Extremadura is the birthplace of the great adventurers the likes of Balboa, Cortes, de Soto and Pizarro, who brought riches and fame to their Spanish countrymen. Ride with us in the spirit of these Conquistadors and trace their footsteps on a journey of rugged beauty.

2010 Dates see Tour Calendar
6 days/5 nights

Level of Difficulty:  Flat to gentle rolling hills

Tour Details:  Meet in Caceres
Lodging: Manor Houses, 16th Century Convent

Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 Caceres - We meet for a walking tour with our art historian in the World Heritage City, then a warm-up ride after lunch where giant stork’s nests and tiny white villages make up the scenery.  Later we sample the delectable aperitif “the Extremadura kiss”.  The next day is a scenic loop ride through chestnut and cork forests.

Day 3 Trujillo - Bike to the lavishly restored noble home of Francisco Pizzaro who conquered the empire of Peru and the Incas with under 200 men.  Later we sample pastries made by the nuns of Santa Clara and shop for home made embroidery.  We also have time to stroll the streets and visit the cafes that surround the statue of Pizzaro.  His descendants still reside here and maintain the title of Marquis of the Conquest.

Day 4,5 & 6 Merida – We cycle through tiny white washed villages and fields of wildflowers to the “Rome of Spain”.  Tomorrow we tour the sumptuos marble amphitheatre and circus where gladiators battled wild beasts and flooded the arena for mock battleships. This is the site where Julius Ceasar learned how to fight bulls.  The afternoon is yours to relax or take a ride to a nearby spa where you can partake of medicinal waters of a massage  Your final day will take you for a morning visit to the museum of Roman art before departures.