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Seville, Ronda, Antequera, Sierra Nevada, Granada
7 days − Fully Supported & Guided
4 & 5 STAR HOTELS
From
€ 2695
The first of week of La Vuelta 2024 comes to our home territory in Anadalucía and we couldn’t be more excited to show your our local area. The summits are iconic in Vuelta history: Hazallanas, El Purche, Sierra Nevada and the scenic Vuelta climbs of Ronda and Caminito del Rey.
Get ready as we are going to take you to these famous ascents and ride the stages where new legends will be born, on race day. With VIP access at the finish lines and some stunning roads to pedal, this tour encompasses everything La Vuelta stands for: passion, emotion and a great spectacle. A superb cycling itinerary through olive groves and white villages of Andalucia, Spain.
Plus we are giving you the chance to ride the highest paved road in Europe to a mind blowing 3398m (for those keen!). A bucket list cycling climb.
In addition, enjoy some of the jewels of Andalucia, from Seville to Granada. Staying in great hotels, including nights in a 5 star converted convent retreat, city walking tour, and behind the scenes experiences, this adventure is a must for any cycling fan.
Vuelta Summits of Andalucia – Vamos!
Dates
20 Aug 2024
%
Riding Level
Challenging or Moderate options
90km Daily Average
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Watch LIVE and Ride 4 race stages of La Vuelta a España 2024
- 6 ride days
- VIP Access to stage finishes (drinks, tapas, big screen tvs at finish line), viewing areas and VIP Stage Depart Village
- Cycle the race route as a VIP, only hours before the Pros arrive
- Challenge yourself on famous category climbs
- Ride the highest climb in Europe!
- Access to ride across the finish line on race day
- Tour of the media area, doping controls and technical areas
- Enjoy a drink with an ex-pro and understand what it takes to ride a Grand Tour
- Cycle gorges and protected parklands, inc Sierrea Nevada high mountains
- Enjoy the famous sights of Seville, Ronda, Antequera, Caminito del Rey, Granada.
- Options for non cyclists to explore
THE CC ADVANTAGE
Insiders knowledge on our local stages in Andalucia
Podium photos and behind the scenes access – VIP status
Fully supported riding by experienced guides who cycle with you, inc. Vuelta a Espana masters rider & mix of male / female guides
1 guide for every 4 guests
Fantastic accommodation, food, scenery and fun on the roads of Spain
The itinerary has been planned to minimize long van transfers and enjoy more time riding/viewing La Vuelta
Receive your complimentary Cycling Country La Vuelta jersey by SANTINI, the red jersey makers
The best contacts and connections with the race, teams and organisers
“I want to thank you for the fantastic experience you gave Alex and I.
It will be something we will always remember.
You and Geoff were excellent hosts and the riding and VIP experience was outstanding.
Thanks for all you did to make it so great.
Thanks again for everything.”
Route Map
itinerary
Day 1. Tues 20 August 2024 – Arrival Seville – Walking Tour (Seville)
Meet at our centrally located hotel in Seville at 15:00 (option to book the same hotel the night before – or come with us from Portugal and the Grand Depart – combined tour discount – please ask!). Say hola to the crew and other guests before an informal welcome meeting. We will have a bike fitting to ensure everyone is comfortable with the bikes.
We then take a private and guided walking tour of Seville with Alfonso. The Andalucian capital is one of the finest cities in Spain to sightsee. We enter the cathedral, the largest gothic one in the world, and see the burial tomb of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy walking the hidden alleyways of the historic centre and learn about the home of flamenco, carmen, famous matadors and the best places to try tapas.
Back to the hotel, located nearby, take an early evening dip in the roof-top pool! Enjoy a group welcome dinner together. Seville is a world class destination with its museums, royal palace, Expo 92 park and riverside monuments. Come early to enjoy.
Day 2. 21 August – Mountains of Seville, VIP Stage Finish (Seville)
up to 100 km / 63 miles
After a buffet breakfast, we head out from the hotel to experience our first taste of La Vuelta. An easier day of riding is planned to to get the legs going.
We will ride into the scenic mountains of the Sierra Morena, a natural parkland with a Mediterranean forest. It’s a beautiful first ride as we then loop down to pick up the stage 5 race route. Cycling the roads the peloton will be on soon, we head towards the finish line. Ride across the finish line with our special access and then enjoy the VIP viewing area and hospitality as we watch the pros fight for the finish. Expect a bunch sprint today as the route is flat). La Vuelta will certainly come alive today in this passionate cycling city.
