The way of El Cid, inland 6 days

From 575 €
Places where you can immerse yourself in culture and history, learn about festivities, have the opportunity to experience a multitude of artesanal traditions, music and customs, explore small rural settlements...
Duration 6 days / 5 nights
Availability All year round (except 28.07 to 31.08), with departures on Sunday
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Cycling surface: Tarmac: 87%. Dirt roads: 13%

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.

 

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. 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
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)       

 

     Price

Basic price (double/twin)

575 €

Surcharge single room

160 €

Bicycle rental

80 €

Electric bike

150 €

Extra nights

     Price

Biar doble room (Extra days before the route starts)

47 €

Xàtiva doble room

41 €

Biar surcharge single room (Extra days before the route starts)

35 €

Xàtiva  surcharge single room

25 €

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.

 

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.

Hotel Villa de Biar

Hotel Villa de Biar

A 4-star hotel with all amenities, including a restaurant, large garden and swimming pool. It is located in the picturesque town of Biar.

Hotel l'Estació

Hotel l'Estació

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.

Hotel Kazar

Hotel Kazar

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.

Granja San Miguel

Granja San Miguel

Excellent rural accommodation located in the municipality of Salem, at the foot of the Benicadell Natural Park. A cosy and peaceful place with a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant.

 

Casa Aldomar

Casa Aldomar

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.

We use hybrid aluminium bicycles very comfortable and reliable.  Our bikes are specifically for touring.

Our bicycles have been specially chosen based on our long experience of medium and long distance cycling trips. We use touring bikes, with 28-inch wheels and strong aluminium frames. We aim for maximum comfort and pedalling efficiency to give you the best experience. All bikes are checked every week by our mechanics to ensure optimum performance.

Characteristics

  • Good quality components.
  • Anti-puncture tires.
  • 24 gears.
  • Front and rear light with a hub dynamo.
  • Comfortable sitting position and adjustable handlebars.
  • Bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
  • Sizes from XS to XL.

Equipment provided

  • GPS
  • Speedometer
  • Rear pannier
  • Handlebar bag with map carrier
  • Helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Lock
  • Pump
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Multitool set
Touring bike

Touring bike

Touring bike (Unisex)

Touring bike (Unisex)

E-bike

E-bike

We have e-bikes with low frame:  7 gears, aluminium, shimano altus, good quality display (6 levels of power)
We already have Standard e-bikes: 24 gears, aluminium, shimano altus, good quality display (6 levels of power)
Both e-bikes has a 15 Am battery, ready to ride long distances.

accessories

accessories

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