Paradores Cycling Tour

Arrival at Madrid Airport and transfer to Oropesa (2h approx.)

Accomodation in the Parador of Oropesa, a restored castle with swimming pool.

    

Today you will cycle out of the town of Oropesa through the fertile planes of La Vera toward the impressive mountains of Gredos. This area of Spain is only around 400 meters high and it is just south of the Mountain range so that it is characteristic for its richness in water and its agreeable and mild winters. The land is very rich and it is known for its vegetable production and the tobacco plantations. As we cycle through quiet roads we will see closer and closer the high mountains of Gredos with its highest pick being the Almanzor (2592 m).

After lunch a short ride will take us to the Garganta de Cuartos where there is a lovely old Roman bridge. Here we will have the option of taking a transfer to our hotel in Jarandilla de la Vera or keep on cycling the last 12 km with some demanding hills ahead.

Accomodation in the Parador of Jarandilla, a restored palace full of history.

   

After a great Parador buffet breakfast you take your bike to cycle along the foothills of the Gredos mountains to explore the land full of olive and fruit tree terraces and rivers gashing down with water from the mountains. On the way we go by the Monasterio the Yuste and the charming village of Garganta la Olla.

Accomodation in the Parador of Jarandilla.

An easy cycle through lovely countryside and dehesas full of holly oak trees (encinas) takes us to the monumental town of Plasencia with its beautiful cathedral and old center. We will enjoy a walk in the town, a drink in the open main square full of live and terraces and the luxury of the Parador. 

Accomodation in the Parador of Plasencia, a restored convent full of charm.

   

Today we are cycling south toward the Tajo River. We approach the Natural park of Monfragüe famous for its bird life and on the way we will enjoy the typically extremenian landscape of dehesas of holy oaks (encinas) and cork trees (alcornoques). This land has large farms that are dedicated to rearing wild bulls that are used for the Corridas de Toros and the famous black “iberico” pig that feeds freely of acorns and give the most fabulous Jamón Iberico.

Accomodation in comfortable Hospedería with swimming pool situated in the National Park. 

   

Today we continue south on flat land towards the city of Trujillo. This town became rich thank you to the fact that many of the first explorers and Conquistadores of the Americas were from this area and when they came back after making their fortune they built great palaces and homes to show off their wealth and success. The town is full of restaurants and magnificent building but the main attraction is its main square. A perfect place to have a drink watching the world go by in the sun.

Accomodation in the Parador of Trujillo, a charming restored convent with swimming pool.  

   

The last day of cycling takes you through beautiful countryside across little villages to reach the monumental city of Caceres.

Strolling along the cobble stone narrow streets of the old city center and having a drink in one of its small old taverns or enjoying a terrace in one of its plazas is a great end to this holiday.

Accomodation in the Parador of Cáceres, an old palace just in the town centre.

   

Transfer to Madrid Airport after breakfast (3h 15min approx.).