The path of the great Castilian Warrior

Route of El Cid

Tour Description: Guided

If we follow the route described by "El Cantar del Mio Cid" (one of the first texts in Castilian history from the 12th Century) and in particular the Conquest Route, we will follow the footsteps of this Warrior when he conquered the Muslim Kingdom of Valencia.

To do so, we will descend from the magical Albarracín, a Muslim town and a vassal city of the Kingdom of Navarra. Albarracín was a border town between Castile and Aragon, it has particular architecture and impressive walls. From Albarracín, we continue our journey to Teruel (A Moorish city): We can visit its Cathedral, Twin Towers, Tomb of the Lovers, etc ... Mora and Rubielos are two diamond towns from the south of Aragon.  They were also known by El Cid and posses an architecture that is well maintained.

The stunning Mijares Valley takes us to Montanejos, a paradise of outdoor activities: kayaking, climbing, rafting, etc. Going back to Jérica we will return in the footsteps of El Cid. Segorbe, Olocau and Valencia, will be the final steps. Near the city of Valencia, we will visit Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona (Natural Park of Sierra Calderona) and El Parque Fluvial del Turia (Turia River Park). The tour includes three and four star accommodations.

The planning of this route and accommodations allows you to enjoy complementary sporting activities: kayaking, rafting, rappelling, climbing, and golf. 

Not sure whether to book a guided and self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

If we follow the route described by "El Cantar del Mio Cid" (one of the first texts in Castilian history from the 12th Century) and in particular the Conquest Route, we will follow the footsteps of this Warrior when he conquered the Muslim Kingdom of Valencia.

To do so, we will descend from the magical Albarracín, a Muslim town and a vassal city of the Kingdom of Navarra. Albarracín was a border town between Castile and Aragon, it has particular architecture and impressive walls. From Albarracín, we continue our journey to Teruel (A Moorish city): We can visit its Cathedral, Twin Towers, Tomb of the Lovers, etc ... Mora and Rubielos are two diamond towns from the south of Aragon.  They were also known by El Cid and posses an architecture that is well maintained.

The stunning Mijares Valley takes us to Montanejos, a paradise of outdoor activities: kayaking, climbing, rafting, etc. Going back to Jérica we will return in the footsteps of El Cid. Segorbe, Olocau and Valencia, will be the final steps. Near the city of Valencia, we will visit Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona (Natural Park of Sierra Calderona) and El Parque Fluvial del Turia (Turia River Park). The tour includes three and four star accommodations.

The planning of this route and accommodations allows you to enjoy complementary sporting activities: kayaking, rafting, rappelling, climbing, and golf. 

Not sure whether to book a guided and self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Albarracín: Monumental town (castle and cathedral, traditional architecture) 
• Teruel: Monumental town (Mudejar twin towers, architecture, cathedral, The Lovers, Square of Torico, Modernist architecture) 
• Rubielos: Monumental town (stately homes, city council) 
• Valley of the Mijares
•  Jérica: Typical mediterranean town (Mudejar Tower, Castle, Palacia River) 
• Segorbe: Castle, walls, Cathedral. Sierra Calderona, mediterranean mountains 
• Turia river park
• Valencia: Ciutat de les Arts, Cathedral, old town

Highlights: Self-guided

• Albarracín: Monumental town (castle and cathedral, traditional architecture) 
• Teruel: Monumental town (Mudejar twin towers, architecture, cathedral, The Lovers, Square of Torico, Modernist architecture) 
• Rubielos: Monumental town (stately homes, city council) 
• Valley of the Mijares
•  Jérica: Typical mediterranean town (Mudejar Tower, Castle, Palacia River) 
• Segorbe: Castle, walls, Cathedral. Sierra Calderona, mediterranean mountains 
• Turia river park
• Valencia: Ciutat de les Arts, Cathedral, old town

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Valencia
We transfer the customers and their luggage to Jérica, where they will stop over at Hotel Rosaleda. Dinner is not included. Choice of equipment in the company. A safe passage delivery of the El Cid Route.  
Overnight at Hotel Rosaleda 

Day 2: Albarracín-Teruel (31 miles/50 km)
Breakfast at 8:30am at the Hotel Rosaleda, we depart towards Albarracín.  Arrival at 10:00am.  Transfer of luggage and distribution of the route guide.  Meals provided. Start of the route. Towards Cella´s Town (a safe passage stamp point):  Cella´s Fountain, Church, Chapel of San Sebastian and Roman aqueduct. Departure towards Teruel through the Greenway. Dinner at Hotel María Cristina. Teruel: A city rich in historical monuments, Muslim art, Torico Square, and The famous Tomb of the Lovers of Teruel .
Overnight at Hotel Maria Cristina 

Day 3: Teruel-Rubielos (36 miles/58 km)
Breakfast at 9:00am at the Hotel María Cristina. Departure to the Greenway. Transfer of luggage and meals provided. Ascent towards the mountain top of Escandón. Descent towards La Puebla de Valverde Town (safe passage stamp point), Valbona, arrival to Mora de Rubielos Town (safe passage stamp point): Castle, Colegiata´s Church, Walls and the City Hall. Departure towards Rubielos de Mora Town (safe passage stamp point): palaces, the City Hall, Church, bullfighting arena, and typical architecture of the area. 
Dinner and overnight at Hotel de la Villa.

