We’d love to follow along with the photos and videos from your fabulous bike tour!
Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and don’t forget to tag us in your travel posts.
Be sure to join our Strava club so we can give you kudos for all your amazing rides!
Your guides for this tour will be Enrique (+34 696 54 60 88), and Mario (+34 626 19 64 82).
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard for each individual guest is 7.5-10% tip of the trip price at the end of the tour. Local currency is preferred.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Your insurance policy number is xxx. You can find your insurance documents here.
Click here for our packing suggestions for a guided bike tour.
In order to ensure that there is enough space for everyone to travel comfortably in the van, we ask that you bring only one standard hold luggage size suitcase and one rucksack per person.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Monday, September 8th. Madrid.
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Welcome to Madrid, and the start of your La Vuelta bike tour!
Arrival at leisure in Madrid. You can check into the hotel from 3pm.
Today, we’ll enjoy some free time to get to know Spain’s elegant capital.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Madrid.
Visit one of the galleries that make up Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”: the classical Prado (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm, and Sun 10am – 7pm), the modernist Reina Sofia (open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 10am – 2:30pm), or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a former former private collection (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm and Mon 12pm – 4pm).
Make a selfie stop at some of Madrid’s most legendary landmarks: Plaza Mayor, the elegant arcaded square that has been at the centre of madrileño life for centuries; Plaza del Sol, where you can visit the iconic bear and strawberry tree statue and the Km 0 plaque, the origin of all Spain’s roads and the exact geographic centre of Spain; Gran Vía, Madrid’s buzzing central street, full of shops and theatres; and the imposing Puerta de Alcalá, which once marked the entrance to the city.
Explore the Royal Palace, the biggest in Europe (open Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 10am – 4pm).
Next door, visit Madrid’s unique cathedral (open daily 10am – 8:30pm), whose construction spanned more than a century and was only completed in 1993!
Take a stroll in the elegant Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Catch at art exhibition at the striking Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat for a romantic cruise on the lake, or visit the peacocks in the “secret garden” named after architect Cecilio Rodriguez.
Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar and restaurant (open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm).
Discover Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple! Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was transferred to Madrid, brick by brick in the 1970s.
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday morning, we recommend a trip to El Rastro market (open Sun 9am – 3pm) to hunt for treasures and soak up the lively atmosphere!
Enjoy a Spanish-style tapas crawl at one of the local hotspots: laid-back Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, Calle de las Huertas in the historic Barrio de las Letras, or trendy Calle Ponzano in Chamberí.
For a fun local experience, grab lunch or dinner at one of Madrid’s renovated gastromarkets. The elegant Mercado San Miguel, which is located right by Plaza Mayor, is the most famous, and we also recommend Mercado Ildefonso, Mercado San Antón or Mercado Anton Martín.
Try traditional Castilian fare at the oldest restaurant in the world! Sobrino de Botín has been in continuous operation since 1725 (open daily 1pm – 4pm/8pm – 11:30pm).
Sample excellent fusion cooking in a laid-back, traditional setting at La Castela (open Mon – Sat 12:30pm – 5pm/8pm – 12:30am).
Enjoy excellent seafood at Pescadería & Club Fisherman’s, located in the trendy Ibiza district.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of Madrid’s 27 Michelin star restaurants.
Visit one of Madrid’s “tabernas centenarias”: the title awarded to restaurants and taverns that have been in continuous operation for at least a century, and often two! Some of our favourites are Bodega La Ardosa, Casa Alberto and Casa del Abuelo. For a sweet treat, visit La Mallorquina, a bakery that dates back to 1894!
For an immersive historical experience, visit La Venencia, a unique bar that only serves sherry, where the waiters will likely write your order on the bar in chalk and where cameras are banned: a tradition dating back to the bar’s popularity with spies during the Spanish Civil War!
Ranked multiple times among the best bars in the world, modern cocktail spot Salmon Guru is a great place to celebrate your bike trip with an amazingly creative concoction!
As a land-locked city, Madrid has for centuries prided itself on its ability to obtain top-quality seafood through sheer purchasing power! To this day, fresh seafood is auctioned in coastal cities in the very early hours of the morning and rushed to Madrid to be sold in markets and served in bars and restaurants. For this reason, one of Madrid’s signature dishes is the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich). Try this madrileño staple at one of the famous bars near Plaza Mayor (we like Bar Postas and La Campana), or at Bar El Brillante near the Reina Sofia Museum.
One of Spain’s most cherished traditions (and particularly in Madrid) is la hora del vermut: vermouth o’clock! Traditionally, Spaniards enjoy their vermouth pre-lunch, between 12pm and 2pm, although in recent years la hora del vermut has extended to most of the day. Our favourite spot to indulge in this tradition is at Casa Labra near Sol, where vermouth is paired with delicious cod, served in croquetas and as deep-fried bites. Don’t be afraid of the frequently long queues, they move quickly!
