Day 1, Saturday 20 September

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a wonderful city. You are very welcome to arrive earlier than today. We can recommend accommodation and also offer a day trip to Toledo.

Our vans will collect you from downtown Madrid (or the airport if you choose) at about lunch time. It's only a short 1hr drive to the outskirts of Segovia which is where we will set up the bikes in the beautiful settings and grounds of the Royal Palace of Rio Frío.

Travelling from Madrid through to Segovia sees one entering the ancient kingdom of Castilla (or Castile). Castile is the land that gave birth to Castilian and the Spanish language.

It’s a short 32km ride with 400VM of climbing today. A short ride designed to make sure you and the bike are working properly. Tomorrow is more of a challenge as we ride from Segovia through to medieval Pedraza.

We finish today’s ride with a group photo under the towering aqueduct in the town centre. The aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best preserved (elevated) Roman structures and makes the perfect backdrop to our home for the next 3 nights.

Team Macchiato will visit the iconic 18th Century San Ildefonso Palace and Museum and explore the Versailles inspired gardens.

/ Meals: Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Hotel San Antonio el Real - Segovia (Spain)

Day 2, Sunday 21 September

La Vuelta – here we come!!

Traditionally the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountain range plays host to the penultimate stages of La Vuelta Espana. Climbs, such as, Navafria, Cotos and  Navacerrada are written in Vuelta folklore. The Navacerrada ski station (1800m) is the altitude training base for Spanish pro-outfit Movistar.

There are 3 ride options today. Each includes a famous Vuelta ascent. The 60km and 75km options both ride out pass the San Ildefonso Palace before reaching the base of the Navacerrada ski station. You climb through some beautiful Mediterranean pine forest before a number of scenic switchbacks. There’s coffee at the top before descending down quiet roads to Segovia.

The long Vuelta ride includes 120km and a healthy 2350VM. Puerto de Navafria, Puerto de Canencia, Puerto de la Morcuera and Puerto de Coto/Navacerrada are all for the taking. Talk about Vuelta history exam – yes, you will be tested. Marks out of 10?

Team Mac – we will have a good walk planned most days. Today is all about making the most of the amazing mountain scenery on offer. It’s an outdoors day. You will see some of the cyclists today so make sure you offer up some encouragement….. as you drive by!!

/ Meals: Breakfast included
/ Accommodation: Hotel San Antonio el Real - Segovia (Spain)

Day 3, Monday 22 September

Pedraza

Let’s start with the important people… Team Mac. Your morning program includes a 2hr guided walking tour of Segovia (1st Century Roman Aqueduct, Alcazar fortress, La Muralla (ramparts) and the Jewish Quarter) before a 40min van transfer to meet up with the rest of the group for lunch in Pedraza.

Now you are in the land of Castile & Leon where 1st Century Roman aqueducts and medieval walled towns dominate the landscape. There are again 3 ride options - 50km, 75km or 100km. Let’s call them all undulating.

The Cappuchino, Latte and Espresso rides all finish in Pedraza. This medieval walled town is in excellent condition and the old plaza is the perfect place for a long (late) Spanish lunch.

Restaurante El Soportal is where cyclists and non-cyclists will dine for lunch. In basic terms it is a feast and no-one can leave the Castile province without trying the suckling pig and ‘lechal’ lamb. We ticked off the pig last night and after what will be a big ride, lamb is on the menu today. Combined with some local bean stew and potatoes for many this will also tie you over for dinner! The ‘Soportal’ restaurant is located in the picturesque walled town of Pedraza and right in the middle of the town square (Plaza Mayor). This is off the main tourist path and will be a meal to remember!

/ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Dinner own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel San Antonio el Real - Segovia (Spain)

Day 4, Tuesday 23 September

Avila

It’s a short 1hr drive to UNESCO Avila which is a beautifully conserved medieval walled city and our home for the next 2 nights. Our hotel is something to behold, a reformed and extended 16th century palace in the heart of Avila.

Avila and its impressive city walls have been awarded World Heritage by UNESCO. In fact, Avila’s city walls are the main symbol of the entire province. Behind the walls, one can find a valuable set of churches and Renaissance palaces that bear witness to the past wealth of the city.

There will be two distances to choose from, 40km or 80km. The main challenge for the day will be the 8km climb of ´Alto de Navalmoral´ with approx. 1250VM of climbing. With an average grade of 5%. It’s very achievable!

Team Mac will have plenty of time to wander and explore the inner charm of this walled city! We've booked a local guide or you can simply watch some suffering on the hills. Look out for hill climbers to dominate today.

