Valencia, the land of contrasts 8 days

From 850 €
Welcome to this land of contrasts; of wine and oranges; olive and almond; rivers and sea; city and hamlets; rugged mountain and green valley; orchard and pine tree; modernity and history, but above all, of sunshine and tradition.
Duration 8 days / 7 nights
Availability All year round (except 28.07 to 31.08), with departures on Sunday
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Cycling surface: Tarmac: 86%. Cycle track: 7%. Dirt roads: 7%

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.

Carry on  pedalling and you’ll come across towns and villages in the Benicadell valley as you enjoy magnificent views, Roman and Arab remains,  archaeological sites, castles, palaces, natural springs, caves and such welcoming local inhabitants  that you’ll  feel very much at home.

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. 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 – Salem.  30 Km
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. The day will draw to a close with you  exploring the small villages of the Benicadell area. There are magnificent views and plenty of rugged beauty to admire. There are also interesting, historical, man-made features  such as the pits built  to catch  and store snow, (pozos de nieve), and remnants of an  irrigation system started by the Romans and later perfected by the Arabs. The area also contains archaeological excavations, castles, palaces, ancient fountains and caves.

Day 5:  Salem – Xàtiva.  33-40 Km
Explore the small towns, villages and hamlets of this district, thereby enjoying welcoming spots endowed with some of the best  preserved architectural heritage in the region.  Marvel at traditional handicrafts, and taste fine, locally-produced foodstuffs. Your route crosses the district on the shores of the Bellús dam, an outstanding area, important for its superb landscape and  rich ecology.  You’ll come across a number of cultural artefacts, such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams), and elements of the old irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and, not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful.

You have two options to choose from:

Route 1:  the shorter route, where you  go directly to the Bellús dam.

Route 2:  you finish  by visiting the towns of the Benicadell  Valley, and, later in the  day, you can  explore the shores of the Bellús dam, if you wish.

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)       

 

Price

Basic price season 1 (double/twin)

850 €

Basic price season 2 (double/twin)

870 €

Basic price season 3 (double/twin)

915 €

Half board X4

110 €

Surcharge single room

256 €

Bicycle rental

100 €

Electric bike

190 €

 

 

 

Extra nights

Price

Biar doble room (Extra days before the route starts)

50 €

València doble room

52 €

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

33 €

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

 

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.

Hotel El Chalet

Hotel El Chalet

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.

Silken Puerta Valencia

Silken Puerta Valencia

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 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)

Electric bikes

Electric bikes

W

  • Good quality components.
  • Mid Motor
  • Anti-puncture tires.
  • 9 gears.
  • Good quality display (4 levels of power)
  • 500 Watt. battery (long distances). 80 - 150 km
  • Front and rear light.
  • Comfortable sitting position and adjustable handlebars.
  • Bike stand and mudguards.
accessories

accessories

Reviews

Varied scenery. Nice and helpful people. Nice small towns and villages.

Angelika E. May 2019

Our experience with Lazypedals was very good. They were responsive and attentive. They took care of all the details on the ground and helped us as needed. The hotels selected were great varying from rural houses to old restored homes and boutique hotels.

Tijmen C. April 2019

Wonderful trip, different areas plus villages, great food and recommendations. Very good description of road and surroundings. The guide in Valencia (Claudia) was perfect, we had a wonderful day with her. Your organization and your help were great. A perfect trip, thank you very much¡¡

Inge M. May 2018

The route were great. Right level of gradients and length. People and food really good. Bikes were great. Maps / route notes all excellent. Thank you we had a great week.

Claudia P. October 2017

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