The Jewish community of Spain (Sefarad) was one of the most unique and important in the Middle Ages, and occupies an outstanding place in Jewish history. Historical Cycling International invites you to join us on a exiting journey through Southern Spain (Andalucia) where over several centuries developed a Jewish culture that attained the highest pinnacles of creativity and was the most remarkable in the world at the time. We will explore the beautiful cities of Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba, flourishing centers in the Middle Ages of Arab, Christain and Jewish co-existence, and the cradle of what has been called the Golden Age of Spanish Judaism. We will cycle through unspoiled countryside and explore the exquisite and famous white hill-top towns of Andalucia; including Ronda, Grazalema and Arcos de la Frontera. We will stay at many of Andalucia's most beautiful lodgings, including her Paradores, a unique hotel network of international prestige and great tradition and famous for their historical-artistic value and magnificent natural landscapes. .

Days 1 & 2: Granada
Afternoon rendezvous at the 4 star Alhambra Palace Hotel in Granada. Lecture of Jewish cultural history in Granada and Andalucia and visit to the "La Juderia", the old Jewish quarter. Walking tour of the sites of the famous Spanish poet and writer Garcia Lorca in Old Grenada, Albaicin and Paseo de las Tristes. Welcome dinner in the city of Granada.
Walking tour of the second wonder of the world, La Alhambra; and guided visit of the Royal gardens of El Generalife, the military Alcazaba, Los Reales Palacios Nazaries and the Renaissance Palace of King Charles V. Lunch at the Parador in La Alhambra. Afternoon bike ride in the Sierra Nevada National Park. 30 km downhill ride on the old 'Alpine' road through pine forests to the Genil Valley. Dinner at our favorite restaurant in Granada.

Day 3: Antequera
Transfer to Alhama de Granada via Lake Bermejales. Short guided tour of Alhama and the monuments with views of ancient mill workings and Moorish irrigation systems from 12th century. Cycle to Villanueva del Trabuco via Ventas de Zafarraya and Puerto de los Alazores. Transfer to Antequera. Visit monuments of this typical Andalucia city. Evening at the Parador of Antequera.

Day 4: Antequera to Ronda
Ride from El Torcal National Park to Guadalhorce lakes and forests. Lunch in Ardales Nature Park with wonderful views of the lake. Continue to Ardales via the El Chorro gorge. Arrive to the "Goyesca" and historical city of Ronda. Guided tour of one of Andalucia's most picturesque towns.

Day 5: Ronda to Grazalema
Cycle from Ronda, the capital of the White Hill-Top towns of Andalucia, to enchanting Grazalema. Pedal through pristine forests in this natural wonderland. Buffet picnic lunch on route. Arrive in Grazalema and enjoy a visit to a original wool mill and guided tour of this charming village.

Day 6: Grazalema to Sevilla via El Bosque, Algar and Arcos de la Frontera
Cycle to El Bosque via el Puerto del Boyar. Stop for spectacular views of the Spanish coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Continue descent to El Bosque via the quaint mountain village of Benaocaz. Pedal to Arcos de la Frontera offering wonderful views of the Dongana Park, the most important wild animal reserve in Europe. Arrive to Arcos de la Frontera. Walking tour of this Prehistoric, Roman, Moorish and Christian White Hill-Top town. Transfer to the Spanish Baroque city of Sevilla. Dine in the historic quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz, one of the most important Jewish neighborhoods in Spain. Enjoy a night stroll through the perfumed alleys and curved streets of this chic district.

Day 7: Sevilla, Cordoba
Visit La Giralda, La Cathedral de Sevilla, Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral and Reales Alcazares, the royal residence from 1364. Lunch on the banks of the Guadalquivir overlooking the 'Paseo Colon.' Horse and Carriage ride along the Avenida Palmeras, Plaza de Espana and Parque De Maria Luisa. Afternoon and evening free to shop, explore and dine in one of Sevilla's many "Tapas Bars."

Day 8: Cordoba
Transfer to Caliphate Cordoba, the Spanish capital from the 8th- 11th century and the birthplace of the incomparable Maimonides. Guided tour of the Juderia, where little has changed over the centuries, including it's narrow cobbled streets, secluded niches and tiny workshops. Visit the historic synagogue and statue of Maimonides. Explore the 5th wonder of the world, La Mezquita., an extraordinary combination of art, architecture and science from the 8th century. Lunch in Cordoba. Afternoon free to wander Cordoba's old city and discover her famous hidden garden patios. Return to Seville. Dinner and farewell celebrations.

Day 9: After breakfast we see you off on your next adventure