SpainSALAMANCA TO SEGOVIA
Bespoke Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainSalamanca to Segovia
Bespoke Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,790 EUR
This guided cycling holiday visits the great cities of the ancient Castile and Leon regions of Spain. Starting in the beautiful, historic city of Salamanca, we ride alongside impressive rivers, through rolling countryside, stunning vineyards and delightful villages.
In addition to fantastic scenery, the tour visits the fine cities of Zamora, Tordesillas, Valladolid and Segovia, as well as the Ribera del Duero wine region, where we enjoy a tasting at a marquee vineyard. The region is known for its castles, rich history and traditional culture.
Highlights of the tour include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Salamanca (including one of the oldest universities in the world) and Zamora; the stunning Roman viaduct of Segovia; the fantastic bodegas of the Duero River Valley; and the imposing castles of Simancas, Fuensaldaña and Peñafiel.
We also stay in some of the finest and most charismatic hotels in this part of Spain; housed in castles, palaces and other beautiful historic buildings.
Below you can find the itinerary. This is completely customizable, if you would like to do more nights, or visit different towns, please get in touch and we can work with you to organize the trip. Click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
Day 1 - Arrival - Salamanca
The tour begins in Salamanca; one of Spain's finest cities. We pick you up from Salamanca train station and take you to the hotel in the heart of the city, just a stone throw from
the marvellous Plaza Mayor.
Salamanca's old town is one of the best preserved in Spain, and is mainly centered around its university, which is the second oldest in Europe. You can follow our tour around the city, which highlights some of theinfluences on the region, from the Roman Bridge all the way up to the key governemnt buildings during the Spanish Civil War.
In the evening you can visit one of Salamanca's excellent tapas bars, situated around Plaza Mayor and the old town.
Salamanca's old town is one of the best preserved in Spain, and is mainly centered around its university, which is the second oldest in Europe. You can follow our tour around the city, which highlights some of theinfluences on the region, from the Roman Bridge all the way up to the key governemnt buildings during the Spanish Civil War.
In the evening you can visit one of Salamanca's excellent tapas bars, situated around Plaza Mayor and the old town.
Salamanca Cathedral
Day 2 - Zamora
The first day in the saddle leaves Salamanca on a cycle lane along the Tormes River, before continuing on quiet country lanes through the rolling countryside. The ride is gently rolling, with no significant climbing, but
with pleasant scenery and open views throughout the route.
Our destination is Zamora - a small city with a delightful historic center. Here you can visit the impressive castle as well as the 16th century watermills, and explore the narrow lanes of the old town.
Shorter Route: 46km (28 miles)
Longer Route: 86km (54 miles)
Our destination is Zamora - a small city with a delightful historic center. Here you can visit the impressive castle as well as the 16th century watermills, and explore the narrow lanes of the old town.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 46km (28 miles)
Longer Route: 86km (54 miles)
Zamora Castle
Day 3 - Toro & Tordesillas
From Zamora we head east, loosely following the course of the Duero River, a feature which dominates the region. The ride is mostly flat, with a few gently rolling sections and follows quiet roads
which are framed by flowers and wheat fields.
We stop at the town of Toro and visit its 10th century Alcazar, which was built as a border fortification between the Muslim caliphate to the south and the Christian kingdoms to the north.
The day finishes in the charming town of Tordesillas. It was here in 1494 that the treaty was signed splitting the 'new world' between Spain and Portugal, and was also where Queen Juana was controversially imprisoned in the 16th century, leading to a period of Habsburg rule in Spain.
Shorter Route: 43km (26 miles)
Longer Route: 77km (49 miles)
We stop at the town of Toro and visit its 10th century Alcazar, which was built as a border fortification between the Muslim caliphate to the south and the Christian kingdoms to the north.
The day finishes in the charming town of Tordesillas. It was here in 1494 that the treaty was signed splitting the 'new world' between Spain and Portugal, and was also where Queen Juana was controversially imprisoned in the 16th century, leading to a period of Habsburg rule in Spain.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 43km (26 miles)
Longer Route: 77km (49 miles)
River Duero
Day 4 - Valladolid
We continue heading east from Tordesillas as the route becomes more rolling, but still without any challenging climbs. The scenery is mostly arable farmland, mixed with the vineyards of the Rueda Wine Region.
