Compare Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia by Road Scholar vs Spain: Andalusia, Córdoba & Granada by VBT

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Oeiras

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Orientation. 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated welcome dinner with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Portuguese History, Cascais Coast, Sintra, Palace of Queluz Oeiras

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 38 miles total, with stops for field trips; about 2 hours total drive time. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing at the palace; steep inclines and cobblestones in Sintra.

We will begin with a lecture given by a historian in the hotel meeting room, which will provide an introduction to the history of Portugal. Afterwards, we will head out via motorcoach along the coast of Lisbon to Sintra’s town center. Upon arrival, our Group Leader will show us around while providing commentary on the area before opening up the rest of the morning for you to enjoy exploring the old village and its narrow streets independently.

Next, we’ll go on an expert-led field trip that will reveal the architectural beauty and history of the Palace of Queluz. Situated just outside of Lisbon, the palace was official residence of the Portuguese royal family throughout the 18th century. The architectural design is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical, whilst the gardens are inspired by the French styles of that period.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Portugal's Past, Lisbon, National Tile Museum, To Condeixa Condeixa

Driving approximately 133 miles total; about 3 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking between 2 and 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones, some steps, and slopes all around Lisbon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Lisbon's Belém neighborhood from where the Portuguese navigators set sail on their expedition and "discovery" of India. While here, a local expert will expand upon Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. Later, we will enjoy an expert-led exploration of the centuries-old decorative art of ceramic tiles at the Portuguese National Tile Museum, housed at the former "Madre de Deus" Convent. We will continue with our local expert on a walking field trip through Lisbon's historic old quarters and downtown area.

Continuing our discovery of Lisbon with our local expert, we’ll set out for a walk around Chiado, the old neighborhood of the bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Afterwards, we will drive to Condeixa where we will stay for the next two nights.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to sample the local fare in downtown Lisbon.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Coimbra, Fado Performance, Conímbriga Roman Ruins Condeixa

Driving approximately 22 miles total; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing; hilly terrain with steep slopes, steps, cobblestones; uneven, rugged ground at Conímbriga ruins.

Our first stop of the day will be at the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga, the most important Roman Site of Portugal, where a local expert will lead us through the local museum, the archaeological site and its mosaics, and the important "Casa das Fontes" with its gravitational Roman fountain still in working order. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and one of the countries oldest cities.

In the afternoon, we will visit the oldest university in Portugal, the University of Coimbra, for an expert-led field trip. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra with a performance of fado at a local fado house accompanied by an explanation of the history of this time-honored musical art form, recognized in 2011 by UNESCO on the Representative Lost of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We’ll enjoy this expressive, often melancholic Portuguese folk music tradition, sometimes referred to as “Lisbon blues” because “fado” means “fate” and songs are often nostalgic or sad. Following the visit, we will return to the hotel.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore the local cuisine.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Portugal’s Countryside, Monastery of Batalha, Ribatejo Evora

Driving approximately 200 miles total throughout the day; about 4 hours total, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; some uneven paving at the monastery; flat though slightly rugged terrain at the farmstead.

After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to the "Monastery of Batalha," recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. One of the pinnacles of Gothic architecture in Portugal, it was built in celebration of the Battle of Aljubarrota which secured Portugal's independence. The highlight, and perhaps the most astonishing parts of the monastery are the "Unfinished" Chapels: seven chapels that radiate from an octagonal rotunda, divided from each other by deeply carved, incomplete pillars that create an effect of oriental exuberance. We will see a very different part of life in Portugal on a field trip to Companhia das Lezírias, the country’s largest farmstead for agriculture, cattle, and forests. As a local expert leads us through wooded groves where olive and cork trees grow, we will learn what’s involved in maintaining the delicate ecosystems of the area. We will also have an opportunity to see the farm's beautiful Lusitano horses. Originally bred for war and bullfighting, they are now highly regarded for their skills in the equestrian sport and art of dressage.

We will then explore the onsite winery, vineyard, and facilities led by winery staff before enjoying a wine tasting. Afterwards, we will depart for the scenic Alentejo region and check in at the hotel in Évora.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At Companhia das Lezírias – a traditional Portuguese farmstead – we’ll have a buffet meal with wine and water included.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Cromeleque dos Almendres, Historic Evora, Local Cuisine Evora

Driving approximately 28 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours total, with stops. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing during field tips; cobblestones in Evora; uneven terrain in Cromeleque.

