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Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (by 9am at the latest) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided.
Your bike fitting is scheduled for Wednesday, 12th June at 10am at Plaza de Cronista Chabret, 20. In case of any issue please contact Santi on +34 629 522 300
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.
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. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. 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.
Wednesday, 12th June: Checa
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel La Gerencia
10am: Meet our local partner at Plaza de Cronista Chabret, 20. Private transfer from Sagunto to your hotel in Checa, followed by bike fitting and welcome briefing at your hotel.
At leisure in Checa
With its traditional whitewashed houses and historic hillside mills and barns, the rural village of Checa seems lost in time! The River Genitoris runs through the middle of the village, and the two halves are connected by five historic stone bridges.
Located within the Alto Tajo Natural park, the village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and dramatic red sandstone landscapes. Head up to the Mirador de Barrusios viewpoint for the best views.
If you fancy stretching your legs with a walk or a brief bike ride, you can follow the river 1.5km out of town to visit the Aguaspeña waterfall and Castil de los Griegos, a fortification which dates back to the Iron Age.
Eating and drinking in Checa
Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, where you can try galianos, a local specialty made with potatoes, onions, peppers and bacon.
Thursday, 13th June: Albarracín
Route: 54.6km/33.9 miles
Elevation: +656m/2152 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Albarracín
Your first cycling stage is both challenging and beautiful, following the Camino del Cid through the Sierra de Albarracín mountain range, amidst abundant pine and juniper trees, up to the summit of Sierra Alta at 1850 meters, from where you can enjoy extraordinary views of the surroundings.
The Camino del Cid follows the path taken by the legendary 11th century knight on his adventures through Spain, and many of the historic towns and castles that you will pass through today are still much the same as they were nearly a thousand years ago!
At leisure in Albarracín
The medieval walled town of Albarracín is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain! Built at the foot of the mountain, and protected by the Guadalquiver river, the town has been highly contested throughout its history thanks to its important strategic position. Founded by the Romans, and then the capital of a Moorish taifa kingdom before being conquered by the Christian armies, Albarracín retains a fascinatingly diverse architectural legacy.
Eating and drinking in Albarracín
Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, set in the old Brigadeira Palace and offering spectacular views. Alternatively, if you would like to explore the town further, we recommend Alizia Casa de Comidas (open Tues – Sat 8:30pm – 10pm).
Friday, 14th June: Teruel
Route: 44.7km/27.8 miles
Elevation: +596m/1955 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de la Marquesa
Today’s cycle stage takes you along a quiet asphalt road through Los Pinares de Rodeno, a beautiful natural park replete with spectacular viewpoints and even prehistoric cave paintings. Continue on through the small rural villages of Bezas, Campillo and San Blas, before following the rivers Guadalaviar and Turia till you get to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Teruel.
At leisure in Teruel
Teruel rose to importance as a Christian outpost on the border with the Moorish kingdom of Valencia, and because of this historical legacy it is today one of the most important centres of Mudéjar architecture, a unique Spanish medieval style that fused Gothic and Islamic elements.
Eating and drinking in Teruel
Teruel’s cuisine is renowned for its use of truffles, and Teruel jamón has its own Protected Denomination of Origin status. Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, but if you would like to explore the town further, we recommend Parrilla La Bella Neda Leña & Vaca (open Thu – Sat 8:30pm – 10pm), which is set in a converted stable.
Saturday, 15th June: Estación de Mora
Route: 46.4km/28.8 miles
Elevation: +481m/1578 ft
Accommodation: La Casa de la Estación
Please note that your rural accommodation in Estación de Mora does not offer lunch; therefore, we recommend that you stop at one of the towns along the way today to have lunch before you arrive.
Leaving the city behind, today’s route takes you into the heart of rural Teruel. Cycling through pine forest and along sparkling rivers, you’ll climb up to Puerto de Escandón, an old mining station, and cross the Sierra Javalambre mountain range.
On your descent, you’ll come across the pretty village of La Puebla de Valverde. Our picks for lunch here are La Fondica de La Estación or Javalambre restaurant.
Leaving Puebla de Valverde behind, you’ll pedal across historic stone bridges and through beautiful forests of quercus oaks. Believe it or not, this idyllic area is the global centre of black truffle production! You’ll cycle past the town of Sarrión, where we recommend Restaurante la Fragua for lunch, and on to Estación de Mora.
At leisure in Estación de Mora
Enjoy the absolute peace of this stunning rural location. As there is very little light pollution, you can enjoy one of the starriest skies in Spain! The hotel is set in a historic farmhouse, and offers truffle tourism activities, as well as a restaurant is specialised in cooking with truffles.
