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Moorish arches, orange groves and flamenco in Southern Spain. Andalucia is the Spain of one's dreams . Picture white-washed villages, hearty food and wine and the thrill of flamenco. We bike along the old trade routes between Moorish and Christian Spain, through olive groves and remote villages, to Spain's most extravagant architectural jewel, the Alhambra.
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• Moorish architecture at the Alhambra
• Dazzling gypsy flamenco dancers
• Dramatic views of silvery green olive groves from our inns
• Andalucían specialties of paella, jamon serrano and gazpacho
• Breathtaking views and miles of wheat fields and sunflowers as we bike through the Sierra de Loja
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Day 1, 2 & 3 Palma del Rio and Córdoba
Our warm up ride leads through the flat countryside around Palma del Rio before a sumptuous dinner of fresh gazpacho and hearty paella with gambas. Next, we cycle to Córdoba through the scenic Hornachuelos National Park. An optional visit to a toro farm and the castle of Almodóvar del Río with its breathtaking views of the Guadalquiver Valley are but a few of the highlights. On our guided visit of Córdoba we discover the labyrinth of narrow white streets of the old Jewish quarter and La Mezquita, a 15th c. cathedral set within an 8th c. mosque. Tonight, Córdoba beckons with its seductive flamenco music.
• Overnight at the Hospedería de San Francisco, a restored 15th c. monastery.
• Two nights at the Hotel Amistad Córdoba, in the heart of the city's historic district.
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Day 4 Cabra
We follow the Route of the Caliphs through golden fields of wheat and sunflowers before a visit and tasting at a sherry-style winery. We continue our ride amidst the vineyards of Montilla-Moriles toward the Sierra Morena Mountains and through millenarian olive groves.
• Overnight at the Hotel Fuente de las Piedras, a beautiful 4 star country inn.
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Day 5, 6 & 7 Loja and Granada
Our ride takes us through the undulating olive groves and past the Iznajar reservoir. En route we stop in Cabra for a tasting of some of Spain's famed extra virgin olive oil. Riding through the fertile Genil River Valley we take in some of the most spectacular views of the week. Relax poolside or horseback ride on our layover day. Our last morning, we transfer to Granada, the crown jewel of the Moorish kingdoms in Spain. We visit the majestic Alhambra and finish with a stroll through the beautiful Generalife Gardens.
• Two nights at the 5 star Hotel La Bobadilla, set on a 1,000 acre estate.
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New trip: Cocina Caliente in Andalucia: May 25 - June 1, 2008 & Sep 28 - Oct 5, 2008.
For more information on our Guest Chef Adventure in Andalucia or to request an itinerary, please contact our office.
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Dates: Mar 16-22, Apr 27-May 3, Sep 21-27, Oct 26-Nov 1, Mar 15-21, 2009, Apr 26-May 2, 2009
Length: 7 days/6 nights
Level: 1 B/C
Daily Mileage: 15-40 miles on gently rolling to rolling terrain
Cost: $3780
Single Supplement: $800
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunches.
Hotels: Historic paradors and elegant inns.
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