Setting out from the hotel, we will transfer to the prehistoric site of Cromeleque dos Almendres for an expert-led field trip of Portugal's most important megalithic site. Set on a spectacular hillside location among olive and cork trees, multiple circles of ancient stones dating as far back as 6000 B.C.E. stand steadfast in celestial alignment with the moon, sun and stars. Returning to Evora, we’ll visit the historic Old Town with our local expert. One of Europe’s oldest settlements, dating back more than 5,000 years, Evora was conquered over the centuries by Celts, Romans, and Moors before its reconquering by Portugal in the 12th Century.

After some time for independent exploration of the city, we’ll meet at a predetermined time and place before participating in an expert-led, hands-on cooking workshop featuring traditional Portuguese food.

We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore the local cuisine.

At the workshop, we’ll enjoy the food we helped to prepare with a glass of wine and water included.

Day 8 In the Footsteps of the Moors & Arrival in Spain Seville

Driving approximately 210 miles total; about 5.5 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; some cobblestones and uneven terrain. Spain’s time zone is one hour ahead of Portugal.

Once checked out, we’ll begin our journey following in the footsteps of the Moors as we head to Spain through the east of Portugal, stopping in the quaint riverside town of Monsaraz, a tiny fairytale walled village that maintains a delightful medieval atmosphere. It was originally fortified by the Knights Templar, and today its 150 permanent residents live in ancient white houses with outdoor staircases and wrought-iron balconies. While here, we’ll take some time to climb the castle's battlements with a local expert to enjoy the magical landscape of the surrounding countryside. Then we will cross the border into Spain via the town of Olivença that, between 1297 and 1801, was under Portuguese sovereignty until it was invaded by the Spanish. Spain has since administered the territory and the historic center keeps several monuments as reminders of the Portuguese presence. With our Group Leader, we’ll go on a delightful walk around and feel the local atmosphere, before enjoying some time for independent exploration.

We will continue driving to Andalusia while enjoying commentary given by our Study Leader about similarities, rivalries, and the shared history of Portugal and Spain. We will arrive in the late afternoon in Seville and check in to the hotel. After some time to unpack, our Group Leader will lead us on a short orientation of the downtown area of the city as we walk to dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Olivença.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal with a choice of entrée, a glass of wine, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville Cathedral, Moorish Alcazar Seville

Walking approximately 3 miles around Seville throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces; periods of standing up to 1.5 hours at a time at the Alcazar and Cathedral.

To start out the morning, we’ll take a walk to a nearby cultural center where a local expert will give an introductory lecture on contemporary Spain. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some time for independent exploration.

Upon rendezvousing with our local expert, we’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of the city – the Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish quarter) and visit the Cathedral. Built on the site of a mosque, it is the third largest church, and the largest Gothic building, in Europe. It also boasts the largest altarpiece in the world and the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. Our exploration will finish with a visit to the spectacular Moorish Alcazar Royal Palace and gardens.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal, a glass of wine, coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Cordoba, La Mezquita, Free Time Seville

Driving approximately 85 miles one way from Seville to Cordoba; about 4 hours roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day around Cordoba; on cobblestones and uneven terrain; periods of standing up to 2 hours at a time during field trips.

Setting out via motorcoach, we will discover Cordoba, the former capital of the Muslim Caliphate of Al Andalus. Our field trip will include a visit to the cathedral, renowned as the Mosque or the "Mezquita," which stands over a Christian church built in the Visigoth period (5th century). After the Moorish conquest of Spain, it was used as a mosque. In 1236, following Cordoba's fall to Ferdinand and after over 500 years of use as a mosque, the site was re-consecrated Christian and a cathedral was erected in 1523. It is one of the most emblematic Islamic monuments in Spain and a unique example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in the country. Later, we will continue our study of Cordoba during an expert-led walk through the traditional Patios of the Alcazar Palace.

Free time before rendezvousing at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to Seville. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tapas lunch featuring a glass of wine, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 11 White Villages of Andalusia, Local Cheese, Ronda Ronda

Driving approximately 105 miles total throughout the day; about 8 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; steep slopes in villages, cobblestones, steps without railings.

From Seville, we will journey via motorcoach through the Andalusian countryside of the UNESCO-listed Sierra de Grazalema and its splendid white villages. With a local expert for the day, we’ll learn about the traditional villages and their rural way of life, and make a stop at a local artisan cheesemaker where we’ll have the opportunity to view the premises with the owners and taste the renowned Payoyo cheese.

