Madrid Self Guided Bike Tour

Overview

Experience the best of Madrid and its surroundings by bike at your own pace! This tour offers a perfect blend for those who love the outdoors and crave culture and history. Ride through serene landscapes south of Madrid, expansive olive fields, and the breathtaking Sierra de Guadarrama. Discover iconic sights like the Aranjuez Palace, the medieval center of Chinchón, the monasteries of El Escorial and Rascafría, the castle of Manzanares el Real, and the walled medieval town of Buitrago de Lozoya with its Picasso Museum. The tour takes advantage of Madrid’s sunny spring and summer weather and spectacular fall colors for an unforgettable introduction to the attractions and charm just outside the city. Savor memorable Spanish cuisine, immerse yourself in rich history and culture, visit remarkable museums and palaces, and enjoy scenic roads under a bright blue sky year-round. This journey is the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Average climate in Madrid, Spain (past 12 months) shows temperatures ranging from 36.3°F to 96.2°F (2.4°C to 35.7°C) and rainfall from 0.31 inches to 4.15 inches (7.8mm to 105.3mm). Typical food in Madrid reflects hearty, traditional Spanish cooking with influences from all over the country. The most iconic dish is cocido madrileño, a rich chickpea stew with meats and vegetables served in stages. Other local favorites include callos a la madrileña (tripe stew), bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich), and a wide variety of tapas enjoyed in the city’s lively bars. Madrid’s wines come mainly from the Vinos de Madrid Denomination of Origin, which covers several subzones such as Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. The region produces a range of styles, including robust red wines made from Tempranillo (known locally as Tinto Fino) and Garnacha, as well as crisp whites from Malvar and Albillo grapes. These wines are gaining recognition for their quality and pair beautifully with traditional Madrilenian cuisine. Day 1: Madrid – Chinchon (Madrid). Guests begin with a scenic van ride to Chinchón. Bikes are fitted, and a road book and maps are provided. A short ride allows guests to get a feel for the roads, followed by leisure time to explore Chinchón's charming streets and main square. Day 2: Chinchon – Aranjuez. The ride leads through rolling olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests. The route passes under shaded corridors of tall pines and alongside fertile farmland nourished by the Tagus River. It culminates in the vibrant town center of Aranjuez. Day 3: Buitrago de Lozoya-Lozoya. A van transfer takes guests to Buitrago del Lozoya, a medieval town with well-preserved Moorish walls. Guests can explore the town and visit the Picasso Museum. The scenic ride winds through the Lozoya Valley, with oak and pine forests and mountain views, ending at a bike-friendly hotel with a spa. Day 4: Lozoya - El Escorial. The ride gradually climbs toward the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, with views of pine forests and panoramic vistas. The route passes the Navacerrada Pass and descends through picturesque mountain villages, continuing to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, home to the Monastery and Royal Site of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Day 5: El Escorial - Manzanares el Real. The ride winds through picturesque towns along the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, with beautiful mountain views. The route approaches Manzanares el Real, featuring the striking Castle of Manzanares el Real, a fifteenth-century fortress. Day 6: Manzanares el Real - Madrid. The route follows a dedicated 40-kilometer bike path linking the mountains to the city, winding through gentle hills, open fields, and woodland, with panoramic views of the Castilian plains. The city’s skyline emerges as guests descend toward Madrid. The day concludes back in the heart of the city, allowing time for exploration. Day 7: Departure. The tour concludes after breakfast. Accommodation includes Parador de Chinchón (a former 17th-century convent), NH Collection Palacio Aranjuez (near the Royal Gardens), Ciclolodge in Lozoya (a bike-friendly hotel), Exe Victoria Palace in San Lorenzo de El Escorial (blending classicism and elegance), La Pedriza Rural House (a cozy retreat in the Sierra de Guadarrama), and Hotel Ocean Drive Madrid (contemporary boutique style with a rooftop pool). Inclusions: Accommodation with breakfast, daily luggage transfers between hotels, van transfers on day 1 (Madrid to Chinchon) and day 3 (Aranjuez to Buitrago), PDF personalized itinerary and offline maps, and unique Bike Spain gifts. Optional extras include travel insurance, a single room supplement, and a single departure supplement. Bike options include the Specialized Sirrus 3.0 touring bike, Specialized Tarmac Carbon road bike, and the Electric Bike Specialized Vado Turbo SL.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included