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Cycling from Castilla to La Rioja: Wine and Dine

Rouler à travers des vignobles de la Rioja pendant ce voyage à vélo 4
Biking in La Rioja will take you through vineyards and wonderful villages Cycle on quiet countryside roads Cycling through authenticity in La Rioja, Spain Cycle out-of-the-beaten track in Spain and enjoy the nature
Rouler à travers des vignobles de la Rioja pendant ce voyage à vélo

Cycling from Castilla to La Rioja: Wine and Dine

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 970 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

On this week-long cycling tour, you’ll ride through and discover not one, but three Spanish regions: beginning from Burgos in the Castile, you’ll then cross over into wine-growing La Rioja and dip briefly into neighboring Basque Country. Winding by rivers, old railways, and vineyards along cycle paths and quiet roads, you’ll enjoy a variety of landscapes and routes, including a section on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage way. 

Visit the birthplace of the Castilian language, marvel in awe as you pedal through the Sierra de la Demanda Natural Park, taste the superb wines of La Rioja, and admire historic architecture and lovely villages as you explore these unique regions on a bike. 

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Burgos

 

Your trip begins in Burgos, capital of the Castile region and famous for its extraordinary Gothic cathedral. Your hotel is located in the city centre, allowing you easy access to exploration!

D2Burgos — Pineda de la Sierra 48 km/30 miles, 600 meters/1,970 ft of climbing

 

Get set up with your bikes in the morning, then it’s time to ride! Pedaling out of Burgos on a nice bike path, you’ll then connect with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. After a few kilometers, you’ll find yourself on another cycle path, following a former railway track towards the Sierra de la Demanda mountains from which coal used to be transported. It’s a leisurely cycle away from traffic and in the heart of a beautiful oak and beech woodland. You’ll overnight at the foot of the mountains, in the lovely village of Pineda de la Sierra.

D3Pineda de la Sierra — Viniegra de Abajo 62 km/39 miles, 680 meters/2,230 ft of climbing

 

Get back on the track for another stunning day of cycling in the Sierra de la Demanda Natural Park! Coming to the end of the bike path, you’ll embark along quiet roads in the countryside, following the Najerilla river downstream. Take in the spectacular landscapes around you as you wheel into Viniegra de Abajo, a beautiful and isolated mountain village.

D4Viniegra de Abajo — San Millan de la Cogolla 45 km/28 miles, 570 meters/1,870 ft of climbing

 

Cycling through small villages and mountain landscapes, you’ll once again follow the river to reach the town of San Millan de la Cogolla, site of the first written record of the Castilian language. Walk around this historical city, home also to the extraordinary twin Monasteries of Yuso and Suso.

D5San Millan de la Cogolla — San Vicente de la Sonsierra 33 km/21 miles, 250 meters/820 ft of climbing

 

Today the route leads you into the rich valley of the Ebro River, where the grapes that become famous Rioja wines are grown. We’re sure you’ll be stopping often for photos as you ride along beautiful rolling hills among ancient vineyards and agricultural lands Your destination is the hilltop town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, dominated by its 12th-Century castle. You’ll spend two nights here, allowing you plenty of time to visit the town and its lovely surroundings.

D6Loop from San Vicente de la Sonsierra 32 km/20 miles, 380 meters/1,245 ft of climbing

 

If you choose to ride our optional loop from San Vicente, the route will take you to a viewpoint from where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Rioja wine valley. It’s the perfect place for a picnic! You’ll then visit the historic town of Haro, capital of the wine production area and known for its annual Batalla de Vino (Wine Battle). A seemingly infinite number of vineyards along the Ebro River will lead you back to San Vicente.

D7San Vicente de la Sonsierra — Elciego 30 km/19 miles, 340 meters/1,115 ft of climbing

 

On your last day of riding, you’ll cycle to the medieval walled town of Laguardia, located just inside the Basque region. Stop for lunch and take some time to visit its beautiful buildings and enjoy some of the region’s best wines at its famous wineries. When you’ve had your fill, a short pedal will lead you to the quaint town of Elciego and your final stop on this tour.

D8Departure

 

After breakfast, depart from Elciego at your leisure.

Booking & Prices

  • Price details
  • 3 nights in charming farmhouses, 2 nights in 3-star hotels, and 2 nights in a 2-star hotel

  • 970 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 290 euros
  • 995 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 300 euros
  • 1,015 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 310 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation (3 nights in charming farmhouses, 2 nights in 3-star hotels and 2 nights in a 2-star hotel)
  • Daily breakfast
  • 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfers
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
  • Tourist information
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep's mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 150 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 270 euros per bike (these prices include the drop-off fee for the bike's return to Burgos).

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