Route of the Cid - The Conquest Bike tour: 5 stages
Information about the trip: Route of the Cid - The Conquest Bike tour: 5 stages
On this bike tour you will follow in the footsteps of the warrior El Cid when he conquered the Muslim kingdom of Valencia along the conquest route described by "El Cantar del Mio Cid" (one of the first texts in Castilian history from the 12th Century).You will descend from the magical Albarracín, a Muslim village and vassal city of the Kingdom of Navarre. Albarracín is a border town between Castille and Aragón with a unique and impressive architectural style and stunning walls.
From Albarracín, you will continue your journey to Teruel, a Mudejar city. You can visit its Cathedral, towers, the mausoleum of the Lovers, and more.
From Teruel, you will cycle to Mora and Rubielos, two towns in southern Aragón. Finally, you will arrive in Valencia, a beautiful cosmopolitan city located on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Travel itinerary (Summary)
- DAY 1: Arrival to Albarracín
- DAY 2: Stage 1, Albarracín, Teruel 41,06 km 3/5
- DAY 3: Stage 2, Teruel, Mora De Rubielos 47,02 km 3/5
- DAY 4: Stage 3, Mora De Rubielos, Montanejos 39,60 km 3/5
- DAY 5: Stage 4, Montanejos, Segorbe 39 km 4/5
- DAY 6: Stage 5, Segorbe, Bétera 46,61 km 4/5
- DAY 7: Stage 6, Bétera, Valencia 44,86 km 3/5
- DAY 8: Return
Travel itinerary (Detailed)
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1
Arrival to Albarracín
Arrive in Valencia at the airport or train station. Then Transfer to Albarracín, where you pick up your bikes.
Overnight in Albarracín.
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2
Stage 1, from Albarracín to Teruel
Distance : 41,06 km Difficulty : 3/5
After breakfast at the hotel, begin cycling towards Cella (safe passage stamp point), where you will see its fountain, church, Chapel of San Sebastian and Roman aqueduct.
You will then continue on to Teruel along the Greenway.
You'll have dinner at the hotel in Teruel and have some time to explore the city. Teruel is a city rich in historical monuments and Muslim art and architecture; especially be sure to see Torico Square and the famous Tomb of the Lovers of Teruel.
Overnight in Teruel.
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3
Stage 2, from Teruel to Mora De Rubielos
Distance : 47,02 km Difficulty : 3/5
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start cycling on the greenway towards the mountain top of Escandón.
Then descend towards La Puebla de Valverde (safe passage stamp point) through Valbona and arrive at Mora de Rubielos (safe passage stamp point).
Here you can visit the castle, walls, Colegiata´s Church, and the city hall.
Overnight in Rubielos.
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4
Stage 3, from Mora De Rubielos to Montanejos
Distance : 39,60 km Difficulty : 3/5
You start the route by passing through Fuentes de Rubielos and continue downhill towards the spectacular Mijares Valley.
Finally you will arrive at Olba and descend downstream reaching Comunidad Valenciana.
Visit the Puebla de Arenós, Arenós Marsh, Castle of Viñaza, and La Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos. The resort is known for its hot springs.
Overnight in Montanejos.
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5
Stage 4, from Montanejos to Segorbe
Distance : 39 km Difficulty : 4/5
Today you will ascend to Arenillas Mountain pass. If you don't want to climb this pass, you could hire a lift service (20€ per group, 5 passengers max).
Then descend towards Jérica (safe passage stamp point) passing through Caudiel and the Jérica tunnels.
At Jérica you can explore the river walk, Mudejar tower, old town, church, and castle.
You will depart from Jérica and pass through Pantano del Regajo (Swamp of Regajo) and Navajas, where is the famous waterfall of "el salto de la novia" (the bride's jump).
You will arrive to Segorbe (safe passage stamp point), where you can visit the cathedral, walls and aqueduct from the 14th century.
Dinner and overnight in Segorbe.
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6
Stage 5, from Segorbe to Bétera
Distance : 46,61 km Difficulty : 4/5
After breakfast at the hotel, you divert from El Cid's official route to go through the Natural Park of Sierra Calderona, where the mountains separates the basins of the rivers Palancia in the north and Turia in south. Its interior hides fascinating forests of oaks and white pines and various flora micro-reserves.
After that you will visiting Altura, Gátova, Marines and Olocau (conquered by El Cid).
From here you follow the bike path to get to Bétera with its Arabic Castle.
Dinner and overnight in Bétera.
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7
Stage 6, from Bétera to Valencia
Distance : 44,86 km Difficulty : 3/5
After breakfast at the hotel, you will cross the highway to reach La Vallesa, a Mediterranean forest area. You will cross L'Eliana and cycle along Camp del Turia until you reach Benissanó. Once there, you descend to the river Turia then continue towards Valencia following the Turia river Natural Park.
You will arrive in Valencia through the Capsalera Park along the old Turia river Channel.
Today you can discover Valencia visiting the old historic quarters, capture intimate and unforgettable moments visiting the City of Arts and Sciences.
In the evening you can go to the natural lagoon of “Albufera”, a special natural scenery where you can enjoy a stunning sunset on it and take a boat for an incredibly relaxing boat trip on the lagoon.
Overnight in Valencia.
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8
Return
After breakfast, you will depart for your onward travels.
Included
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation.
- 6 Breakfasts and 5 Picnics.
- Trekking bike with front bag, back luggage bag and helmet included.
- Tracks and Rutometer.
- Transfer in from Valencia to Albarracín.
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel.
- Travel insurance.
- Telephone assistance (English-speaking)
- Lunches.
- Dinners (ask us)
- Flights or trains.
- Single room supplement: € 250
- Possibility of e-bike (please ask us)
- Tourist taxes.
Not included
Accommodations
All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.Conditions
Price per person based on double room.Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 participants, check seasons
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