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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 41 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Saturdays year-round throughout 2013 |
| Tour price: | €535 |
| Start city: | Ronda, Spain |
| End city: | Ronda, Spain |
A wonderful trip through the heart of Andalusia, taking in the famous white villages north of Ronda. You will cycle through nature reserves filled with reminders of the Moorish past.
There are two individual trips set out, one slightly easier and a more demanding one, with the same stopping places but entirely different routes. You can decide on the spot which variation you will ride, so each day you can choose how difficult your trip will be.
Start and end point are in the high and spectacularly situated Ronda, whose townscape is protected by UNESCO. You leave the town on quiet roads, climb out of a beautiful river valley, go past a canyon and then ride through cork oak forests to Grazalema. After this first relocation stage, it is very enjoyable to rest on the lovely town square or in the hotel garden with its swimming pool. The easier route to Olvera is very lovely: you go past the Zahara storage reservoir. The white village of the same name, with its castle ruins, is situated high on a pointed hill.
The more difficult trip is just as lovely, but totally different and goes via El Bosque. This village does honor to its name: it is right in the middle of extensive forests. A few sections of both trips take in a national cycle path, the Via Verde, that follows an old railway line, climbing gently through tunnels and over bridges. Three days of cycling result in a well-earned rest day in the lovely Olvera, again in accommodation with a swimming pool. But if you find it hard not to jump back on the bike, there is an optional day trip. Then you head for Setenil, an extremely picturesque village tucked away in a narrow village that still has many cave dwellings.
The final stage takes the cyclists on the easier route past holm oaks and olive groves via Ronda la Vieja, a high Roman amphitheater, back to Ronda. Those cyclists on the more strenuous route have a harder time, for there are two long and at times steep passes on the program. They conclude the trip with the Puerto del Viento, the Pass of the Wind. It is a worthy highpoint at 1100 meters before the descent to Ronda.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
A wonderful trip through the heart of Andalusia, taking in the famous white villages north of Ronda. You will cycle through nature reserves filled with reminders of the Moorish past.
There are two individual trips set out, one slightly easier and a more demanding one, with the same stopping places but entirely different routes. You can decide on the spot which variation you will ride, so each day you can choose how difficult your trip will be.
Start and end point are in the high and spectacularly situated Ronda, whose townscape is protected by UNESCO. You leave the town on quiet roads, climb out of a beautiful river valley, go past a canyon and then ride through cork oak forests to Grazalema. After this first relocation stage, it is very enjoyable to rest on the lovely town square or in the hotel garden with its swimming pool. The easier route to Olvera is very lovely: you go past the Zahara storage reservoir. The white village of the same name, with its castle ruins, is situated high on a pointed hill.
The more difficult trip is just as lovely, but totally different and goes via El Bosque. This village does honor to its name: it is right in the middle of extensive forests. A few sections of both trips take in a national cycle path, the Via Verde, that follows an old railway line, climbing gently through tunnels and over bridges. Three days of cycling result in a well-earned rest day in the lovely Olvera, again in accommodation with a swimming pool. But if you find it hard not to jump back on the bike, there is an optional day trip. Then you head for Setenil, an extremely picturesque village tucked away in a narrow village that still has many cave dwellings.
The final stage takes the cyclists on the easier route past holm oaks and olive groves via Ronda la Vieja, a high Roman amphitheater, back to Ronda. Those cyclists on the more strenuous route have a harder time, for there are two long and at times steep passes on the program. They conclude the trip with the Puerto del Viento, the Pass of the Wind. It is a worthy highpoint at 1100 meters before the descent to Ronda.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Day 1: Arrival in Ronda
Day 2: Ronda, circular tour (28-30 miles/45 or 48 km)
(28 miles/45 km)
This first trip heads to the east. A beautiful road connects Ronda via the Puerto del Viento (Pass of the Wind) to El Burgo. Coming from Ronda this pass isn’t too difficult and besides you’ll have enough energy at the start of your tour. From the other side (coming from El Burgo) the ascent to this Pass is much more difficult. For this reason the returnpoint is at km. 21,5, so you won’t have to do the climb from El Burgo. At the this turn point there is a is a beautiful “Mirador”, a viewpoint with overlook at El Burgo, the green valley of “Sierra Blanquilla” and to the mountain chain Sierra de las Nieves (with the highest peak “Torrecilla” of 1918 m) in the South.There are no hotels, restaurants or cafés along the road except for the last few kilometers just before you enter Ronda.
