HIGH SIERRAS AND HIGH CITIES: SPAIN

The mileages have been kept short, making this a relaxing tour which will appeal to couples and solos, giving you the opportunity to explore this fascinating region at your leisure.

Arriving in Spain we will head south across Cantabria, seeking out some excellent riding roads towards the city of Burgos on the edge of the Iberian Plateau. Founded in 884AD and home to El Cid, whose tomb lies in the UNESCO listed Gothic cathedral.  The city is an important cross roads on the Camino de Santiago and the guide books are abounding with sights to see.  You’ll have two nights to soak up the atmosphere and a free day to explore or join one of our ride outs.

We continue our ride south, seeking out more great riding roads. Our base for the next two nights will be the city of Segovia to the north of Madrid. It is probably best known for its lofty Roman aqueduct and ship-shaped Alcazar.  Today you will have the choice of taking a half day guided walking tour or exploring the local countryside. As well as the ancient Roman aqueduct Segovia is home to one of the last Gothic Castles built in Europe, which is said to have inspired Walt Disney in the design of his cartoon castles.  Alternatively your Tour Leader will take you riding in the surrounding countryside and to explore the Sierra de Guadarrama which lies between Segovia and the capital, Madrid.

Leaving Segovia, you’ll enjoy either a short ride or a longer adventure through the lesser known Sierra De Gredos, a favourite destination of our Tour Director. The choice is yours, either way you are on your way to the remarkable city of Salamanca with its incredible main square, used many times in films it may feel familiar.  Enjoy strolling around the cobbled streets of the historic quarter and watch the sun setting on the stone buildings which give off an amazing golden hue.  The short option means an early arrival and plenty of time to sightsee.

Time to head back north, past Valladolid and on to the city of Leon, south of the Picos de Europa. The two principal reasons most people come to Leon are to see the stained glass cathedral windows and the frescoes of the Basilica of San Isidoro, both of which will take your breath away. However it has so much more.  Gaudi’s Casa Botines pseudo Gothic Fortress, the Convento de Sam Marcos and the contemporary Art Museum to name but a few. Leon was once the base of the Roman Vll Legion, from which it gets its name. You have a free day to explore remarkable Leon or join us on an optional ride-out to the Sierra de Cabrera in the south-west, towards the Portuguese border, before returning to Leon for the evening.  As this is the last night in Spain, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.