Cycling the Paradors of Extremadura
- Cycle the historic lands of Conquistador Explorers
- End each day in luxury at a Parador Hotel
- Ride across the ancient Roman ‘Ruta de la Plata’
- Visit Trujillo Castle, home of the Casterly Rock in Game of Thrones
- The UNESCO city of Caceres
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive OropesaSouth West of Madrid (1 hr 40min by train), Oropesa is the gateway town to your historical cycling tour. Oropesa is one of the oldest inhabited sites in Spain, dating back to 1761 BC when the legend says that Hercules founded the town. For centuries, Oropesa has served as refuge for monks, nobility and travelers.
Used for 2025 bookings
With its halls, galleries, lush patios and historical elements, Casa Platon de Paramo boasts charm and character. The house dates back to 1800 and retains all the structure and layout of the period with thick walls, 19th century wrought iron railings, numerous 16th century plasterwork, classical doors, antique plates from the 18th to the 20th century, medieval stone shields and capitals, cipos (Arab funerary monuments) from the 11th century and, most valuable, the beautiful interior doorway of the Torrijos Palace, belonging to the Dukes of Sesa and Altamira, which was demolished in 1903.
Once the ancestral home of the Alvarez De Toledo family, the Oropesa was the first converted Parador in this historically, luxurious, unique hotel collection. From you Parador it’s easy to explore the historic quarter of Oropresa or relax in the peaceful grounds and enjoy views across to the Gredos Mountains.
After your bike fitting, it’s gentle beginnings across the flatlands of Extremadura. Cycling northwest towards the Gredos Mountains, you'll first ride on the flat plains known as “dehesa”, with grassland and some holy oak trees. Then you will have more hills and terraced terrain, riding through several villages where you can eat or buy a picnic. Mediterranean forests line your route on the approach to Jarandilla de la Vera. Once home to Emperor Charles V, Parador Jarandilla is a 15th-century castle nestled amongst orange trees and almond groves.
Total ascent/descent: 615m/450m
Jarandilla de la Vera has hosted guests, including Emperor Charles V since the 15th century. From the poolside, peaceful gardens extend to the Tietar River.
Replacement hotel for 2025 bookings until 31st May 2025.
Hotel Ruta Imperial has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as a hot tub.
Today’s ride follows the ancient Roman ‘Ruta de la Plata’ (silver route) to the market town of Plasencia. Today´s ride is all in tarmac and you have a mix of roads. You'll continue riding through the foothills of the mountain range towards Plasencia. There are several climbs but none of them are too long or steep. You start on the main road to Plasencia and just before Tejada del Tiétar the route goes off into more secondary roads with wonderful views of the plains of Extremadura. You'll then rejoin the main road for the final 8km. Plasencia is a fantastic place to explore. Retaining much of its 12th-century city wall along with 68 towers, the double cathedral complex and Moorish ruins are a testimony to the rich Islamic and Christian history. Your Parador tonight is the delightfully converted 15th century Santo Domingo Monastery.
Total ascent/descent: 715m/980m
Located on an ancient pilgrimage route this 15th century monastery greets you with thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings and Gothic interior.
A region famed for raising the fierce ‘El Toro’ and black ‘Iberico’ pig, Monfrague National Park is also a bird lover’s paradise. Today´s ride takes you into the National Park of Monfragüe, heading South away from the mountain range. There is a steep climb at the beginning to leave the city as it is situated in the valley of the River Jerte but then you will be generally descending before you reach two more climbs at the end in the natural park close to your hotel.The rocky outcrops are populated by Egyptian, Eurasian Black and Griffon Vultures. Spending the evening in lovingly restored Casa Rural, your hosts will be happy to provide further guidance about the rich flora and fauna in this region.
Total ascent/descent: 480m/520m
Dating back 200 years, nestled in 600ha of farmland, Placio Viejo is a lovingly restored traditional country house - a perfect place to absorb the peaceful country life of Monfrague.
Hospedería Parque de Monfragüe is located at the entrance to Monfragüe National Park, a site of unique wildlife and biodiversity.
It is the perfect location to explore the park and unwind surrounded by nature.
This modern hotel has a large swimming pool and balconies. Relax by visiting the spa, or keep fit in the gym.
A peaceful pine-scented route takes you from the rich bio-diversity of Monfrague to the conquistador’s town of Trujillo. Today´s ride is relatively flat and easy. It is good that it is only 48 km so that you can probably get to your hotel before lunch since there is a lot to see, do and many places to eat in Trujillo. The surrounding landscape is grassland dotted with cork and holly oak trees and you will probably see bulls, sheep and black pigs scattered in the big properties. Once the Santa Clara Convent, the restored renaissance arches preserved the peaceful ambience of Parador Trujillo. With two nights here, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up your serene surroundings from the comfort of the poolside. Home to conquistadors; Fransico Pizarro, Diego Parades and Hernan Cortes, Trujillo's labyrinth of medieval streets, churches and historic houses sprawl up the hillside.
Total ascent/descent: 510m/300m
Occupying the former convent of Santa Clara this Parador boasts two beautiful cloisters, which retain the peaceful ambiance and tranquillity of this historic building.
Enjoy a scenic loop ride from one of Spain's most significant cultural and historic towns, taking you through the town and to the mountains nearby. The circular route is one of the longer routes of the tour and it does have some important climbs but it does take you to the beautiful hills of Sierra de las Villuercas, a wild and isolated part of Extremadura. The land is managed very little and is mostly used as hunting grounds. You are likely to see a variety of birds of prey and small and large mammals living in this typical Mediterranean oak woodland and shrubland.
