The way of El Cid, inland and coast 8 days

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 12^th 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. 27 / 32 / 46 Km
You make use of the route provided by a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages as we approach Banyeres de Mariola; in this town you can choose between two routes:

Route 1: continuing on flat terrain and bordering the natural enclave known as paraje natural de la Serra de Mariola that in just a few kilometres will take us to Bocairent.

Route 2: 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.  15-30 Km
After a healthy and hearty breakfast You’ll set off and pedal towards Ontinyent, the district capital with an interesting historic heart in terms of architecture. You’ll find a whole host of cafés and restaurants where you’ll be able to enjoy an array of local gastronomic delights.

There are two options:

Route 1: the shortest option where in just a few kilometres you’ll be in Ontinyent, enabling us to spend more time in a leisurely visit to the stunning medieval town of Bocairent.

Route 2: you take the green route that will take us to La Valleta d’ Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as we 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.

Day 4:  Ontinyent.  0-40 Km
You ride down a quiet road past placid fields sown with grain crops as well as olive groves and vineyards. You’ll see some stately edifices perfectly nestled into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins; there you’ll visit one of the former noblemen’s houses now converted into wine cellars and visit some specialty shops that offer artisan-produced delicacies and craftwork. Wine tasting available.

Day 5:  Ontinyent –Xàtiva.  35  Km
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. You’ll go through Albaida with its interesting fortified palace commanding its historic heart. You’ll come across small villages and hamlets as we head to the shores of the Bellús dam. The area around the dam is of great scenic and ecological value. You’ll come across a number of cultural artefacts such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams) and elements of irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You’ll take a path bordering the gorge of the Albaida River, (in spring/summer we can take a dip in its waters to cool off). 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. 55 Km
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 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. 46/56 Km
If you choose the longer option, you’ll start off along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, prolific 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

• Accommodation
• Breakfasts buffet style or substantial.
• Detailed tour documentation: maps of the tour, route description, points of interest (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish).
• Welcome meeting.
• Local assistance on call.
• Trnasfer from Villena railway station to Biar.
• Luggage transfer service between your accommodations.
• Travel insurance.
• GPS with the tracks

PRICES (per person)       

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

Discounts:

- Children under 5 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 80%.

- Children under 12 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 40%.

- Children under 15 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 25%.

How to fly into València or Alicante

• Countries and cities with flights to Alicante: Click here
• Countries and cities with flights to València: Click here

How to get to Biar (starting point)

We recommend a private taxi transfer from Alicante-Elche Airport (40 minutes).

• If you fly to Alicante:

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.

• If you fly to València:

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.