Olive Trails

A Tapas Taster of the Best of Andalucía
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Málaga, Ronda, Antequera, Zuheros, Córdoba, Málaga

5 days − Guided

4* Hotels, Historic Hotels & Country Inn

From

€ 1845

Start cycling in the elegant coastal city of Málaga with its Roman theatre, Moorish Alcázar and Picasso Art Museums, continuing on to the charm of Ronda. Enjoy the goat’s milk cheeses, olive oil and gastronomy of the Deep South of Andalucia. See the famous El Chorro gorge, stay in a former 17th century Convent and revel in Córdoba’s UNESCO Heritage site, the Mezquita, Mosque Cathedral of Moorish times.

Cycle traffic free rails for trails in tranquil countryside, coastal bike paths and quiet roads in this real Andalucian Bike Tour.

Enjoy and experience the history of the the picturesque towns of Zuheros, Antequera and Ronda, whilst taking in some spectacular scenery of White Villages and Olive Groves without working too hard on those pedals! By journeying along some lovely paths and the traffic free, disused network of railway lines that once connected these towns and quiet country roads (“via verde”), riders are able to traverse this ever-changing terrain easily and safely.

A trip that is fit for those who aren’t keen to rack up the miles in the saddle but still enjoy cycling with some stunning sights and of course fine hotels and cultural experiences. This tour is a great introduction to Andalucia – a tapas taster if you like!

Dates

16 Mar 2024 | 4 May 2024 | 15 Mar 2025 | 3 May 2025

%

Riding Level

Easy with
Some Hills

30KM Daily Average

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Ronda & Grazalema, full of Spanish legends and history
  • The UNESCO Mezquita in Córdoba & its meandering lanes
  • Stay in beautiful, tranquil countryside Hacienda close to enchanting Zuheros
  • Malaga’s Moorish Alcazar and Picasso museum
  • Savour the village life and olive oil & local cheeses
  • Enjoy Antequera, an inland town which spans centuries
  • Enjoy cycling over old Ironwork bridges on the rail trail traffic free paths

CC Advantage

A short bike tour packed full of experiences, activities and cycling, seeing all the Andalucian sights!

Andalucia is our Home, we live here and are Proud to Show it to You!

Charming Stays & Delicious meals in a Boutique Hacienda & 4* City Class Hotels

Savour great towns and cities – Málaga, Ronda & Córdoba

Beautiful Sunflower in Spain We were overwhelmed with the trip provided by Cycling Country – not to overstate it, but it exceeded all our expectations. We had the roads to ourselves and the hotels were simply marvellous. Your team of guides know all about the area and provided us with lots of chat and fun throughout the cycling. And the cycling was so much fun and the area picturesque. Only downside was it was over too soon! Well done. John and I look forward to seeing you again on another tour.

K. Samson

Exeter, UK

Route Map

itinerary
Day 1. MÁLAGA – COSTA DEL SOL

Ride : 25 km | Elevation Gain : 15 m

Cycling On the Costa Del SolThe pulsating Costa del Sol and historic Málaga, known to the Romans and Phoenicians, is our first port of call. After meeting at midday, we set the bikes up for a short warm up cycle and take lunch at a local chiringuito cafe on the beach! Enjoy this pleasant city from the seaside, going past the Moorish Alcazar above us, the lovely colourful Pompideau Art Gallery, the bustling port.  This is a charming city and its historical centre boasts an impressive Cathedral, Picasso’s birthplace museum and well regarded Art Gallery and the winding alleys full of boutiques and reformed 18th century houses. Enjoy our welcome dinner this evening.

 


Day 2. MÁLAGA TO RONDA 

Ride : 25 km | Elevation Gain : 200 m

Bike Tours Cycling Ronda, Andalucia, SpainAfter breakfast, we take a transfer to Grazalema, a lovely white village nestled into the mountain side. From here, we head east for some gentle riding around the stunning sierras of Ronda and Grazalema. A natural parkland of mountains and a play land for cyclists, with stunning white villages and some of the best cycling in Spain, preserve of soaring eagles and sculptural cork forests. Edge around an aqua blue reservoir, with time to stop at the peaceful village of Zahara.

Our fantastic hotel back in Ronda for the night offers high comfort with views out to the dramatic scenery. Arrive in Ronda, a place Orson Welles loved so much his ashes were spread near here. Snap photos from the staggering viewpoints and the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, immortalized in Hemmingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, and see Spain´s first bullring. Take a welcome rest in your beautiful hotel, the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria, perched high overlooking the incredible gorge.

Relax poolside before heading into this dynamic town to try the local tapas dishes.

See more

Day 3. RONDA TO ANTEQUERA

Road Cycling Antequera, Andalucia

Ride : Up to 35 km | Elevation Gain : 150 m

After a buffet breakfast, we take a transfer to the top of a local climb and then make our way through the Sierra Nieves past the El Chorro Gorge and Caminito del Rey, a walkway hanging high above a canyon. It is a most alluring area of spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, we transfer onto the Neolithic, Roman, Moorish and Christian infused town of Antequera. We stay at the luxury Parador Hotel a modern structure surrounded by parkland.

You are well situated to enjoy some of the best restaurants or tapas bars of Antequera and explore the historic centre.


