Arrive in Alicante, dubbed the 'the City of Light'. Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, the city is one of the most important destinations along the coast and has been shaped by the many who have arrived in its port in search of new trade routes, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. Whilst there are plenty of beaches in Alicante, there is so much more to enjoy. Visit the Santa Barbara Fortress that stands watch from Mount Benacantil and admire the magnificent panorama over the city below, or wander through the old town and step inside the church of Santa Maria. Built in the 13th century on the site of an old mosque, it was rebuilt with a Baroque façade following a fire in the 15th century. Or, simply enjoy a coffee in the square by the Town Hall surrounded by Baroque architecture and watch the world go by. Staying in a quiet part of the city, you might choose to relax in the nearby Parque La Marjal with its scenic ponds and walking trails. In the evening enjoy the sea views as you take a stroll along the striking mosaic walkway of Explanada de Espana, evocative of the waves and lined with palm trees, and the bustling evening scene with many bars and restaurants nearby.

On your first ride of the week, you will explore the wonderful countryside surrounding Alicante before returning to the coast to ride along the promenade towards your first goal, El Campello, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a dip in the sea as you go. Reaching El Campello you can't help but notice the Torre de la Illeta, a watch tower dating back to 1554, standing proud over the marina and built to keep a look-out for incoming pirate attacks. You will have time to visit the tower, and the neighbouring archaeological site of La Illeta dels Banyets that sits on a peninsula jutting out into clear blue waters. From here, you will hop onto a streetcar tram with your bike to avoid cycling on a busier section of road as well as a lot of climbing. Feeling refreshed you'll hop off the tram into a riot of colour at Villajoyosa, famous for its vividly painted houses in a region where almost everything else is decorated in white. Be sure to take time to meander through the old town and perhaps enjoy lunch in one of the pretty squares before hopping back on your bike. Saying farewell to Villajoyosa, you can enjoy the rest of your ride towards Benidorm, a town that started as a small fishing village now has a skyline dominated by skyscrapers against the most stunning backdrop of mountains and inviting blue waters. Staying at the far side of Benidorm in a quiet part of town, you can toast to a great first day on the bike.

Having had a taste of Benidorm, today you say farewell and ride away from the coast on your way to the historic town of Javea. You will ride along the coast to Albir, a beautiful town with broad tree-lined avenues and an inviting Blue Flag beach. It is also home to the best-preserved Roman ruins on the Costa Blanca, with an open-air museum displaying the well-preserved Roman baths. Take time to visit and enjoy a morning coffee before hopping on the tram with your bike to avoid an otherwise busy stretch of road, and head to Benissa. Arriving in Benissa enjoy the expansive views before jumping back on your bike to continue your ride between the mountains and sea. With far reaching views along your way, you'll wind your way inland towards the rural town of Xalo with its many wineries and beautiful scenery, before descending to the coast to discover Javea. This medieval town with its white-sand beach is one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca and is a complete contrast from the bright lights of Benidorm. Enclosed in the remains of walls built to keep out the pirates, take a stroll through the old town with its narrow, cobbled streets, pale Tosca sandstone porticoes and Gothic bay windows, and visit the church of San Bartolome. Later on, head to the promenade and sample the local fare in one of the many fantastic seafood restaurants that line the seafront.

Feeling refreshed, you'll hop onto your bike and ride through contrasting landscapes between the mountains and the sea towards Denia, her castle standing watch over this beautiful coastal town. This makes a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the culture and the warm hospitality of the local cafes. When you are ready to carry on pedalling, you will ride along the coast to the Marjal de Pego-Oliva natural park, a fantastic wetland area teeming with flora and fauna with the likes of striking water lilies and yellow iris providing a colourful home for herons, black-winged stilt, and many more birds and reptiles. If you are a budding naturalist, this is certainly a day for the binoculars! Originally a simple lake, this vast wetland now has many hiking and cycling trails to explore. When you have finished observing the nature, you'll continue your ride until you reach Gandia, your home for the night, where you will feel immersed in the glorious legacy of the region. Take a stroll through its historic centre, visit the many sites including the castle and, next door, the Convent of Santa Clara. After all this exploring it is time to enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants along the Passeig de les Germanies.

Today's ride is the most challenging of the week as you climb your way through spectacular mountainous landscapes and villages, and we can promise that the extra effort is worth the reward - in fact an e-bike could be your best friend! You can enjoy extensive vistas as you ride on quiet mountain roads through fragrant forests and picturesque ravines, and feel refreshed as you make a beautiful descent surrounded by farmland back towards the coast. You'll have plenty of time to stretch your legs and enjoy the welcoming villages along the way too. Re-joining the coast, you'll cycle through citrus groves and rice fields to Cullera, your home for the night. Nestled on the banks of the Jucar River, the town is a popular beach destination that epitomises the cultural history of the area. There is plenty to see, including old churches, a medieval castle, the Hermitage of Santa Ana with its beautiful Islamic interior, and the Torre del Marenyet - built in 1577 to keep watch for approaching pirates. Check into your hotel and soak up the essence of the Mediterranean, surrounded by quintessentially Valencian scenery and pristine beaches.

Your final ride of the week is one of rural tranquillity as you make your way through vast farmlands and discover the spectacular Albufera Natural Park of Valencia. This ecological paradise covers an area of over 21,000 hectares, and is home to Spain's largest lake, paddy fields, forests, and several endemic species. The huge freshwater lagoon supports a major ecosystem at its centre, providing an important habitat for wildfowl, and with the skies reflected in its calm clear waters it is also stunning to look at. It is surrounded by a second ecosystem, which is actually the largest in the park, made up of marshland and paddy fields. The paddies play an important role in the conservation of this ecosystem, a wonderful example of man and nature working together in harmony. The rice itself forms the main ingredient in what is possibly the region's most famous dish, Paella. We recommend stopping off at one of the excellent local restaurants to sample this tasty dish in the region where it was invented. There is still a wonderful respect shown to nature here and, as you cycle along through this vast protected area, you will spot locals still using traditional fishing methods on the lake. During the second part of your ride through the nature reserve, you'll come alongside the natural buffer of forestry between the park and the sea. This woodland strip, 35km long and 1km wide, is yet another important eco-system and is home to a diverse range of fauna. Leaving the tranquillity of Albufera behind you approach the final goal of your week on the bike - the fascinating city of Valencia. Head to the Ciutat Vella - the old town - and venture up the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower for 360-degree views over the streets below before setting out to explore them for yourself. Visit the 13th-century Cathedral that is home of the Holy Grail, see the impressive frescoes at the church of San Nicolas, admire the stunning UNESCO-listed 15th-century Gothic architecture of La Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, or experience the hustle-bustle at the Mercado Central - Europe's largest market for fresh produce and a perfect spot for a celebratory drink. Perhaps you'd like to visit the National Museum of Ceramics, or the City of Arts and Sciences Monuments? You could spend a whole day in the museums alone! To truly appreciate this enthralling city and all it has to offer we recommend booking an additional night - just ask our Sales Team for details. However long you decide to stay, the evenings are made for toasting a great week in the saddle and your discovery of the real Costa Blanca, perhaps heading out to the marina to enjoy local seafood or Paella, or to the hip artsy barrio of Russafa for some excellent tapas.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and explore more of this fantastic UNESCO city before making your onward journey.