Valencia, Color and Contrasts

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15/20/29 mi. (24/32/46 km)
Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 9 - 19 mi. (15 - 30 km)
Day 4: Ontinyent, 0 - 25 mi. (0 - 40 km)
Day 5: Ontinyent - Xativa, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Xativa - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Cullera - Valencia, 29/35 mi. (46/56 km)
Day 8: Valencia

*Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations caused by construction or road repairs that cannot be foreseen. 

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
You arrive in Biar, a city rich in heritage, highlighted by its 12th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes.  It is suggested to simply stroll around the old quarter with its maze of narrow streets, and discover the quaint squares, churches, and so much more. 

Preferred accommodation: 4-star Hotel Villa de Biar

Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15/20/29 mi. (24/32/46 km)
Welcome meeting and bike delivery at your hotel. The meeting can be arranged from 8 am until 10 am.  Your route will follow a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages, approaching Banyeres de Mariola where you can choose between three routes:

Route 1: This option is quite flat, bordering the natural enclave known as Paraje Natural de la Serra de Mariola.
Route 2: This route enters directly into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, leading to higher ground. You will marvel at the stunning views and abundance of flora and fauna. You then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent for your overnight.  Not to be missed is a stroll in its old quarter. 
Route 3: During this option, you can explore the Natural Park a bit more by cycling an extra loop.

Preferred accommodation: 3-star, Hotel L’Estacio

Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 9 - 19 mi. (15 - 30 km)
After a healthy and hearty breakfast, You’ll set off and pedal towards Ontinyent, the district capital with an interesting historic heart in terms of architecture. You’ll find a whole host of cafés and restaurants where you’ll be able to enjoy an array of local gastronomic delights.

There are two options:

Route 1: The shortest option where in just a few kilometers you’ll be in Ontinyent, enabling us to spend more time in a leisurely visit to the stunning medieval town of Bocairent.

Route 2: You take the green route that will take us to La Valleta d’ Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as we pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola. You’ll go through villages like Alfafara and Agres, marked by their own distinctive characters.

Preferred accommodation: 4-star, Hotel Kazar 

Day 4: Ontinyent, 0 - 25 mi. (0 - 40 km)
You have two options to choose from:

Route 1: You can decide to visit the city of Ontinyent or chill out.

Route 2: Do a circular route: you ride down a quiet road past placid fields sown with grain crops as well as olive groves and vineyards. You’ll see some stately edifices perfectly nestled into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins; there you’ll visit one of the former noblemen’s houses now converted into wine cellars and visit some specialty shops that offer artisan-produced delicacies and craftwork.

Preferred accommodation: 4-star, Hotel Kazar 

Day 5: Ontinyent - Xàtiva, 22 mi. (35 km)
You’ll start the day pedaling past verdant fields and fertile groves of almond, olive, and apricot trees, all making a patchwork with persimmon plantations and old vineyards. You’ll go through Albaida with its interesting fortified palace commanding its historic heart. You’ll come across small villages and hamlets as we head to the shores of the Bellús dam. The area around the dam is of great scenic and ecological value. You’ll come across a number of cultural artifacts such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams) and elements of irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You’ll take a path bordering the gorge of the Albaida River, (in spring/summer we can take a dip in its waters to cool off). You will then head to the noble town of Xàtiva, a place steeped in history and crowned by an imposing castle

Preferred accommodation: 4* Casa Aldomar Guest House

Day 6: Xàtiva - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
You depart from the city of Xàtiva and delve deeply into the hinterland of València with its verdant market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for its quality oranges which, blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. The route leads on quiet roads and paths that weave their way through the rich green tapestry along the floor of the valley and includes following part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries. There is an opportunity to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Your goal today is the coastal city of Cullera with its beautiful sea views. Be sure to sample a few of rice specialties of the area. Located amidst rice field, the star ingredient of the cuisine is rice in all its varieties including Valencian paella, “arroz a banda” (rice with fish stock), “arroz negro” (rice with octopus ink), rice with lobster, seafood rice, etc. Enjoy!

Preferred accommodation: 3 * Hotel Chalet

Day 7: Cullera -  Valencia, 29/35 mi. (46/56 km)
You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera,  one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes, and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna.

It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar.

Upon reaching Valencia, you’ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market – a cathedral of a market, indeed! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer so many kinds of cafés, bars, and restaurants. The lovers of good food will be pleased. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

Preferred accommodation: 4-star Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia

Day 8: Valencia
Departure or extend your stay.

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Accommodations in 3 & 4-star hotels, charming rural houses, farmsteads, or quality B&Bs. In the daily itinerary, the hotels that are generally used for this tour are listed. Please be aware that confirmed hotel lists are based on availability and if a hotel listed is not available, then an alternative of equal standard will be offered.

Bicycles

Trekking bike

The rental bikes have 24 gears, and are equipped with responsive brakes, front suspension, mudguards, comfort gel saddles, anti-puncture tires, speedometer, pannier, helmet, handlebar bag, map holder, and GPS device.

Electric bike

Electric bikes are also available for a supplement. Standard e-bikes have 24 gears, aluminium frame, Shimano Altus, good quality display, and six levels of power. Step-through frames with 7 gears are also available.

Both e-bikes have a 15 Am battery, so they can ride long distances.