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Overview / Itinerary / Accommodation / Prices & Dates / Notes & Extra Info.
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 GENERAL
DESCRIPTION:
Roll with us through Andalucia's FINEST countryside as we take in
beautiful National parks, remote white villages, charming back roads
and pleasantly diverse terrain from day to day. This is true Moorish
Andalucia and still VERY undiscovered!
The Southern Explorer takes you places
others rarely see (unless they're lost!). As Adventure Guides based in
the region we have knowledge of unique routes and special places that
our larger competitors do not. We invite you to spend time with us and
to discover a part of Europe you never knew existed!
GENERAL
DETAILS:
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You ride, we look after all other logistics and provide back up support too - including shuttles, repairs,
and the extra push too! |
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Our routes are "unguided" in the sense that you are free to ride at your own pace. We provide the route information and have a daily support vehicle
following on the road but otherwise you're
free to ride at your own pace. Our backup vehicle does a
sweep nearly every hour so you don't have to worry at all... |
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Groups vary from a minimum of 4 to a max of
14 - a great number for a riding party. Larger tour
groups can easily be accommodated to. |
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You need only carry water,
snacks and route information. We look after the baggage shuttles. |
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Need a touring bike to hire? We provide this service too! |
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Just get yourself to Malaga airport and we do the rest from there (except ride the bike for you!). |
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Worried about over-exerting yourself? No need, we have alternative routing days and even "ride along" moments! |
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DURATION OF TOUR / STARTING DAY:
8 days, 7 nights - starting on Sundays
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The
route is from door to door and nearly completes a circuit of
Andalucia's best countryside. The sense of accomplishment by riding
one of the most scenic tours in Spain is one that'll stay with you
forever!
DAY
1: (Sunday)
Pick up Malaga Airport - 1 1/4 hour shuttle to base night in Casares
- a beautiful remote Moorish village steeped in history and charm.
DAY
2: (Monday)
Ride
the lush valley routes of the Guadiaro through fruit orchards
and vineyards to the peaceful setting of Jimena village - an
gentle day 1.
Distance: 40 km
Level: Easy with only gentle uphill grades
DAY
3: (Tuesday)
Ride
Jimena to Alcala through the stunning Alcornocales
National Park (Europe's largest original native forest), and total
tranquility!
- Distance: 50km
- Level: Moderate / hilly with climbing over 2 km but not steep
DAY
4: (Wednesday)
Ride
Alcala to Arcos de la Frontera through the peaceful open
lowlands of the extreme south of Spain - real bull fighting
countryside!.
- Distance: 52km
- Level: Gentle with few climbs
 DAY 5: (Thursday)
Rest Day! Options for today include day trips to Jerez de
la Frontera to visit the world famous Equestrian / Dressage show,
Sherry Bodegas, the enchanting old town and more. Or you can
simply relax in Arcos and explore great tapas bars and flamenco
music. Our guide will offer a number of self-guided options and
ideas...
DAY 6: (Friday)
Ride Arcos to Zahara via either the stunning
Grazalema National Park (A World Heritage Site), or through the pretty Andaluz countryside bordering the park.
- Distance: 52km
- Level: Moderate (or challenging) depending on route chosen.
DAY 7: (Saturday)
Ride Zahara to Ronda via either the breathtaking Puerto de las Palomas Pass in the National Park or by way of the scenic
lake road followed by an optional 7 km circuit taking in the unique 'white
villages' before heading onto the historic center of Ronda.
- Distance: 48km
- Level: Moderate
DAY 8: (Sunday)
Shuttle
1 hr 45 min to Malaga airport from Ronda.
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"A
wonderful cycling holiday with great organization and attention - a
good crack!" Hugh Quigley (Dublin, Ireland)
To
hear more of what our guest had to say about our
tours
CLICK
HERE...
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We
utilize only the most charming local hostals and guest houses in the
villages. All have private
facilities, great views, character and often quirky staff as well!
| Night
1: |
Casares
- Hotel Rural Casares - A
uniquely situated modern white village hotel with
balconies looking down the valley to the sea and Africa! |
| Night
2: |
Jimena
de la Frontera - Hostel el Anon
or equivalent - a cozy traditional hotel with nooks,
crannies and a charming bar and roof top swimming pool! |
| Night
3: |
Alcala
de las Gazules - Hotel San Jorge or Pisadro - A
modern hotel located in the centre of this ancient white
village and near all the action! |
| Night
4&5: |
Arcos
de la Frontera - Hotel La Fonda - a converted
Victorian mansion set right off the beautiful Plaza España -
home for 2 nights... |
| Night
6: |
Zahara
de la Frontera - Marques de la Sierra - The classic
village inn located in the main plaza and frequented by other
cycle tour groups. |
| Night
7: |
Ronda
- Hotel Hermanos Macias - a very cozy Moorish styled inn
above the best tapas bar in Andalucia and only meters from the
famous Bullring. |
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What's
included in the Tour Price:
-
7 Nights accommodation / double share (en-suite bathroom facilities)
- 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners / 1 lunch (2nd day)*
- Airport collection and drop off
- Guide, daily support vehicle, route maps and detailed
itinerary
- Trip orientation dossier
- Taxes (we have no hidden fees)
- Single supplement: 85 Euros
*There are local ventas and restaurants en-route for lunches.
What's
not included in the Tour Price:
- Flights to and from Malaga
- Personal Insurance
- Meals, activities and public transport on rest day
Notes:
Itinerary Confirmation:
These holidays are flexible as noted above. But for your piece of
mind, you will receive a detailed itinerary of hotels, activities and
travel arrangements for your trip once you have booked
Extended Stay Holidays:
Optional self-excursions (organized by us or independently), may be
arranged before and after your holiday with us. e.g. You may wish to
visit Morocco for a few days after we finish on the Sunday or spend a
while on the Atlantic coast based out of Tarifa - the Windsurf Capital
of Europe - 45 minutes away. We would be happy to advise you and/or
provide hotel and car rental bookings for these destinations and many
others.
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Name:
Southern Explorer
Number of days riding:
5 days / 1 rest day
Average km/day:
Average: 50km/day
Total Km: 252km
Road Surface:
All tarmac with optional 'track' riding but suitable for both road
touring and mtn. bike riding
Accommodation:
Cozy village hotels and rural guest houses
Food:
Local cuisine, vegetarian and some international food
Transport:
All ground transport from Malaga Airport
Backup Support:
Full-time support with "ride-along" option.
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See
the absolute best of Andalucia's diversity by bicycle! The route
is superb for all levels with 'alternatives' if you wish to challenge
yourself! |
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Picturesque National Parks (Alcornocales, Grazalema, Cortes, and
more), quiet tarmac roads that are easy to follow.
Great vegetation, wildflowers, forests, flora and fauna |
If you would like to receive a copy of our latest full-colour
brochure, with all the details about our tours and other
information, we can send it to you or you can download it.
[Click Here]
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Want to see what previous guests of ours had to say about their
holiday experiences?.. [Click here]
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We've put together
a Slide show to show some of the scenery, flora and fauna that we go through on our tours.
Have a look...
[Click Here]
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Answers to all
those frequently asked questions about our holidays...
[Click
Here]
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To see just some of the reasons why an Adventure Bug Holiday is the right outdoor holiday for you...
[Click Here]
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If you are looking for an expert outdoors company in Andalucia,
then talk to us. We can help you organise a specific event
or run tours for you.
[Click Here]
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 Fancy a good read? Our guide book to walks and hikes around Andalucia has now been published.
[Click Here]
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