Tonight, you will taste test a traditional Castile & Leon dinner.

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de los Velada - Avila (Spain)

Day 5, Wednesday 24 September

This morning Team Mac tour this architectural masterpiece. Which dates back to the late 16th Century and King Felipe II. You will have plenty of time to visit the monastery which also includes a royal palace, church, pantheon, library and school. If you are keen walkers there is also an excellent short walk to a wonderful lookout point above the monastery!

Avila and its surrounds have some amazing cycling, no wonder the Vuelta visits this area often. We have invited TdF legend and Spanish local Carla Sastre to join us today.

There are 2 loop options to choose from. Both rides start and finish at the hotel. 65km and 1000VM featuring Puerto de la Lancha climb. A local favourite. Or 120km and just under 2000VM of climbing. This ride also includes the iconic climbs of Arrebatacapas and Boqueron. Both feature some amazing rockface landscape.

/ Meals: Breakfast included (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de los Velada - Avila (Spain)

Day 6, Thursday 25 September

Cuidad Rodrigo

Another short drive this morning to the small town of Bejar. It’s then 100km through to Cuidad Rodrigo. Our new home for the next two nights. We really would like the majority to try and ride the whole way as it’s not overly lumpy… (On all rides we will have support vehicles.) 

Ciudad Rodrigo is located on the Águeda river approx. 25km from the Portuguese border. Its position as a fortified town on the main road from Portugal to Salamanca made it military important in the middle years of the Napoleonic Peninsular War.

After some challenging climbing days around Segovia and Avila, today could simply be called flat with only 700VM of undulating roads. We do have 100km to cover but no time restraints, so groups can simply ride at their own pace. Tomorrow is going to be another classic La Vuelta hilly route.

Team Mac will be transported 1hr to Salamanca another of Spain’s beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities. Its elegant architecture and classical honey-coloured buildings create a ‘Harry Potter like’ atmosphere. You will be guided around the 13th Century university, cathedral and pedestrian lanes. While you lunch on some Spanish treats, you may just feel the sense of being a character in a spectacular film set. Salamanca will do that to you!

/ Meals:Breakfast & Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Parador de Cuidad Rodrigo - Cuidad (Spain)

Day 7, Friday 26 September

Sierra de Francia National Park  

Today we head into the Sierra de Francia mountain range that rises over the Northern Castilian Plateau. Our target today is La Alberca, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest towns in Spain. Did we mention that it sits at 1048 meters above sea level?

Cyclists, you have three distance to choose from today, 60km, 75km or 110km:  

• 110km Hotel – La Alberca with approx. 2250VM of climbing. Take the van home after lunch.
• 75km Hotel - La Alberca with approx. 1500VM of climbing. Take the van home after lunch.
• 55km - We will drop you closer to the climb with approx. 1200VM of climbing. Take the van home after lunch.

Team Mac will have the morning free to discover Cuidad Rodrigo at their own pace. An organised lunch in the picturesque town of La Alberca waits for everyone so Team Mac will be transferred 45 minutes to meet up with the cyclists!

/ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
/ Accommodation: Parador de Cuidad Rodrigo - Cuidad (Spain)

Day 8, Saturday 27 September

Bem-vindo to Portugal (welcome)

The crossing from Spain into Portugal is the goal today (via bicycle). The switchback descent down to the dam wall and across the border will be one to remember. Don’t forget your passport!

You also get your first taste of the magnificent Douro River which will be a constant figure over the coming days. On previous trips – this region has always been the favourite.

The Douro Wine Region could be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that the landscapes offer with its vertical vineyards. Both cyclists and Team Mac will meet up in the small village of Pocinho, which is the start of the scenic train ride along the banks of the Duoro.

Team Mac – after leaving the hotel, you will all visit the nearby ‘Siega Verde’ archaeological site. This is an incredible open-air prehistoric site with over 94 panels with representations of over 600 animals right on the Spanish/Portuguese border.

The full ride today will be 120km with approx. 1500VM of climbing with the shortest being 55km and approx. 750VM of climbing.

Our destination is the vibrant town of Pinhao, which will be a fantastic base for the first three nights in Portugal. We are staying in the most beautiful winery in the world and that’s a fact!! The views down to the river (from the pool) are mesmerizing.

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 9, Monday 28 September

N222 Road

The mountain terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley are simply amazing, but pictures simply fail to capture its beauty.

Cyclists, you will ride the heart of the Duoro following the N222 which is voted the World's Best Road. The road follows the course of the Duoro River providing many exceptional vantage points along the way.

