SPAIN - VALENCIA VALENCIA, THE LAND OF CONTRASTS Self-guided tour approx. 220-271 km 8 days / 7 nights Description Welcome to this land of contrasts; of wine and oranges; olive and almond; rivers and sea; city and hamlets; rugged mountain and green valley; orchard and pine tree; modernity and history; religion and secularity, but above all, of sunshine and tradition. Feel the pulse of the region s great city, and step back in time to the echoes of lost ages and cultures as you step outside its walls. Your pedals will propel you gently into a world that few know or ever explore, peopled by a fiercely proud and hospitable race. So, what are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin... Characteristics of the route Nature of the route has been designed to take advantage, as far as possible, of downhill slopes along valleys that start in the interior and wind their way towards coastal plains and the sea. The route hence does not demand a high level of fitness; notwithstanding this, there are different alternatives that can either shorten or lengthen a day s ride. For the first two days, the route follows a former railway line, which is traffic free. For the others are small quiet roads where cars are seldom seen. FUNActive Tours GmbH Bahnhofstraße 3 39034 Toblach (BZ) Italien Tel.: +39 0474 771210 E-Mail: office@funactive.info
cycleholiday A day by day account of the route Day 1: Arrival at Biar Day 2: to Bocairent (approx. 24-32 - 46 km ) Discover the city with many quaint squares and churches; You pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages; Day 3: to Fontanars (approx. 21-34 km) Day 4: to Fontanars round trip (approx. 28-44 km) Take the green route to La Valleta d Agres; Ride along fields sown with cereals, olive groves and vineyards; Day 5: to Xàtiva (approx. 43 km) Day 6: to Cullera (approx. 55 km) Through groves of almond, olive, apricot trees and old vineyards; The hinterland of València; renowned for its quality oranges; Day 7: to València (approx. 46-56 km) Day 8: Departure There are many kinds of cafés and restaurants; taste a local dish; Individual departure or extension of your stay;
detailed routing Day 1: Arrival in Biar You arrive in Biar, a city well-endowed in heritage sites and crowned by its fanciful 12th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes. Day 2: Biar Bocairent (approx. 24-32 - 46 km) You make use of the route provided by a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages as you approach Banyeres de Mariola; in this town you can choose between two routes: Route 1: continuing on flat terrain and bordering the natural enclave known as paraje natural de la Serra de Mariola that in just a few kilometres will take you to Bocairent. Route 2: you venture into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, and ride to higher ground. Here you ll marvel at the stunning views, the flora and the fauna. You then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent for the night s accommodation. Day 3: Bocairent Fontanars (approx. 21-34 km) After a healthy breakfast you set out in the direction of vineyard country. You take the green route that will take you to La Valleta d Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as you pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola. You ll go through villages like Alfafara and Agres, marked by their own distinctive characters. Day 4: Fontanars round trip (approx. 28-44 km) You ride along a quiet lane past peaceful fields sown with cereals, and studded with olive groves and vineyards. Look out for grand buildings that blend into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins. Some of the former noblemen s houses have been converted into wineries and in the village you can visit speciality shops that offer artesanal delicacies and craft items. If you coose the longer route, you will have the opportunity to visit Iberian town called La Bastida which has magnificent views. IV century b.c. Day 5: Fontanars Xàtiva (approx. 43 km) You ll start the day pedalling past verdant fields and fertile groves of almond, olive and apricot trees, all making a patchwork with persimmon plantations and old vineyards. You ll venture into Ontinyent with its historic heart. You ll come across a number of cultural artefacts such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams) and elements of irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You ll take a path bordering the gorge of the Albaida River, (in spring/summer you can take a dip in its waters to cool off). You will then head to the noble town of Xàtiva, a place steeped in history and crowned by an imposing castle. Day 6: Xàtiva Cullera (approx. 55 km) You depart from the city of Xàtiva and delved deeply into the hinterland of València with its verdant market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for its quality oranges which are blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. Another advantage is that there is sunshine and pleasant weather all year round. You ll take quiet roads and paths that weave their way through orange groves that make up a rich green tapestry along the floor of the valley. You venture into a pretty little valley to follow part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries and where there is the opportunity to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Amongst rice fields, you ll arrive in Cullera, a coastal city with beautiful sea views where you ll be able to taste some of the rice specialties of the area. Day 7: Cullera València (approx. 46-56 km) If you choose the longer option, you ll start the day by cycling along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, lush fields and groves of the whole district. You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera, one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna. It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar. Upon reaching Valencia, you ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market a cathedral of a market, indeed! Day 8: Departure Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
starting dates 2018 arrival Sundays The tour is available all year round. General information Classification of the cycle-tour: Self-guided tour Duration: 8 days 7 nights Accommodation: hotels - 3*** and 4**** star category, charming Agritourist farms or high-grade B&Bs Tourist tax if requested has to be paid on the spot. Distance: approx. 220-271 km Starting point: Biar Rental bikes: 21 or 24-gear women s or men s bicycle Electro bike (unisex bike) Arrival: Plain If you fly to Alicante: By train: from Alicante Railway Station to Villena Railway Station (approx. 45 mins. and 10 per person). To get from the airport to the railway station you can take a bus from the airport to Alicante Railway Station/city centre. To get from the airport to the bus station, you can take a bus from the airport to Alicante Railway Station/city centre and a taxi from the city centre to the bus station. If you fly to València: By train: from València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) to Villena Railway Station, where we will pick you up. (approx. 1hr. 15mins. and 15 per person). To get from the airport to València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) /city centre you can take the underground. Get off at Xàtiva underground Station. Included services Accommodation in hotels - 3*** and 4**** star category, charming Agritourist farms or high-grade B&Bs Breakfast buffet or full breakfast If you have booked: evening meal (no half board in València) Personal tour information Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel Detailed documents (maps, route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers) Telephone service hotline for the entire tour (from 9h to 18h) GPS non Included services Arrival to the starting point of the tour Departure at the end of the tour Drinks and all extras Lunch, dinner (if not booked halfboard) Not mentioned entries Rental bikes Travel insurance All not expressly mentioned under the item Included services
prices 2018 Self-guided tour 8/7 Package price per person in a double room with breakfast - season 1 663.00 Package price per person in a double room with breakfast - season 2 675.00 Package price per person in a double room with breakfast - season 3 710.00 Single room surcharge per person 200.00 Half board surcharge per person (6 days, no halfboard in València) 184.00 Additional services Rental bike 89.00 Electro bike 156.00 Children reduction *Reduction for children up to the 5th birthday, with breakfast: 80% *Reduction for children from 5 years to their 12th birthday (with breakfast): 40% *Reduction for children from 12 years to their 15th birthday (with breakfast): 25% Extra nights in Biar (extra days before the tour starts) Per person and night in a double room with breakfast 37.00 Surcharge single room per night 25.00 Extra nights in València Per person and night in a double room with breakfast 50.00 Surcharge single room per night 35.00 *A reduction in cost applies for a third and fourth bed in a room when sharing with two full paying adults. The reduction only applies to the package price (including breakfast) and cannot be used in conjunction with any additional services. Season 1: 07/01-10/03/18 08/04-26/05/18 16/09-27/10/18 18/11-22/12/18 Season 2: 27/05-30/06/18 02/09-15/09/18 Season 3: 11/03-07/04/18 01/07-01/09/18 28/10-17/11/18