We will continue through the Sierra Mountains and white villages to Ronda. With whitewashed buildings, red rooftops, hilltop castles and local artisans, it seems that time has stood still here since the medieval ages. After completing our journey to Ronda, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy some time to relax before joining our Group Leader on an orientation walk of the town.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a traditional restaurant en route, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated, mountain-style lunch, with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Day 12 Ronda, Puente Nuevo, Bullring, Flamenco Guitar Ronda

Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day; very uneven terrain, cobblestones in Ronda.

Renowned for its spectacular setting, Ronda has a rich cultural, historic and literary tradition. Famous for being the home of modern bullfighting, the town was also witness to the horrors inflicted on civilians during the Spanish Civil War, and is believed to be the setting for several of Ernest Hemingway's literary works. Today's field trip will take us on foot through the charming old town to the spectacular Puente Nuevo (the "New" Bridge dating from 1793 and spanning a 300 foot deep gorge) and to the bullring, now a museum to the controversial sport.

Free time to experience Ronda at your own pace.

After a short walk to the guitar player’s school, we’ll enjoy a flamenco guitar performance given by a local musician. Performance is subject to availability and may be substituted or rescheduled. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At the hotel, we’ll have 3-course plated meals with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Olive Oil, Lunch with a Family, Granada Granada

Driving approximately 135 miles total one way from Ronda to Alfarnatejo and Granada; about 7 hours with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles, some uneven ground in the mountain towns.

Hotel buffet.

Continuing our transfer, we will arrive in Granada in the late afternoon and check in at the hotel. After settling in, we’ll then head out with our Group Leader for an introductory walk around the area.

At leisure.

Hosted by local families in their homes within town, we’ll enjoy a typical homemade plated lunch with a glass of wine and water.

In Granada, our Group Leader will provide us with vouchers for a meal from a choice of local tapas bars. One beverage will be included with others available for purchase.

Day 14 Granada, The Alhambra Granada

Driving approximately 2 miles one way through the city; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours with breaks; many cobblestones, steep slopes, uneven terrain, several flights of stairs without handrails at the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Alhambra tickets are subject to strict regional government quotas and visits may be rescheduled or substituted if necessary.

Arriving via motorcoach, we will visit the Alhambra – a UNESCO Heritage site – led by a local expert. It is more than a just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions, barracks and sumptuous gardens that offered protection from the summer heat. Our field trip to the Alhambra will end with an expert-led exploration of the Nasrid Palace – the most renowned Islamic building in Europe, which dates back to the 14th Century and is filled with Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns, perfectly proportioned chambers, and peaceful courtyards.

Free time. You may wish to continue to explore Granada on your own, relax at the hotel, or begin to prepare for departures in the morning. We’ll then rendezvous back at the hotel for a program wrap-up. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated meal for our farewell lunch, with all beverages included.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 15 Program Concludes Granada

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.

DAY 1: Warm-up ride / Welcome reception

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT trip leaders at the Palma del Rio hotel at 10:00 a.m. Please ask for the exact location of the meeting at the hotel reception desk.

This morning, your trip leaders will host an informative tour overview, as well as a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride around Palma del Rio. You will be riding on the fertile lowland of the Guadalquivir River. Please be dressed for riding since your warm-up ride begins immediately follows the safety talk and bike-fitting.

After the warm-up ride, you will have time for lunch on your own at the hotel or at one of Palma del Rio’s restaurants. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the quiet swimming pool, strolling through the extensive grounds and vegetable gardens, or exploring the town’s sites. Ambitious riders may opt for an afternoon ride toward the foothills of the Sierra Morena.

Tonight, gather with your trip leaders and travel mates for a welcome reception, including tapas and sangria, two of Andalusia’s regional specialties. You’ll learn about the history of Spain and Andalusia before dinner is served.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Warm-up Loop — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Sierra Morena Loop — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride in Andalusia starts with an easy warm-up loop. You will cross the Genil River as you exit town. From there, you will see the fertile plain of the Guadalquivir River and pass a typical Andalusian farm called a cortijo. If you choose to ride after lunch on your own, you can cycle out of town toward the foothills of Sierra Morena, looping back down to the Guadalquivir River valley.