The route passes through Simancas; home to a 15th century castle that currently contains the Spanish National Archive. And we stop for lunch at the small town of Fuensaldaña; which also has a very impressive castle, where Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon spent their honeymoon, after their wedding which united Spain for the first time.
The ride finishes in the city of Valladolid. A former capital of Spain, Valladolid is full of exquisite architecture, with many fine buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It's Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is the oldest of its type in Spain.
Shorter Route: 42km (26 miles)
Medium Route: 55km (34 miles)
Longer Route: 81km (50 miles)
The route passes through Simancas; home to a 15th century castle that currently contains the Spanish National Archive. And we stop for lunch at the small town of Fuensaldaña; which also has a very impressive castle, where Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon spent their honeymoon, after their wedding which united Spain for the first time.
The ride finishes in the city of Valladolid. A former capital of Spain, Valladolid is full of exquisite architecture, with many fine buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It's Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is the oldest of its type in Spain.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 42km (26 miles)
Medium Route: 55km (34 miles)
Longer Route: 81km (50 miles)
Rueda Vineyards
Day 5 - Ribera del Duero Wine Region
Today we gradually leave the arable farmland behind and enter the rolling terrain of the Ribera del Duero wine region. Probably second only to Rioja in international renown.
We end the day in the beautiful village of Curiel de Duero, where we spend the night in a charming hilltop castle. We also visit the impressive town of Peñafiel, where we visit one of the finest vineyards of the region, and enjoy a tasting of some of the wine produced here.
Shorter Route: 38km (24 miles)
Longer Route: 74km (76 miles)
We end the day in the beautiful village of Curiel de Duero, where we spend the night in a charming hilltop castle. We also visit the impressive town of Peñafiel, where we visit one of the finest vineyards of the region, and enjoy a tasting of some of the wine produced here.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 38km (24 miles)
Longer Route: 74km (76 miles)
Peñafiel Castle
Day 6 - Segovia
The final day in the saddle heads south, crossing the rolling terrain that played an important role in Spain's two Civil Wars: the Comuneros Revolt of the 1520s and the better known Civil War of
the 20th century. We stop for lunch in the shadow of the imposing castle at Turegano.
We then ride the short distance into Segovia; one of Spain's hidden gems. Segovia is only a small city, but it has a stunningly preserved old town and Jewish Quarter, which is delightful to stroll around, surrounded by many centuries of history.
Segovia is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct. Often described as the best preserved Roman Aqueduct in the world; it dominates the entrance to the city and is a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Shorter Route: 42km (26 miles)
Longer Route: 97km (60 miles)
We then ride the short distance into Segovia; one of Spain's hidden gems. Segovia is only a small city, but it has a stunningly preserved old town and Jewish Quarter, which is delightful to stroll around, surrounded by many centuries of history.
Segovia is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct. Often described as the best preserved Roman Aqueduct in the world; it dominates the entrance to the city and is a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 42km (26 miles)
Longer Route: 97km (60 miles)
Roman Aqueduct - Segovia
Day 7 - Departure - Madrid
The cycling holiday ends after breakfast. We will transfer you to Segovia train station in time for your onward journey. However, if you would like to stay for extra nights in Segovia itself, the nearby Guadarrama Mountains, or the city of
Madrid, please let us know and we can happily arrange it for you.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Royal Palace - Madrid
This cycling holiday crosses Castile in central Spain. It has a focus on the rich history and culture of the region, which has been incredibly diverse and well preserved for over 2000 years.
Highlights include visiting the cities of Salamanca, Zamora, Valladolid and Segovia, as well as the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero and Rueda regions. We ride past over a dozen charming castles and through beautiful historic villages, all while staying in fine accommodation.
