In the footsteps of the Spanish Hero El Cid – A self-guided cycling trip

Would you like to enjoy a cycling route exploring the famous route of the Spanish Hero El Cid*at a moment that suits your agenda? We are now offering one of our classic trips as a self-guided route: enjoy the route on a date you choose and with the companions you like.

From Burgos to Valencia, an impressive MTB route. A journey into the heart of what we call 'Empty Spain' with its desolate landscapes that feed the soul.

We have put together the itinerary, booked your hotels and make sure you will find your luggage in the next hotel after each stage. All you have to do is ride and enjoy!

The roads of the famous 'Poem of the Cid' (the oldest preserved Spanish epic poem), from Burgos to Valencia are the guideline for a wandering route through some of the most beautiful regions of the Iberian System and the Castilian Plateau.

Dive deep into the rural empty Spain during this 9-day self-guided bike trip. Follow the footsteps of the Cid through Burgos, Soria, Guadalajara, Teruel. Castellón and Valencia, as if you were to visit natural and cultural exhibition. You will end at the east coast at the Malvarrosa beach where you can enjoy a dip in the sea and a delicious paella.

 

ITINERARY
The route will take you through various natural areas like Sierra de la Demanda, El Cañón del Río Lobos, Sierra de Pela, Las Parameras de Molina, The Alto Tajo Nature Reserve and the Sierra de Albarracín, heart of the Spanish Lapland, Javalambre, and the Sierra de Espadán.

We have designed an itinerary for you that leads you off the beaten track and over undiscovered paths. Explore old medieval paths and bridges, Roman roads, cattle trails, abandoned railway tracks (now converted into Greenway Cycle Trails) and long-distance footpaths (GR routes).

 

DAY 1 - FRIDAY
Arrival to Burgos is at your own leisure. We have included an overnight for you in this fantastic city.

DAY 2 - SATURDAY
66KM /+720 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña, Revilla, Lara de los Infantes, Barbadillo del Mercado

DAY 3 - SUNDAY
75KM /+ 650 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Cabezón de la Sierra, Hontoria del Pinar and Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park

DAY 4 - MONDAY
91KM /+ 965 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: El Burgo de Osma, Navapalos, The Castle of Gormaz, Remember,
Berlanga, Caltojar, Romanillos, Miño.

DAY 5 - TUESDAY
96KM / +1210 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Medieval center of Medinaceli, the Layna wasteland, Ermita del Humilladero, Arbujuelo, Luzón, Valle del Río Blanco, Dehesa de Solanillos, Hoz del Río Gallo.

DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY
49KM / +970 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: historical center of Molina de Aragón, Sierra del Tremedal, Traid.

DAY 7 - THURSDAY
90KM / +1065 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Orea, Sierra del Tremedal, Orihuela del Tremedal, Sierra de Albarracín, Albarracín and Teruel.

DAY 8 - FRIDAY
111KM / +515 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Black Eyes Route, Albentosa, Jérica, Segorbe.

DAY 9 - SATURDAY
68KM / +205 meters elevation gain
Landmarks: Ruta de Ojos Negros, Valle del Río Palancia, between the Calderona and Espadán mountain ranges, arrival to Valencia.

DAY 10 - SUNDAY
After breakfast you can go home after a great week, or continue your travels if you like.

*A national Spanish epic, based on the stories about the heroic deeds of El Cid who during the 11th Century, in times of conflict between the Kingdom of Castile and Al-Andalus.

DURATION 9 nights / 10 days (8 days of cycling)
LEVEL Media
KILOMETERS (APPROX) 646KM (accumulated elevation gain 6.300m)
BIKE TYPE Gravel or MTB
RECOMMENDED TIME April to October
DEPARTURE DAYS Every Saturday (Friday night accommodation in Burgos)
MEETING POINT  Burgos
HOTELS Combination between hostels, 2* and 3* hotels

PRICE

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INCLUDED

  • 9 nights accommodation & breakfast in hostels, 2* and 3* hotels (rooms with private bathroom)
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • GPS tracks of the route
  • Accident and liability insurance

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfers to Burgos or back from Valencia
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Rental bike (optional extra. Delivery to your hotel in Burgos. Rates: €90 MTB and €250 e-bike)

RECOMMENDATIONS – What to bring?

  • Casual comfortable cycling clothes
  • Sunglasses and gloves
  • Rain jacket / rain pants
  • Water
  • sunblock
  • Helmet
  • Small daypack
  • A small first aid kit (with mosquito repellent!)
  • Swimwear!

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INFO & BOOKINGS

Contact us if you'd like to make a reservation or if you require further information.

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