(30 miles/48 km)
The level 4 tour takes you to the area south of Ronda. From Ronda the trip goes towards Algeciras, with a nice climb to the exit to Faraján. The first part and the last kilometres are the steepest. At the exit to Faraján you are already at 1000 meter altitude! The road to Faraján goes further uphill for a while, but soon a descent follows. You are cycling along impressive bare rocks. From Alpandeire the landscape is getting greener and there are more small villages along the road. You will easily find a café there to eat or drink something. The region is full of chestnut trees. The lowest point is at Juzcar, 610 meter. Next you are climbing little by little to 1000 meter again. After Cartajima you are riding through a moon landscape again. Finally you take the larger road Costa del Sol-Ronda, downhill all the way.
Day 3: Ronda - Grazalema (29 miles/46 km)
This route is an attractive tour with only small roads with low traffic. You start with a descent to the valley of the Rio Guadiaro. There you go up and down for a little while. When you cross the river at Benaoján Estación next is a long climb. Take your time for this spicy part and cut the route into pieces by taking breaks in the nice villages Benaoján and Montejaque. If you only take one break: Montejaque is the prettiest of the two. Moreover you have done a good part of the climb by then. After Montejaque the ascent continues but now a spectacular canyon is giving you some distraction. After a part of the provincial road you take the exit to Grazalema and go swinging between the cork oak woods. Sometimes the trees just have been “stripped” and you can see their naked trunk. Now and then Grazalema comes into view, one of the most popular white villages with a picturesque square, old churches and several restaurants and little bars in narrow hamlets. It lies stunningly against the flank of a rocky mountain
Day 4: Grazalema, rest day or day trip (24-36 miles/38-57 km)
Two suggestions for people who want to discover the surrounding of Grazalema by bike:A bike trip to Benaocaz or El Bosque. A walk ¨Sierra de Endrinal¨: It is also possible to go for a hike through the mountains behind Grazalema. The mountain walk is not so long but at the start it is fairly uphill.
Day trip Benaocaz (24 miles/38 km) or El Bosque (36 miles/57 km)
The level 3 tour brings you back and forth to Benaocaz. The trip has less climbing than the one of yesterday and could be called easy. The level 4 trip brings you to Benaocaz, but then goes further to El Bosque, up to El Bosque it is an easy stage. From El Bosque on it only starts: 15 km non-stop climbing! In all the villages along the road there are hotels, restaurants and cafés
Day 5: Grazalema - Olvera (31-58 miles/50-92 km)
Today you ride through or along the natural park Sierra de Grazalema, rich of fauna and flora, where a lot of vultures nest in inaccessible gorges. You often see them floating around. Both trips already diverges from Grazalema. Short before the end they join again.
(31 miles/50 km)
The bikers ride over a quiet road descending to the Zahara reservoir. Via Algodonales the road slowly but steadily climbs in the direction of La Muela, situated in a green environment. Then the road stays at level for a while, but next it goes fairly downhill to the Via Verde, quintessential bike route of Andalucia, going to Olvera.
(58 miles/92 km)
The level first goes over the “ Puerto del Boyar” a pass near Grazalema and then descends to El Bosque. Then the route makes a large detour through the cork tree woods, farm area and finally a friendly hill area. At the end you are cycling the same Via Verde, or “the typical” bike route of Andalucia to Olvera. The last kilometers are the same as those from the first level's ride.
Please note:
For both levels there are alternative routes in order to avoid the Via Verde. For e.g. if you are riding a race bike or if the weather is very bad and you can’t or don’t want to do the (partly rough surface) route. The Via Verde (the Green Path) was developed in 1887. A railway route was planned from Jerez to Setenil. In 1926 however, due to political changes, the idea was stopped and then it was cancelled. This way the railway route was never finished. The route goes through beautiful nature with “Leonados-“vulture colonies,areas with protected plants and trees and a lot of wild animals. Now there’s a well conserved path accessible for walkers and bikers only! The route has a total length of 36 km with 30 tunnels (the longest ones are lit), 4 viaducts and the longest tunnel “del Castillo” of 990 meter length.
