Spain Bike Tour

• Relaxed riding on the rural Ruta de Quijote
• Vineyards and colorful fields of saffron and sunflowers
• Dramatic gorges and cliffside houses in Cuenca
• Windmills and villages straight out of Don Quijote
• Casa de Dulcinea in El Toboso
• Guided tour of the Cave of Montesinos
• Birding at the colorful Lakes of Ruidera
• National Theatre Museum in Almagro
• Guided walking tour of Toledo
• Savor local Manchego cheese and La Mancha wines

Day 1: Late morning rendezvous at the train station in Cuenca. Visit the early Gothic cathedral and surprising museum collections of abstract art and “found objects.” An afternoon warm-up ride features sweeping vistas of the river canyons and Cuenca’s amphitheater-like setting. Welcome dinner and overnight in the heart of the Old Quarter. (0, 8, or 15 mi.)

Day 2: Transfer to the ancient fortified town of Belmonte and take in the eagle’s-eye lookouts and finely-coffered Mudéjar ceilings of the Castillo. Biking the Ruta del Quijote, we’ll catch our first glimpse of ridge-top windmills and stop to visit a working mill-turned-museum. In El Toboso, home to the Don’s beloved Dulcinea, our inn is a 17th-century caserón manchego, lovingly restored by a Cervantes scholar. (21 or 33 mi.)

Day 3: Free morning to visit the Casa de Dulcinea and the entertaining Museu Humor-Gráfico Dulcinea. Transfer to Ossa de Montiel to pedal a beautiful section of the Ruta past old farm estates, Mediterranean woodlands, and the Cave of Montesinos, where Don Quijote had his famous dream. Finish the day with an easy spin along the Lagunas de Ruidera, a linear park of interconnected lakes nicknamed the “Mirrors of La Mancha.” Creative cuisine and overnight stay overlooking the Laguna San Pedro. (17 or 29 mi.)

Day 4: Watch for feeding pochards, coots, and marsh harrier on lakeside trails through the Lagunas Natural Reserve. Brake in Villanueva de los Infantes for lunch and a walking tour of Renaissance palacios. Late afternoon transfer to Almagro for a two-night stay in a traditional 17th-century manor house. (18 or 26 mi.)

Day 5: Free day to explore Almagro’s treasures: The grand Plaza Mayor, National Theatre Museum, and the Corral de Comedias, the only surviving open-air theater from Spain’s Golden Age. An optional ride follows the Ruta to the imposing Sacred Monastery-Castle of Calatrava, constructed and occupied by the powerful order of knight-monks from the 13th to 18th centuries. (0 or 22 mi.)

Day 6: Pedal past shadowy ruins of the Castillo de Almonacid and sunwashed fields of wheat en route to the World Heritage city of Toledo. Farewell dinner and overnight in a five-star palace hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. (22 mi.)

Day 7: A morning walking tour explores the city’s winding alleys and architectural gems: medieval synagogues, a 10th-century mosque, and the magnificent cathedral. El Greco aficionados will delight in the city-wide collection of the master’s works. Early afternoon transfer to the Toledo train station for express trains to Madrid.

“The idea of following Don Quixote's imaginary route was delightful. I liked riding back roads, without any traffic, seeing fields of poppies, windmills and beautiful landscapes. Thoroughly enjoyable.”
— J.C., Massachusetts

• 6 nights accommodations in historic manor hotels and a five-star hotel (double occupancy, private bath)
• 5 dinners with wine, 2 picnic lunches, and all breakfasts
• Use of a top-quality 27-speed Marin hybrid bicycle
• Detailed maps, written directions, and background information
• Choice of mileage options on most days; total mileage of 78 to 147 miles
• Two experienced, multilingual Spanish guides
• Support van to carry luggage, provide snacks, and offer assistance and lifts
• Guided walking tour of Toledo
• Transfers from Cuenca train station and to Toledo train station at specified times
• Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals
• Comprehensive tour preparation information and training tips
• Easy Rider T-shirt and water bottle
• Airfare is not included.