Othello Stage 2 - Spain and Portugal

We start in Andalucia - the very best region in Spain for history, atmosphere and passion!

We ride the Sierra Nevada - visiting Las Alpujarras - the white washed villages which dot the lower southern slopes before taking on (optional of course!) the Pico Veleta - Europe’s highest road! After hitting the hills we roll to Granada and Cordoba for exceptional history and Moorish architecture in the Alhambra and La Mezquita. Then we head North West into Extremadura, the Spaniard’s Spain where we roll through olive and orange groves into quiet beautiful ancient villages - ideal cycling! The Portuguese border comes all too soon but more fantastic terrain is still to come…

Our Portuguese journey starts in Alentejo, a region full of castles, monasteries, palaces, Roman and medieval ruins. With its rolling topography and views, every rise is a cyclists delight. Our first destination in Portugal was one of its first defenses against Spain in medieval times - Monsaraz, a charming hilltop fortress now surrounded by vines which make some of Portugal’s best wine! Then we roll to UNESCO listed Evora, the capital of the region with a wealth of history from the stunning Roman Temple of Diana to the Igreja de São Francisco - its splendid Gothic cathedral. We then head north into the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede where the beauty of medieval Marvao greets us. From Parque to Parque we head to the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede where one of the challenges of the tour awaits - Torre, Portugal’s highest road and a beautiful 19km climb (@ 6%). Our finale is the Duoro Valley and we roll all the way down it marveling at the views, wineries and climbs!