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Follow the course of Spain's longest river from it's source in the Cantabrian Mountains to Rioja, the home of some of Spains best loved wines. Enjoy an ever-changing landscape from mountain streams and imposing canyons to green pastures, vineyards and pretty traditional villages.
Along this route you'll come across some magical villages such as Orbaneja del Castillo with it's cascades and towering canyon walls, Puenteday built on a natural rock bridge of the River Nela and Frias with it's stunning medieval castle.
Village of Orbaneja del Castillo
You cycle past huge reservoirs and imposing peaks before entering the wide and fertile valley of La Rioja.
This route unveils a charming, relaxed part of Spain that most tourists rarely see. It's a wonderful route along quiet roads and lanes. On most days the rides can be extended and these options are described in the route notes provided.
A wonderful route along quiet roads and lanes. On most days the rides can be extended and these options are described in the route notes provided.
You will be met at Santander or Bilbao airport and transferred to your hotel in Campoo, a pretty old town surrounded by majestic Pyrenean peaks close to the beautiful Ebro Lake. Time permitting, you can try out your bikes in preparation for the first day in the saddle.
You have a choice of routes today, but whether you choose the long or short options you’ll be cycling through some fabulous scenery. Take in the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains and the shores of the Ebro reservoir, before passing through thick forests and the lush Valley of Valderredible on your way to your overnight stop. The shorter, 38km route takes you along the course of the River Ebro directly to Polientes, while the leg-stretching 97 km route features a full circuit of the lake.
After breakfast, set off through the wide Valderridible Valley, making sure you don’t miss some of the region’s unique churches, carved straight into the hillside, along the way. Following the River Ebro, the valley narrows until you find yourself cycling through a steep-sided canyon. As you progress the canyon becomes ever more dramatic and narrow, with eagles and vultures often circling overhead. More treats are in store at Orbaneja del Castillo, where tumbling cascades descend through the village centre. Then it’s on to the pretty valley of Zamanzas where you will stop for the night.
Today’s riding takes you along a huge bend in the River Ebro and through some of your journey’s most beautiful landscape and villages. This is real undiscovered Spain, and if you’ve the legs for it, the longer route is highly recommended. This takes a detour to Puentedey, perched eccentrically on a natural rock bridge above the River Nela. Whichever path you choose, you’ll finish in the Castilian town of Medina de Pomar, with its imposing castle and fascinating old quarter.
Rejoin the Ebro and follow a quiet country lane alongside the river. The scenery is varied today, as the route leads you through wide, fertile valley before entering another steep-walled canyon. Towards the end of the ride you’ll enter open countryside again before arriving in Frías, a charming, hillside hamlet clustered around an ancient castle. You will overnight in a small village nearby.
More varied scenery today, featuring canyons, mountain peaks and open countryside. Follow the shores of a nature-fringed reservoir, pass through rock-hewn tunnels and visit the little town of Miranda del Ebro before finally entering the expansive La Rioja valley. This is some of the world’s finest wine country, and you’ll end today’s ride in Haro, birthplace of Rioja, where you’ll surely want to sample a glass or two of a fine local vintage before a well-earned rest.
Today you’ll get to know the Rioja winelands better, cycling past endless vineyards and traditional villages, where the pace of life has barely changed in centuries. The Sierra de Cantabria form an ever-present mountain backdrop and you’re also never far from the winding River Ebro. Take it easy on the 31-mile route or even easier on the short version – you’ll have plenty of time to take everything in on your last day of cycling with either choice. At journey’s end you’ll reach Laguardia, a charming walled village steeped in wine culture.
Today you can opt for a more direct route of 25 km or a more circuitous, 50km version.
After breakfast you will be picked up at 9am for a transfer to Santander or Bilbao.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.
Carbon road bikes and electric bikes are also available.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are provided on arrival. They MUST be pre-booked at the time of booking the cycle trip.
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses.
Campoo: Posada Ormas
Polientes: Cuartellillo Viejo
Valle de Zamanzas: Molino del Canto
Medina de Pomar: Hotel Romanca
Montejo de Cebas: Casa rural Posada Colás
Haro: Hotel Arrope
Laguardia: Hospederia los Parajes
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
The closest airport for arrival is Santander Airport and the most convenient for departure is Bilbao Airport.
An arrival transfer from either Santander or Bilbao airport is included with the holiday as is a departure transfer to Bilbao at the end of your holiday.
Important: At the end of the tour, the transfer from Laguardia to Bilbao leaves at 9am. The journey time is 90 minutes, so, allowing for a 2-hour check in time it is best to book a mid afternoon flight from Bilbao. Another option is to spend an extra night in Bilbao and visit the city and the Guggenheim Museum (Remember the museum is closed on Monday except during the months of July and August when it is open every day).
Easy
Leisurely
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