Extremadura: Spanish Land of Conquistadors
Spain Bike Tours
A luxury bike tour in Central Spain
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1172 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This self-guided bike tour in Spain will take you through the region of Extremadura. 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 extraordinary place home. They brought back their newfound wealth and left their footprint in the history and culture here.
Starting in Oropesa, you will bike through typical Spanish towns including Jarandilla de la Vera, Plasencia, Trujillo, and the Unesco World Heritage city of Caceres. The National Park of Monfrague will impress with its massive cliffs, home to an extensive variety of birds and wildlife.
Each night, you will rest and relax in luxurious Parador hotels renowned for their high standard of service.
Highlights
- Historical and Unesco sites, such as Oropesa, Plasencia, and Trujillo
- Wonderful cuisine to be discovered
- Luxurious accommodations (4-star Parador Hotels)
- Unspoiled countryside
- Cycling across Monfrague National Park, rich in birdlife and wildlife
If you are looking for more, check out all of our bicycle tours in Spain.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Oropesa
Day 2: Oropesa - Jarandilla de la Vera, 34 or 42 mi. (55 km or 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). 383 m
Day 5: Monfragüe - Trujillo, 31 mi. (49 km). Climb: 427 m
Day 6: Trujillo - Caceres, 35 mi. (56 km). Climb: 350 m
Day 7: DepartureAll 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.Preferred accommodation:
Parador Nacional Oropesa: Your hotel is a 15th Century hilltop palace and castle featuring exceptional views of the Sierra de Gredos. Once the stately home of the Álvarez de Toledo and counts of Oropesa, over the years the castle has been a refuge for soldiers, monks, nobles, and travelers and this use continues as a Parador today.Day 2: Oropesa - Jarandilla de la Vera, 34 or 42 miles (55 km or 67 km)
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!Elevation: 2008 ft (612 m)
Preferred accommodation:
Parador Nacional Jarandilla: This palace-castle from the 14th century, lies sheltered in the middle of the Vera and Tiétar valleys. Amidst river gorges, natural pools, woods of chestnuts and oaks, and natural landscapes the wealth of its historic and monumental surroundings is enhanced. The hotel's noteworthy exterior features include the fortified towers, parade ground, and excellent swimming pool, surrounded by olive and orange trees. Inside, the atmosphere is tranquil and private,Day 3: Jarandilla de la Vera - Plasencia, 36 or 43 miles (59 to 69 km). Climb: 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.Elevation: 1722 ft (524 m)
Preferred accommodation:
Parador Nacional Plasencia: This Parador is a historic building just inside the walls of the city. The hotel is in the former convent of Sto. Domingo, founded by the Zúñiga family in the mid-15th century, in the Gothic style inside and in part of the exterior. Strategically located in the historic center of Plasencia, this is the ideal place to explore the architectural beauty of this singular city and the beautiful landscape around it.Day 4: Plasencia - Monfragüe National Park, 27miles (44 km)
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.Elevation: 1257 ft (383 m)
Preferred accommodation:
Palacio Viejo: A charming country house set in a 600-hectare farm, carefully restored traditional building dating back 200 years. The hotel is surrounded by cork and holm oaks, and you can enjoy the services of the pool they have. Due to its privileged location at the foot of Las Corchuelas Mountain Range, the backbone of Monfragüe's National Park, it is a unique destination to enjoy the peace of unadulterated nature.Day 5: Monfragüe - Trujillo, 31 miles (49 km)
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.
