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Madrid and Segovia

Nature, culture, and gastronomy in Madrid: perfect mix for a nice bike adventure 4
Nature, culture, and gastronomy in Madrid: perfect mix for a nice bike adventure Marvel at the Roman aqueduct in Segovia This self-guided metropolitan tour is ideal for groups and organisations Admire the magnificent gardens and parks on your cycling route
Nature, culture, and gastronomy in Madrid: perfect mix for a nice bike adventure

Madrid and Segovia

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 875 euros
  • DAY6 nights / 7 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

On this metropolitan tour from Madrid, you will navigate your way through the nicest areas of the Madrid Guadarrama mountain range, which is soon to be named a national park. As you cycle through the region, stop in friendly villages, each with their own unique sights to see. The inhabitants of these villages are happy to share with you their customs and delicacies (often produced from their own local produce), allowing you an authentic insight into their way of life.

When you arrive at the stunningly preserved 1,000-year old city of Segovia, prepare to be thrown back in time. The imposing Roman aqueduct which greets you is just the beginning of an unforgettable experience. The beautiful sandstone cathedral and Alcazar fortress both have a mystical appearance, as if from a fairy tale. The tour will finish back in Madrid, where you are free to explore the thriving city life mixed in with rich historical sites and museums such as the Prado, Retiro Park, royal palaces, and the many monuments around the city.

 

For travel and cycling tips to Madrid, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Madrid. Madrid – Miraflores de la Sierra 43 km/27 miles

 

Upon your arrival in Madrid, make you way to our local representative’s office, where your bikes and tour materials will be waiting for you when you arrive. 

Your ride begins through the West Park (Parque del Oeste) and continues beside the lovely river Manzanares all the way to the outskirts of the capital. The views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range are not to be missed as you continue on a bike path towards Soto del Real. Here, our van will pick you up and drive you to Miraflores de la Sierra, where you will spend the night. This hillside village is picturesque and lively, so get out and enjoy the experiences it has to offer.

D2Miraflores de la Sierra – Rascafría 25 km/16 miles

 

An intense climb awaits you after a delicious buffet breakfast. You will ride up to the Morcuera Pass, which has panoramic views of the Spanish capital in all its glory. On the way back down, the impressive beauty of the peaks of the Guadarrama mountain range will astound you. This area is fairly undisturbed by tourists and vehicles, so enjoy some time alone on secondary roads, which are nearly traffic free.

Spend the night at a friendly country inn in Rascafría and visit the historic Santa María de El Paular Monastery in your explorations of the quiet area.

D3Rascafría – Pedraza 55 km/34 miles of rolling hill roads

A rejuvenating breakfast will start your day and prepare you for a fun day of riding! Today, you will begin your ride in the beautiful Lozoya Valley. You will follow the dam until you reach the Navafría Pass (1,775 m or 5,823 ft), where today’s climb will begin. This climb will take you up to the side of the Segovian range, and while it is not a steep ride, the climb does take place over 11.5 km (7 miles). It’s all worth it once you reach the top, with stunning views over the valley and the pine woods. Now all that remains is a relaxing descent through the woods. You will pass through many small villages, which encapsulate the charm and mood of a lost time. Take a break in the village of Navafría, with many excellent local delicacies to try, you’re sure to leave fuelled up and ready to ride!

The medieval village of Pedraza outdoes all the others. Enter through an arch in the stone wall and immediately become enchanted by this village. Noble families once lived in some of the houses in the town, and their coat of arms can still be seen on the façade. Pedraza is the perfect place to eat the famous Segovian lamb or suckling pig, both of which are delicious experiences in themselves, a true taste of authentic Spanish culture and medieval life.

D4Pedraza – Segovia 52 km/32 miles of rolling hill roads

 

Bid farewell to Pedraza in the morning and begin the day’s ride through more villages with gorgeous fountains and Romanesque churches. There are more quiet roads ahead, where sparrows and hawks may be your only company as you cycle further alongside the Guadarrama mountain range. Cross the Roman aqueduct – the best preserved in the world - as you reach Segovia, in the region of Castile and Léon.
Be sure to sample some of the splendid local wine with an aperitif. Take a quick break in your hotel before setting off to explore Segovia.
A visit to the Alcazar Fortress, the cathedral, and the vibrant old part of the town should definitely be in the cards.

D5Segovia – El Escorial 25 km/16 miles

 

Today, what you do is up to you. Visit La Granja, only a short distance away via the bicycle lane, or explore Segovia for the whole day. We recommend a visit to the royal site, La Granja de San Ildefonso and adventuring through the serene gardens. The palace also makes a great visit, with a stunning basilica and intricate royal tapestry collection. If you like, there is an interesting glasswork exhibition near the palace.

Later in the day, take the train to El Escorial, where you will stay overnight in the shadow of the royal residence.

D6El Escorial – Madrid Two options: 55 km/34 miles or 35 km/22 miles

 

A guided visit to the monastery will make an engaging and informative start to the day, and you’re sure to learn a lot! After the tour, cycle back to Madrid along the undisturbed dirt paths which will take you through the picturesque countryside.

A second, shorter route is available around the outskirts of El Escorial, where Phillip II’s chair is a sight not to be missed, as are the monastery gardens and the El Escorial Hills. Transfer by minibus back to Madrid for a leisurely afternoon. If interested, we can arrange a flamenco show with dinner to round off your trip nicely.

D7Departure

 

There are so many options of things to do and places to go in Madrid that it can be difficult to choose.
Don’t miss the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and visiting some of the fantastic museums, of which there are many.

You could explore Madrid from the seat of your bike a little more with a free bike rental, an option which is valid at the beginning of your tour as well as at the end.

Booking & Prices

  • Price details
  • 1 night in a 4-star hotel, 3 nights in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a 2-star hotel, and 1 night in an unrated inn of “charm”

  • 875 euros. Single supplement is 244 euros

These prices include:

  • 6 nights’ accommodation (1 night in a 4-star hotel, 3 nights in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a 2-star hotel, and 1 night in an unrated inn of “charm”)
  • Daily breakfast
  • Meeting with our local representative
  • Luggage transfers
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Tourist information
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep's mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 90 euros per bike.

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