Cycling in Murcia

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~~$638~~

$606

Cycling in Murcia

7 Days Starting in Murcia and ending in Murcia, Spain

Visiting: Murcia, Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz, Calasparra, Cieza

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

859

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$638

$606 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$32

Tour Overview

A week of cycling in Murcia, starting in the inland village of Bullas, a wine region where you begin your journey along one of Spain’s Via Verde routes. The first night of cycling is in the pilgrimage town of Caravaca de la Cruz, famous for its castle of Islamic origins. This is one of many places en route influenced by Islamic culture during the 800-year rule. Other sacred spots in sublime locations include Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza and Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, outside the city of Murcia. This tour is reachable by rail, and there is also an option to rent e-bikes.

Highlights

Caravaca de la Cruz
Murcia
Calasparra
Embalse Alfonso XIII
Valle de Ricote

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Murcia

Location: Murcia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Cetina or similar in Murcia

Meals Included: No Meals

Welcome to Murcia. Depending on arrival time, spend the afternoon strolling through the city or head to a terrace cafe for tapas.

Day 2 : Bullas - Caravaca De La Cruz | 38Km

Location: Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hospedería Rural Almunia or similar in Caravaca de la Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

The cycling week begins with a transfer to Bullas (45mins) before following a Via Verde bike path. Along the way, stop for a wander around the hilltop village of Cehegín and enjoy a bite to eat or drink. From here, an optional loop can be added, cycling along on quiet country roads past flower farms and vegetable fields before ending the day in Caravaca de la Cruz. One of the main features of Caravaca is its castle, dating back to Islamic times.

Cycling for the day: 38km, ↑300m, ↓300m

Day 3 : Circular Route From Caravaca De La Cruz | 46Km

Location: Caravaca de la Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hospedería Rural Almunia or similar in Caravaca de la Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s circular route passes multiple Roman and Christian sanctuaries and heads through settlements from numerous different eras, from the medieval, Iberian and Roman times all the way back to the Palaeolithic Age. Begin the ride with an ascent to Archivel, before following a way-marked route through villages and farmland, eventually descending into La Encarnación. Conclude the day by following a short section of a Grandes Randonnées track back to Caravaca de la Cruz. Spend the remainder of the afternoon visiting Plaza del Arco, famous for the Moros y Cristiano statues.

Cycling for the day: 46km, ↑450m, ↓450m

Day 4 : Caravaca De La Cruz - Calasparra | 43Km

Location: Caravaca de la Cruz, Calasparra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Primavera or similar in Calasparra

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s route begins with a steep 150m ascent followed by an wonderful, gradual descent along a section of greenway. Stop in Moratalla for lunch and explore the Castillo Fortaleza Moratalla and the town’s 16th-century church. Continuing onward, the route passes olive groves and orchards before eventually reaching Calasparra.

Cycling for the day: 43km, ↑450m, ↓740m

Day 5 : Calasparra - Cieza | 46Km

Location: Calasparra, Cieza

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hospedería San Sebastián or similar in Cieza

Meals Included: Breakfast

Either spend the morning visiting the sites of Calasparra or cycle an optional 13km loop to visit Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza, a sanctuary honouring Our Lady of Hope. From Calasparra, cycle through remote landscapes with views over the reservoir, Embalse Alfonso XIII, before following Río Segura past almond and apricot orchards. The final 6.5km of today’s route follows the river into Cieza.

Cycling for the day: 46km, ↑480m, ↓630m

Day 6 : Cieza - Murcia | 58Km

Location: Cieza, Murcia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Cetina or similar in Murcia

Meals Included: No Meals

Cycle alongside waterways towards Segura, before heading into Valle de Ricote. Follow the valley’s jade-coloured river past orchards and palm trees to reach the 15th-century villages of Abarán, Blanca, Ójos and Ulea. From here, cycle along quiet lanes back to Murcia and enjoy a well-earned drink and some tapas.

Cycling for the day: 58km, ↑200m, ↓340m

Day 7 : Departure (Optional Loop From Murcia) | 25Km

Location: Murcia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast or extend your bike hire and take on an optional ascent to Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, a hilltop sanctuary, home to Murcia’s patron saint. The sanctuary also has a café that serves tasty snacks and offers views over the city.

Cycling for the day (optional): 25km, ↑90m, ↓90m

What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights in en-suite rooms
Meals

5 breakfasts
Luggage transport (one piece per person up to 20kg)
Detailed digital holiday information pack

Including route descriptions and maps (please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure. Physical documents are not able to be posted or provided on-site)
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Flights and connecting land transfers
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Breakfast in Cieza
Travel insurance
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
Personal expenses
Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme

Check out our Q&As

Difficulty and terrain

This trip is rated moderate and is suitable for intermediate cyclists as some of the days include short but challenging ascents. Daily cycling distances range between 25-58km with an average ascent of 300m. We will provide detailed route notes and maps (in digital format) and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes we can, please contact us for details
When to go

This tour is available year-round, except for Easter. The period of 29 April – 05 May 2024, when the Caravaca festivities occur, is on request only. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season. The region of Murcia has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers without any heavy rain, boasting around 325 sunny days a year. In spring, the temperatures are warm enough to swim and are perfect for outdoor activities, with an average of 14C in March, 16C in April and 20C in May. Summers are hot, with an average of 24C-26C, but can go up to 33C in July and August. In autumn, temperatures start to drop to 24C in September, 19C in October and 15C in November. Autumn nights can be a little chilly. The months from December to February are still filled with clear, sunny days and low rainfall. The average daily temperatures are 10C-14C.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
Are flights included in this tour?

No, international flights are not included

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on all documentation
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this Operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

Lorraine McHugh (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful cycling...

12-Jan-2024

We had a wonderful cycling trip through Puglia. The scenery was so beautiful. The accommodations we had were ideal! Luggage transfer was always prompt and a small adjustment was made to my bike, upon request, midway through the trip. The bike technician was extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip and this company!

Dates & Availability

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May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024

Instant Booking Available

Monday - Sunday

May 06, 2024 - May 12, 2024

~~$638~~ $606 (USD)