Extremadura: Spanish Land of Conquistadors

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: 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.

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 chapel

Day 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.

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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

Electric Bike

Kalkhoff Voyager Move Ebike (or equivalent)

• Step-through frame
• Bosch Performance drive system
• Hydraulic Tektro disc brakes
• Schwalbe Energizer E-bike tires