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CEX
Cycling in Extremadura
8 days Hotels Along the Via de La Plata
CYCLE GRADE B
Extremadura is one of Spain's best-kept secrets. Situated south west of Madrid, north of Seville and bordering Portugal to the west, it is a vast lowland cut off by wooded sierras to the south, the Sistema Central to the north and by the Montes de Toledo to the east. Cycling is an integral part of life here, from going to work in the fields or seeking a well-earned glass of wine from the local taverna. The people are warm and friendly and anyone who has a few words of Spanish and the time to chat will be well received.
Cycling the Backroads We start in the small, fortified town of Llerena, which was the administrative centre for the order of Santiago, where we find abundant examples of Mudejar and Gothic art. Cycling on quiet roads and ancient caminos through sleepy villages we pass the roman theatre of Regina lying beneath the village of Reina with the ruins of a majestic Arab fortress and white washed houses. A visit to the town of Fuente de Cantos allows
Spa town Alange/Brian Bestford
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Seville; transfer Llerena. 2 Ride to Ahillones; option to continue to Reina. 3 Cycle to Zafra via Fuente del Cantos. 4 Free in Zafra; optional ride to Burguillos del Cerro. 5 Along the via de la Plata to Almendralejo. 6 Cycle through vineyards and olive groves to thermal spa town of Alange then along Guadiana river to Merida. 7 Free in Merida; optional ride to lake Proserpina with swimming option. 8 Transfer Seville; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotels; 7 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycle: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 Rest days or optional rides
50km 53km 47km 42km 47km 32km
us the opportunity to visit the birthplace of the artist Zubaran and taste some of the famous jamon iberico (ham). Via de la Plata& The via de la Plata or Silver route is an old roman road from the south to the silver mines in the north and is used as a pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella as well as for the transhumanica. The history dates back to roman times when in 25BC Augustus founded Emerita (Merida). He commissioned a route from Emerita to Asturica (Astorga) allowing for the transport of gold, silver and other precious metals as well as the rapid deployment of troops. After the romans, the route was used for Suevi, Vandals and Visigoths before being used in the 8th century by the Moors. Re-conquering Christian armies came the other way a few centuries later. The revival of the Via de la Plata as a pilgrim route followed a visit by Pope John Paul II to Santiago de Compostella in 1982. To Roman Merida This is wonderful rural Spain at its best! Passing woodland of holm and cork oaks with Iberian pigs snuffling at their boughs, storks nesting on high, vineyards and olive
groves, we make our way to the wine and olive oil producing town of Almandralejo. From here our route take us via the thermal spa town of Alange to Merida, our base for the last couple of days.
Cycling in Extremadura Ref CEX
PORTUGAL
Proserpina
MERIDA
Roman ruins & bridge
Mirandilla Optional ride
SPAIN
ad
ia n a
MERIDA LLERENA
km 0 300
Alange Spa town
Seville
Grade & Terrain: Graded moderate this is the ideal way for the regular cyclist to explore this unspoilt area of south west Spain. Our route is mainly level or undulating with some hilly sections enabling us to cover approx. 270 km over 6 days, averaging around 45 km per day. We cycle along caminos (gravel lanes) and on quiet country roads which together take us to picturesque villages and historic towns, enjoying traditional food and the renowned wines of the region as we go. Several more challenging optional rides are available for those seeking longer routes. These require more stamina as they are often hilly. You can ride independently or with group members. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
ALMENDRALEJO
E X T R E M A D U R A
Fuente del Maestre
ZAFRA
Optional rides Medina de las Torres
Los Santos de Maimona Puebla de Sancho Perez Calzadilla de los Barros Ahillones
Fuente de Cantos
SPAIN
km 0 30
Valverde de Llerena Casas de Reina Visit Regina Fuente del Arco From/To Seville airport
LLERENA
Gu
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 8 days from London (Sun-Sun) 2008 deps 27 Apr-04 May 04 May-11 May 12 Oct-19 Oct 19 Oct-26 Oct 26 Oct-02 Nov 2009 deps 19 Apr-26 Apr 26 Apr-03 May 03 May-10 May Flight Incl 599 625 669 669 669 Flight Incl 685 685 685 Land Only 399 425 469 469 469 Land Only 489 489 489
Land Only tour: 8 days - start Seville day 1 (Sun), end Seville day 8 (Sun) Plus Local Payment: ¬100 (approx £70) payable Llerena Single Room Option: £140* These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
The Roman theatre, Merida
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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