Day 1:
Arrival in Lorca. Check-in. You will visit the historic city centre. One night’s accommodation in hotel Jardines de Lorca (Lorca).
Day 2:
Before starting our route to Vélez Blanco, we will discover the historic city centre of Lorca and its Fortress of the Sun. Visiting this Fortress will help us understand the major role it had during the defence of the last medieval border between the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and the Christian Kingdom of Murcia. On our way to Vélez Blanco we will pass through valleys flanked by buttes and wooded hillocks. You will visit the Castle of Xiquena before arriving to Vélez Blanco and its beautiful historic city centre. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn El Palacil (Vélez Blanco).
- 48 km. 4h30 cycling. Activity level: Moderate. Lorca-La Parroquia-Vélez Blanco
Day 3:
In order to reach our destination, we will leave the Andalusian mountain ranges and go deep into the vast plains and gentle hillocks. From tower to castle, we will follow the remnants of the medieval settlements in a landscape which provides escape. We will reach the surroundings of Caravaca, the sixth Holy City of Christianity, through roads and drover’s routes. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn Hospedería Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Caravaca). This is the longest stage, so you can choose to switch the first 25km by transfer (Optional).
- 74 km or 49 km. 7h cycling. Activity level: High. Vélez Blanco-Topares-Los Royos-Navares-Caravaca de la Cruz
Day 4:
Time to sightseeing: what better way to seize the day than visiting Caravaca, the fifth Holy City of Christianity, and then the archaeological site of La Encarnación where Neolithic, Roman, Iberian and Islamic sites coexist. A very relaxing stage along acequias (irrigation ditch) and quiets roads. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn Hospedería Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Caravaca).
- 49 km. 4h30 cycling. Activity level: Moderate. Caravaca de la Cruz-Archivel-La Encarnación-Caravaca de la Cruz
Day 5:
We will carry on to Calasparra through the Ruta Verde del Noroeste. In Moratalla, we strongly recommend to go for a walk through its steep, narrow streets leading to the Christian fortress (15th century) featuring a Homage Tower –a reconstruction of an Islamic fortress of the 15th century– and have a stop to visit the Santa María de la Asunción Church (16th century). After regaining strength, you will reach Calasparra through hundred-year-old olive and almond trees, after crossing ancient bridges and cold-water rivers. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn Constitución (Calasparra).
- 49 km. 5h30 cycling. Activity level: Moderate. Caravaca de la Cruz-Moratalla-Calasparra
Day 6:
After visiting the Sanctuary of Virgen de la Esperanza (optional), you will tour the most outstanding monuments of Calasparra (the Baroque Church of San Pedro, the Clock Tower, etc.). Then, we head to Cieza through very peaceful local paths and roads. Mountain range landscapes and reservoirs will accompany you along this walk. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn San Sebastián (Cieza).
- 50 km. 5h30 cycling. Activity level: Moderate. Calasparra-Santuario de la Esperanza-Cieza
Day 7:
We will visit Cieza and its surroundings: Medina Siyâsa museum and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Calasparra-Cieza. Following the Segura River along the best stretch of its course will carry you to the city of Cieza, which is located in a promontory from where it can dominate the meanders of the river. One night’s accommodation in the rural inn San Sebastián (Cieza).
- 52 km. 5h cycling. Activity level: Moderate. Cieza-Abarán-Blanca-Ójos-Ulea-Abarán-Cieza
Day 8: Departure to your hometown via airport or train station. Breakfast included.