Total ascent/descent: 555m/520m
Alternatively, you may wish to opt for a rest day here, and explore Trujillo on foot.
Occupying the former convent of Santa Clara this Parador boasts two beautiful cloisters, which retain the peaceful ambiance and tranquillity of this historic building.
Cycling through sleepy villages, country lands soon give way to the UNESCO town of Caceres. Today's ride is relatively easy since it is mostly flat except for one point in the middle of the ride where you go down to a river and then have to climb up the valley. A crowded skyline of turrets, storks’ nests and church spires, Caceres is a feast of sightseeing which will take you back to the golden age of Spanish Explorers, Moorish rule and across the ancient route ‘Via Delapidata’, used by pilgrims heading for Santiago de Compostela. Your final Parador this evening is an exquisitely preserved 15th century Renaissance palace.
Total ascent/descent: 310m/400m
Parador de Cáceres is a Renaissance palace in the heart of the city's old quarter, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. You will fall in love with the Parador's elegance and exquisite refurbishment, enjoy pleasant chats in its function rooms and meals in the cozy garden.
Depending on your travel plans, you may wish to explore Caceres further or take a direct train service to Madrid (3 hrs).
This trip has a carbon score of 4kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 4kg is equivalent to 2.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Graded moderate, you’ll be earning each night of luxury in historic Parador hotels. Cycling days are broken up with picturesque rest-stops, village tapas bar and a wealth of Spanish history. Daily distance usually cover around 45km—55km and include some sections of hillier terrain. This is a perfect trip for active travellers that enjoy an evening of comfort and history after a day in the saddle.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
Itineraries on this cycling trip are graded Moderate. Occasionally you may encounter a few moderate slopes. However, the ascent is not too difficult or prolonged. You will cycle principally on quiet country lanes and some busier roads when approaching towns. Please always mindful of other road users.
Daily distance usually cover around 45km—55km and include some sections of hillier terrain. This is a perfect trip for active travellers that enjoy an evening of comfort and history after a day in the saddle.
You'll spend 5 nights in 4-star parador hotels, 1 night in a 4-star hotel and 1 night in a country house. Paradors in Spain are a network of restored castles, monasteries, convents, fortresses, manor houses and palaces. They hold historical and cultural value.
Please note that for bookings prior to May 31st 2025, you will instead be booked in a 4-star hotel instead of the parador, due to renovations. This means spending 4 nights in paradors instead of 5. Bookings from 1st June will be booked in the parador.
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Cyclists
This tour is suitable for solo cyclists for a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Breakfast is a leisurely affair and adequate time should be allocated. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure app which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route info. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.
- 5 Nights in 4* Parador Hotels, 1 night 4-star hotel and 1 night in a country house
- 7 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack
- Detailed route notes with maps
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office and local partner
- Travel to Oropesa / from Caceres
- Bike hire & E Bike Hire
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Additional nights along the route
- Upgrade you meal plan to half board
- Bike hire & E Bike hire
This tour is offered from March to June & from September to November.
July and August are the hottest months of the year, with little to no rainfall. The temperatures rise into the mid 30 degree Celsius during the day. We do not offer this tour in July and August as it is too hot for cycling.
June and September, just before and after summer, are dry and sunny with some hotter days. March, April, May, October and November are cooler, still with plenty of sunshine. Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water. It is also advised to wear skin-protecting clothing and use sun cream/screen.
By Bus: Madrid Airport buses run directly to Madrid Atocha train station. From here, there is a direct train service to Oropesa (1hr 40mins).
By Taxi: from Madrid Airport to Madrid Atocha train station will cost approximately €30 and take around 30 mins depending on the time of day.
By Private Transfer: from Madrid or Madrid Airport to Oropesa can easily be arranged, please contact us for prices.
Train: There are regular trains from Caceres to Madrid Atocha train station (3hr 30mins). Trains in Spain can be booked in advanced through the RENFE website.
Private transfers: from Caceres to Madrid or Madrid Airport are available, please contact us for prices.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, sports shoes, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
Giant Argento 24 speed touring bikes are available for hire. Rental bikes come equipped with a basic repair kit, pump and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Male and female frames are available. E-bikes are also available on this trip which offers a boost on the hills are the legs need a little help pedalling.
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride.
If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip such as a Giant Argento, Scott Sub, Trek 7200 or similar.
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Paradors can get very busy during late spring and early autumn months. You will find up to date availability on our website and please give us a shout if you have a query.
The roads in this region of Spain are generally not difficult to cycle. You may encounter some more challenging sections of road, but these usually dont last for long. Its a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your holiday so you get used to riding back to back days. Cycling distances on this holiday are broken up with opportunities to stop for coffee in village plazas and plenty of panoramic photo opportunities.
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation. Just leave them at the reception at your hotel in the morning and they will be picked up and taken to the next overnight stop. Please limit your luggage to one bag per person of no more than 20kgs.
You will need comfortable shoes and clothes to cycle in (layers are always a good option), a daypack/hydration pack and sunblock. A full equipment list will be provided in your info pack.
March to June and September to October are just about perfect conditions. Daytime temperature can vary from late teens in March to the late twenties in June. The spring months also offer the best of Extremadura’s flora and fauna. September through to November deliver warm days of cycling and fewer tourists make for prime time visiting.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. In some cases the baggage transfer service that takes your bags on to your next accommodation may be able to assist, but this is not guaranteed. Our local office can assist with helpful advice should you need to arrange transport for yourself or anyone in your party.
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