After the excitement, we return to our nearby hotel. Take an evening stroll in the centre, seeing the Sevillanos enjoy an alfresco life, and try some recommended tapas bars or listen to flamenco.
To explain, the VIP Hospitality Area – This is an exclusive part of our La Vuelta tour packages, where each of our cyclists have access to the VIP zone, with a personalized accreditation given on a lanyard at the start of our tour. Here, just meters from the Meta Finish line, see the riders finish the race, preview the stats, and watch the ongoing race beforehand via large plasma TVs in the area before it arrives! Also included is an open bar and tapas tasters for a real Spanish experience. We have access to podiums, press areas, and doping controls.
See more
Day 3. 22 August – Ronda, Nature Parks, VIP Stage Finish Yunquera (Antequera)
90 km / 55 miles
After breakfast, we take a van transfer south to pick up the stage 6 route near Ronda. See the dramatic bridge span the deep gorge in Ronda and pass the oldest bull ring in Spain (options for non-cyclists to sightsee more). Heading onwards, this is one of the most scenic rides in Andalucia through white villages. Ride over the category 3 Puerto de Viento before heading into the Parkland of the Sierra Nieves. Great mountain views before we tackle the final two category 3 climbs. The finale is a 9km ascent, not steep but longer as we cross the finish line at the Alto de las Abejas (summit of the bees!) in Yunquera.
Enjoy the bar and finger food at our VIP area as we await the arrival of the pros. A breakaway could win, but the potential GC contenders will have to be on guard on the 2nd big mountain of this year’s Vuelta.
After seeing the podium celebrations, we head to our luxury retreat for the next 2 nights, the Parador hotel, with swimming pool. We will have a group dinner tonight in it’s well regarded restaurant overlooking the olive groves and mountains.
Day 4. 23 August – VIP Stage Depart and Vuelta Climbs ride – (Antequera)
up to 90 km / 56 miles
A more relaxed day start today. After a buffet breakfast, head out to the nearby stage depart village and enjoy VIP access. Enjoy the buzz of the team buses arriving and walk around seeing the stars of cycling. This is the place to be to spot your favourite riders and teams and get some amazing snaps. Watch the daily sign on of the riders and be there at the start line to see them depart. A fascinating insight into the the world of pro cycling.
After seeing the race leave, we have a fantastic ride planned around our local area. We will ride the lakeland area of Andalucia and head to the famous El Chorro gorge. Riding the roads of Vuelta’s past we will cycle the stage finishes of La Vuelta in 2015 (cat 2) and 2018 (cat 3). But the real highlight is cycling up the gorge and seeing the Caminito del Rey, a wooden walkway hanging over a ravine – one of the most visited places in Andalucia. Looping back, ride through cork forests, past blue lakes and karst mountains, finishing at our hotel.
After a swim, either relax at the hotel with its amenities, or head into Antequera to explore. Antequera has an impressive Moorish castle overlooking the white washed town.
To Explain – The Vuelta Depart Village is an added perk of our VIP hospitality package. Each day the teams sign on to start the day in a presentation , but prior to this, the riders are warming up, giving interviews, signing autographs and prepping their bikes. With our VIP passes, we have access to an area of local businesses and patrons who have stands where we can get nibbles, drinks and gifts and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Day 5. 24 August – The highest road in Europe, Pico Veleta, Sierra Nevada (Granada)
up to 85 km / 53 miles
We have decided not to see today’s stage as the van transfer times would be very long. Instead, we are giving you the chance to ride the highest road in Europe in the Sierra Nevada! From Granada, where our guides live, we will ascend the famous climb that is on all bucket lists.
It’s really an epic road and you have the option to ride to the Vuelta stage finish of 2017 (won by Angel “Superman” Lopez) and 2022 (surprise young winner of Thymen Arensman) at 2500m or push on the very top of Pico Veleta at an incredible 3398m! As a comparison, Le Tourmalet is 2115m.
Note, tomorrow’s stage, which we will ride, is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada – so how could we not let you ride to the top of the Sierra Nevada and Pico Veleta when in Granada?
We have all day to make the special climb past high lakes and peaks, and have ridden with all levels of riders over the years to at least 2500m. It’s doable as not too steep at 6% average. Everybody will have a great day, especially remembering the descent back down to earth in Granada! We will enjoy a well earned soak in the pool of our 5 star hotel tonight.
