'In
it’s 5th season!This popular riding tour for all levels offers a bit of
everything from charming back roads through national parks to white
villages, evening entertainment and ‘extra’ activities to complete
the experience.''
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!
This
tour is appreciated by both new and experienced riders and is popular
for those seeking an all round experience rather than just 'biking'
day to day. The tour itself is one of the region's most diverse
in terms of geography, cultural highlights and sheer beauty.
Daily rides of up to 50 km range from flat valleys to hilly passes and
through olive, orange and avocado orchards. From lakesides to
open vineyards and cotton fields we experience all of Andalucia's
colors and pleasant back roads.
Departing
after breakfast, riders can take their time riding independently or in
our small group with the support van always behind. Stopping at
a countryside venta for a cool drink or a swim in the river are
particular highlights. See ancient fortresses on the horizon,
rustic farms harvesting grapes and olives and take in the laid back
culture of the small village plazas.
After
riding join your leader for a light interpretive walk of the villages
and visit monuments and places frequented by locals - adding to the
authenticity of your visit. Your leader is on hand to ensure
your riding goes smoothly and your imagination flourishes.
Become acquainted with the 'Tapas' culture on our tapas and sherry
night and learn how the Spanish live a remarkably long life!
The Southern Explorer takes you places
others rarely see. As an adventure operator 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!
TOUR
THEME: The
tour’s theme is the diversity of landscapes and the inspiring
vitality of the Andalucian culture.Our aim is to introduce you to the wonderful geography of the
region by offering 5 completely different village to village day rides
– each one taking you into a seemingly new region.We then blend ourselves into the warm Andaluz lifestyle by
becoming acquainted with the local cuisine, wines, music/dance,
art/crafts, history, idiosyncrasies and daily customs.
NON CYCLISTS:
Not interested in cycling? Feel free to join your partner,
family or friends for a week relaxing at our cycling bases with a book
or have a light stroll through the villages. Join us in the
evenings for dinner and still take in all the historic and cultural
elements of our destinations. We cater to non-cyclists and have
a special price for you. Please enquire directly.
DURATION OF TOUR / STARTING DAY:
8 days, 7 nights - starting on Sundays
"A
wonderful cycling holiday with great organization and attention - a
good crack!" Hugh Quigley (Dublin, Ireland) Southern
Explorer Cycle Tour - May 2002
GENERAL
DETAILS:
-
You ride, we look after all other logistics and provide back up support too - including shuttles, repairs,
and the extra push too!
-
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 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...
-
Groups vary from a minimum of 4 to a max of
14 - an ideal number for a riding party. Larger tour
groups can be accommodated to.
-
You need only carry water,
snacks and route information. We look after the baggage shuttles.
-
Need a touring bike to hire? We provide this service
too, Click
Here
-
Tour
begins/ends at Malaga airport and we do the rest from there (except ride the bike for you!).
-
Worried about over-exerting yourself? No need, we have alternative routing days and
those infamous "ride along" moments!
CYCLE HIRE DETAILS:
If you require a bike for your tour - Adventurebug provides
excellent models customized for our trips. Click
here for more information.
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) Your
Adventurebug greeting at Malaga Airport and private shuttle to Casares
village – set high on a cliff face overlooking Africa and the Sea.We guide the group on an interpretive tour of the village
before settling into a tavern for our tour orientation and a local
vino tinto followed by a home cooked meal by our village neighbor
Anna.
DAY 2: (Monday) Our
first morning ride and a fine ‘warmup’ for the week ahead.We pedal from Casares to Jimena de la Frontera via the Guadiaro
valley with its orange / lemon groves and eucalyptus-lined parkways.A tapas lunch en route and at Jimena enjoy a guided tour of the
Arabic Fortress and perhaps the 16th century ammunition
ruins along the river.Riding
Distance 41 km / Level Easy
DAY 3: (Tuesday) This
morning we venture into the Alcornocales Nature Reserve on one of the
prettiest rides in the south.This
quiet park road with sweeping cork oaks and arched bridges is a
challenging day but the scenery makes up for it.Riding through the Mediterranean’s largest preserved natural
forest is a true highlight! Riding Distance 51 km / Level Moderate to Difficult at times
DAY 4: (Wednesday) Our
third ride takes us back to easier spinning as we enter open plains
with ancient watchtowers, windmills and farmsteads.Arriving above a placid lake is breathtaking enough, swimming
in it moments later is a real delight!Arcos, our destination has one of the most inspiring backdrops
and this evening we explore this former Roman center's oldest quarter
and pubs. Riding Distance 50 km / Level Easy to Moderate (morning ascents) DAY 5: (Thursday) Our
free day is based in Arcos de la Frontera.From here one can explore more of the village and patios or
make your way to the Sherry and Flamenco capital – Jerez de la
Frontera.In Jerez there
is plenty to see and do including touring one of the many
Sherry/Brandy Bodegas.Cadiz,
Seville and the beaches are other popular options for your free day
– all within easy reach.
