We’ve selected for you, places where you can immerse yourself in culture and history, learn about festivities, religious and secular, have the opportunity to experience a multitude of artesanal traditions, music and customs, explore small rural settlements, enjoy diversity of landscape and, of course, get to know the local people who’ll make your adventure a memorable and fulfilling experience. The journey starts in the Vinalopó River valley, taking in castles and mediaeval towns such as Biar and Bocairent. It’ll guide you through scenic valleys and the foothills of imposing mountains. You’ll be led into the district known as Terres dels Alforins, renowned for its vineyards, and will be able to marvel at the grand homes built by the aristocracy in the 18th Century. Here, you’ll be overwhelmed by stunning landscapes, sometimes referred to as “the Tuscany of Valencia”. And, last but not least, you can savour award-winning local wines and wholesome, traditional foods, many of which are particular to their village, town or district.
Proceed through the fertile plains of the Vall d’Albaida, on the banks of its rivers, and you can take the stunning gorge road in order to reach the historic and imposing town of Xàtiva.
Enter the lush plain of orange groves and market gardens known as la huerta valenciana. Pedal along the River Xúquer and make your way towards the natural reserve known as the Parque Natural de la Albufera, which is of great ecological importance. Finish your journey in the vibrant city of València and explore the impressive old quarter, with its cathedral and central market – indeed, a cathedral of a market! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants. Lovers of good food will be delighted by the local fare on offer.
Day 1: Arrival in Biar
You arrive in Biar, a city well-endowed in heritage sites and crowned by its fanciful 12th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes. You can wander around its old quarter with its maze of narrow streets and discover, at our leisure, many quaint squares and churches, etc. How about trying some local fare in one of the many bars and restaurants?
Day 2: Biar – Bocairent. 65 Km (elevation + 1.115 m)
Biar - Banyeres de Mariola - Onil - Mariola’s natural Park - Bocairent .
You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages as we approach Banyeres de Mariola; you venture into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, and ride to higher ground. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning views, the flora and the fauna. You then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent for the night’s accommodation. Not to be missed is a stroll in its old quarter
Day 3: Bocairent – Ontinyent. 70 Km (elevation + 1.315 m)
Bocairent – Alfafara – Agres - Beniarres – Castello de Rugar – Carricola – Agullent – Ontinyent.
After a healthy breakfast we set out in the direction of vineyard country.
You take the green route that will take us to La Valleta d’ Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as you pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola. You’ll go through villages like Alfafara and Agres, marked by their own distinctive characters. That night our accommodation you’ll be in a truly privileged rural setting.
This day’s ride is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and spectacular of the whole tour. The rugged contrasts offered by the interior mountain valleys are much greater than those found in valleys closer to the Mediterranean. Pedalling through the higher terrain overlooking Lake Beniarrés, it’s possible to appreciate the impressive views of such instantly identifiable mountains as Benicadell and Montcabrer.
Day 4: Ontinyent circular. 66 Km (elevation + 1.110 m)
Ontinyent - Fontanars – Moixent – Aielo de Malferit – Ontinyent.
You ride along a quiet lane past peaceful fields sown with cereals and studded with olive groves and vineyards. Look out for grand buildings that blend into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins. Some of the former noblemen’s houses have been converted into wineries and in the village you can visit speciality shops that offer artesanal delicacies and craft items. You will have the opportunity to visit the Iberian town called “La Bastida” which has magnificent views. IV century b.c. After that, you will ride through the mountains and vineyards towards Moixent. From Moixent you will enter the Moixent Pass (a soft 6 km), you will see “El Bosquet”, a natural lake carry on uphill. After that you have a gentle descent with amazing views between mountains to Aielo de Malferit. From here you will cycle towards Ontinyent.
Day 5: Ontinyent –Xàtiva. 86 Km (elevation + 1.219 m)
Ontinyent - Fontanars – Font de la Figuera – Navalón – Enguera – Xàtiva.
You’ll start the day pedalling past verdant fields and fertile groves of almond, olive and apricot trees, all making a patchwork with persimmon plantations and old vineyards. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You will explore the beautiful and quiet mountains in Navalón and Enguera, where is difficult to see a car. You will then head to the noble town of Xàtiva, a place steeped in history and crowned by an imposing castle.
