Day 1, Saturday 11 September

Madrid to Segovia

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 Mac - visit the iconic 18th Century San Ildefonso Palace and Museum and explore the Versailles inspired gardens.

Our tour welcome dinner is to be held in the open-air plaza below the towering 1st Century Roman Aqueduct. Not only is the setting incredible but restaurant ‘Meson de Candido’ is the oldest eating house in Segovia dating back to 1860.

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

Day 2, Sunday 12 September

Castile and Leon

Visitors from all over the world come to Castile and Leon to follow the ‘route of the castles’ and to soak up the history of a region preserved with legacies from the days of the Roman, Moorish and Spanish empires. It’s a fact that the region is home to a province that boasts more medieval castles than anywhere else in Europe. Castile takes its name from the many castles built by the Christians as a defence against the Moorish invaders in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the early years of Arab domination, the region was at the vanguard of the centuries-long battle to oust the Moors.

The Espresso ride today will head in search of the medieval castles with a long 125km route (1150m elevation gain) out to Sepulveda and back. At your half-way mark in Sepulveda discover its castle and medieval walls, the Jewish quarter and the old town which is full of historic buildings and churches.

This will be a great ride before the big Vuelta climbs that are calling you tomorrow.

Our Cappuccino and Latte riders will get a taste of La Vuelta today. Seeing tomorrow you ride into the medieval walled town of Pedraza, we would like to give you a taste of an achievable Vuelta climb today, which goes by the name ‘Navacerrada’. Cappuccino will ride 50km and 900m elevation gain while Latte riders can ride 65km and 950m elevation gain. Spending some time in the Sierra Guadarrama mountains will be well worth it!

Team Mac - visit the iconic 18th Century San Ildefonso Palace and Museum. One of the best examples of the monarchic splendour of the 18th century. The gardens of the Royal Site of La Granja are the best example in Spain of formal gardens in the French style. A style that began to spread throughout Europe at the end of the 17th century, following the popularity of the creations of André Le Nôtre, the gardener of Louis XIV, the famous “Sun King”.

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

Day 3, Monday 13 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 - our morning program includes a 3hr guided walking tour of Segovia (Alcazar fortress, La Muralla (ramparts) and the Jewish Quarter) before a 40min van transfer to meet up with the rest of the group. You will see some of the cyclists today so make sure you offer up some encouragement.... as you drive by!

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 tide 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 and Lunch included (Dinner is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel San Antonio el Real - Segovia (Spain)

Day 4, Tuesday 14 September

Avila - UNESCO

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 three distances to choose from. Cappuccino – 66km, Latte – 81km, and Espresso – 103km. For the Espresso group, the main challenge for the day will be the 8km climb ´Alto de Navalmoral´ (1500m elevation) which at an average grade of 5% is 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. The guide will provide you with access to the top of the wall so you can take in the amazing views. You will also visit Avila’s Cathedral which is a strong, fortress-like cathedral. Amazingly, it was built in the 12th century and was the first Gothic Cathedral in Spain. (Always remember you are welcome to join the vans and simply watch some suffering on the hills. Look out for hill climbers to dominate today.)

Your hotel for the next 2 nights is a beautiful 16th century palace converted to a hotel in 1995. Just steps away from the Cathedral – it really is a special place to stay. The courtyard is absolutely gorgeous.

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

Day 5, Wednesday 15 September

This morning Team Mac drive to the royal monastery in nearby San Lorenzo el Escorial. Here you will marvel at this architectural masterpiece which dates back to the late 16^th Century and King Felipe II. The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance.

Construction of El Escorial began in 1563 and ended in 1584. 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!

Cyclists – there are three undulating (very hilly in guiding speak) rides to choose from. Each includes small, categorised climbs and wonderful winding descents through rocky landscapes and pine forests. The shortest ride on offer is 66km with 1200m of VM. The medium ride is 81km and 1450VM and the espresso ride is 103km with a very respectable 1800m of climbing. (Ouch!)

All rides take famous local climbs used by TdF winner Carlos Sastre, which include - Puerto de la Lancha (a local favourite), the iconic Arrebatacapas and Boquerón climbs and ‘Alto de Navalmoral’.

A note for the e-bikes. By now we’ll have a pretty good understanding of your range. Paul and Dean will give you advice on a daily basis. From time to time, we’ll bring the charging stations with us on the ride and charge your bikes over morning coffee. Even 30mins of charging will help.

