Self Guided Cycling Tour - Ronda To Cadiz - Moderate Level - 5 Days Cycling

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ronda

Stop At: Regio Andalusie, 29400 Ronda Spain
Make your own way to Ronda or take advantage of our pickup service. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful clifftop town of Ronda. We will meet you at your hotel for briefing and bike set up at your time of arrival or in the evening.
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Double or twin room with en suite facilities, normally in a **** 4-star hotel, subject to availability.

Day 2: Ronda to Olvera - 35km - 461 metres ascent.

Stop At: Olvera, Olvera, Province of Cadiz, Andalucia
From Ronda cycle northwards, past vineyards and olive groves. Lunch in Setenil de las Bodegas, under huge overhanging limestone cliffs. Ancient "cavehouses" built into the rock form the basis of many village houses, shops and cafes. Cycle on through limestone gorge and farmland, up into Torre Alhaquime village, with great views across to Olvera's striking skyline of Arab fortress and twin-towered Renaissance church. A final section through the olives brings you to your overnight accommodation in a traditional Andalucian style hotel.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: You will stay in a boutique B&B or traditional hotel on the edge of the village.

Day 3: Olvera to Bornos - 60km - 588 metres ascent.

Stop At: Bornos, Bornos, Province of Cadiz, Andalucia
Today you ride along the Via Verde de la Sierra, a disused railway line through the mountains and olive groves, with long tunnels (automatic lighting), viaducts and a griffon vulture colony, perched high up on the rocks above the track. Lunch at one of the old station buildings before continuing through seasonal farmlands known for the sunflowers and cotton crops. You final stop is at the lakeside town of Bornos.
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Apartment in the centre of the village

Day 4: Bornos to Arcos de la Frontera - 23km - 409 metres ascent.

Stop At: Arcos de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
A short day with a few “ups and downs”. The route is very quiet and rural, passing through endless rolling hills you soon find youself gaining height as you enter the town of Arcos de la Frontera. Arcos is positioned on the top of a large hill with one side of the town being a cliff edge. You will stay in the heart of the old town – the short ride today allows you longer to explore the steep narrow streets on foot; see the church of Santa Maria (with its unfinished tower, where the church guardian still lives) and, on the opposite side of the church plaza, a balcony with views from the top of the cliff down to the river.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Boutique B&B in the centre of the village

Day 5: Arcos to Jerez de la Frontera - 44km - 346 metres ascent

Stop At: Jerez De La Frontera, Jerez De La Frontera, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
Descending into the countryside below Arcos gives fantastic views of the clifftop town and makes for an easy 38km start to the day with only one hill before you head into Jerez. Take some time for a late lunch in this historic town, maybe visit the cathedral, the Alcazar or try some of the famous locally produced sherry.

Note: an extra night can be added in Jerez to give you more time to explore the town.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: City centre hotel or apartment

Day 6: Jerez to El Puerto de Santa Maria - 18km - 109 metres ascent

Stop At: El Puerto de Santa Maria, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
Your last day's ride is a short distance through the countryside to the seaside town of Puerto de Santa Maria. Apart from in the hottest months of the year, we therefore recommend spending the morning in Jerez, as there is lots to see in the town, before heading of to Santa Maria in the afternoon. Alternatively you could take the opportunity for some extra time visiting Cadiz in the afternoon before your full day of exploration tomorrow.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4**** hotel in El Puerto de Santa Maria

Day 7: Sightseeing in Cadiz

Stop At: Cadiz, Cadiz, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
From Puerto Santa Maria you will use the ferry to visit Cadiz. The city is famous for its long maritime history, having been founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 and being the main port of the Catholic Kings at the time of the discovery of America and the New World. The cathedral is hugely impressive, with twin towers and a huge yellow tiled, Moorish style dome, with a lovely plaza in front. The Museo de Las Cortes has many interesting artefacts and views of the changing size and shape of the city over the centuries. The botanic gardens overlooking the sea contain species brought back from travels all over the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the old towns’ narrow streets or at the seafront fort or simply go to the beach – this city has something for everyone!
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4**** hotel in El Puerto de Santa Maria

Day 8: Depart El Puerto de Santa Maria

Pass By: El Puerto de Santa Maria, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
Check out from your hotel and have a safe trip home or to your next destination. Transfers can be arranged in advance if required.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.