinner is not included but we recommend dining at the lovely plaza venta under the fortress.

Day 6: Zuheros - Alcala la Real, 31 mi. (50 km)
The ride today brings us through the rolling olive groves towards the mountains surrounding the famous Vega de Granada. Today’s route takes in a busier road for part of the day followed by a lovely rural lane and even a section of the Via Verde historical route. The stay at Alcala la Real (The Royal) is marked by a visit of this once regal town’s Moorish Fortress grounds as well as a light walk through the city itself. Group dinner is provided at the hotel.
Level: Moderate – rolling with regular hill sections and a big climb over a pass towards the end.

Day 7: Alcala la Real - Granada, 35 mi. (57 km)
Your final riding day begins as you 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 set on high valleys, cliff walls and along pretty rivers. This  final ride to the heart of Granada offers inspiring views of the snowy Sierra Nevada peaks and with luck you capture a view of the Alhambra Palace set high above the hustle and bustle of New Granada. Today is a  picnic along a pretty lakeside where bathing can be enjoyed.
Level: Moderate / Challenging moments – guided support for entering Granada.

In the evening there is a guided tour through the lanes of Granada’s exotic Albaizín district and Moroccan Quarter visiting lovely plazas and capturing the beauty of the Alhambra Palace at night from one of the city’s most spectacular miradors. Tonight dinner is not included but we normally have a final group farewell celebration in one of the city’s lovely open plazas. This evening your tour leader(s) will also depart the tour.

Please note – you leader is always available to assist with onward travel advice, translations and highlights / ideas for visiting Granada. Additionally, if you plan to visit the Alhambra (which is a must do!), remember to book your tickets by credit card well in advance – this can be done through the Alhambra Website at: http://www.servicaixa.com. Without a booking, it is possible to line up first thing in the morning at the Alhambra (08:30) for limited tickets – though not advisable.

Day 8: Departure from Granada
Guests are free to depart this morning after breakfast from Hotel Los Tilos in Granada / no transport included.

*Rest Day Options
Zuheros is a fantastic village for those who appreciate natural outdoor settings. Because we spend time in 3 bustling cities on this tour, we’ve chosen the quiet backwaters of Zuheros for our rest stop. With a stunning mountain backdrop containing forests, caves, walking paths, waterfalls and more, we are certain you will enjoy this friendly village and charming hotel.

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

• Portugues: Andaluzia - Sevilha a Granada
• Nederlands: Andalusië - van Sevilla naar Granada
• Deutsch: Sevilla – Granada
• Español: Andalucía - De Sevilla a Granada