Scenic roads and interesting places.
Over three hundred km route weaves and snakes among places where The Christian Reconquest of the territories and their necessary repopulation and maintenance was placed in the hands of the Military Orders. In 1196 The Templar acquired dominion of these places carrying out a number of ”Encomiendas” or ”Baylías”, territorial divisions united by rigid discipline, headed by the figure of the ”Maestre”(Master). The name Maestrazgo comes from this word. One of Europe’s best-kept secrets!
Dominion Templar
This depopulated region -2 inhabitant per km2 – was the field battle of templar crusaders and now a week of high quality riding traversing 30 traditional villages. Up and down.
Self guided program.
Group size: min. 1.
Motorbike grade: level 1 / level 2.
5 days / 4 nights / 3 days driving-riding.
Accommodation: Small hotel, and Guest House (Casas Rurales).
Price: from 360 EUR / pp / 2 person party. Sharing double room.
Dates: From 01/03 to 11/11.
Connecting landscape & emotion: village to village; For those wanting a one-of-a-kind motorcycle experience that merges history and the majestic beauty of loneliness, our “Templars by the roadside” tour is a verifiable must. The Templar Dominion ; Villages: Beceite, Valderrobres, Belmonte de San José, Cañada de Verich. de Verich, Ginebrosa, Aguaviva, Castellote, .Cuevas de Cañart, Ejulve, Aliaga, Miravete, Villaroya de losPinares, Fortanete, Cantavieja, La Cañada de Benatanduz, Villarluengo, Tronchón, Mirambel, Morella, Herbes, Peñarroya de Tastavins, La Portellada, La Fresneda.
* Baggage transport optional.
Detailed Tour
1
Meet up in Beceite. Briefing.
In the second half of the 12th century, the Order of the Knights Templar conquered this Moorish settlement Abu-Zeit. Beceite located at an altitude of 579 m in the foothills of the rugged mountain massif of the Puertos de Beceite, which we see in the distance. Population 600 inhabitants.
2
Beceite - Villarroya de los Pinares
170 km.
Ride inside the region of Matarranya - Maestrazgo, through lonely villages in the middle of Mediterranean forest and among blossoming almond trees. Another order of knight monks, the Order of Malt (Sant John), also received dominion over areas that had been conquered. Sant John were given control over Pitarque, Villarroya de los Pinares (1190), Fortanete (1202) and Sollavientos, who belonged to the encomienda (commandery) Aliaga.
After the dissolution of the Order of the Templars, the commanderies of Cantavieja and Castellote were also given to the Hospitallers. The management of the Hospitallers over these regions was only ended in 1813, when the feudal management form for Spanish villages was generally abolished.
3
Villarroya de los Pinares - Montoro de Mezquita.
175 km.
Loop around High Maestrazgo and Gudar mountain ranges. Highlights: Mora de Rubielos, Rubielos de Mora. The way goes up to get Gudar mountain range and then drops through many bends reaching and Cantavieja 1.392 m. Templar village and stronghold of the Carlist rebel Ramón Cabrera, The Tiger of El Maestrazgo. Excellent sceneries. Go on to Villarluengo perched at the cliff and eventually last effort to Montoro de Mezquita a cul-de sac village. Do not forget to stop at Organos de Montoro limestone cliffs.
4
Montoro de Mezquita - Beceite.
155 km
Man is largely absent , on the route but has mades his mark through terrace farming and dry walling, now just about finished. Villages tend to be spread well apart. Violent activities, exemptions, taxes immunity for criminals and assassins. The border with Islam became a place of refuge for people fleeing from their past: murderers, thieves, debtors, people with no family ties. A war-oriented society, which would serve as the foundation to repopulate and develop new chance. The Temple was dissolved in 1308 and after violent revolts in the area, its possessions were acquired by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and Montesa.
5
Farewell
What is included in this picturesque tour?
360€/pers*
Included
- 5 days / 4 nights / 3 days trip.
- Briefing at spot is delivered.
- Half board.
- Route book (maps and notes send by mail).
- 24/7 emergency telephone number.
- Taxes.
Not included
- Picnic.
- Insurance.
- Baggage transport.
Optional
- Extended stays.
- Divide stages.
- Baggage transport: 122 EUR / party.
- Customization may always be possible.
* 30% deposit at booking. The rest to be paid 30 days prior to departure. Read conditions.