Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia: Seville to Cadiz

Experience Overview

It could be argued that Andalucia is the most quintessentially Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula. Defined by its Moorish architecture this land of contrasts boasts fertile land, historic hilltop towns, stunning beaches and excellent local food. This moderate self-guided cycle takes you from the magical city of Seville, along small country roads and through Mediterranean woodland to the town of Arcos, one of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages). From here you take a journey into the heart of the Flamenco traditions of Jerez - famous for its sherry wines, before ending in Cádiz; thought to be the oldest city in western Europe.The accommodation is in spectacular traditional and modern hotels of the region, and the food is plentiful, fresh and delicious.
Profile
— 6 nights premium hotels with en suite facilities, most with pools (seasonal) — 5 days cycling — Undulating cycling - 82% paved, 18% unpaved (some rough tracks) — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Self-guided holiday. Min. age 14 yrs
At a Glance
— 6 nights premium hotels with en suite facilities, most with pools (seasonal) — 5 days cycling — Undulating cycling - 82% paved, 18% unpaved (some rough tracks) — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Self-guided holiday. Min. age 14 yrs
Trip For You
Cycling conditionsThis is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading.Average daily ride: 59km (37 miles). No. of days cycling: 5Terrain & route: Undulating cycling with some smaller climbs. The majority of the cycle routes are on paved roads but there are some section of dirt road and some short sections of rough dirt tracks, on which care needs to be taken.Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. On this trip, children should be expected to ride on roads with traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0830 and 2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts included.Food is a hugely important part of southern Spain and a key part of Andalucian life is eating out. Dishes will comprise of some of the best locally grown produce. Olives, almonds, lemons and oranges are used in cooking, or in refreshing salads. Along the coastline you can be sure of fresh seafood and fish and the Serrano ham is a speciality from the mountain villages. Tapas originated in Andalucia, and in many places you will often receive small snacks served free with your drinks in a bar.Typical Andalucian dishes include; Gambas al Ajillo (prawns in garlic and chilli oil), Paella/arroz, Coquinas (clams) served with garlic, parsley and white wine, Calamares (squid), Tortilla Espanola, and churros (strips of deep fried dough) which are often eaten with hot chocolate, perfect in the early hours after a night out! For this trip there is the possibility to upgrade to half board. Please see the 'extra expenses' section for more information.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 7 days starting in Seville and ending in Cadiz Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Seville on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are confirmed in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Flights from the UK There are direct flights to Seville with Easyjet and Ryanair, or it is easy to take a flight to Malaga or Madrid and take advantage of the high speed train service to Seville. To return, you can take a flight from Jerez (Ryanair) or use the train to reach Malaga or Madrid airport.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are not included in this trip. To reach the start hotel you can take the Seville urban transport line between the airport and Plaza de Armas, in the city centre (with stops at convenient points, including the Santa Justa rail and AVE station). The journey takes about 35 minutes. Ending in Cadiz, your nearest airport is Jerez, but this is only served by a handful of airlines (including Ryanair). For more options, you can use the high speed train to reach Malaga or Madrid airports.
Weather Information
Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC at night. July and August are especially hot and if you choose to travel in these months it is better to start your cycling as early as possible to avoid the midday heat. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.
Spending Money
— For the meals not included we recommend that you allow €8-15 for lunch. Dinners can range between €15-30 depending on the style of restaurant. Suggestions of where to eat are made in the route notes. — It is possible to upgrade to a half-board package for all nights on this trip. Generally this involves a 3 course dinner, without drinks. This is usually taken either at the hotel, or at a nearby restaurant.

Highlights