Why not cycle the lands of the historic Conquistador in luxury by gliding through forests and medieval towns on an E-Bike?
Day one - Start the week in style by staying at The Parador De Oropesa. Once the ancestral home of the Alvarez De Toledo family, it has also accommodated aristocracy, bishops and soldiers. And now you! Become a part of history as you explore the grounds and enjoy the spectacular views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, the perfect place to relax and unwind before getting on the saddle. Or enjoy a feast fit for a king in the atmospheric hotel restaurant. Any town with a fascination with playing cards so strong there is a museum with a rainforest theme park that takes you through a world of fairytales is a place worth visiting!
Day 2 - E-bike leisurely along the gentle flatlands of Extremadura, cycling towards the incredible sight of the Gredos mountains. Cycle alongside Mediterranean forests until you reach Jarandilla de la Vera, which was once home to Emperor Charles V and his son Don Juan de Austria. Make short work of any inclines with a press of the button! Discover the fun of E-Biking and relish still having the energy to explore each destination once you arrive. Feel somewhere exotic as you catch a hint of spice in the air, as Jarandilla is now home to the Vera red bell peppers. These are grown, dried slowly, and smoked traditionally over an oak burning fire to make the fragrant, popular spice Paprika (Pimenton de la Vera.) Brought over by Christopher Columbas to give to Queen Isabella after his second voyage to America, she fell in love with the spice. It comes in 3 varieties, sweet and mild (dulce), bittersweet medium hot (agridulce) and hot (Picante.) This spice is used in dishes such as Paella or Chorizo. No other wood can be used if this is accepted as genuine Pimenton de la Vera with its distinctive, authentic taste. It turns a dish from being average to being fit for a Queen!
You will spend the night in Parador Jarandilla de la Vera, a 15th-century castle nestled amongst lakes and forests of oak and chestnut trees. Relax beside the pool as you breathe in the scent of the orange trees and olive groves surrounding you, then dine at the in house restaurant where the chef specialises in local dishes.
Day 3 - Follow the ancient Roman 'Ruta de la Plata' (Silver Route) to the market city of Plasencia. Known as the 'Pearl of the Valley', Plascencia has kept most of its 12th-century medieval walls and original towers. Feel as though you have stepped back in time as you e-bike into this peaceful city. Nature is another one of Plasencia's attractions, be sure to look up as wild storks tend to nest in high places such as Church bell towers! It is one of the few places to have its own Urban ZEPA (special protection area for birds), thanks to these wild white storks and its colonies of lesser kestrels. Tonight you will be staying in Parador de Plasencia, a converted 15th-century monastery. Feel the rich history as you walk through its spacious hallways and marvel at the thick stoned wall gothic-inspired interior.
Day 4 - Cycle through Monfrauge National Park (Aerial image pictured below) and discover what the Roman's called 'Monsfragorum', roughly translated to 'The Fractured/Dense Mountain'. You can see why as you cycle past their incredible natural beauty. A bird lover's paradise, enjoy your day at a slow pace and see if you can spot some of the common birds found here. You may catch a glimpse of a Black Stork, various kinds of vulture, a Golden, Spanish or Bonelli's Eagle, or even a Booted Eagle. (Look out for its furry legs!). Stay in a lovingly restored country house, Palacio Viejo Casa Rural. Absorb the peaceful country life of Monfrauge as you rest at the foothills of the Corchuelas Mountain range, where this hotel is beautifully situated. Breathe in the fresh air and feel your body and mind relax.
Day 5 - Drift through a peaceful pine-scented route towards the town of Trujillo, where you will spend the next two nights. Linked to the role of the Discovery of America, this is a very important town. Home to the explorers Francisco de Pizarro (discoverer of Peru) and Francisco de Orellana (first European explorer of the Amazon River), you will feel like an explorer yourself as you reach today's destination. Feel an instant sense of calm as you check in to the former convent of Santa Clara, Parador de Trujillo. This luxury hotel has two beautiful cloisters inside—one with Renaissance arches and columns and another which allows natural light to embellish its impressive surroundings. Soak up the surroundings by the pool, then fall asleep in a classy bedroom where the decor is based on Noble's bedroom of years gone by.
Day 6 - Spend the day discovering all there is to see in Trujillo. Having used an E-Bike, you should still have plenty of energy! Why not visit Trujillo Castle? You can walk up to this Medieval Moorish Fortress, and it might start looking a bit familiar! This castle is used as the location of Casterly Rock, the home of the Lannisters (pictured below). It's not hard to see why this picturesque spot was chosen. Take a tour of the castle or simply enjoy the views you are rewarded with from the highest part of town. Or simply relax by the pool and recharge your batteries (both for yourself and your E-Bike!) You could also try some of the regional dishes of Trujillo without even having to leave the hotel. Feel like royalty as you dine on dishes such as acorn-fed Iberian ham or cumin tomato soup with dried figs.
Day 7 - E-Bike through sleepy villages to the UNESCO town of Caceres. With a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and cobbled medieval streets, you will quickly fall for its charm. You will be spending your final night in the Parador de Caceres in the heart of the city's old Quarter. This 14th century stone palace retains its original features, such as its high vaulted ceilings, but the bedrooms are decorated in a more modern style to ease you back to reality! Why not continue the luxury for your last night and buy some fresh cherries (Cereza del Jerte) to eat as you relax in the sun within the cosy gardens of your hotel? These are prized for their superior quality and flavour and grown in the La Vera Mountain valleys north of Caceres. Or get your last fill of Pimenton (paprika) with the tasty popular dish Migas Extremenas (breadcrumbs, garlic, bacon, chorizo and olive oil.)
Day 8 - Today your trip comes to an end, maybe try and round things off with Churros and chocolate sauce for breakfast? I cannot think of a better way to end a holiday...
Check out a combination of all our tours available to book with an e-bike here, or contact the Macs Adventure team at hello@macsadventure.com for more details on e-bike holidays or beyond!