Day 4: Rubielos-Jérica (31 miles/50 km)
Transfer of luggage and meals provided. We start the route passing through Fuentes de Rubielos and we continue going downhill towards the spectacular Mijares Valley. Finally we arrive to Olba.  We carry on downstream reaching Comunidad Valenciana.  Arrival at Puebla de Arenós, Arenós Marsh, Castle of Viñaza, La Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos.  The resort is known for its hot springs. Ascent to Arenillas Mountain pass, 1000 yards.  Possibility to hire a lift service (20€ per group, 5 passengers max). Descent towards Jérica (safe passage stamp point) passing through Caudiel.  Jérica: River walk, Mudejar tower, old town, church, castle.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rosaleda.

Day 5: Jérica-Bétera (38 miles/61 km)
Breakfast in Jérica at the Hotel Rosaleda Doncel. Transfer of luggage and meals provided.Departure from Jérica passing through Pantano del Regajo (Swamp of Regajo) and Navajas Town.  We arrive to Segorbe (safe passage stamp point): Cathedral, Walls and Aqueduct from the 14th century.  From here, we divert our Official Route to go through the Natural Park of Sierra Calderona: Altura, Gátova, Marines and Olocau (conquered by El Cid). From here we follow the bike path to get to Bétera with its Arabic Castle.  
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Ad-hoc

Day 6: Bétera-Valencia (31 miles/50 km)
Breakfast at Hotel Ad-hoc. Transfer of luggage and meals provided.We will cross the highway to reach La Vallesa, a Mediterranean forest area. We will cross L'Eliana, we begin our tour along Camp del Turia until we reach Benissanó. Once there, we descend to the River Turia. We continue our route towards Valencia following the Turia River Natural Park. We get into Valencia through the Capsalera Park, within the old Turia River Channel and from there we arrive at the Hotel NH Center.  
Dinner and overnight at Hotel NH Center.

Day 7: Valencia 
Breakfast at Hotel NH Center. Departure to Train Station or Airport with our transfer service.  Do not forget to stamp your safe passage. Possibility of a 2 hour guided tour around Valencia by bicycle, either Day 6 in the afternoon or Day 7 in the morning. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Valencia
We transfer the customers and their luggage to Jérica, where they will stop over at Hotel Rosaleda. Dinner is not included. Choice of equipment in the company. A safe passage delivery of the El Cid Route.  
Overnight at Hotel Rosaleda 

Day 2: Albarracín-Teruel (31 miles/50 km)
Breakfast at 8:30am at the Hotel Rosaleda, we depart towards Albarracín. Arrival at 10:00am.  Transfer of luggage and distribution of the route guide. Meals provided. Start of the route. Towards Cella´s Town (a safe passage stamp point): Cella´s Fountain, Church, Chapel of San Sebastian and Roman aqueduct. Departure towards Teruel through the Greenway. Dinner at Hotel María Cristina, Teruel: A city rich in historical monuments, Muslim art, Torico Square, and The famous Tomb of the Lovers of Teruel.
Overnight at Hotel Maria Cristina 

Day 3: Teruel-Rubielos (36 miles/58 km)
Breakfast at 9:00am at the Hotel María Cristina. Departure to the Greenway. Transfer of luggage and meals provided. Ascent towards the mountain top of Escandón. Descent towards La Puebla de Valverde Town (safe passage stamp point), Valbona, arrival to Mora de Rubielos Town (safe passage stamp point): Castle, Colegiata´s Church, Walls and the City Hall. Departure towards Rubielos de Mora Town (safe passage stamp point): palaces, the City Hall, Church, bullfighting arena, and typical architecture of the area. 
Dinner and overnight at Hotel de la Villa.

Day 4: Rubielos-Jérica (31 miles/50 km)
Transfer of luggage and meals provided. We start the route passing through Fuentes de Rubielos and we continue going downhill towards the spectacular Mijares Valley. Finally we arrive to Olba.  We carry on downstream reaching Comunidad Valenciana.  Arrival at Puebla de Arenós, Arenós Marsh, Castle of Viñaza, La Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos.  The resort is known for its hot springs. Ascent to Arenillas Mountain pass, 1000 yards.  Possibility to hire a lift service (20€ per group, 5 passengers max). Descent towards Jérica (safe passage stamp point) passing through Caudiel.  Jérica: River walk, Mudejar tower, old town, church, castle.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rosaleda.

