Cycling Valencia and the Orange Blossom Coast

Experience Overview

Inland you discover typically Spanish villages and the Mediterranean coast is a delight to explore with wild beaches and ecologically important and diverse Nature Parks. This 7 night holiday takes in all that the region has to offer, starting with 2 nights in the wonderful city of Valencia, explore the Albufera wetlands to the south of the city where rice was first grown in Europe and the famous 'paella' dish so typical of Spain was created. Make sure you take plenty of time to explore the city of Valencia itself; the modern City of Arts and Sciences is a must and its contemporary buildings were built on the former riverbed of the River Turia. The historic old town area of the city holds the cathedral with a beautiful mixture of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles, for a perfect view of the city, climb the 207 steps to the top of the Miguelete tower and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city. The gothic building of 'La Longa', the Silk Exchange is well worth a visit and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996. After a short transfer inland you explore the off the beaten track inland valleys with pretty Spanish villages, some with their buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th century. Take a dip in the thermal spas of Montanejos where the crystal clear mineral waters are renowned for their rejuvenating qualities before following the river back towards the coast. The gentle coastal cycling takes you past secluded beaches and through the Sierra de Irta Marine Park where you can enjoy the natural environment at its best, before reaching your final destination in Peniscola, a charming town with a Templar castle and medieval walls surrounded by the sea with plenty of cobbled streets to explore.
Profile
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels — All breakfasts — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS route directions and maps — Headwater navigation app — High quality bikes — Luggage transfers between hotels — Cycling transfers on day 3 and 5
At a Glance
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels — All breakfasts — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS route directions and maps — Headwater navigation app — High quality bikes — Luggage transfers between hotels — Cycling transfers on day 3 and 5
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0830 and 2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Joining Instructions
Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are not included in this trip. Air prices include our standard flights/transfers Out: Easyjet Gatwick to Valencia 09:10/12:30 then take a taxi approx. 20 mins to the hotel (payable locally, approx 25€). Return: Transfer to airport approx. 1hr 30 mins then Easjet Valencia to Gatwick 13:05/14:40. Alternative transfers If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
When to Go
Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC at night. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.
Spending Money
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.

Highlights