Valencia, Color and Contrasts

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15/20/29 mi. (24/32/46 km)
Day 3: Bocirent - Fontanars, 13/21 mi. (21/34 km)
Day 4: Fontanars, loop ride, 17/27 mi. (28/44 km)
Day 5: Fontanars - Xativa, 27 mi. (43 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. 

On your first night, you will be accommodated in the 3 to 4 * hotel in the old quarter, Hotel Villa de Biar

Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15/20/29 mi. (24/32/46 km)
Welcome meeting and bike delivery at your hotel. 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.

You will be accommodated in town in the very good 3 * hotel with swimming pool, Hotel Agora

Day 3: Bocirent - Fontanars, 13/21 mi. (21/34 km)
Following breakfast, you set off in the direction of vineyard country, following the green route that will lead to La Valleta d’ Agres. You pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola, through villages like Alfafara and Agres (34 km), marked by their own distinctive characters, or you can cycle more directly to Fontanars (21 km). This evening you will be accommodated in a rural and serene setting.

In Fontanars, you will be accommodated for two nights in the 3 * rural hotel in a rural setting, Casa rural Morera

Day 4: Fontanars, loop ride, 17/27 mi. (28/44 km)
Today you cycle on a quiet lane past peaceful fields sown with wild grain and dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Ancient buildings blend into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins. Some of the former noblemen’s houses have been converted into wineries and in the village, you can visit specialty shops that offer artisanal delicacies and craft items (28 km)  If you choose the longer route, you will have the opportunity to visit the historical Iberian town, La Bastida (44 km).

Day 5: Fontanars - Xativa, 27 mi. (43 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, venturing into Ontinyent. The old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest and the architecture showcases 18th-century mansions and the more modest Valencian buildings from the late 18th century and early 19th century.  You’ll come across small villages and hamlets, heading 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 you can swim in its waters to cool off). Final destination today is the noble town of Xàtiva, a place steeped in history and crowned by an imposing castle.

Accommodation in the 4 * guest house in the old quarter, Casa Aldomar Guest House

Day 6: Xativa - 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!

Tonight you will stay close to the beach in the 3 * Hotel Chalet

Day 7: Cullera -  Valencia, 29/35 mi. (46/56 km)
Route 1: You venture fairly directly (46 km) 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.
Route 2: If you choose the longer option, you’ll start the day by cycling along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, lush fields and groves of the whole district (56 Km). 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.

This evening you will enjoy a  4* accommodation, the Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia

Day 8: Valencia
Departure or extend your stay.

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It has been endeavored to offer the highest comfort possible in carefully selected accommodations consisting of 3 & 4 star hotels , charming rural houses or farmsteads, or quality B&Bs. Under each day’s itinerary on the Day to Day details, you will find listed the hotels that are generally used for this tour. Keep in mind that confirmed hotel lists are based on availability and if any hotel listed is not available, then an alternative of equal standard will be offered.