When visiting Madrid in winter, you can’t miss one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes: cocido a la madrileña. Every madrileño has fond memories of their grandmother cooking this hearty stew of vegetables, chickpeas, chorizo and pork, which is traditionally served as two or three courses: first the broth, then the vegetables and then the meat. Two of our favourite spots to try cocido are Taberna Malacatín and Taberna La Bola, both family-run establishments that have been in operation for over two centuries.
For the most daring, a very traditional side to madrileño cuisine is casquería: offal! These dishes date back to the hard times in Madrid’s history, and one of the most popular variations is callos: a stew of strips of tripe,chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage). For a really authentic experience, try callos along with caracoles (snails) at Restaurante Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles.
No trip to Spain would be complete without churros con chocolate! The most traditional spot for churros in Madrid is at Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving up churros (thin deep-fried dough) and porras (fat deep-fried dough) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, since 1894!
One of the most unique snack experiences in Madrid is buying cookies from an “invisible” nun! For centuries, Spain’s cloistered monasteries and convents have funded themselves by selling baked goods, a tradition that still persists today. Ring the bell at the Convento Carboneras (located right behind the Bike Spain Tours office!) between the hours of 9:30am – 1pm/4:30pm – 6:30pm, and place cash on the torno (rotating wall) to buy cookies baked by the nuns themselves!
Tuesday, September 9th. León
Route: 38.9 km/24.2 miles
Elevation: +285 m/+936 ft
Accommodation: Parador de León
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception by 8:30am so our van can collect it and transfer it to León
Please ensure that you leave plenty of time to get to Chamartin station and pass through security ahead of your train’s departure. We suggest departing the hotel at around 10am.
You can access your train tickets here.
11:23am: Train departs from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor station.
1:34pm: Train arrives into León. The hotel is located 400m from the train station.
Once in León, we’ll carry out the bike fitting and tour welcome briefing. Next, we’ll take our bikes out for a spin along the Camino de Santiago.
The route traverses classic Castilian landscapes, complete with holm oaks, golden wheat fields and moderate rolling hills. We’ll finish our ride in the charming town of Hóspital de Órbigo, named after the pilgrim hospital founded by the Knights Hospitaller in the 16th century next to the Órbigo river. One of the town’s most famous attractions is the Paso Honroso, a 300m long stone medieval bridge where legendary knight Don Suero de Quiñones once held a jousting tournament, in which he swore to break 300 lances in honour of unrequited love.
In the evening, we’ll get to know each other over a tapas crawl around León’s famous Barrio Húmedo – nicknamed the “wet district” thanks to the abundance of bars!
Non-cyclist activities
Discover León! We’ll explore the narrow streets of the city’s old quarter and discover the spectacular Gothic cathedral, which boasts the most beautiful stained glass windows in all of Spain, and admire the Museo Casa Botines de Gaudí, a magnificent example of 20th-century Modernist architecture.
Wednesday, September 10th. León
Route: 81.1 km/24.2 miles
Elevation: +2184 m/+936 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 17: O Barco de Valdeorras > Alto de el Morredero
Accommodation: Parador de León
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today begins with a transfer in our private van to Astorga, a city which boasts a rich cultural legacy stretching from Roman times through to 20th century Modernism. From here, we’ll follow the Camino de Santiago to Ponferrada, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, before climbing up to today’s Vuelta stage finish: Alto de el Morredero.
Our first point of interest is the picturesque town of Castrillo de los Polvazares, considered to be one of the region’s most beautiful examples of popular architecture.
Next, we’ll cycle up to beautiful mountain village of Foncebadón, which was largely abandoned until the mid-20th century, when the resurgence of the Camino started to attract new residents. Just outside of Foncebadón, we’ll come across the famous Cruz del Ferro, the highest point of the Camino Francés, where pilgrims traditionally leave a small stone as a symbol of leaving behind their burdens before arriving in Santiago.
Next, it’s a spectacular descent through lush green forests, until we cross the medieval bridge into Molinaseca. We’ll enjoy a lunch stop here at a beautiful riverside restaurant.
After Molinaseca, we’ll pass through the historic city of Ponferrada, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar and still dominated by their imposing 12th century castle.
From here, we’ll take on the challenging climb up to the summit of Alto de El Morredero, one of the most iconic ascents in the region of El Bierzo. Along the way, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys, forests, and the distant peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains.
We’ll catch our breath in the VIP finish area, and watch the nail-biting summit finish before heading back to León in our van for a Michelin star dinner!
9pm: Dinner at Cocinandos León.