Day 6: Olvera - Setenil (28-41 miles/45-65 km)
This route runs from Olvera via the Puerto de Cabañas on quiet little roads in the direction of the beautifully situated and friendly village El Gastor, a nice spot to rest. Next, for a while, you cycle through hilly country. At the hamlet Villalones, level 5 route runs SA and a couple of tough ascents are in front of you. The level 6 route turns to the right for a pretty tour via Ronda la Vieja, the old Roman Theatre of Ronda. Everything counted together you make a lot of altitude meters on this level 6 loop before arriving in Setenil. Just before Setenil both routes connect again.Setenil is a picturesque. Hidden in the Rio Trejo gorge, a lot of houses are carved out of the rocks.Few tourists come here: travel guides have hardly discovered this spectacular village. In other words: it is really worth having a look in the little centre, certainly because you’re here for only one day!
Day 7: Setenil - Ronda (22 or 43 miles/35-69 km)
(22 miles/35 km)
The last stage is not very long but lovely stage. Just past Setenil to start there’s a longer ascent running to a mountain ridge with panoramic views and you pass by Ronda la Vieja, an old Roman theatre you can visit. Next is a pretty, quiet road between holm oak trees. A fair descent in the direction of Ronda takes you to the main road Ronda-Sevilla. You only ride it for a little while. The last kilometers run through a more wealthy area with impressive mansions and luxury hotels. The road slowly runs uphill to Ronda forcing you to push the pedals quite hard now and then.
(43 miles/69 km)
The level route runs in a completely different direction. The road runs uphill at once but through a green area of olive and holm oak trees. This quiet road runs to the station of Setenil. Meanwhile the environment is more rugged with big rocks. Past the top the landscape is completely different: undulating fields and pastures and as far as the eye can see. Cuevas del Becerro is a good stop for restaurants or an excellent picnic spot near a spring. Past Cuevas the route takes a nice detour with on top a lot of difficult climbing. PastSerrato it’s getting greener all the time. El Burgo is a scenic village situated in a quiet valley.Here you’ll find cafés and a supermarket.Past El Burgo you will conquer the rugged Puerto del Viento. First through the woods, next through open areas with wide panoramic views and later just before the pass rugged, bare sections. Once at the top Ronda already comes into view below
Day 8: Departure
Saturdays year-round throughout 2013
| Tour package (self-guided) |  |
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Days 1 and 2: Hotel San Francisco, Ronda
www.sanfranciscoronda.com
This modern hotel is housed in the heart of historic Ronda, close to the city's main sights including the breathtaking Puente Nuevo.
Days 3 and 4: Hotel Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
www.casadelaspiedras.net
Located on one of the oldest streets in the village, the hotel is comprised of small houses from the 19th century.
Day 5: Hotel Sierra y Cal, Olvera
The hotel has 31 rooms, a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, and an outdoor pool.
Day 6: Hotel El Almendral, Setenil
The charming hotel has 28 rooms and is decorated in the Andalusian style. Enjoy the views of the country side from the outdoor pool or terrace.
Day 7: Hotel San Francisco, Ronda
www.sanfranciscoronda.com
This modern hotel is housed in the heart of historic Ronda, close to the city's main sights including the breathtaking Puente Nuevo.
Days 1 and 2: Hotel San Francisco, Ronda
www.sanfranciscoronda.com
This modern hotel is housed in the heart of historic Ronda, close to the city's main sights including the breathtaking Puente Nuevo.
Days 3 and 4: Hotel Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
www.casadelaspiedras.net
Located on one of the oldest streets in the village, the hotel is comprised of small houses from the 19th century.
Day 5: Hotel Sierra y Cal, Olvera
The hotel has 31 rooms, a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, and an outdoor pool.
Day 6: Hotel El Almendral, Setenil
The charming hotel has 28 rooms and is decorated in the Andalusian style. Enjoy the views of the country side from the outdoor pool or terrace.
Day 7: Hotel San Francisco, Ronda
www.sanfranciscoronda.com
This modern hotel is housed in the heart of historic Ronda, close to the city's main sights including the breathtaking Puente Nuevo.
Available bikes include a hybrid bike with 24-gears (men's or ladies frame). Electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with helmet, map holder, saddle bags, pump, water bottle holder, spare inner tube, repair kit, multi-tool, cable number lock and bike computer.
Available bikes include a hybrid bike with 24-gears (men's or ladies frame). Electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with helmet, map holder, saddle bags, pump, water bottle holder, spare inner tube, repair kit, multi-tool, cable number lock and bike computer.
The terrain on this tour is heavy with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so, encompass these 21-43 miles (35-70 km) daily rides. There are occasional long slopes, as the landscape has a mountainous character. Daily distances average round 49 miles (80 km).
