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Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and tag us in the posts from your trip.
Don’t forget to join our Strava club, so we can give you kudos for all your amazing bike rides!
Your bike fitting will happen in Buitrago de Lozoya, after you visit the town.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Andalucía, a vibrant region in southern Spain, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors. The cuisine here is a delightful blend of Mediterranean influences, local ingredients, and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.
One of the most iconic dishes is gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for hot summer days. Another must-try is salmorejo, a thicker version of gazpacho, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón (cured ham).
Seafood lovers will be in heaven with dishes like fried fish (pescaíto frito) and grilled sardines (espetos), especially along the coast. Andalucía is also famous for its tapas culture. Small plates of delicious bites, such as patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), croquetas (fried dough filled with various ingredients), and jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), are perfect for sharing with friends over a drink.
Speaking of drinks, you can’t visit Andalucía without trying sherry (vino de Jerez), a fortified wine that comes in various styles, from dry to sweet. Another popular beverage is tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemonade, ideal for cooling off in the sun.
For dessert, indulge in flan or rice pudding (arroz con leche)!
In summary, the food and drinks of Andalucía offer a delightful journey through flavors and traditions, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.
Tuesday June 30: Madrid-Buitrago-Pedraza
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Casa Taberna
Meals included: lunch
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Welcome to the start of your great mini-tour!
You will be picked up at 9am (time TBC) at your hotel and transferred to Buitrago de Lozoya. You can visit the town, it’s small but quite charming. After you’ve explored the town we’ll do the bike fitting and send you off on your ride. The van won’t be far behind, if you’re tired or hungry Enrique (your guide) will be ready to help you up with a little push or some snacks!
After you have the bikefitting you will depart from the medieval castle walls of Buitrago del Lozoya, cyclists head west on quiet, beautifully paved backroads through the rolling Lozoya Valley, passing through the peaceful pastures of Gargantilla de Lozoya before reaching the lakeside town of Lozoya.
From Lozoya, the route tackles the southern face of the Puerto de Navafría. This mountain pass is a favorite for its remarkably steady gradients and dense pine forest that provides excellent shade all the way to the 5,817-foot summit. Reaching the top marks the border into Castile and León, where riders are rewarded with a thrilling, fast descent down the northern slopes as the alpine scenery gives way to sweeping views of the Segovian plateau.
The final segment treats riders to pristine, low-traffic asphalt flowing smoothly across a rural landscape of stone-built hamlets. The journey concludes with a dramatic approach to Pedraza, a spectacular walled medieval village. Riding through its ancient stone gateway into the magnificent Plaza Mayor provides a truly grand finale to a world-class day in the saddle, combining superb road conditions with rich Spanish history.
Your ride will end at your hotel for the night. Dinner is on your own.
The best bet is El Soportal, right on the main square!
Wednesday July 1: Pedraza to Segovia
Route: 38 miles
Elevation: +2300 feet
Accommodation: Aurea Convento Capuchinos
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
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Starting from the medieval, stone-walled village of Pedraza, you dive straight into an undulating landscape that rolls along the dramatic northern foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. This opening stretch is pure cycling rhythm—a succession of short, punchy climbs and sweeping descents through sleepy, stone-built hamlets where the only company you’re likely to have is the rugged mountain crests tracking you from the left. The quiet country tarmac keeps the riding fast and smooth as you approach the tranquil mountain outpost of Basardilla.
From there, the terrain shifts as you begin a steady, muscle-burning ascent toward the grand, high-altitude pines of the royal valley. The air crisps up and the canopy thickens as you spin into the majestic enclave of La Granja de San Ildefonso, a spectacular oasis famed for its sweeping French-style palace gardens. After catching your breath, the hard work pays off with a thrilling, rapid descent down into the plains, delivering you effortlessly right to the base of Segovia’s towering Roman Aqueduct for a spectacular finish.
Marvel at the Roman Aqueduct: Start the itinerary at Plaza del Azoguejo, where this monumental feat of ancient engineering cuts right through the center of the city. Built around the 1st century AD using roughly 20,000 granite blocks without a single drop of mortar, it is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world. For the best panoramic view and photos, climb the adjacent Postigo steps.
Tour the Fairytale Alcázar of Segovia: Situated on a rocky crag at the western edge of the old town, this stunning medieval fortress and former royal palace looks like a ship slicing through the valley. It is famously rumored to have inspired Walt Disney’s castles. Be sure to include time to climb the 150+ steps of the Tower of Juan II for incredible 360-degree views of the Castilian countryside and the city. (open until 7.30pm everyday)
Explore the Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral: Spend time wandering the winding, historic streets of the old town to reach the lively main square. The plaza is dominated by the Segovia Cathedral, known as the “Lady of Cathedrals.” Built in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, featuring elegant spires, towering vaults, and beautiful stained glass windows. (The cathedral is open until 9.30pm)
There is no doubt that this restaurant is the best choice in Segovia. We know you’ve had a big lunch but try to eat some more, it’s your last night in Spain!
Thursday July 2: departure
Meals included: breakfast
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After breakfast the taxi driver will pick you up outside the hotel at 8.45am. His name is Antonio and his phone number is +34 676 65 43 55. He will take you to Madrid Barajas airport.
We hope that you’ve had an enjoyable mini-tour!