Non-cyclist activities
We’ll spend some time discovering the historic city of Astorga: the Gothic Cathedral, built over three centuries; the majestic Episcopal Palace, also known as the Palacio de Gaudí after its famous architect; and the Plaza Mayor, built over the remnants of the ancient Roman forum.
Next, we’ll enjoy a taste of the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, following the yellow arrows to the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most significant landmarks of the French Way.
Thursday, September 11th. Segovia
Route: 45.6 km/28.3 miles
Elevation: +466 m/+1530 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 18: Valladolid > Valladolid
Accommodation: Parador de La Granja
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, gym, laundry, garden
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today’s stage is a time trial in the historic city of Valladolid, a lively university town with an impressive architectural heritage. We’ll test our own pace by cycling the stage ourselves, before heading to the VIP area to cheer on our favourites as they cycle the very same route!
After breakfast, we’ll travel by van to Simancas, famous for the immense castle-like archive that guards the historic documents of Imperial Spain, dating from 1475 all the way to the 19th century. From here, we’ll cycle through the fields and vineyards of rural Valladolid province, before beginning the time trial route in the city itself.
After the final rider has crossed the finish line, we’ll travel by van to our next hotel, the majestic Parador de La Granja, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together.
Non-cyclist activities
Today, we’ll explore some of Valladolid’s historic highlights: the central Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s oldest main squares; the famously unfinished Cathedral of Valladolid; and Casa de Cervantes, once home to Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, widely regarded as the world’s very first novel.
Friday, September 12th. Segovia
Route: 129.4 km/80.4 miles
Elevation: +2207 m/+7241 ft
Accommodation: Parador de La Granja
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, gym, laundry, garden
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Our route today takes us on a breathtaking ride through the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, discovering some of Segovia’s magical mountain villages.
The route winds gently through Valsain, with its dense pine forests and fresh mountain air, before beginning the climb over the Puerto de Cotos towards Rascafría, a charming village nestled in the Lozoya Valley.
From Rascafría, the road follows the serene Embalse de Pinilla reservoir to Lozoya, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and crystal-clear waters. The ride then continues through Navafría, known for its traditional stone houses and pristine nature.
We’ll reach the medieval jewel of Pedraza, where we’ll admire the cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture, before turning back towards the Parador, returning through quiet country roads framed by rolling hills and golden fields.
Shortly before reaching the hotel, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch of traditional Castilian fare at El Rancho de la Aldegüela, a historic sheep farm converted into one of the region’s best restaurants.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special meal at an elegant restaurant located right next to the Royal Palace of San Ildefonso, and set in what was once the royal smithy and glass workshop.
9pm: Dinner at Restaurante La Fundición.
Non-cyclist activities
We’ll spend some time discovering the UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia, famed for the fairytale Alcázar castle, the majestic Gothic Cathedral, and the ancient Roman aqueduct. Next, we’ll continue to the breathaking medieval village of Pedraza, a place lost in time.
Saturday, September 13th. Madrid
Route: 73.1 km/45.4 miles
Elevation: +1453 m/+4227 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 20: Robledo de Chavela > Bola del Mundo. Puerto de Navacerrada
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
We’ll begin today’s route by cycling to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia, where we’ll have a brief tour of the fairytale Alcázar castle, the majestic Gothic Cathedral, and the ancient Roman aqueduct.
Leaving the city behind, we’ll ride through the countryside of Segovia province and discover the Palacio Real de Riofrío, constructed in the 18th century and still in use today by the Spanish Royal family. The palace is surrounded by some 600 hectares of forest, making for a very pleasant cycle ride.
Next, we’ll enjoy some beautiful cycling through the fairytale villages and tranquil pine forest of the mountains of Madrid before tackling the final climb up to the Puerto de Navacerrada, a La Vuelta favourite, having featured in the race no fewer than 34 times in the race’s history!
Once in Navacerrada, we’ll watch the nail-biting finish from the VIP section, before heading down into Madrid ahead of tomorrow’s grand final!
Non-cyclist activities
Today we have two options: we can visit the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, where we’ll admire the historic collection and get the opportunity to see the glass blowers at work. Alternatively, we can tour the spectacular Royal Palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso.
Sunday, September 14th. Madrid
La Vuelta: Stage 21: Alalpardo > Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Last day party!
Today is the day of the grand final. We’ll spend the morning at leisure in Madrid. In the afternoon, the party begins!
3:30pm: Our private Bike Spain Tours space in the luxury Neptuno VIP area, located in Plaza de Cibeles (around 20 minutes from your hotel on foot), will be open from 3:30 – 7pm. We’ll enjoy an open bar all afternoon, as well as a buffet of gourmet snacks (don’t eat too much before arriving!). From our VIP area, we’ll enjoy premium views of the race finish and the podium.
Monday, September 15th
Departure day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our services will come to an end.
We hope that you had a wonderful La Vuelta experience with us!
