Cycling to La Rioja, 8 days
A cycling journey through the Sierra de la Demanda and into the renown wine region of Rioja.
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The cycle starts in the castillian city of Burgos, following a "via verde" (disused rail track adapted as a cycle route) into the heart of the Sierra de la Demanda. The river Najerilla is followed downstream amongst spectacular landscapes to reach the Monastery of Yuso (birthplace to the castillian language). The journey then takes you to the rich land of La Rioja where you will enjoy the last three days cycling along quiet country lanes, surrounded by vineyards, in the Ebro river valley. There will be plenty of chances to visit famous wineries, some with very exciting architectural designs, and taste the excellent wines of La Rioja.
Fly to Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim Museum!
- Price : 641€ per person
- Grade : Moderate
- Recommended time of year : April - end of October
What´s included?
- 7 nights accommodation in charming small rural hotels with breakfast included.
- 4 picnic lunches and 1 dinner.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed maps with your trail clearly marked.
- Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc.
- Emergency support.
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Options:
- Bicycle and equipment rental.
- Extra night/s in Bilbao.
Itinerary description
- Day 1 Make your way to Burgos and visit the most splendid gothic cathedral in Spain.
Accommodation: Hotel Mesón el Cid. (www.mesondelcid.es) - Day 2 Bicycle and equipment hand-over. Leave Burgos following the Camino de Santiago. From Arlanzón follow the "Via Verde de la Demanda" (disused rail track adapted as a cycle route) taking you into the remote mountainous area of the Sierra de la Demanda. (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included).
46 km by bike.
Accommodation: Hospedería La Casona, Pineda de la Sierra. - Day 3 The morning is spent cycling on the "Via Verde" amongst forests of oak and beech. After lunch reach the birth of the river Najerilla and follow it downstream cycling country roads, as it grows twisting and jumping down in spectacular waterfalls. (breakfast and picnic lunch included).
- 59 Km by bike (mainly downhill).
Alojamiento: Casa Somera, Viniegra de Abajo. (www.toprural.com/Casa-Somera.html ) - Day 4 Cycle following the river downstream once again and out of the mountains. As the Ebro valley appears before you, you reach the Vth century, Monastery of Yuso, in San Millán de la Cogolla, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (breakfast and picnic lunch included).
43 Km by bike (mainly downhill).
Accommodation: Hospedería de la Calera, San Millán de la Cogolla. (www.hospederialacalera.es) - Day 5 Cycle away from the foot of the mountains and into the valley of the river Ebro. The rich fields of cereals, give way to the first photogenic vineyards as you approach the heart of the Wine growing region of Rioja. Time in the afternoon to visit one of the best Wine Museums in the world: "Dinastia Vivancos" in Briones (breakfast and picnic lunch included).
29 Km by bike.
Accommodation: El Mesón Briones, Briones. (www.elmesonbriones.es) - Day 6 Circular route following the river Ebro and visiting historic hill-top villages. The cycling takes place on very quiet secondary roads surrounded by vineyards with the backdrop of the mountains in the distance. (breakfast included).
35 Km by bike.
Accommodation:El Mesón Briones, Briones. (www.elmesonbriones.es) - Day 7 One last day on your bike exploring this beautiful wine region. You make your way along specially chosen small roads, towards the walled town of La Guardia, where you will find your last hotel. You will be able to enjoy some of the most striking wineries today, with buildings designed by modernist architechts such as Frank Gehry, and Santiago Calatrava (breakfast included).
30 Km by bike.
Accommodation: Posada Mayor de Migueloa, La Guardia. (www.mayordemigueloa.com) - Day 8 Return to Bilbao from Logroño (breakfast included).
Our hire bikes and equipment :
We provide you with fully equipped touring bicycles. We can carry your luggage between hotels so you can travel light, or choose to carry your things on the panniers provided. You can also bring your own bike if you wish!
- Fully equiped touring bikes
- With at least 21 gears
- large rear panniers
- Cycling helmets
- pump
- repair kit
- spare inner tubes
How to get there:
- Which airport should I fly to? Bilbao international airport.
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How do I get to the Starting Point? Take a train from Bilbao to Burgos (21€, takes 2,5hrs) and a taxi or but to the hotel.
How do I get back to Bilbao? Taxi 20 km ride from your last hotel to Logroño and take a train from Logroño to Bilbao (8€, takes 2hr and 25min).