Check out just a few of the tour highlights in our photo album below:
Highlights include visiting the cities of Salamanca, Zamora, Valladolid and Segovia, as well as the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero and Rueda regions. We ride past over a dozen charming castles and through beautiful historic villages, all while staying in fine accommodation.
Check out just a few of the tour highlights in our photo album below:
Salamanca
One of the great historic cities of Spain. Salamanca has a large old town and is home to the second oldest university in Europe, which was given its official status in the early 12th century.
Roman Bridge
Salamanca existed as a city before the Romans had ever visited Spain, but it reached new heights during the Empire. The ancient bridge over the River Tormes is still standing in excellent condition.
Curiel del Duero Castle
The tranquil roads and stunning scenery of the region are best explored by bike. The castle in the background is also the hotel in which we stay!
Zamora Castle
This castle complex dominates the historic center of Zamora.
Water Mills - Zamora
Historically, these fascinating structures were used to grind wheat and other cereals. They are well worth a look around.
Toro Castle
This stronghold played an important role in the Peninsula Wars. The Duke of Wellington gathered his forces in the city at the start of the final push to expel Napoleon from Spain.
Tordesillas
The charming town of Tordesillas has played a controversial role in Spanish history. Queen Joanna, the rightful heir to the throne, was imprisoned in Tordesillas for forty years. During which time her son, Charles V, went on to rule much of the world.
Medina del Campo
A charming town that was the center of finance in all of Spain in the late Medieval period. Queen Isabella - often regarded as Spain's greatest monarch, lived in this castle and died in the town.
Duero River
The main river in the region continues all the way to Porto in Portugal, where it meets the Atlantic. Its valley is best known for the full bodied Ribera del Duero red wines produced here.
Rueda Vineyards
The Rueda wine region produces the best white wine in Spain. It also makes for beautiful cycling country.
Roman Aqueduct - Segovia
This giant structure dominates the city of Segovia. Constructed in the late 1st century CE, it is the largest Roman aqueduct still standing, and remains in excellent condition. The engineering is incredible; the arches are built without mortar, relying only on the pressure exerted by the precisely cut slabs of granite.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, & 5 lunches taken in local restaurants (all with drinks and tips inlcuded)
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike) (see below for details)
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival and departure points (see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Vehicle Support on the routes
- ✔ Guide cycling the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday. We can provide either hybrid (trekking) bikes, road bikes or e-bike. All are good options for these routes.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as Medium level. The rides on some days are relatively long, but there is very little climbing on this tour. Nearly all of the routes are either flat or gently rolling, with just the occasional short ascent to visit
a castle or small village.
Due to the lack of climbing, the shorter routes are accessible for riders of all levels. If you plan to do the longer routes, we recommend doing a few preparation rides before the tour to ensure you are comfortable spending a few hours in the saddle.
If you like the look of the tour but are worried about the distances, an electric bike may be worth considering. You can switch off the motor if you don't need it, but it can help if you are struggling at any point.
The shorter routes often involve transfers part of the way. As this tour is fully supported it is very flexible, and you can pretty much ride as much (or as little!) of the routes as you like each day, and be transferred the remainder in the support van.
The routes have very little traffic. On most days there is a paved road option and a hybrid option, which also includes sections on gravel trails.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
Due to the lack of climbing, the shorter routes are accessible for riders of all levels. If you plan to do the longer routes, we recommend doing a few preparation rides before the tour to ensure you are comfortable spending a few hours in the saddle.
If you like the look of the tour but are worried about the distances, an electric bike may be worth considering. You can switch off the motor if you don't need it, but it can help if you are struggling at any point.
The shorter routes often involve transfers part of the way. As this tour is fully supported it is very flexible, and you can pretty much ride as much (or as little!) of the routes as you like each day, and be transferred the remainder in the support van.
The routes have very little traffic. On most days there is a paved road option and a hybrid option, which also includes sections on gravel trails.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival point is Salamanca, which is easily accessible by train from Madrid. It also has a small airport, but you may struggle to find flights to there, as the service is quite limited.