Cumulative Distance Range: 13 — 40 km (8 — 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 2: Home-hosted picnic lunch with local family

En route to Córdoba, you’ll ride up to the foothills of the Sierra Morena Mountain Range and the Parque Natural de Horanchuelos. Following the Guadalquivir River, you will make your way into the Campiña Cordobesa-Córdoban countryside. Along the way, you’ll stop at a typical Andalusian cortijo, where you’ll meet a local family and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your beautiful and centrally located four-star Córdoba hotel. In the 11th century, Cordoba was the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Europe with a well-developed system for running water and streetlights, along with vast libraries where Arabic, Latin, and Greek manuscripts were translated. Jews, Muslims, and Christians all coexisted in this cultural crossroads. Exceptional monuments like the Mezquita of Córdoba are a good representation of the blend of these different cultures. Famous sons of Córdoba include the philosophers Seneca (Roman), Averroes (Arab), and Maimonides (Jewish). Córdoba has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.

Your hotel is a few steps from the Mezquita in the Judería—the charming Jewish district and the heart of Córdoba. It consists of ancient, private homes from the 17th and 18th centuries with lovely patios and fountains. The property was carefully restored in 2009.

Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, enjoying all the amenities of your hotel or venturing out to explore Córdoba’s historic sites. Dinner is on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Palma to Posadas (short option) — 33 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Posadas to Lunch (medium option) — 15 km (9 miles) | Posadas to Lunch and Córdoba (long option) — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride starts through Palma del Río and continues gently uphill toward Hornachuelos. You’ll leave the Guadalquivir River plain behind as you bike along the border of the Sierra. The ride is mostly easy, but there will be some uphill cycling no longer than 1 kilometer (0.6 mile). By noon, you will approach the quiet town of Posadas for a break. If you are taking the short option, you can take our shuttle to our lunch location. If you continue cycling from the town of Posadas after your break, you’ll cross the Rio Guadalquivir for an easy ride to the Cortijo el Temple for lunch. After lunch, you will shuttle to Córdoba or continue cycling on longer option that includes a series of hills to the outskirts of Córdoba. From there, you will be shuttled to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 33 – 66 km (20 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Explore Córdoba

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set out on foot. Start by visiting a nearby synagogue and then continue to the Mezquita.

Originally built as a temple, lighthouse, and warehouse, the Mezquita was once the second-largest mosque in the world and later consecrated as a Christian church after Córdoba was captured by the Spanish in the 12th century. Today, it is considered one of the world’s greatest examples of Moorish architecture. From the Mezquita, you’ll see the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and the Archiepiscopal Palais, the Roman Bridge with 16 arches spanning the Guadalquivir River, as well as the synagogue built in 1315 in La Judería. Córdoba is also an excellent place to shop for pottery, silverwork, abanicos (fans), cotton and leather goods, embroidered mantillas (scarves), shawls, and wooden crafts. A Bullfighting Museum pays homage to the controversial sport.

Take time on your own this afternoon to explore the many sites and shops of Córdoba. You might want to enjoy an ancient local tradition: an Arab bath in one of the nearby hammams. Immerse yourself in its warm waters, followed by a relaxing massage with essential oils.

Tonight, choose a restaurant for dinner on your own in Córdoba. You might visit a flamenco house in front of the Mezquita or one of the restaurants in La Judería, the Jewish district, where you can also taste local specialties like caldereta de cordero, ragout of lamb, or sausages such as morcilla, caña de lomo, and salchichón de Pozo Blanco. Salmorejo and flamenquines are the most famous Cordovan dishes. Arab influences can be found in the sweet alfajores and pestiños with almonds and honey.

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: Ruta del Vino / La Via Verde / Jaen

After breakfast, you will leave Córdoba and shuttle to the Cordillera Subbética and the Ruta del Vino wine road. As the name suggests, this hilly region is full of olive trees and vineyards, producing and exporting excellent white wines and olive oils. One of the most renowned wines produced in this area is the Pedro Ximénez sweet wine, particularly recommended to complement local postres desserts. For brunch, you will stop at a beautiful bodega and taste locally produced wines with your meal.

From there you will ride toward the Subbética mountain range, where you have the option of cycling on the Via Verde rails-to-trails path. Avid cyclists looking for some hills can opt for a more challenging route.

On your way to the perched village of Zuheros, keep your eyes open for a variety of birds, including two of the many protected species of this area: the peregrine falcon, symbol of the Natural Park of La Sierra Subbética, and the griffon vulture.