Massage? We are lucky enough to have Alejandro and his magic hands working for us on this trip.

When you finish your ride be sure to let one of the team know that you are looking for a massage. We’ll then organise a time with Ale based on his schedule. Ale will bring the portable massage table to your hotel room. A 30min session will cost 40 Euro and a 1hr session 70 Euro.

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

Day 6, Thursday 16 September

Peppa Pig?

Today begins with a 1.25hr transfer to the small town of Guijuelo before riding to Cuidad Rodrigo. Our new home for the next two nights.

We would like to introduce you to the world of the ‘pata negra’. The Iberian ‘black’ pig produces the highest class of cured ham (jamon serrano) in the world. Around Guijuelo you will be cycling past the fields where this breed of pig lives. Their main diet being acorns. Lots of them. We visit a local production facility. You’ll quickly understand why this product can sell for as much as 500 Euro / kilogram! Peppa is expensive!

The longest ride is 100km and we’d like to encourage as many of you to do this as possible. We will have support vans close by. The bonus about today is that it’s pretty much flat with only 1000VM. Kind of flat anyway. Tomorrow is anything but flat as we ride another classic La Vuelta hilly route.

Following the ‘jamon serrano’ visit, Team Mac head off 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!

Carrying on from our awesome places to stay brochure. The next 2 nights are spent in the former castle of Enrique II de Trastámara. As I write this, I can assure you that I am extremely jealous.

Let’s catch up for dinner tonight. Big day on the bike tomorrow. Not flat. Eat up. Nite nite.

/ Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Parador de Cuidad Rodrigo - Cuidad (Spain)

PS, 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.

Day 7, Friday 17 September

Sierra de Francia National Park  

Yesterday was a culture day. Today is the day to be challenged on your bikes. Which is good as you need to work off some of that food. It’s also our last day in Spain.

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?

According to legend, in 1465 the women of the town defeated Portuguese troops, and, in this victory, claimed the Portuguese flag, which is still preserved today in the village. The victory is celebrated on the second day of Easter.

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 and Lunch included (Dinner is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Parador de Cuidad Rodrigo - Cuidad (Spain)

Day 8, Saturday 18 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. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the banks of the Águeda River and documents continuous human occupation since the end of the Palaeolithic era.

The full ride today will be 120km with approx. 1500VM of climbing with the shortest being 55km and approx. 750VM of climbing. The shortest being 71km and approx. 1340VM of climbing.

When we plan shorter rides, we will generally try and have you either departing a hotel on bikes or arriving at the next hotel on a bike. Our goal is to have you in the vehicle as little as possible. Also, we will always pick the most scenic portion when looking at shorter rides.

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! This particular hotel is sold out (weddings) most of the year. In fact – the whole itinerary was based around its availability and then we worked backwards. With only 23 rooms we have the majority of the hotel to ourselves. The river and vineyard views from the terrace are magnificent. Did I mention the pool? Shall I continue?

Honestly – I’m very jealous. Dinner tonight is a gourmet BBQ on Tim’s Terrace. Capping off a truly brilliant day.

/ Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 9, Sunday 19 September

N222 Road - The Worlds Best!

High praise indeed – in 2015 the N222 was voted the World’s Best Road.

And that is our target piece of concrete today. The road follows the course of the Duoro River providing many exceptional vantage points along the way.

Please keep in mind that nothing is compulsory. The name of the company is Ride Holidays. If you feel like not riding today, then you could put a line under the Holidays part. There are certainly worse places to chill for the day.

Team Mac - something special. We’ve arranged for you to join a wine education class. A 3hr guided tour through ‘La Rosa’ vineyard, followed by a visit to the wine and port cellars. During the visit you will learn about the vineyards, how port and wine is produced, as well as the family history. This will be a walking tour, so it is recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen. The visit is followed by 4 different port tastings. This will be a very thorough and informative tour and a unique opportunity to show you the best that La Rosa has to offer. Enjoy!

** On that note - if any cyclists would like to join Team Mac today, then please let Paul and Dean know really early. It’s quite popular so is often sold out. Keep in mind that the cost is 100 euro. (Included for Team Mac though.)