Elevation: 1401 ft. (427 m)
Preferred accommodation:
Parador Nacional Trujillo: Set in the historic city of Trujillo, this lovely Parador is located in the 16th-century convent of Santa Clara. Outstanding features of the interior include two beautiful cloisters with Renaissance arches and columns drenched in sunlight. The hotel has spacious and pleasant lounges and noble bedrooms with antique wooden furniture. One of the most impressive spaces is the breakfast room, a beautifully decorated restored chapelDay 6: Trujillo to Caceres, 35 miles (56 km)
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!Elevation: 1148 ft (350 m)
Preferred accommodation:
Parador Nacional Cáceres: The Parador de Cáceres represents the harmonious union of the palaces of the marquises of Torreorgaz and the so-called Ovando Mogollón, Perero y Paredes House, both dating from the 14th century. The interior of the building boasts all the elegance, quality and comfort of a historic structure adapted to suit the needs of today's guests, especially the restaurant and outdoor areas, café and guest lounge. This last room is a particularly pleasant spot to meet and chat. It is conveniently situated in the old historic centre in a pedestrian area.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.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
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
Giant Argento (or similar)
- Aluminum frame
- Giant Sport City trekking aluminum handlebar
- Adjustable Stem
- Selle Royal Lancia saddle -
- Aluminum Trekking platform pedals
- Shimano Tourney 21 speed
- Schwalbe Rnage Cruiser Tires
- Tektro linear pull brakes
- Rear rack
Accesories
- Odometer
- Rear pannier
- Map carrier
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Multitool set
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 nights
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- 24-speed bicycle rental of brand Giant Argento or Kalkhoff Voyager (or equivalent) with equipment (rear panniers, map carrier, helmet, pump, repair kit)
- Route descriptions and maps (one set per room)
- Emergency support
What’s Not Included
- Extra nights
- Remaining meals
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals possible from March 1 to June 31 and September 1 through November 30, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Twin/double $ 1938 £ 1054 $ 1,779 € 1172 ₪ 4633 ¥ 168528 NZ$ 2077 NOK 13493 kr 13736 $ 1,289 Single supplement $ 392 £ 213 $ 360 € 237 ₪ 937 ¥ 34079 NZ$ 420 NOK 2728 kr 2778 $ 261 Solo traveler supplement $ 780 £ 425 $ 717 € 472 ₪ 1866 ¥ 67871 NZ$ 837 NOK 5434 kr 5532 $ 519 Extra Options
Bike Options & Accessories
GPS, one available per booking $ 50 £ 27 $ 46 € 30 ₪ 119 ¥ 4314 NZ$ 53 NOK 345 kr 352 $ 33
Electric bike rental $ 132 £ 72 $ 121 € 80 ₪ 316 ¥ 11504 NZ$ 142 NOK 921 kr 938 $ 88
Dinners Included*
Price $ 344 £ 187 $ 316 € 208 ₪ 822 ¥ 29909 NZ$ 369 NOK 2395 kr 2438 $ 229
*Excluding drinks
Extra nights
Madrid Caceres Twin/double On request On request Single On request On request Transfers
Per transfer/max. 6 people Madrid to Oropesa $ 281 £ 153 $ 258 € 170 ₪ 672 ¥ 24445 NZ$ 301 NOK 1957 kr 1992 $ 187 Caceres to Madrid $ 579 £ 315 $ 531 € 350 ₪ 1384 ¥ 50328 NZ$ 620 NOK 4029 kr 4102 $ 385 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self guide tour is rated moderate to difficult with daily distance of 57 km and average meters to climb is 459 m. The terrain is rolling with at least four ascents each day.
Airport Info
Fly into Madrid Barajas International Airport
Local Travel
From Madrid Airport bt bys From Madrid Airport to Atocha train Station you can use the Express Bus Service going into Madrid with only three stops: O´Donnel, Cibeles and Atocha; or the C1 train service from Terminal 4 that takes you into Atocha in 4 stops. Both these services are very regular. You can also take a taxi (40 minutes and about 30 Euros).
From Madrid to Oropesa by Train
The best way to get to Oropesa de Toledo is by train. There are around five trains per day, usually distributed throughout the day. The journey is under 2 hours. You can check and buy the ticket at: www.renfe.com (unfortunately this website is not very user friendly and tickets and timetables are not available online until two to three weeks before the date) or on the phone number: 902 320 320. We recommend you buy a return ticket to Madrid at the same time you get the train ticket from Madrid to Oropesa. This will avoid spending time on the last day going to the station to buy the ticket. The first accommodation is 2 km from train station so a taxi is recommended. Or alternately, you can phone the first accommodation for transfer.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Important to know
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Sustainability
This holiday produces a carbon footprint of 0,6326 tonnes of CO₂. This includes taxis, luggage transfers, and accommodation for every traveler. Our partner will compensate the CO₂ footprint for each booking through tropical reforestation projects in collaboration with the CeroCO₂ platform.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Senderos y Pueblos.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Tom W.
6 years agoVerified Reviewer
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Tom W.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer