short
weeks
fabulous valencia
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 winemaking. 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.
short weeks
Our short week explores the Vall d'Albaida, Serra Mariola and the surrounding area. 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 can take time to stop and visit some of the sightseeing highlights and sample the best cafes, restaurants and views to be found anywhere.
The week balances fantastic riding, with a mixture of longer and shorter days, with stops at historic sites, towns and vineyards. 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. All of the climbs can be taken at your own pace.
There is a ride every day, but guests are welcome take a rest day should they wish. We can tailor the ride to your group and choose rides from our extensive library of classic routes.
who is it for?
A mixture of distances and climbs, taken at your pace.
Will suit most regular riders.
Will
how hard is it?
Difficulty: all riders
Daily distance: 80 km
Total distance: 400 km
Daily climbing: 1250 m
Total climbing: 6250 m
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 8
highlights
Serra Mariola National Park
Bocairent & Covetes del Moros
Fontanars del Alforins
Font Roja
La Bastida de les Alcusses
Bodega wine tour
Gentler climbs
Optional challenging climbs
Emita Sant Esteve
Best hand picked cafe stops
Dinner in fantastic restaurants
dates & prices
Launch Price is £995
Gourmet week option £1750
trip overview
Summary of the weeks riding, daily distances and climbing. Rides extensions available to add more miles and mountains. Every ride can tailored to the groups requirements and abilities.
Day 01 Arrival & welcome reception
Day 02 sant esteve 45km 1000m
Day 03 serra mariola - 93 km 1800m
Day 04 fontanars loop - 40km 500m
Day 05 mogente - 99 km 1500m
Day 06 font roja - 95 km 1600m
Day 07 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.
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 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.
distance: 0km climbing: 0m
day 02: sant esteve
We start our week with a ride in Umbria and Tuscany of Valencia, passing the stunning Pou Clar lakes and stop to visit Fontanars. We complete the day with the spectacular climb to the Sant Esteve hermitage, that offers unparalled views of the Vall D'Albaida, Serra Grossa and Ontinyent.
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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.
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day 04: 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.
Ride extensions include Font de la Figuera, Villena or the Beniexama, Paller climbs. There are otherwise no major climbs on the ride.
distance: 0km climbing: 0m
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.
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day 06: font roja
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 snowcapped in winter. We pass ancient Alcoy, a spectacular dmll city of more than 30 bridges and from here we have the choice to add two optional climbs. Neither are long, but both are a significant challenge. Valverde sealed the overall win, passing and dropping Simon Yates in the 2018 Volta on the final slopes of La Cantera.Font Roja provides the highlight of the day, a climb in its own National Park that also affords wonderful views of the Serra Mariola opposite.
distance: 0km climbing: 0m
optional rest day
If you wish to take an optional 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:
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Day trip to Valencia
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Local walk to Pou Clar or Bocairent
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Sighting, shopping and Menu del Dia in Ontinyent
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Train ride through the Serra Mariola to Alcoy
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Wine testing Bodega visit and trip to Villena
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Day in Xativa and trip to Xativa Castle
distance: 0km climbing: 0m
what is included?
6 nights accommodation
scheduled airport transfers
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
organisation of rest day trips
food & drink
welcome reception
continental breakfast
coffee & soft drinks
oost-ride refuel
restaurant bookings
restaurant transport
not included
flights
travel insurance
road side lunches
cost of evening meals
hire bike insurance