Trains from Madrid leave every hour on average throughout the day and take between 90 minutes (for the fast trains) and slightly less than three hours (for the more scenic slow train). Tickets cost around €25 per person. You can find full details on the Renfe Spanish Trains website.
The tour finishes in Segovia. From here it is very easy to get to Madrid, with thirty trains running daily. The faster trains take less than 30 minutes to get into Madrid, with tickets starting from around €14.
Again, you can find full details on the Renfe Spanish Trains website.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Salamanca or Segovia.
Trains from Madrid leave every hour on average throughout the day and take between 90 minutes (for the fast trains) and slightly less than three hours (for the more scenic slow train). Tickets cost around €25 per person. You can find full details on the Renfe Spanish Trains website.
The tour finishes in Segovia. From here it is very easy to get to Madrid, with thirty trains running daily. The faster trains take less than 30 minutes to get into Madrid, with tickets starting from around €14.
Again, you can find full details on the Renfe Spanish Trains website.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Salamanca or Segovia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
When can I do this tour?
We believe that spring and autumn are the best times of year for this tour. In the winter it can be quite cold in this region, and the summers can get very hot.
Groups of more than six people please contact us to arrange the dates for a private tour.
What is a bespoke cycling holiday?
A bespoke cycling holiday is one that we do not offer open dates for. It is one that we have designed and ran in the past for groups and can run for groups in the future.
It is also fully customisable, and is an example of the kind of personalized tours that we can run.
What is a single supplement?
Our prices are based on two people sharing a hotel room (in a double or twin room). For cyclists that wish to stay in their own room, the single supplement is payable.
Can I do this as a self-guided tour?
Yes, it is possible to do this as a self-guided tour; however, we have limited availability. Please contact us if you would like to do this as a self-guided option.
Can I personalise or change aspects of this tour?
Absolutely! This tour is fully customizable. If you want to change the hotels, the towns we visit, the length of the rides, the level or support or other things, we would be happy to do so.
If you would like to modify it in some way, please don't hesitate to contact us, and we can work with you to tailor the holiday.
Can non-cyclists come on the trip?
Absolutely! Non-cyclists are more than welcome and will be fully involved in all aspects of the tour, except the cycling!
Non-cyclists have the option of following the group in the support vehicle, or spending longer exploring the towns and cities where we are based, before being transfered separately in the afternoon.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor
This 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of Salamanca. It's just a stone throw from Plaza Mayor - the main square - and less than five minute walk to the cathedral and historic university buildings. The hotel also has a great rooftop swimming pool and large, well-decorated rooms.
Parador de Zamora
A stunning 4-star hotel housed in a palace on the site of the former Muslim citadel. It has large rooms and a Medieval feel and is located just a few metres walk from the castle and cathedral area. The hotel also has a pleasant swimming pool overlooking the Duero River.
Parador de Tordesillas
In Tordesillas we stay in the exquisite **** Parador Hotel situated alongside the Duero River next to the historic bridge into Tordesillas. Just across the bridge is the famous Treaty Houses and the Santa Clara Monastery.
The hotel, situated in a converted mansion, is also a great place for relaxing, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beautiful gardens and spa facilities.
Hotel Boutique Atrio
In Valladolid we stay in a charming **** boutique hotel, situated right next to the cathedral and a short walk from Plaza Mayor. It is a great location for exploring the city and has very nice rooms and an excellent breakfast (giving you all the energy needed for
another day on the bike!)
Residencia Real Castillo de Curiel
In the Ribera del Duero region we stay in a delightful 4-star hotel, housed inside a reformed 7th century castle. Perched overlooking the vineyards and the Duero River, the views are stunning and the large, comfortable rooms offer a really unique experience. The castle also has
a nice swimming pool on its terrace.
Hotel San Facundo
In Segovia we stay in another excellent 4-star boutique hotel; this time housed in a 16th century palace. The hotel is perfectly situated, just a short walk from both the Roman Aqueduct and the cathedral. It has a beautiful patio garden in the Muslim-mudejar architectural style that is classical for the region.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Starting Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Dates | €1,790 EUR | €460 EUR | Included |
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