Day 6. 25 August – El Purche, Hazallanas, VIP Stage Finish Granada (Granada)
up to 85 km / 53 miles
This is the day the leader’s classification will be turned upside down, and eventual winner will have to show. An amazing last ride day, we cycle from our hotel to out through the valley of Granada and straight onto the race route. Our first challenge is the cat 1 El Purche climb, a tough road that arrives at the plains above the mountain village of Monachil. This ride is worthy itself, but today’s stage takes us onto another cat 1 climb of Hazallanas.
This climb is 7km long, but it is very steep, with some ramps at 16% (ouch!). We will struggle slowly up this monster, congratulating ourselves at the top. However, the peloton are going to ride it a 2nd time! Once will be enough for most of us as we descend back down to centre of Granada and cycle across the finish line.
With VIP access tapas, drinks and the best views, we will also have a special insider’s tour of the behind the scenes working of the La Vuelta. Enjoy access to the doping control, press and tv commentary zones and the podiums. Stand on the podium and have your own La Vuelta photos, only hours before the stage winners and race leader will be there. An unforgettable experience to the week.
We take a final farewell group dinner together, with tales of climbing, red jerseys and camaraderie on the roads of Spain.
Day 7. Monday 26 August – Onwards Travels (or onto Madrid!)
After breakfast and being in Granada, we recommend a morning visit to the UNESCO heritage Alhambra Palace (purchase tickets in advance).
It’s time to say hasta luego as we depart. Granada’s train, bus and airport are easily accessed for onward connections.
However, there is no need for a farewell, as choose to stay longer and carry on to Madrid as we head for the last weeks of La Vuelta. Buy the Combined Jersey Package (a discount on more than one Vuelta tour, including transfers in between – ask for details). A real Spanish Vuelta Fiesta!
Trip details
Tour Style
Road Bike Tour : Premium Guided Vuelta Bike Tour
Bikes : Road Carbon TREK Emonda & Orbea E-bikes
Route: Seville, Ronda, Antequera, Sierra Nevada, Granada
Group Size : 6-16
Guides : 1 guide for every 4 people
Riding Level
Challenging : distances are a daily average of 90km.
Please note this is hilly countryside with some longer and steeper climbs.
It is classed as Challenging as there are some tough climbs.
We offer van support so it is possible to opt out of some of the harder ascents, making it “Moderate”. Plus option to rent an E-bike.
Accommodation
Luxury 5 star (4 nights) and 4 star (2 nights) hotels – All bedrooms en-suite
Food
3 Dinners (with wine/ beer/ soft drinks included)
All breakfasts – buffet
Complimentary organic MULEBAR gels and protein bars
Extras Included
- VIP access to stage finishes / depart villages. This includes a private race viewing area at the finish with complimentary drinks and tapas. We will also have access to the podium for your own photos, access to back stage areas. We work with La Vuelta organisers to make your experience unique.
- Ride the race route until the finish line (we have access that the public will not have)
- Enjoy an evening drink and Q&A session with an ex-pro
- Our vans are accredited to drive the race route – jump in for a rest if required
- Ride with experienced guides, including the sub champion of Andalucia and a Vuelta a Espana Masters rider. We have been running Vuelta tours for nearly 20 years consecutively
- Complimentary full zip Cycling Country La Vuelta cycling jersey by SANTINI
- Complimentary Cycling Country gifts, bags, cycling caps, t-shirts, luggage tags and water bottles etc
- Route notes, maps, profiles, navigation
- Daily snacks and refreshments (organic MULEBAR protein bars & energy gels, isotonic mixes granola bars, fruit etc and drinks)
Staff
3 to 5 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance. 1 or 2 guides cycle with the group. 1 guide at least for every 4 clients.
Bikes
You can bring your own road bike (we have facilities to collect and store bike boxes for the duration of the trip) or we can arrange good quality road bike hire:
- TREK carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra, compact – 275 Euros extra
- TREK carbon frame, Shimano 105, compact – 200 Euros extra
- If bringing your own bike, we recommend a compact chainset.
Getting Here
Seville is accessed by international airlines. Fast train connections from Madrid, Malaga and Cordoba. Please ask for information.
