VALENCIA CYCLING HOLIDAY
Guided Tour
Beginning in the Medieval town of Mora, situated high up in the mountains, we gradually descend towards the coast and the city of Valencia. We visit stunning Medieval castles, thermal springs and some of the most signifiant ancient ruins in the world. We experience the changing landscapes from pine forests and cherry orchards, to orange groves and rice fields.
We also sample plenty of the local delicacies, including Valencian paella, Teruel ham and artisanal olive oil, as well as enjoying a multi course tasting menu.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels and follows quiet roads and cycling greenways throughout. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a self-guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Mora de Rubielos
Mora is dominated by its large Medieval castle and compact old town which is a lot of fun to explore, and is testament to the town's former role as a frontier garrison. Mora is also famous for the truffles harvested in the surrounding countryside and production of the local Teruel Ham.
After fitting the bikes we have our welcome meeting and enjoy four course meal, sampling some of the finest cuisine from the region.
Medieval town of Mora de Rubielos
Day 2 - Montanejos
The ride ends in the small town of Montanejos which is home to excellent thermal springs. The natural baths came to prominence in the Medieval period, when the town was part of the Muslim caliphate of Al-Andalus. They are free to visit and are situated close to the hotel, so make for a very relaxing afternoon and early evening!
For lunch we enjoy a traditional restaurant lunch in a beautiful setting next to the river.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 38km / 400m Elevation
(24 miles / 1300 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 900m Elevation
(41 miles / 3000 ft)
Arenos Reservoir
Day 3 - Jerica & Segorbe
We then join an off-road cycling greenway which continues gently downhill through the Sierra Espadán Natural Park. We visit the historic town of Jérica before arriving in Navajas - home to several spectacular waterfalls.
The day finishes in the nearby town of Segorbe. An important town since Roman times, Segorbe is another town with a charming historic center dominated by its hilltop castle and Medieval wall.
Segorbe also has a fine gastronomic tradition, and for lunch we enjoy traditional rice dishes in one of the best local restaurants.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 37km / 500m Elevation
(23 miles / 1750 ft)
Longer Route: 61km / 1000m Elevation
(38 miles / 3300 ft)
Medieval walls of Segorbe
Day 4 - Sierra Espadán Natural Park
Highlights include passing several castles, including the impressive Almonecir fortress, which was built by a group of warriors in the 12th century, when the region was part of a larger Muslim emirate.
The longer route includes some longer climbs which head into the heart of the Natural Park, here you can ride along some of the roads used in recent editions of the Vuelta a España cycling race.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 33km / 500m Elevation
(21 miles / 1650 ft)
Longer Route: 46km / 1000m Elevation
(29 miles / 3300 ft)
The impressive view from Almonecir Castle
Day 5 - Sagunto & Valencia
An important town in the Ancient World, Sagunto played a key role in the development of history in the west. It was here that Hannibal besieged before taking his elephants across the Alps and entering into the Second Punic War with Rome. An event which changed the power balance of the Mediterranean world for seven centuries and led directly to Roman occupation of Spain.
The remains of the Roman citadel are the star attraction and are combined with a later Arabic castle built on the same hilltop. Elsewhere in the town the Roman theatre and Jewish quarter are also well worth visiting.
From Sagunto you can either ride or be transferred to the edge of Valencia, where we go for lunch in an excellent restaurant located in the large agricultural horta (orchard), to the north of the city.
After lunch it is just a short distance to the hotel in the historic heart of Valencia, just a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage listed silk exchange.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 38km / 240m Elevation
(24 miles / 800 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 350m Elevation
(41 miles / 1300 ft)
Sagunto Citadel - The fortress that sparked an ancient World War!
Day 6 - Albufera Natural Park
We leave the city on cycle lanes alongside the coast before reaching the Natural Park, which is home to a large lagoon. It is a popular spot with birdwatchers thanks to a high number of resident and migrating species that can be spotted there.
In the Albufera Park we take a short boat trip on the lake and enjoy a truly authentic Valencian paella, surrounded by rice fields. After lunch we return to Valencia, riding through rice fields and alongside the coast back to our hotel in the historic center.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 44km / 100m Elevation
(27 miles / 330 ft)
Longer Route: 66km / 150m Elevation
(41 miles / 500 ft)
Rice Fields of the Albufera Natural Park
Day 7 - Valencia
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Valencia's airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
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.
Valencia's Silk Exchange
The architecture of the region is also unique in its combination of Muslim and Renaissance styles, while the warm waters at Montanejos and the natural scenery of the Calderona and Espadán Natural Parks provide and idyllic backdrop.
The gastronomy is also a real highlight. We enjoy tasting menus, Teruel Ham and traditional Valencian paella.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, & 5 lunches taken in excellent local restaurants (all with drinks and tips inlcuded)
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike*).
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival / departure point (Valencia)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Vehicle Support on the routes
- ✔ Experienced guide cycling the routes and explaining places of interest
- ✔ Detailed information pack
- ✔ Entrance to the citadel and Roman theatre in Sagunto
- ✔ Train tickets for short transfer on day 6.
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions (optional extra)
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
There are some climbs on the holiday, but they are not too long and have gentle gradients so it's possible to get into a nice rhythm and spin up them at your own pace.
The routes follow a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The cycle ways are mostly paved but have some short (non-technical) gravel sections. We hate riding alongside cars so avoid it as much as possible!
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
If you can not find a direct flight to Valencia, Alicante is nearest large airport, which is just two hours from Valencia by train or bus. Madrid is another option, with regular high speed trains running between Valencia and Madrid, taking just 90 minutes.
We will pick you up from anywhere in Valencia (e.g. airport, train station, a hotel). Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Valencia.
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.
What is the weather like?
This region is mostly dry and sunny, with little rain. The best months for cycling are from March to June and September to November when the temperatures are warm and pleasant for riding, without being too hot.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Valencia
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit Madrid,
Barcelonathe Costa Blanca or any other destination in Spain.
Can non-cyclists come on the trip?
Absolutely! Non-cyclists are more than welcome.
Although cycling is a big part of the holiday, we also do a lot off the bike. Usually non-cyclists ride in the support vehicle and can explore the various towns and villages along the route.
How big are the groups on your tour?
We usually limit the groups to a maximum of 10 people. We find that if there are many more than that, it can become a bit unwieldly. We think that smaller groups also provide for a more
personal experience, as well as enabling to book more easily in some of our favourite restaurants.
Who is leading the tour?
All of our guided tours are led personally by the founders of Cycle Fiesta - Ian & Lucia.
See our about us page for more information.
Can I do this as a private guided tour?
Yes, we can run this as a private tour for groups of six or more people. Please get in contact with us to discuss dates and any changes you would like to make
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.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our page on Valencia
And we also have some more indpeth articles looking at the fascinating history and culture of the regions of Valencia and Aragon:
La Trufa Negra
The hotel is also the best restaurant in the town, offering a gourmet tasting menu which specializes in the local black truffles. The name of the hotel itself literally translates as The Black Truffle!
Hotel Rosaleda de Mijares
Hotel Spa Martin el Humano
Hotel Melia Plaza
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.