Your JourneyDay 1: Arrive the pretty medieval town of Oropesa, easily reached by train from Madrid (2 hrs). Day 2 Oropesa to Jarandilla de la Vera 55 or 67 km +612m Cycle at the foothills of the Gredos Mountains to reach Jarandilla de la Vera which has a wealth of architectural wonders to explore. Stay the night in a restored castle. Day 3 Jarandilla de la Vera to Plasencia 59 or 69 km +525m Cycle to the walled market town of Plasencia. Its’ cathedral and historic quarter are a must see. Tonight’s Parador is a 15th century Gothic monastery. Day 4 Plasencia to Monfrague National Park 44 km +383m Cycle south to the Tajo River and Monfrague NP, popular for its bird life. Continue through open countryside dotted with cork and oak trees. The farms here are known for raising wild bulls and the famous black ‘iberico’ pigs. Day 5 Monfrague NP to Trujillo 49 km +427m Trujillo, home to the most famous Conquistadors, is one of Spain's finest gems. The walled hilltop town, overlooks the expansive countryside and dates back to 600 BC. The wealth from the conquests of the Conquistadors can be seen in much of Trujillo’s perfectly preserved architecture. Your Parador tonight is the former convent of Santa Clara. Day 6 Trujillo to Caceres 55 kms +350m The scenery of your last ride is a beautiful mix of small villages and outstanding landscapes. At Caceres explore the cobbled streets as they twist and climb amongst ancient stone walls, alongside impressive palaces and mansions. You will stay in one of those palaces tonight. Day 7 Arrangements end. TerrainModerate: Long distances and hilly terrain, with perhaps 4 ascents per day. |
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Conquistadors & Paradors of the Extremadura
Self Guided 8 Days / 7 Nights
Extremadura is the land of the “Conquistadores”, the men that pioneered the exploration of the Americas as the Spanish Empire expanded. The magnificent wealth generated by its people can be seen in towns like Trujillo and Caceres, in the Palaces that where built by the pioneers that came back. The climate is benign due to its low altitude and southerly aspects. The land is blessed with water providing grazing for herds of cattle and sheep. Accommodation is in historic Paradors whose uniqueness lies in the fact they are located in renovated, historic buildings such as palaces, castles or convents. One night it will be in a restored castle and another in a 15th century monastery.