Near Luque, you’ll stop at a cortijo for a late picnic lunch, with ingredients sourced almost entirely from the garden of your host, Balbino, who also proudly serves the farm’s prize-winning, organic olive oil.

After lunch, hop on a shuttle to your next hotel. The 18th-century Parador de Jaen, one of Andalusia’s most beautiful castles, sits high above the city of Jaen, atop Santa Catalina Hill, on the site of the former Santa Catalina Castle, an 8th-century Moorish fortress. This evening, you may enjoy an included dinner at your leisure at the hotel.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Wine Road to La Primilla — 20 km (13 miles)

Afternoon: La Primilla to Cortijillo on bike path — 41 km (25 miles) | La Primilla to Cortijillo on road PLUS — 45 km (27 miles)

What to Expect:

You will take a bus from Córdoba to the Montilla-Moriles hills, one of the famous wine regions of Andalusia, and start riding from Espejo, passing several lagares, farms where grapes are grown and pressed. You will stay on rolling terrain in the morning with just a few hills, arriving at Lagar La Primilla for brunch and a wine tasting. Afterward, you can shuttle to your starting point on the Vía Verde rails-to-trails path, where you can expect a beautiful easy ride all the way to Cortijillo. Other riders may opt for some hills on the longer moderate ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 65 km (13 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Explore Jaen, land of castles and olive groves / Andalusian

Today, your loop ride follows the road to Gardia, the ancient Roman and Visigoth city of Mentesa Bastia, guarded by its 12th-century castle built on a rocky promontory. You’ll also visit the Puente de la Sierra, the so-called entrance to the Sierra de Jaen, the small group of mountains on the old road to Granada. After you pause for lunch on your own in Puente de la Sierra, you may choose to challenge yourself with a ride to the Otiñar Castle, surrounded by stunning mountains and deep limestone canyons. Or return to the Parador and perhaps visit the Santa Catalina castle on your own, just steps from your hotel.

Enjoy time to relax before you meet up with the rest of your group to learn how to make a popular Andalusian dish this evening. Dinner will be served in the Parador’s beautiful dining room with its combination of Moorish and Spanish décor.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Jaen to Puente de la Sierra — 35 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Otiñar Canyon PLUS — 15 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

Start your ride with a descent and mainly flat road before you begin a long but gradual climb to Guardia, with its castle above. From here, you will continue on a gentle and undulating road with views of the mountains of Jaen, all the way to the main entrance of the Sierra de Jaen mountains. Here you stop for lunch on your own, or if you are looking for more mileage, you may opt for a challenging ride to the castle of Otiñar, rewarding you with probably the most stunning views of the entire trip. Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leader for details or opt for shuttle back to Parador.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 – 65 km (21 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6: Travel to Granada

After breakfast, you will start your morning ride in the small town of Benalúa de las Villas. Begin with a gradual descent through a valley with the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance, and head toward the enchanting city of Granada. You will pedal through towns that were heavily fortified in the Middle Ages prior to the final conquest of Granada in 1492, including Colomera with its castle and towering church. As you continue on the Ruta de las Fortalezas, you will find traces of Roman influence, including a 2,000-year-old bridge. Leaving the mountains and small villages behind, you will enter La Vega Granada’s main valley and finish your ride with lunch and a celebratory toast under the shade of pine trees with a cool breeze coming from the Cubillas Reservoir.

This evening, join your trip leaders for a festive farewell dinner and sample some regional culinary delights.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Ruta de las Fortalezas to Olivares — 25 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Olivares to Campus Nautico — 21 km (13 miles) | Olivares to Campus Nautico PLUS — 32 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Your final ride takes you from the mountains north of Granada down to the Genil River lowlands. Begin by leaving Benalúa de las Villas and heading down a mountain valley with the impressive Sierra Nevada mountain range as the backdrop. You will pass a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and the towns of Colomera and Moclín with their Arab fortresses and Christian churches. The ride is a gently rolling route with a continuous descent into the valley and along the Genil riverbank. More adventurous riders have the option of a slightly longer, more challenging ride with a few more hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 57 km (15 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Alhambra Palace / VBT Bicycling Vacation ends

After breakfast, you will meet your local guide and walk to the Alhambra Palace for an included visit to the Palace and Generalife Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After your visit to the Alhambra Palace, the rest of the day is yours to explore. VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Granada during your stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast