Extremadura: Spanish Land of Conquistadors

Day 1: Arrival in Oropesa
Day 2: Oropesa - Jarandilla de la Vera, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 3: Jarandilla de la Vera - Plasencia, 36 or 43 mi. (59 to 69 km)
Day 4: Plasencia - Monfragüe National Park, 27 mi. (44 km) 
Day 5: Monfragüe - Trujillo, 31 mi. (49 km)
Day 6: Trujillo - Caceres, 35 mi. (56 km) 
Day 7: Departure

All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. You may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival in Oropesa
Upon arrival in Oropesa, check-in and enjoy your accommodations. You will overnight in a 15th Century palace and castle, rich with history and incredible views of the Sierra de Gredos. The historic value of the Torre del Homenaje, a tower attached to the Parador, the columns of the courtyard, and the pool with outstanding views over the plains of Campo Arañuelo, make your first evening a truly memorable experience.

     Sample accommodation: Parador De Oropesa 

Day 2: Oropesa - Jarandilla de la Vera, 42 miles (67 km) | Elevation gain: 612 m
Your cycling adventure begins! Rental bikes will be delivered in the morning and adjusted to your preferences. Through typical Mediterranean woodlands, the route leads to the foothills of the Gredos Mountains, whose granite cliffs are a perfect backdrop for the day's route providing stunning views. Jarandilla de la Vera, final destination of the day, showcases architectural wonders such as the churches of San Agustin and Ntra. Senora de la Torre. Your stay tonight is in a restored castle that once hosted Emperor Charles V for several months!

      Sample accommodation: Parador de Jarandilla

Day 3: Jarandilla de la Vera - Plasencia, 37 - 43 miles (59 - 69 km) | Elevation gain: 525 m
Another beautiful day of cycling is in store. Ride through peaceful countryside to the walled market town of Plasencia. Nestled on the bank of the Jerte River, Plasencia has experienced many benefits (and downfalls) from its strategic location on the Ruta de la Plata- the Silver Route. Palaces, ancestral homes, and significant religious buildings make up the architecture of this beautiful city. 

      Sample accommodation: Parador de Plasencia

Day 4: Plasencia - Monfragüe National Park, 24 miles (39 km) | Elevation gain: 383 m
Cycling south towards the Tajo River, you will reach the National Park of Monfrague, a well-known place for all bird watching enthusiasts. The landscape here is a unique juxtaposition of farming land and cork and oak trees. The farms in this area are dedicated to raising wild bulls and the famous black "iberico" pig. 

      Sample accommodation: Palacio Viejo De Las Corchuelas or Hospederia De Monfrague

Day 5: Monfragüe - Trujillo, 30 miles (49 km) | Elevation gain: 427 m
Trujillo is one of the area’s most important historic and cultural towns and is certainly one of Spain's finest gems. The walled hilltop town, which overlooks the expansive countryside, dates back to 600 BC and is famed for its strategic involvement in the discovery of the Americas. 

Several of Spain's most famous conquistadors such as Hernan Cortes who conquered the Aztec empire, Francisco Pizarro who conquered the Inca Empire, and Diego Parades, all called this region home. On their return from the Americas to Trujillo, these Conquistadors built magnificent residences to celebrate their newfound wealth. The legacy of the conquest can be seen in much of Trujillo’s perfectly preserved architecture and the impressive bronze statue of Francisco Pizzaro mounted on his horse, which dominates the town’s main square.

      Sample accommodation: Parador de Trujillo

Day 6: Trujillo to Caceres, 34 miles (55 km) | Elevation gain: 350 m
The scenery of the last bike ride is a beautiful mix of small villages and stunning landscapes. Reaching the monumental city of Caceres, you will be transported back in time as the architecture reflects a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance influences. Be sure to explore the narrow cobbled streets as they twist and climb among ancient stonewalls lined with palaces and mansions!

     Sample accommodation: Parador de Cáceres

Day 7: Departure or extension of your stay. 
Departure from Caceres, you can extend your journey or take a train back to Madrid.

Looking for a different cycling experience?  View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.

Accommodations

You will be accommodated for five nights at four-star Paradors and one night at a charming rural hacienda inside Monfragüe National Park itself. Paradors are luxury hotels with exquisite service and the best of traditional cuisine in their restaurants. They are located in National Heritage properties: unique, historic buildings such as restored Palaces, Monasteries or Castles. All but one of the hotels have seasonal swimming pools. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred accommodations.

Bicycles

Touring Bike

Kross Trans Alp (or similar)

• Frame - Aluminum Performance
• Fork - SR Suntour Nex 63 mm
• Saddle - Selle Royale
• Shifters - Shimano Tourney ST-EF65 3x8
• Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore RD-M591
• Front Derailleur- Shimano Atlus FD-M310
• Brakes - Kross V-brakes
• Tire - Schwalbe Silento Puncture Protection 28"

Accesories

• Odometer
• Rear pannier
• Map carrier
• Helmet
• Water bottle
• Lock
• Pump
• Puncture repair kit
• Multitool set

Electric Bike

Ortler Bozen Performance Wave (or equivalent)

• Frame - Aluminum
• Gear set - Shimano Deore 9-speed
• Motor - Bosch Performance 250 W
• Battery - Bosch Power Pack Li-Ion 36v, 500wh
• Brakes - Shimano BR-315 disc