After climbing through the terraced vineyard roads, choose either 55km or 85km of epic roads with approx. 1300VM of climbing. You finish with a fantastic 13km descent before enjoying a tapas lunch. We have reserved some tables at a local restaurant to cap off an unforgettable ride.

Team Mac - take your time to enjoy this truly special winery hotel perched above the Duoro River and enjoy some quality R&R! Sergio has reserved a table at a local tapas restaurant for what will be a delightful lunch experience.

Dinner is own arrangements tonight. We will have options to head into town or we can simply pre book a group for the hotel restaurant.

/ Meals: Breakfast included
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 10, Tuesday 29 September

Douro Wine Region

Another day in this magnificent wine region and it's all ours. Each year in May, thousands of cyclist flock to these parts to participate in the Douro Gran Fondo. Yesterday you rode half of the course and today you will complete the remaining. The plan is simple, you ride out from the hotel and check out the north side of the river. Sounds simple right....well there is the fact that you will need to climb over 2000vm.

Team Mac - this morning you have time to explore the spectacular surroundings of our ‘quinta’ (wine estate hotel). You will enjoy a guided visit of the cellars and have time to taste test a number of their award-winning wines!

During the afternoon, you will all get to know the cultural Duoro landscape (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) via a guided river cruise. During this tour, you will meander along the Douro River in an old rabelo boat (wooden Portuguese vessels that carried the wine casks from the quintas).

Yes, we will enjoy some traditional Portuguese local wine / beer during what will be a very pleasant journey.

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 11, Wednesday 30 September

Obidos

Team Mac - drive from Pinhao to the historic city of Coimbra where they will enjoy a guided walking tour before continuing on to our hotel in Obidos. Coimbra is a small city with Portugal's oldest university. The university is found precisely where Portugal's first kings had taken up residence centuries before and the city's monasteries have tombs for these rulers. To get an excellent perspective of the city, you can scale the 180 steps in the 16th-century tower at the highest point of the university.

Another site of interest is the Arco de Almedina gate which was part of the solid medieval wall rebuilt in the 11th Century by the Arab conqueror Almansor. It is the only surviving gate of the three that once led into the citadel. It now marks the entrance into the old part of Coimbra and is a good spot for a rest and a beer or wine!

Cyclists - It's a total of 300km from Pinhao to Obidos. Don't worry, we won't make you ride the whole distance. After a bakery lunch stop (while we set up the bikes) you will be ready to ride. You can ride as much of the Atlantic coastline as you like. The 100km target would be then goal.

There are a number of amazing vantage points along the route. Ride out to the Nazare Lighthouse and check out one of the most emblematic big-wave surf spots in the world!

/ Meals: Breakfast included
/ Accommodation: Hotel The Literary Man Obidos

Day 12, Thursday 01 October

Peniche Peninsula

Today's cycling will be a choice of two out and back options. We will ride out to the rocky peninsula of Peniche, known for its long beaches and unique examples of the early Jurassic extinction. There is a shorter 50km option or an 85km return ride with close to 1000VM of climbing, which still offers a challenging route.

Team Mac - this morning we have organised a guided walking tour of the medieval west wall with views of the castle, vineyards and orchids are not to be missed. This afternoon you have a few choices, one being the coast or staying in town to visit the south side 16th century Aqueduct. Either will be exciting.

Tonight, you are in for a treat, a Portuguese smorgasbord in a lovely outside terrace! This is a major highlight every time we run this tour!

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Hotel The Literary Man Obidos - Obidos (Portugal)

Day 13, Friday 02 October

Final ride

It’s our last day on the bike so let's make it a good one. Starting from our hotel, you ride up to 100km down the magnificent west coast. Catching glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean before arriving to Praia de Sao Juliao (Praia = beach in English).

The descent down to this beach is a real highlight and it truly caps off an amazing 2-week bike journey through Spain and Portugal.

Team Mac will explore the Pena Palace and gardens in Sintra which is one of Portugal's finest tourist attractions and a grand example of 19th Century Romanticism architecture. Standing on top of the hill the castle will take you back to places that could well be from a fairytale! Sintra is only a short drive to Lisbon.

To round out the day, you will enjoy a typical Fado dinner in the heart of the Alfama district….

/ Meals: Breakfast & Fado farewell Dinner included
/ Accommodation: Hotel My Story Figueira 

Day 14, Saturday 03 October

Farewell

Our tour finishes after breakfast. We will transfer you to Lisbon airport from 9am.

For some it's time to head home, while others will take some time in Lisbon or head off to explore other parts of Europe.

Thank you for joining us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Safe travels for the remainder of your journey.

/ Meals: Breakfast included