Welcome to Hooked on Cycling holidays and our cycling holidays in Spain. This particular biking vacation in central Spain is a self guided cycle tour which we have graded as a level 2-3 tour. This is the Land of El Cid a journey from the black slate valley to the medieval town of Sigüenza.  You will retrace the steps of El Cid, the Spanish hero of the middle ages, as he traveled south winning battle after battle against Moorish kings who had conquered Spain for 800 years.
From the town of Riaza, in the foothills of the protected Guadarrama mountains, you will explore the red stone villages and the medieval town of Ayllón. Later you head south towards Guadalajara, down the "black slate villages valley". This wonderful cycle journey then takes you  on to Jadraque, dominated by the impressive El Cid’s Castle where you then follow the natural park of the "Rio Dulce Canyon", to reach the unique and magnificent medieval town of Siguenza.

Available daily April to October
Level 2-3 self guided tour

Day 1 Arrival to Madrid and transfer to Riazza
Arrival to Madrid airport transfer to Riaza on the foothills of the Guadarrama mountains. The journey will take just less than 2 hours by bus. You could also request a private transfer. Now you have a chance to relax and explore the town’s fabulous main square, surrounded by colonnades topped with balconies and its Gothic church with its Renaissance tower.

Day 2 Loop ride 28 miles 45 km
Today a spectacular circular route cycling amongst a vast oak woodland, discovering the red stone villages. You will visit the medieval town of Ayllon, full of noble mansions from the 15th - 17th centuries, with its palace and elegant main square and town hall.

Day 3 Riazza to Campillo de Ranas 25 miles 40 km.
An initial push up the Quesera mountain pass takes you into Guadalajara province and a very different landscape of large wooded valleys and the ocassional little village characterised by its traditional architecture using the available black slate. The small quiet roads descend into the remote "Tejera Negra Valley" where the stars shine bright at night, away from any light pollution.

Day 4 Campillo de Ranas to Cogolludo 23 miles 36 km.
Cycle along quiet roads, past interesting towns such as Tamajón and Muriel, with a change for a swim at the Beleña reservoir to reach Cogolludo at the end of the day and enjoy its palace and beautiful main square with several restaurants and terraces.

Day 5 Cogolludo to Jadraque 24 miles 38 km
Today you cycle ride will take you through wide open spaces. You will cycle past many small plateaux in a traditional shepherding country. You climb up to an area offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and later descend on to the historic town of Jadraque, where its imposing castle dominates the landscape.

Day 6 Jadraque to Siguenza 23 miles 36 km.
Cycle along good tracks from Jadraque to Pelegrina following the crystal clear waters of the river Dulce, as it sinks into a spectacular canyon, now a protected natural park.

Day 7 Siguenza 7 miles 10 km
After a short cycle ride you reach the old historic town of Siguenza and have plenty of time to explore its 5th century castle, 12th century cathedral, diocese museum, medieval necropolis and many churches and historic buildings.
 

Day 8 Departure
You can transfer to Madrid by train or you can book a private transfer.
 

2012 Prices

How to get there
By Plane
Fly to Madrid, then by bus to Riazza( around 2 hours), there are 2 buses 9am and 5pm. You can also book a private transfer for £138.
At the end of the holiday take a train back to Madrid or you can book a private transfer for £149.

To choose another Spanish tour check on your chosen tour: White Villages of Andalusia ,Majorca , Route of the Caliphate , Cycle and Culture , Sweet Catalonia , Castles of Andalusia, Asturias, Andalusia Sport, Baix Emporda, St James Way, Rioja Wine Trails, Santander 12

Click below to view our
Walking Holidays in Spain

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