This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
The terrain on this tour is heavy with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so, encompass these 21-43 miles (35-70 km) daily rides. There are occasional long slopes, as the landscape has a mountainous character. Daily distances average round 49 miles (80 km).
This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
"We had a wonderful time on this tour. I would highly recommend it. Ronda is the most beautiful town I've ever visited, with such a stunning location. The landscape throughout this trip was amazing and constantly changing. The wildflowers and oleander were all in bloom, and the roadsides were lined with beautiful color. The Spanish drivers were quite considerate, although mostly the roads were very quiet anyway. The meals were consistently good, even in very small restaurants. The white hilltop villages were fascinating, with Moorish forts often dominating the sky-line. Definitely this is a tour to put at the top of the 'must-see' list!"
-Nancy Elliot
2011
"The Pueblos Blancos tour was excellent! The bikes were great - I can't say enough good things about the operator's staff. They did a terrific job. None of the bikes were less than a year old (some less than 10 days old!) and they were rock solid. Descending on hairpin curves was never a problem with the bikes - they had excellent handling.
"The routes were stupendous with unbelievable scenery. Having a choice of easier or harder routes on each day was good, too. People could pick a route based on how they felt. Our luggage was picked up and delivered with no problems each time we moved, and were even provided extra locks and a floor pump to include with the luggage delivery for our use during the entire trip.
"Oh, a special mention has to go to the kitchen staff at the hotel in Grazalema. They were terrific, creating wonderful meals for us as well as setting up breakfast an hour early just so we could leave earlier on our rides and beat the afternoon heat."
-Paul V.
2012
"We had a wonderful time on this tour. I would highly recommend it. Ronda is the most beautiful town I've ever visited, with such a stunning location. The landscape throughout this trip was amazing and constantly changing. The wildflowers and oleander were all in bloom, and the roadsides were lined with beautiful color. The Spanish drivers were quite considerate, although mostly the roads were very quiet anyway. The meals were consistently good, even in very small restaurants. The white hilltop villages were fascinating, with Moorish forts often dominating the sky-line. Definitely this is a tour to put at the top of the 'must-see' list!"
-Nancy Elliot
2011
"The Pueblos Blancos tour was excellent! The bikes were great - I can't say enough good things about the operator's staff. They did a terrific job. None of the bikes were less than a year old (some less than 10 days old!) and they were rock solid. Descending on hairpin curves was never a problem with the bikes - they had excellent handling.
"The routes were stupendous with unbelievable scenery. Having a choice of easier or harder routes on each day was good, too. People could pick a route based on how they felt. Our luggage was picked up and delivered with no problems each time we moved, and were even provided extra locks and a floor pump to include with the luggage delivery for our use during the entire trip.
"Oh, a special mention has to go to the kitchen staff at the hotel in Grazalema. They were terrific, creating wonderful meals for us as well as setting up breakfast an hour early just so we could leave earlier on our rides and beat the afternoon heat."
-Paul V.
2012
Tour start and end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station
Tips for getting to and from your tour
With more than 50 million tourists visiting each year, Spain is the second-most toured country in the world. Sitting on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain is known for its miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline ranging from the rocky Costa Brava to the white sand of Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands off the coast.
Spain’s culture thrives in its urban centers of Madrid, the capital, Barcelona and Seville. The country's history is exhibited in countless monuments, ruins, castles and cathedrals, contributing to Spain's ranking as the second country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Amazing renowned wines from La Rioja, olive oils from Baena, paella rice from Levanta, Crema Catalana liqueur from Catalonia and more than one hundred varieties of cheese define Spain’s mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.
With more than 50 million tourists visiting each year, Spain is the second-most toured country in the world. Sitting on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain is known for its miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline ranging from the rocky Costa Brava to the white sand of Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands off the coast.
Spain’s culture thrives in its urban centers of Madrid, the capital, Barcelona and Seville. The country's history is exhibited in countless monuments, ruins, castles and cathedrals, contributing to Spain's ranking as the second country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Amazing renowned wines from La Rioja, olive oils from Baena, paella rice from Levanta, Crema Catalana liqueur from Catalonia and more than one hundred varieties of cheese define Spain’s mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.
Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!
Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!
Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!
Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!
Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.
Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect
The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.
A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure. Cycletours Holidays will offer an adequate alternative in case of such cancellation.
Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.
Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect
The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.
A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure. Cycletours Holidays will offer an adequate alternative in case of such cancellation.