Day 6: Xàtiva – Cullera. 62 Km (elevation + 623 m)
Xàtiva – Barxeta – Barx –Simat de la Valldigna – Cullera.
You depart from the city of Xàtiva and delved deeply into the hinterland of València with its verdant market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for its quality oranges which are blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. Another advantage is that there is sunshine and pleasant weather all year round. You’ll take quiet roads and paths that weave their way through orange groves that make up a rich green tapestry along the floor of the valley. You venture into a pretty little valley to follow part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries and where there is the opportunity to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Amongst rice fields, you’ll arrive in Cullera, a coastal city with beautiful sea views where you’ll be able to taste some of the rice specialties of the area. This town has plenty of beaches that you can enjoy even in winter if the sun is shine.
Day 7: Cullera – València. 63 Km (elevation + 228 m)
Cullera – Fortaleny – Riola – Sueca – El Palmar – El Saler - Valencia
If you choose the longer option, you’ll start the day by cycling along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, lush fields and groves of the whole district.
You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera, one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna.
It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar.
Upon reaching Valencia, you’ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market – a cathedral of a market, indeed! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer so many kinds of cafés, bars and restaurants. The lovers of good food will be pleased. The city’s nightlife is also famous.
Day 8: València
After a good breakfast, the trip will be formally over.
This includes
PRICES (per person)
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Retail price |
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Basic price season 1 (double/twin) |
815 € |
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Basic price season 2 (double/twin) |
830 € |
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Basic price season 3 (double/twin) |
895 € |
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Surcharge half board X4 |
115 € |
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Surcharge single room |
240 € |
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Bicycle rental (carbon) |
270 € |
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Extra nights |
Retail price |
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Biar doble room (Extra days before the route starts) |
50 € |
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València doble room |
52 € |
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Biar surcharge single room (Extra days before the route starts) |
33 € |
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València surcharge single room |
35 € |
These include 3*** and 4**** hotels, charming rural houses or farmsteads and high-grade B&Bs.
DATES
The tour is available all year round (except from 28.07 till 31.08), with departures on Sunday.
Season 1: 14.01.24 – 09.03.24| 17.03.24 – 30.03.24|06.10.24 – 26.10.24 |03.11.24 – 15.12.24
Season 2: 31.03.24 – 22.07.24 | 01.09.24 – 05.10.24 | 27.10.24 – 02.11.24
Season 3: 10.03.24 – 16.03.24
How to fly into València or Alicante
How to get to Biar (starting point)
We recommend a private taxi transfer from Alicante-Elche Airport (40 minutes).
By train: By train: from Alicante Railway Station to Villena Railway Station (45mins. and 10 € per person), where we will pick you up. You can check the timetables and prices in here.
By train: from València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) to Villena Railway Station, where we will pick you up. (1hr. 15mins. and 15€ per person). You can check the timetables and prices in here.
A 4-star hotel with all amenities, including a restaurant, large garden and swimming pool. It is located in the picturesque town of Biar.
An old railway station, converted into a beautiful 3-star hotel in the mediaeval village of Bocairent, from which there are glorious views of the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park. It has a swimming pool, garden and restaurant.
An impressive 4-star hotel located in the centre of the capital of the region, Ontinyent. Neo-Mudejar in style and reminiscent of late Valencian modernism, it dates from 1925. It has both a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Lovely rural accommodation to be found in the historic quarter of Xàtiva. From it you can contemplate outstanding views of the castle within its extensive walls.
A 3-star hotel, located in a tranquil spot beside the beach at Cullera, with a fabulous terrace and sea views. It has a restaurant and swimming pool.
A 4-star hotel located just 10 minutes from the City of Arts and Sciences and only a 20-minute stroll from the old town. It has all amenities, including secure parking for bicycles.
We use carbon bicycles (BH or Scott) which are very comfortable and reliable.
We aim for maximum comfort and pedalling efficiency so as to provide our clients with the best possible cycling experience. Every bike is checked weekly by our mechanics to ensure optimum performance.
We use carbon bicycles (BH or Scott) which are very comfortable and reliable.