Day 1
Check in
Arrival in the beautiful city of Granada. It is more than recommendable to arrive at least one day early in order to see as much as you can during your stay. Visit the Muslim quarter of El Albayzín and the cathedral, where the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel are buried. And of course La Alhambra, the magnificent fusion of gardens, palaces and fortress that makes such a unique monument. And then an exciting flamenco show in the evening. If you haven’t been to Granada, you really shouldn’t miss it, and if you have, then it just gets better every time you return.
Day 2
Granada to Montefrío - 66km
Leave Granada on the banks of the River Genil. Santa Fé was founded as a military camp by the Catholic Monarchs during their final siege of the last Moorish kingdom of Granada in 1492. Crossing the plain with its distinctive tobacco barns, poplar trees and the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, we pass through the village of Fuente Vaqueros, birthplace of Lorca, the famous poet and playwright born in 1898 and tragically executed at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. Then on to the striking village of Montefrío, one of National Geographic’s 10 villages with the best views in the world in 2015.
Day 3
Montefrío to Zuheros - 74km
Onwards through the Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas where the olive groves, limestone hills, and pretty white villages form an irresistible combination. Priego de Córdoba, one of the olive oil capitals of the world, has a fine medieval Muslim quarter and is known as the capital of the Córdoba baroque style due to its several fine churches dating from this period. Then on through more spectacular scenery to Zuheros, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, with its 9th century castle perched high above the surrounding countryside.
Day 4
Zuheros to Córdoba - 79km
A lot of downhill to the wonderful city of Córdoba in the valley of the River Guadalquivir. The olive trees slowly give way to huge expanses of countryside and rolling hills with Córdoba and the hills of the Sierra Morena beyond. Suddenly, the open fields lead to the superb Roman Bridge across the Guadalquivir and the spectacular mosque. Enjoy the whitewashed narrow streets of the Judería, the old Jewish Quarter, the flower-bedecked courtyards, the Alcázar de los Reyes Católicos fortress and gardens, the tapas bars, gastronomy, and the River Guadalquivir.
Day 5
Córdoba - 58 or 80km
Another day in Córdoba to enjoy the sights. An optional transfer takes us into the hills of the Sierra Morena to the north of Córdoba to enjoy a ride back to the hotel from Villanueva del Rey. Before reaching Córdoba again, En route we can visit the ruins of Medina Azahara, the "shining city" of the Caliphate of Córdoba founded in the 10th century. Spend the rest of the day chilling out in Córdoba, and maybe take in an exciting flamenco show in the evening.
Day 6
Córdoba to Palma del Río - 63 or 84km
From Córdoba, we follow the River Guadalquivir downstream towards Seville. Guadalquivir comes from the Arabic Wad al-Kibir meaning "big river". Córdoba was used as a port by the Romans and was accessible from the sea. the route leads through agricultural lands along the river with vegetable produce, orange trees, cotton and much more. Almodóvar del Río has one of the most impressive castles to be seen in Spain. A longer route heads towards the Sierra Morena. Finally, Palma del Río, typical Andalusian town on the banks of the river.
Day 7
Palma del Río to Carmona - 66 or 84km
Our final ride takes us along the valley of the Guadalquivir into the province of Sevilla. The riding takes us through more agricultural landscapes and the village of Lora del Río before we finally reach our hotel in Carmona. A longer loop takes in more of the landscape of the Sierra Morena. Carmona itself is a splendid hilltop town, one of the most beautiful in Andalusia, with a wealth of historical monuments, palaces and impressive views over the valley of the Guadalquivir. Spend the evening exploring the narrow streets, the squares and some tapas in the many bars and restaurants.
Day 8
Departure day
Transfer to Seville or Seville Airport. If you have never visited Seville, you must not miss the opportunity to stay on and enjoy this delightful city, said to be “in love with itself”. It's difficult to know where to begin; the beautiful baroque Plaza de España, the banks of the River Guadalquivir and the traditional neighbourhood of Triana, the cathedral, with its incredible minaret / bell tower dominating the city and the tomb of Columbus, the maze of streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the city's own version of the Alhambra, and some of the best tapas bars in Spain.
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