Lodgings
Just because you are on a bike trip doesn’t mean you have to suffer off the bikes too! We take this into mind on our Vuelta Bike Tour and have lined up some great hotels for this tour. We have opted to spend 2 nights in each hotel to avoid the constant moving.
Enjoy the retreat of the Parador in Antequera, set with mountain views in Antequera. This architectural design hotel has a pool, sun terrace and a fine restaurant to enjoy the best of Andalucian cooking.
Seville offers the 4 star Giralda center, with its great location, rooftop pool and all mod-cons. And the finale is 2 nights in the 5 star Barcelo hotel with its pool and views of the Sierra Nevada and city of Granada. Great accommodation for a great event.
Reviews
“Cycling Country’s 2019 Last Week to Madrid tour was the trip of a lifetime for my wife and me.
We are not cyclists ourselves but fell in love with the sport from watching the Tour de France on TV starting 20 years ago. For years we talked about attending a grand tour in person, and last year we finally did. We chose Cycling Country’s Vuelta because their promotional material sounded good, the price was reasonable, and my email correspondence with CC’s Maggi was always helpful and thoroughly delightful. CC promised VIP access and, if anything, they understated the case. Two examples: At the start of one day’s race, we stood at the back of the stage while the riders signed in. At the finish of another, we stood directly next to the TV camera at the finish line. Every day, we rode in one of the support vans while the other members of the group were riding the race route, so we got to know the fabulous staff- Geoff, Javier and Dean. They were consummate group leaders, always making sure we and the riders (and their bikes) were well taken care of. Our accommodations were incredible- centuries-old castles that had been converted to luxury hotels- and the food was fantastic. If you love cycling, or even if you just love to watch, you will love going on a Cycling Country tour. 💙❤️🖤💛💚.”
J. & L. Hickman, Minnesota, USA – La Vuelta Sept 2019 – Week 3 to Madrid
“Hi Geoff and Maggi
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for the fabulous three weeks we had with you both, Javi and Dean.
Looking back on the photos we packed so much into those three weeks. We love Spain and love seeing it on a bike with you. You run your business extremely professionally yet we all get very personal attention.
Thanks once again.”
J & T. De Vries & C. Lazenby, Vic, Australia – La Vuelta 2019 – All Three Tours!
“Thanks so much for an excellent trip. It was all (and more) that I had hoped for. Geoff you are an excellent guide – very helpful and great at managing expectations. I would be pleased to help you spread the word about your company and the excellent experience you provide. Thanks again – it was fabulous!”
J & R. Anderson & D. Grant – Ottawa, Ontario – La Vuelta 2019 – Tour 2 Northern Summits
“We returned to Andalucia for the 2018 La Vuelta having enjoyed the la Vuelta 2017 tour so much with Cycling Country.
We expected to repeat that enjoyment and we were not disappointed.
Great riding, great viewing, the best of hotels and food and an interesting and challenging group of cyclists.
Geoff and Maggi, our hosts, dedicated themselves 100% to our pleasure and comfort and were ably assisted by the two bike guides, Dean and Javi.
All participants have their own priorities. For some their own cycling, for others watching the professionals really close up and intimate.
For us it was a combination of those two, plus staying in such lovely hotels, you couldn’t find better, where we rubbed shoulders with the teams from Trek, Sky and Bahrain.
From the modern sophistication of our 4 star hotel in Malaga and the 5 star hotel in Granada to the stunning beauty of the Parador hotels in Ronda and Nerja.
The riding was hard and hot and, for the most part, great fun.
Anyone who says the last km of the 2540m Sierra Nevada climb is ‘fun’ doesn’t inhabit the same planet.
Nice climbs and even more spectacular descents, particularly the Puerto de Leon.
We look forward to next year’s tour with anticipation knowing that whatever the route, whatever the composition and size of the group, we will have fun.”