DAY 6: (Friday) Back
in the saddle this morning with a pleasant ride through sherry
vineyards on quiet back roads.Watch for fighting bulls (behind fences!), today as we roll
towards the foothills of Grazalema National Park – a UNESCO site.Enjoy wine & olive oil tasting at a traditional mill
tonight and a guided tour of the Arabic Watchtower over our village
Zahara.Riding
Distance 50 km / Level Easy to Moderate/Diff (afternoon ascents)
DAY 7: (Saturday) Our
final ride to the beautiful mountain town of Ronda – set high on a
steep precipice.Today’s
route follows another lake before entering a vast cork forest and the
spectacular karst limestone peaks symbolic of a Lord of the Rings
Chapter.An awe-inspiring
final day, a cave visit, walking tour of Ronda and a celebratory
dinner to wrap up the week.Riding
Distance 45 km / Level Moderate (afternoon ascents)
DAY 8: (Sunday) After
breakfast shuttle to Malaga airport from Ronda.
We
utilize only the most charming local hotels and guest houses in the
villages. Most are a 2 star rating and 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
near the pretty open plaza.
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 -
Los Tadeos - A
quiet family run Inn situated 2 minute walk from village center
but on the edge of a lovely olive grove with fantastic views.
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.
Prices are in Euros
For approximate prices in other currencies, click on the relevant button below:
NOTE Holidays in red text are Special Offers! Holidays with an amber background have limited spaces remaining
Tour Code
Date From (dd/mm/yy)
Date To (dd/mm/yy)
Price
Single Supp.
Availability
Notes
Now our 8th Season - 2008 is the year to cycle the Southern Explorer! authentic Spain lives on... white villages, beautiful landscapes, stunning National Parks and insightful evening programs...
DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS AVAILABLE!
FOR PRIVATE BOOKINGS PLEASE CONSULTS US!
SHOULD YOUR CHOSEN DATE BE FULL OR CLOSED - WE CAN STILL OFFER SELF-GUIDED / INDEPENDENT RIDING HOLIDAYS - PLEASE CONSULT WITH US...
Prices are per person, based on sharing a double room. Please add the single supplement ("Single Supp." column) if you require a room for single use.
Bicycle Hire please add 95 Euros for the week - includes helmet, carry bag and map holder..
Important Note: Please also see our advice about Insurance cover if you are thinking about booking a holiday or adventure with us
What's included in the Tour Price:
- 7 Nights accommodation / double share (en-suite bathroom facilities)
- 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners / 1 lunch (2nd day)*
- Return airport transfers (Malaga)
- Guide, daily support vehicle, route maps and detailed itinerary
- Trip orientation dossier
- Taxes (we have no hidden fees)
*Single supplement rates apply - please see price page.
What's not included in the Tour Price:
- Flights to and from Malaga
- Personal Insurance
- Meals, activities and public transport on rest day
- Cycle Hire 90.00 Euros / Week
Notes:
Booking Confirmation:
To secure a place on a tour (especially between May and October), Be
sure not to leave booking too late. Our maximum numbers are low
and tours can fill quickly!
Extended Stay Holidays:
Optional self-excursions (organized by us or independently), may be arranged before and
after your holiday with us. Consult us for any additional advice.
All information
on this page and the details of the routes displayed are copyrighted
by The Adventure Bug.
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 or Gibraltar Airports Backup Support: Full-time support with "ride-along" option.
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!
Picturesque National Parks (Alcornocales, Grazalema, Cortes, and
more), quiet tarmac roads that are easy to follow.
Great vegetation, wildflowers, forests, flora and fauna
Menu Right
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]
Want to see what previous guests of ours had to say about their
holiday experiences?.. [Click here]
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]
Answers to all
those frequently asked questions about our holidays...
[Click
Here]
To see just some of the reasons why an Adventure Bug Holiday is the right outdoor holiday for you...
[Click Here]
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]
Fancy a good read? Our guide book to walks and hikes around Andalucia has now been published.
[Click Here]
DESCRIPTION:
DAY 1: (Sunday)
DAY 5: (Thursday)
DAY 7: (Saturday)
