Route of El Cid – 7 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 2
Duration: 6 Nights
Distance: 32 Miles/day average
Dates: Apr 19, May 17, Jun 14, Sep 7, Oct 4, 2015 (minimum 3 participants)
Tour price: €1070
Start city: Albarracin, Spain
End city: Valencia, Spain
Tour Description
On this bicycle tour you will follow in the footsteps of the warrior El Cid when he conquered the Muslim kingdom of Valencia along the conquest route described by “El Cantar del Mio Cid” (one of the first texts in Castilian history from the 12th Century).
To do so, you descend from the magical Albarracín, a Muslim town and a vassal city of the Kingdom of Navarra. Albarracín is a border town between Castile and Aragon that has particularly unique architectural style and impressive walls. From Albarracín, you continue your journey to Teruel, a Moorish city. You can visit its cathedral, Twin Towers, Tomb of the Lovers, and more. From Teruel, you’ll pedal on to Mora and Rubielos, two diamond towns from the south of Aragon. They were also known by El Cid, and their architecture and buildings have been exquisitely preserved.
The stunning Mijares Valley leads you to Montanejos, a paradise of outdoor activities such as kayaking, climbing, and rafting. You will return to Jerica in the footsteps of El Cid. Segorbe, Olocau and Valencia will be the final steps. Near the city of Valencia, you will visit Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona (Natural Park of Sierra Calderona) and El Parque Fluvial del Turia (Turia River Park). The planning of this tour allows you ample time to enjoy other sporting activities popular in this area, including kayaking, rafting, rappelling, climbing, and golf.
Highlights: Guided Day 1: Arrival in Valencia Day 2: Albarracín – Teruel (31 miles/50 km) You will then continue on to Teruel along the Greenway. You’ll have dinner at the hotel in Teruel and have some time to explore the city. Teruel is a city rich in historical monuments and Muslim art and architecture; especially be sure to see Torico Square and the famous Tomb of the Lovers of Teruel. Day 3: Teruel – Rubielos (36 miles/58 km) Day 4: Rubielos – Jérica (31 miles/50 km) Then ascend to Arenillas Mountain pass. If you don’t want to climb this pass, you could hire a lift service (20€ per group, 5 passengers max). Then descend towards Jérica (safe passage stamp point) passing through Caudiel. At Jérica you can explore the river walk, Mudejar tower, old town, church, and castle. Dinner at the hotel. Day 5: Jérica – Bétera (38 miles/61 km) From here, you divert from El Cid’s official route to go through the Natural Park of Sierra Calderona, visiting Altura, Gátova, Marines and Olocau (conquered by El Cid). From here you follow the bike path to get to Bétera with its Arabic Castle. Dinner at the hotel. Day 6: Bétera – Valencia (31 miles/50 km) You can choose to take 2-hour hour guided tour around Valencia by bicycle, either today or tomorrow morning. This optional tour costs extra and must be reserved in advance at the time of booking. Dine at the hotel. Day 7: Valencia Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided Hybrid touring and mountain bike rental includes the following equipment: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
Arrive in Valencia at the airport or train station. Transfer to Jérica, where you pick up your bikes.
Overnight in Jerica.
After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to Albarracín and then begin cyclig towards Cella (safe passage stamp point), where you will see its fountain, church, Chapel of San Sebastian and Roman aqueduct.
Overnight in Teruel.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start cycling on the greenway towards the mountain top of Escandón. Then descend towards La Puebla de Valverde (safe passage stamp point) through Valbona and arrive at Mora de Rubielos (safe passage stamp point). Here you can visit the castle, walls, Colegiata´s Church, and the city hall. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Rubielos.
You start the route by passing through Fuentes de Rubielos and continue downhill towards the spectacular Mijares Valley. Finally you arrive at Olba and descend downstream reaching Comunidad Valenciana. Visit the Puebla de Arenós, Arenós Marsh, Castle of Viñaza, and La Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos. The resort is known for its hot springs.
Overnight in Jerica.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart from Jérica and pass through Pantano del Regajo (Swamp of Regajo) and Navajas. You arrive to Segorbe (safe passage stamp point), where you can visit the cathedral, walls and aqueduct from the 14th century.
Overnight in Betera.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will cross the highway to reach La Vallesa, a Mediterranean forest area. You will cross L’Eliana and cycle along Camp del Turia until you reach Benissanó. Once there, you descend to the River Turia then continue towards Valencia following the Turia River Natural Park. You arrive in Valencia through the Capsalera Park along the old Turia River Channel.
Overnight in Valencia.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be tranferred to the Valencia train station or airport with our transfer service. Do not forget to stamp your safe passage.
Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be booked in advance at time of booking):
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it has a universal seat post.
Helmet rental available on this tour for €12. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes. Wearing helmets is compulsory in Spain.