Day 4. ANTEQUERA TO ZUHEROS

Easy Andalucian Bike TourOlive Oil Press Visit

Ride : 30 km | Elevation Gain : 150 m

This area is certainly blessed with pretty riding and so after arriving at Lucena, an important town in the fino sherry production (a dry, pale aperitif) we head onto another via verde to enjoy traffic free riding. This old railway line was originally for the trains to carry the olives. So imagine the landscape of olive groves and natural parkland. After lunch at a railway station converted into a restaurant and musuem, we continue on the trail to our final destination, the village of Zuheros and a hacienda overlooking the groves. This gem of a hotel (Hacienda Minerva) is our place to relax tonight before enjoying a group dinner in its incredible dining room.


Day 5. ZUHEROS TO CÓRDOBA 

Cycling in CordobaExplore Day

Wake up and have breakfast on an outside terrace overlooking the tranquil olive groves. We then take you on a fascinating experience – our chance to be shown the inner workings of an organic oil press, using traditional methods.We take a transfer to Córdoba, for a walking tour and visit to the UNESCO Heritage site, La Mezquita and ancient Santa Cruz district.  Those who wish to stay here can be dropped off in Córdoba, for those wishing to go back to the Costa del Sol, we transfer to Málaga centre (arriving at the centre for 16:30).  Have a wonderful Trip!

Trip details

Leisure Tour: Guided

Route: Málaga – Ronda – Grazalema – Vía Verde Rail Trail – Antequera – Zuheros – Córdoba

Quieter country roads. Good asphalt road surface, cycle paths and undulating landscape

Group Size: 5+ | Discounts for Groups of 4+ Booking Together

Riding  Level

Easy GoingDaily average of 30 km. Flat countryside. The riding is on quiet country roads (low traffic) and a Via Verde route – traffic free, converted railway tracks with a hard packed surface. Some gradients. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to relax. There will be van transfers to the riding areas.

Food

Daily breakfasts and nutritious ride snacks
2 dinners of 3 courses (including wine, water, soft drinks & beer)

Accommodation

4* Hotels and Retreats in Superior Accommodation for 5 nights | All bedrooms are en-suite

Extras Included
  • Privately Guided walking tour of Córdoba & UNESCO Mezquita
  • Privately Guided tour of a traditional organic olive oil press
  • 24 speed Trek hybrid bike with front handlebar bag / map carrier (Electric assist bike hire available at €190 extra)
  • Cycling Country Spain Cycling Jersey, Bottle, Tee & tags
  • Tour guide book of your route, its history & culture
  • Daily Route notes and maps
  • Experienced cycling guides and SAG van which follows route
  • 5% off your next tour with us
Transfers

From arrival point at Málaga centre to departure point at Málaga. (Option to stay in Córdoba at tour end)

Staff

1-2 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guide, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance.

Getting Here

Several international flight carriers access Málaga. There is also the excellent rail link between Madrid, Seville and Córdoba to Málaga with the fast AVE train system.

Lodgings

Best Hotels in Ronda on your Bike Trip
There really is nothing better than a bit of good kip on holiday and we appreciate that so hotels chosen on our routes are geared for this highly prized part of the trip. We have a selection of Monument hotels on this tour (former Convents, Palaces, Castles, Monasteries, Paradors), Highlight Hotels (modern 4 or 5 star hotels) and Boutique spots (smaller, family run places which are charming).

Each night is different, each night an experience.

Cycling Tour In Andalucia, Malaga hotel
Cycle Touring Andalucia - Hotel in Malaga
Luxury Victorian Hotel in Ronda
Luxury Hotel for Cycling in Andalucia
Antequera and its Parador view
Cycling around Andalucia
 
Reviews

Cycling in Andalucia, Spain - Flowers!

“Your planning worked perfectly. I am now at the Seville hotel relaxing with a cup of Cafe before getting the shuttle to the airport. It was a perfect place to stay. By the way I did go to the casa de Safarad and found it fascinating and beautiful. I’m glad you suggested it.
Again my deep thanks for the wonderful trip and all your help. My best,”
S. Singer, Boston, USA – Oct 2018

“Personal attention and local knowledge make the difference
I checked out the competition, compared price and itinerary, and elected to go with Cycling Country — again! This was my second trip with them, and I was once again very pleased with the personal service. I was also glad to have a small, nimble company to work with when weather and washed-out roads caused us to have to change our itinerary on three of our cycling days. They found beautiful alternate routes that met our small group’s capabilities, and we ended up with a very happy experience.”
R. Lawrence, Hamilton, USA – Oct 2018

“We where overwhelmed with the trip provided by Cycling Country – not to overstate it, but it exceeded all our expectations. We had the roads to ourselves and the hotels were simply marvellous. Your team of guides know all about the area and provided us with lots of chat and fun throughout the cycling. And the cycling was so much fun and the area picturesque. Only downside was it was over too soon! Well done. John and I look forward to seeing you again on another tour.”
K. Samson, Exeter, UK – May 2017

“We had a wonderful family vacation! 12 of us, age range 61 to 26, biked the Olive Trails Tour in late October. None of us had taken a trip like this before, or cycled for more than a day. Dean and Javi were extremely sensitive to our variety of abilities and concerns. The trip was well planned, with comfortable accommodations, great breakfasts and very nice dinners. As we rode, one guide would bike with us, and the other would follow in the van to pick up those of us who tired. We ALL would do a Cycling Country again in a heartbeat!”
M. Branson, Toronto, CAN – Oct 2016

“Great local guides, excellent knowledge, good, hard cycling, top food and accommodation…perfect mix of nationalities. Great balance for cyclists. Would use them again for sure.”
Peter, Paris, France – Sep 2015

Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website .

 

DATES & RATES

OLIVE TRAILS

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

€ 1845

SINGLE SUPP. FROM € 255

SELECT YOUR DATE AND CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE!

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