Sunday, 16th June: Segorbe
Route: 67km/41.6 miles
Elevation: +292m/958 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Martín el Humano
Your route begins by passing through the Albentosa tunnel, and then crossing the route’s highest viaduct, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. From here, you’ll cycle through oak forests towards the El Palancar mine station, which marks the border between the provinces of Teruel and Castellón.
The next recommended stop is the Ragudo viewpoint, from where you can enjoy fabulous views of the Sierra Calderona and Sierra Espadán Natural Parks. From here, you’ll continue on to the small town of Jérica, which still retains much of its Moorish-era architecture and is definitely worth a visit.
From Jérica, you’ll descend towards Novaliches, pass the spectacular Regalejo reservoir and arrive into Navajas, a small town where we highly recommend visiting El Salto de la Novia (the “waterfall of the bride”), and the Elm of Navajas, planted in 1636 as a symbol of unity between exisiting residents and new arrivals. Perhaps surprisingly, the town is known its stately homes, due to centuries of popularity among wealthy Valencian families, thanks to its a favorable climate and good water.
From Navajas, you’ll cycle through the spectacular Sierra Calderona Natural Park and into Segorbe.
At leisure in Segorbe
Set on a fertile plain, Segorbe has been inhabited since ancient times and retains many of its historic structures.
Eating and drinking in Segorbe
Segorbe’s traditional dish is olla segorbina, a stew made with white beans, pork and potatoes. We recommend that you try it at Restaurante Senda de la Brasa (open Thu – Tue 8:30pm – 11pm) or Restaurante Ambigú (open Tue – Sat 9pm – 10:30pm).
Monday, 17th June: Canet
Route: 40.4km/25.1 miles
Elevation: +176m/577 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Barú
Today you will enjoy a relaxed downward ride towards the coast! You’ll cycle through Sierra Calderona Natural Park and endless orange tree orchards until you reach the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in Canet D’Enberenguer.
At leisure in Canet
The charming seafront town of Canet offer visitors a beautiful promenade, as well as some of Spain’s very best beaches, with clear, shallow waters and fine sand.
The town also boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the lighthouse, the 19th century Saavedra Palace and the Church of St Peter.
Eating and drinking in Canet
For a well-deserved paella by the sea, we recommend Briza cocina mediterránea (open daily 11am – 6pm), or La Siesta Salines Restaurant (open from 8pm).
Tuesday, 18th June: Valencia
Route: 43.4km/27 miles
Elevation: +111m/364 ft
Accommodation: Own arrangements
Today’s cycle ride takes you out of Canet and along the Via Augusta and through the towns of Puzol and El Puig. From here, you’ll cycle through Valencia’s huerta (orchard): a fertile plain replete with orange groves, rice paddies, vineyards and all the other ingredients of the fabulous Valencian cuisine.
You’ll reach Valencia’s urban beach of La Patacona, and from here follow the cycle paths into the centre of one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain.
Please leave your bike with reception in Hotel Exe Rey Don Jaime. Your luggage will also be transferred to this hotel; please request it in reception upon arrival.
At leisure in Valencia
Valencia is the third-biggest city in Spain, and the most bike-friendly! A charming old town contrasts with futuristic cultural centres, while golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea are just a stone’s throw away.
Eating and drinking in Valencia
Don’s miss the opportunity to try a real Valencian paella – the pride and joy of Spanish cuisine! Another local favourite is horchata: a milkshake-like drink made from tiger nuts.
On a Bike Spain Tours vacation, understanding and abiding by the rules of safe cycling is vital.
You’re probably familiar with some common safety guidelines. Below are those that we follow at Bike Spain, and we ask that you follow them while traveling with us:
• Biking shorts
• Breathable, synthetic tops (short- and long-sleeved)
• Biking shoes
• Biking gloves and full-finger, wind-resistant gloves
• Helmets are mandatory!
• Wind & rain jacket
• Fleece jacket or warm vest/jacket
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bathing suit
• Sweater/jacket for cool evenings
• Walking shorts
• Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
• Evening wear
• Books about the area
• Travel alarm clock
• Camera
• First aid kit
• GPS
• Photocopies of your important documents
• Travel Insurance Certificate
• Airline tickets/Boarding Passes
• Passport/Visa (if required)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Required medications and their prescriptions
• Personal items and toiletries
• Mosquito repellent
• Expensive electronic items
• Expensive jewelry & family heirlooms
• Other valuables
Being on a bike tour shouldn’t mean constantly worrying about your bike breaking down. Nevertheless, bikes are machines, and issues can occur. Here’s what to look for if something doesn’t sound, feel, or work right.