J & P. Sharman, London, UK – La Vuelta 2018
“La Vuelta’s epic climbs – a truly spectacular and special cycling week with Cycling Country. Even in a country blessed with great places to ride, Andalusia stands out as a truly spectacular region. La Vuelta offers climbs that legends are made of. It offers beauty, brutality, drama and this year a piece of cycling history with Contador’s Angliru ending I would like to thank Cycling Country (CC) for the enthusiasm and vision in creating an outstanding week, and for their impeccable support with logistics. I love the accessibility and closeness CC provides to La Vuelta. You are never too far away from the pros. Meeting a former road racing cyclist provided enormous insight in the running of La Vuelta. Having the group stay in the same hotels as the professional teams provided the opportunity to meet mechanics, support people and also the professionals. As an Italian supporting Vincenzo Nibali I was excited to know I was staying in the same hotel as the Bahrain-Merida team. Although following La Vuelta so closely I still managed to go out and enjoy the local custom. In Almeria I went really local by having a couple of drinks at Cafe Bar Nevada and dined at Cafe Puga. I think I was the only non-Spanish so you could not have found a more local place. I found similar places in Granada. Additionally the delightful place we stayed at in Zuheros was special – probably one of prettiest villages and scenery in Andalusia.The cycling was superb. Given that the whole area can become swamped by cyclists during the Vuelta I thought CC did a fantastic job to keep everyone on target. It is clear that this is a family run business with great knowledge of the area. The guides are all local and provide enormous support and valuable insight. A true pleasure to be able to spend time with them. Geoff and Maggie, the owners, should be immensely proud for how they contribute to La Vuelta and how they run CC. Their tours contribute towards establishing the Vuelta as one of the most dramatic tours. Hasta Luego!!!”
C. Salinardi, London, UK – La Vuelta 2017
“With Cycling Country we made our first cycling trip to Europe. Geoff, Dean, Javi and the rest of the crew made our rides and say really happy. Balbino took care of my mom and showed her Spain while me and my brothers went riding, then we met at the finish line of La Vuelta stages. It was a terrific Trip and we will for sure do it again!!!”
D. Botero, Medalin, Columbia – La Vuelta 2017
“Awesome Vuelta a España tour, amazing VIP access, up close & personal with the riders! We recently did a Vuelta a Espana tour with Cycling Country, and had an amazing time. The tour was well-organized and thought out, with rider enjoyment in mind, both from the perspective of riding and spectating. The Spanish-based company clearly has a very close relationship with the race organizers, which is to the benefit of Cycling Country’s clients. The VIP access to starts and finishes, as well as the podium, were unbelievable. Because the race is smaller, it is also much more intimate, enabling access to the riders. The behind-the-scenes access and perspective was very interesting, as was the talk from a retired rider. This was our third time doing a trip with Cycling Country, and the reason we chose them for our Vuelta shadow tour. Previously we have done self-guided tours or fixed-stay trips, and have been very impressed and pleased with the company and the service it provides. Geoff and Maggi are wonderful people and it shows in their dealings with clients. We would definitely recommend Cycling Country for any of its tours, but especially the Vuelta a Espana tour!”
A. Sauve & Tim, Coburg, Ontario – La Vuelta 2017
“The Vuelta tour was probably the best bike tour I have ever done. Ok the days were long, but your team gave us the best access I have ever had to a Grand Tour. The routes you designed to ride the best climbs and see the stage finishes were exceptional. Chapeau!” “
John, Ontario, Canada – La Vuelta 2016
“Let me write a few lines of thank you. I just can’t believe what a trip you gave us all! It was truly a cycling tour that I will never forget. Well done to all of the Cycling Country crew and thank you again for the good times. The Vuelta was the ride of my life.”
Steve, Sydney, Australia – La Vuelta 2015
“That was an amazing trip to the Vuelta! So much behind-the-scenes access and some fab riding too. Thanks for everything!”
L. Rice, London, UK – La Vuelta 2015 -Depart & Southern Climbs
“The Vuelta Tour 1 (Andalucia 2014) was memorable! The VIP access was exceptional, beyond my expectations. Cycling Country beautifully handled different levels of cycling abilities in the group in the smoothest way, the coordination among them was very professional and efficient, providing to the group an ongoing feeling of safety, support and fun. I will highly recommend them to all my friends and they honestly deserve to run such a successful business. Muchas Gracias for the extraordinary experience! “
L. Sullivan, Colorado, USA – La Vuelta 2014
“Rob and I would like to take the opportunity to send you a big thank you for everything you organized for the tour. We had an amazing time. The ride routes where spectacular and the VIP access was fantastic. Dean and Javi were both lovely, very helpful and encouraging. We had the best time and keep reminiscing about the week wishing we were still in Andalusia. It definitely exceeded all our expectations and hopefully will see you at next years tour. Thank you again”
K. and R. Garland, Australia – La Vuelta 2014
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
LA VUELTA 2024 – WEEK 1
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
€ 2695
SINGLE SUPP. € 450
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE
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