region
region
easy
rider
escape
from £845 pp
7 nights, Guided, Half Board
relaxed riding week
If you prefer gentler routes with kinder climbs, combined with time to enjoy a coffee and the beautiful scenery, then our relaxed week might be the ideal one for you. This is a fully guided and supported week with the option of using a power-assisted e-bike.
This week explores the Vall d'Albaida, Serra Mariola and the surrounding area known as the "Tuscany of Valencia". We take you to beautiful climbs, rolling wine county and through stunning National Parks and valleys, to the most scenic villages and historic towns from our countryside base located in the most beautiful corner of Valencia and Alicante. We take time to stop and visit some of the sightseeing highlights and sample the best cafes, restaurants and vineyards to be found anywhere.
Whether you're travelling on your own or with a group we ensure that everyone is included.
For more experienced or stronger riders we can also add extra climbs and ride extensions. Some of the climbs are optional as is taking a shorter day on this trip, and all of the climbs can be taken at your own pace.
the region
Valencia is a mountainous region, with a rich history of culture, civilisation, agriculture and wine making. In the 16th Century its wines were considered to be the best in the world and in recent times are seeing a vibrant rebirth at the forefront of organic wine making. It is home to some of the finest castles in all of Spain, spectacular National Parks and glorious verdant landscapes unfamiliar to many visitors. The gastronomy is second to none and a warm greeting is guaranteed from people keen to welcome to you to the real Valencia.
who is it for?
Shorter distances and kinder climbs at a more gentle pace.
Suited to less experienced riders or those wanting a relaxed week.
You can regularly complete rides of 30km to 50km.
how hard is it?
Difficulty: relaxed
Daily distance: 30-50 km
Total distance: 200 km
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 10
highlights
Serra Mariola National Park
Historic Xativa castle
Bocairent & Covetes del Moros
Fontanars del Alforins
La Bastida de les Alcusses
Bodega wine tour
Gentler climbs
Optional challenging climbs
Emita Sant Esteve
Beginner friendly descent
Best hand picked cafe stops
Dinner in fantastic restaurants
dates & prices
From £845pp - based on 2 two people sharing.
4 night stays also available, please contact us for dates and prices.
For group bookings please contact us.
what is included?
7 nights accommodation
daily room cleaning service
cycling kit wash
swimming pool and towels
Wifi
the riding
5 days guided cycling
support vehicle
mechanical assistance
secure bike storage
comprehensive route guides
GPX route map files
food & drink
welcome drinks & tapas
continental breakfast
coffee, tea & soft drinks
5 post-ride meals
restaurant bookings
restaurant transport
not included
flights
airport transfers (optional: £150 for 3 people & 3 bikes, or 5 people )
bike hire (optional: from £100)
travel insurance
road side lunches
cost of evening meals
hire bike insurance
trip overview
Summary of the weeks riding, daily distances and climbing.
Day 01 Arrival & welcome reception
Day 02 fontanars loop - 35 km
Day 03 serra mariola - 71 km
Day 04 rest day, ride or sightseeing
Day 05 mogente - 55 km
Day 06 xativa - 60 km
Day 07 sant esteve - 45 km
Day 08 depart
The itinerary is indicative of the planned week, it may be adapted according to your arrival and departure flights, local conditions, and to the level of the group - enabling riders to get the best out of their week.
detailed itinerary
day 01: arrival
One of the escapar team will meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you directly to the retreat if you have booked transfers, or welcome you on arrival if arriving by yourself.
If you are arriving on an early flight and wish to ride after assembling your bike or fitting of our hire bike, we can recommend an easy rolling route towards Albadia or Fontanars. It's locally known for good reason as the 'Tuscany of Valencia'. We have many other routes to choose from, if you want something more challenging.
day 02: fontanars loop
Heading straight from the Finca, pristine tarmac immediately takes you onto on beautifully scenic and traffic free country roads, where you'll pass by vineyards, bodegas and castles, with views of the Serra Mariola to your left and Serra Grossa to your right.
We take a stop in Fontanars del Alforins at an inernationally renowned Bodega, where we can sample the local vermouth or simply enjoy a cortado before we head back The return takes us on a perfect beginner friendly descent. to build confidence and fine tune our technique.
Ride extensions include Font de la Figuera, Villena or the Beniexama climbs. There are no major climbs on the ride.
day 03: serra mariola
A day of stunning riding in and around the Serra Mariola National Park. We climb out of Ontinyent over the Port Bocairent and head towards the Port de Mariola. The riding and scenery is different from that you might have experienced nearer the coast, the land and colours and more vibrant, the fields greener and the mountain tops occasionally snowcapped in winter.
We make stops in ancient Bocairent, possibly the best preserved ancient village in Spain and can choose to visit the bullring and hermitage or the Moorish caves in the mountains. We also stop in Alcoy, City of Bridges before returning via the Serra Mariola and Agres.
Ride extensions include La Cantera and Zapata from Cocentaina. The ride includes climbs of the Portillol, Serra Mariola and Subida a Agres.
day 04: rest day
On the rest day you can choose to put your feet up and relax at the Finca, go sight seeing, walking or perhaps a gentle spin to a Bodega.
We recommend and can arrange the following:
-
Day trip to Valencia
-
Local walk to Pou Clar or Bocairent
-
Sighting, shopping and Menu del Dia in Ontinyent
-
Train ride through the Serra Mariola to Alcoy
-
Wine testing Bodega visit and trip to Villena
-
Day in Xativa and trip to Xativa Castle
day 05: mogente
We roll out from the Finca and drop down to briefly follow the Clariano (Ontinyent) river taking us towards Ontinyent, where it's a short sharp climb backup to cross the stunning Santa Maria bridge and onto the mountains of the Serra Grossa. Our biggest climb of the week takes us up the Port de Portitxol, with stunning views of the Vall D'Albaida, Serra Grossa and Costera plains, matched by a spectacular descent, down through the gorge into Mogente and the nearby El Pobalado Ibero de La Bastida de les Alcusses, a 4th century BC Iberian city of major importance. We continue towards Fontanars del Alforins passing Celler del Roure, where wine is made with ancient amphora.
day 06: xativa
We ride west and north through the pretty villages of the Vall d'Albaida with stunning views of the Sierra de Benicadell, passing lake Bellus before arriving in Xativa. There's a short climb to the castle, where we stop to explore and take in the most fantastic views in every direction. The castle sits on Vernissa hill on the strategic Via Augusta and was declared a National Monument, having been built and developed by Iberians, Romans and Borgia's.
Ride extensions include the stunning El Campello, Port Paller and Port Beniarres and rides towards lake Anna.
day 07: serra grossa
We finish our week with a ride in Umbria and Tuscany of Valencia, passing the stunning Pou Clar lakes before taking the stunning Port Paller and descending back down towards Ontinyent. We complete the week with the option the spectacular climb to the Sant Esteve hermitage, that offers unparalleled views of the Vall D'Albaida, Serra Grossa and Ontinyent.