ACCIDENTS: In case of an accident, keep calm, get off the road and go to a safe place (such as the hard shoulder) where you can evaluate the problem. If you suspect that you need medical care, call the Spanish emergency services on 112, explaining clearly where you are and what the problem is. Have your passport and your insurance documentation handy before calling. Please contact our office immediately after speaking with emergency services.
Remember that personal insurance it is not included on our self-guided tours. We offer an optional insurance policy. If you choose not to purchase this, please make sure that you keep own insurance documentation with you (including your passport).
The tour price does not include any roadside assistance with bicycle maintenance (e.g. flat tires) or any other taxi transfers during the tour. Any repairs that need to be caarried out on the bicycles that are not a result of negligence on Bike Spain Tours’ part will be paid for by the client.
HELMET: Cycling on the road in Spain without a helmet is illegal and unsafe; remember to wear your helmet at all times.
To check the weather before you leave on your trip, please take a look at current weather conditions at www.weatheronline.co.uk. For historical temperature and precipitation statistics visit www.weatherbase.com or take a look at the Spanish Meteorological website with detailed information per region (http://www.aemet.es/en/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos)
The history of Spain is a compendium of influences from the different cultures that have lived in the country. The first settlers on the Peninsula were the Celts and the Iberians. The Roman presence in Hispania lasted for seven centuries, during which time the basic borders of the Peninsula in relation to other European towns were set up. Many institutions were inherited from Rome such as the concept of family, Latin as a language, religion and law. At the start of the 5th century new settlers from the North arrived and settled on the Peninsula: the Visigoths in the interior and the Swabians on the West. The decomposition of the Visigoth state apparatus would lead to the successive infiltration of Arab and Berber troops from the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the beginning of the 8th century. In the middle of the 8th century the Muslims had completed occupation and Cordoba became the center of the flourishing Andalusian state. The Arab presence in Spain would last for almost seven centuries and leave an indelible mark on the Spanish cultural heritage.
Following a long period of peaceful coexistence, the small Christian strongholds in the North of the Peninsula took on a leading role in the Reconquest, which ended with the capture of Granada in 1492 under the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, traditionally considered the founders of peninsular unity and the imperial management of the Spanish revival. The 16th century represents the zenith of Spanish hegemony in the world, a process that would last until the middle of the 17th century. Following the death of Charles II, the last of the Austrians, who died without having had children, Phillip V inaugurated the dynasty of the Bourbons of Spain.
The crisis of the Old Order opened the doorway to the Napoleonic invasion. The War of Independence was a war against the French invasion, but also a revolutionary war due to the decisive involvement of the people and the clear formation of a national consciousness that would later shape the 1812 Constitution. The Courts of Cadiz thereby enacted one of the first Constitutions of the world which ratified that sovereignty would reside in the nation. The conflict between liberalists and absolutists, or in other words, between two different ways of perceiving the establishment of the state, would be one of the longest Spanish conflicts throughout the 19th century.
The ballot box is introduced into Spain and with it the first democratic experience of the 20th century: the second Republic, a brief attempt to introduce the reformations the country needed, frustrated by General Franco’s military rising and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. The military victory of General Franco gave way to a long dictatorial period that would last until 1975. Following his death, the Spanish peacefully made the transition from dictatorship to democracy in a process known as ‘the Spanish model’. Don Juan Carlos I, as King of the Spanish people, became the chief of a social and democratic state of law, which molded the Constitution of 1978.
More information…? Should you be interested in a specific theme, please check here, you will find many info about culture, environmental issues, nature, society, geography and politics.
In Spain you have exquisite and innovative dishes with the guarantee of internationally prestigious chefs. The highest quality products from the best producers, recipes combining popular tradition with artistic creation and offer you exciting, new flavors. Spain’s culinary revolution, headed by master chefs like Ferrán Adriá, Arzak and Berasategui turns the pleasure of good food into a luxury for the senses that is at its finest when savored in Spain.
Spanish cuisine is nowadays recommended in the finest restaurants, heralded by the most prestigious critics and demanded by millions of consumers over the world. It has gone through a real revolution, which, in the time of a few short years, has put Spain at the top of international cuisine. With traditional styles as the basis, a modern, innovative cuisine has developed, identified by the use of quality products and by the creativity of its chefs.
To read more about Spain’s cuisine