Bike riding – today may be a case of less is more. Shortest rides being just over 55km. The longest ride is just over 86km. My advice is to factor in some quality time relaxing. By day 9 we start to see some tired people.

Tonight is a free night. However, we suggest that we book a restaurant in town. It sits alongside the river. You can join us or not. Totally up to you.

/ Meals: Breakfast included (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 10, Monday 20 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.

Rides range from 50km to 85km.There is nothing overly flat in the Duoro valley. You will find this out quickly. The longest ride features 2000m. Of up. My goodness.

Team Mac - (and anyone feeling like a day off the bike) it feels like we should also do some exercise as this afternoon is going to be pretty tough. Sergio will meet you mid-morning for a 5km loop walk or 10km run. If you want longer then that can be arranged.

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).

Late this afternoon you should rest. Have a snooze. Do nothing.

Over the years Rosa’s wines and ports have continued to receive the highest accolades. The result being an invitation to join the top 273 wineries in the world at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience. Other than wine they also produce beer and port. The restaurant offers possibly the best view you’ll have on tour. Every dish is perfectly matched with Rosa’s wines.

/ Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Quinta de la Rosa (Wine Estate) Pinhao - (Portugal)

Day 11, Tuesday 21 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!

In 2015, following the creation of the Óbidos Literary Village project, The Literary Man was born. The largest literary hotel in the world, mainly due to its collection of books, which is approaching the fantastic number of around 100,000 units.

Dinner tonight will be in Obidos at the Jamon Jamon restaurant. It is a unique restaurant as it takes the Spanish tapas idea but applies main serving sizes and a mixed ‘Iberian’ menu. Tonight, you will feast on dishes which include succulent pork cheeks, sausage and chorizo croquettes, chicken stew, fried cuttlefish, cheese pastries, padron capsicums.... after 100km in the legs we hope you are hungry!

/ Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel The Literary Man Obidos

Day 12, Wednesday 22 September

Bring your Togs!

Team Mac - this morning we’ve organised a guided walking tour of the medieval west wall with views of the castle, vineyards and orchids. This afternoon you have a few choices, personally – I’d head to the beach for a good walk but that’s up to you. We can time it with the cyclists, so you are all there at the same time. Don’t forget your togs.

Or.... Team Mac - you could hire bikes today. Flow bikes offer fat tyre e-bikes. Paul would need to arrange this in advance but it’s certainly a good opportunity. Maybe you’ll get the bug and join RH as a cyclist on the next tour.

Cyclists – we have 2 more cycling days ahead of us. Let’s make the most of it. It’s basically 50km (600VM) or 80km (1000VM) today. It’s not flat but certainly the majority of the climbing is behind us now. We ride out to the rocky peninsula of Peniche, known for its long beaches and unique examples of the early Jurassic extinction.

As mentioned above, it’s a good chance for you to go for a long walk on the beach. Our guides will look after your bikes while you wander. When you are ready, we’ll ride back to the hotel.

My advice is to eat at the hotel. Surrounded by books of course. The restaurant specialises in Japanese Kamado cooking. Hmmm, this sounds yum.

Starter - onion tempura with marinated cured cod, on a bed of arugula with paprika mayonnaise and parsley.

Main - duck magret with port wine reduction and rosemary accompanied by pine nut fried rice, smoked and toasted bacon.

Pudding – I do wonder.... something chocolate please.

/ Meals: Breakfast included (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel The Literary Man Obidos - Obidos (Portugal)

Day 13, Thursday 23 September

Final ride

It’s our last day on the bike so let’s make it a good one.

Starting from our hotel, you have the choice of 53km or 92km. We ride 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 - 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.... Let’s celebrate our last 2 weeks together while looking back at the highlights.

Starting in Madrid – We then explored the Castile and Leon region – fabulous! A great start to the holiday.

Days 3 and 4 and 7 saw us riding traditional Vuelta climbs. We also caught up with Pata Negra. The Iberian ‘black’ pig. 500 euros a KG. Better be good.

Day 7 had us riding in the Sierra de Francia National Park.

Surely the Highlight - The Douro Wine Region. Days 8, 9 and 10.

It was then to the Atlantic Coast and the big waves off Nazares.

Most importantly – we’ve met a whole lot of new friends along the way. For those new to Ride Holidays – Welcome to the family.

/ Meals: Breakfast and Fado farewell Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel My Story Figueira 

Day 14, Friday 24 September

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