Day 5: Jérica-Bétera (38 miles/61 km)
Breakfast in Jérica at the Hotel Rosaleda Doncel. Transfer of luggage and meals provided.Departure from Jérica passing through Pantano del Regajo (Swamp of Regajo) and Navajas Town.  We arrive to Segorbe (safe passage stamp point): Cathedral, Walls and Aqueduct from the 14th century.  From here, we divert our Official Route to go through the Natural Park of Sierra Calderona: Altura, Gátova, Marines and Olocau (conquered by El Cid). From here we follow the bike path to get to Bétera with its Arabic Castle.  
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Ad-hoc

Day 6: Bétera-Valencia (31 miles/50 km)
Breakfast at Hotel Ad-hoc. Transfer of luggage and meals provided.We will cross the highway to reach La Vallesa, a Mediterranean forest area. We will cross L'Eliana, we begin our tour along Camp del Turia until we reach Benissanó. Once there, we descend to the River Turia. We continue our route towards Valencia following the Turia River Natural Park. We get into Valencia through the Capsalera Park, within the old Turia River Channel and from there we arrive at the Hotel NH Center.  
Dinner and overnight at Hotel NH Center.

Day 7: Valencia 
Breakfast at Hotel NH Center. Departure to Train Station or Airport with our transfer service.  Do not forget to stamp your safe passage. Possibility of a 2 hour guided tour around Valencia by bicycle, either Day 6 in the afternoon or Day 7 in the morning. 

Dates: Guided

May 12; Jun 9; Jul 7; Aug 4; Sep 8; and Oct 6, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: May 1- Oct 23, 2013

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €970 Single room supplement (one person, one room) €140 High season supplement (July/August) €50 Mountain lift pass, Arenillas (third stage) €20 Group bike tour of Valencia €50 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €0 Mountain bike, standard €0 Mountain bike, with disc brakes equipped €40 Helmet €12 Cycle computer €50 Extra nights, Jerica Extra nights, Hotel Rosaleda (breakfast and dinner included) €45 Single supplement (1 person, 1 room) €7 Third person sharing room €42 Lunch menu €17

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Double occupancy, per person €824 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €140 High season supplement (July/August) €50 Mountain lift pass, Arenillas (third stage) €20 Valencia group bike tour (2 hours) €50 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €0 Mountain bike, standard €0 Mountain bike, with disc brakes equipped €40 Helmet €12 Discounts Third person in room, tour package €740 Extra nights, Jerica Extra nights, Hotel Rosaleda Doncel €45 Single supplement (1 person, 1 room) €7 Third person sharing room €42 Lunch menu €17

Included Services: Guided

• Luggage transfer every day
• Bicycle storage
• Six nights of hotels
• 6 dinners, 5 lunches, 6 breakfasts
• Well-equipped hybrid or mountain bike
• Transfers from Valencia airport or train station to Jerica
• Tranfer between Hotel NH Center and Valencia airport or train station

Included Services: Self-guided

• Luggage transfer every day
• Bicycle storage
• Six nights of hotels
• 6 dinners, 5 lunches, 6 breakfasts
• Well-equipped hybrid or mountain bike
• Transfers from Valencia airport or train station to Jerica
• Tranfer between Hotel NH Center and Valencia airport or train station

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Hotel Rosaleda Doncel
www.gruporosaleda.com/doncel/

Hotel Reina Cristina 
 www.hotelreinacristinateruel.com/

Hotel La Villa in Rubielos
www.hotel-de-la-villa.com/

Hotel Ad-hoc of Bétera
www.adhochoteles.com/

NH-Centre  
www.nh-hoteles.es/NH-Center

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Hotel Rosaleda Doncel
www.gruporosaleda.com/doncel/

Hotel Reina Cristina 
 www.hotelreinacristinateruel.com/

Hotel La Villa in Rubielos
www.hotel-de-la-villa.com/

Hotel Ad-hoc of Bétera
www.adhochoteles.com/

NH-Centre  
www.nh-hoteles.es/NH-Center

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Bikes offerings include:

• 21-speed hybrid touring bike, Conor Malibu; with front suspension (advisable for this tour)
• Mountain bike, Conor AFX
• Mountain bike, Conor WRC (additional charge of €40)

Each bike includes the following equipment:

• Front rack and saddlebags
• Farrier
• Pump
• Repair kit (includes 2 spare inner tubes, 2 tire levers, tire patches box, and a multi-tool wrench)
• Small first aid kit
• Front and rear bike lights
• Bike lock
• Raincoat
• 2 water bottles

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Bikes offerings include:

• 21-speed hybrid touring bike, Conor Malibu; with front suspension (advisable for this tour)
• Mountain bike, Conor AFX
• Mountain bike, Conor WRC (additional charge of €40)

Each bike includes the following equipment:

• Front rack and saddlebags
• Farrier
• Pump
• Repair kit (includes 2 spare inner tubes, 2 tire levers, tire patches box, and a multi-tool wrench)
• Small first aid kit
• Front and rear bike lights
• Bike lock
• Raincoat
• 2 water bottles

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The first part is a gentle climb to Puerto de Escandon, across the highlands of Teruel. From this point we begin a descent into the Mijares Valley. From the Mijares Valley we cross over Sierra Espadán, riding over a hard mountain pass of Arenillas, and then we will get into Palancia´s Valley.

From Palancia´s Valley we will cross over Sierra Calderona going downhill through the Turia Natural Park and finally arriving near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, where the most important conquest of El Cid happened.

This tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The first part is a gentle climb to Puerto de Escandon, across the highlands of Teruel. From this point we begin a descent into the Mijares Valley. From the Mijares Valley we cross over Sierra Espadán, riding over a hard mountain pass of Arenillas, and then we will get into Palancia´s Valley.

From Palancia´s Valley we will cross over Sierra Calderona going downhill through the Turia Natural Park and finally arriving near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, where the most important conquest of El Cid happened.

This tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Valencia
Nearest train station: Valencia

Tour end
Nearest airport to end: Valencia
Nearest tran station to end: Valencia

Transfers from Valencia airport or train station to Jerica are included in the price. All luggage transfers between hotels are included. 

Transfers between Hotel NH Center and Valencia Airport or train station included. 

Tips for getting to and from your tour. 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Valencia
Nearest train station: Valencia

Tour end
Nearest airport to end: Valencia
Nearest tran station to end: Valencia

Transfers from Valencia airport or train station to Jerica are included in the price. All luggage transfers between hotels are included. 

Transfers between Hotel NH Center and Valencia Airport or train station included. 

Tips for getting to and from your tour. 

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Guided

Hardacho S.C.  is a company specialized in bicycle touring-outdoor activities. Its location, between the main natural parks of Valencia and South Aragon, with attractive routes as the Greenway of Ojos Negros or Route of El Cid, has allowed to developed a significant activity with all kinds of customers and materials at any time of year.

Tour Company Background: Self-guided

Hardacho S.C.  is a company specialized in bicycle touring-outdoor activities. Its location, between the main natural parks of Valencia and South Aragon, with attractive routes as the Greenway of Ojos Negros or Route of El Cid, has allowed to developed a significant activity with all kinds of customers and materials at any time of year.

Terms and Conditions: Hardacho: Guided

- The booking is made one month in advance at most, at the time which the groups will be closed.

- Providing normal costumer data, who will be covered by travel insurance and other accidents since arriving in Valencia till the departure.

- Up to fifteen days before the starting day, the route can be cancelled without penalty.

- In the fifteen days remaining the cancellation charge will be 15% until the tenth day, 20% until the fifth day, 50%  third and fourth days before activity and 100% if the cancellation is made less than 48 hours beginning of the activity.

- If the group does not have enough participants, we will propose perform the self-guided route with a 10% bonus on our price.

- The day of arrival the customer will be taken to our store and choose the materials and equipment included in the tour, proceeding to the preparation of the bike and the equipment. The client can choose additional material not included in the tour price (helmet, GPS etc ...).

- In the self-guided tours, at the beginning of the route will be provided: road maps, road book and travel guide with travel milestones (locations, telephone numbers, etc. ..), the material will be in English and must be returned the end of travel.

Terms and Conditions: Hardacho: Self-guided

- The booking is made one month in advance at most, at the time which the groups will be closed.

- Providing normal costumer data, who will be covered by travel insurance and other accidents since arriving in Valencia till the departure.

- Up to fifteen days before the starting day, the route can be cancelled without penalty.

- In the fifteen days remaining the cancellation charge will be 15% until the tenth day, 20% until the fifth day, 50%  third and fourth days before activity and 100% if the cancellation is made less than 48 hours beginning of the activity.

- If the group does not have enough participants, we will propose perform the self-guided route with a 10% bonus on our price.

- The day of arrival the customer will be taken to our store and choose the materials and equipment included in the tour, proceeding to the preparation of the bike and the equipment. The client can choose additional material not included in the tour price (helmet, GPS etc ...).

- In the self-guided tours, at the beginning of the route will be provided: road maps, road book and travel guide with travel milestones (locations, telephone numbers, etc. ..), the material will be in English and must be returned the end of travel.