Bike tour through La Rioja

Your bike tour through La Rioja begins in Burgos. After arriving at your hotel, explore the medieval city center. The Catedral de Burgos will particularly catch your eye. The sublime cathedral is one of the most extraordinary church buildings in Spain. In the center of the church is the tomb of the Spanish national hero El Cid. Take an evening stroll along the Río Arlanzón and up to the ruins of the Castillo de Burgos, a castle complex built in the 9th century.

After you have received your touring bikes, you are ready to set off. Heading out of the city, you follow the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, for a few kilometers. Then it's uphill towards the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range. You follow an old railroad line away from the traffic, accompanied by dense oak and beech forests. You reach your destination for the day in the mountain village of Pineda de la Sierra. The church San Esteban is particularly worth seeing. It is one of the most outstanding Romanesque churches in the north of Spain.

The second stage of your bike tour today takes you to the La Rioja region. You cycle along small country roads that take you along the Río Najerilla and the Mansilla reservoir to the charming mountain village of Viniegra de Abajo. The remote village was probably founded in ancient times. After your arrival, take a walk and discover numerous palatial houses, which contrast with the simpler old buildings of the former local cattle breeders along the main road.

You cycle along the Río Ventrosa and the Río Najerilla on your bike tour through La Rioja to San Millán de la Cogolla, known for its monastery ensemble. It consists of two monasteries, the San Millán de Yuso and the San Millán de Suso. Both are dedicated to Saint Millán, who died over 1500 years ago, and are popular pilgrimage destinations. In addition to numerous architectural features, the site has great historical significance as it is home to the first writings in Spanish.

Today you cycle along rolling hills into the Ebro valley. It is known for its cultivation of the famous Rioja grapes. Stop off en route in Briones and visit the Museum of Wine Culture. Back on the bike, you will notice the church of Santa María la Mayor from afar above your destination for the day, San Vincente. It is part of a complex of buildings whose origins date back to the 12th century. Visit the former defensive complex and enjoy the impressive view of the surrounding area.

Today your bike tour through La Rioja includes an excursion to the surroundings of San Vincente de la Sonsierra. Not far from the River Ebro, you cycle to the historic town of Haro, including a few climbs. The town is the capital of the Rioja Alta wine-growing region. The long wine-growing tradition dates back to Roman times. Taste excellent and award-winning red wines in the bodegas and visit the many wine cellars. You will return to San Vincente de la Sonsierra full of energy.

Today you will get to know the south of the Basque Country and the Rioja Alavesa wine region. First you cycle to the medieval town of Laguardia. Surrounded by a city wall, the town center is located on a hill in a region characterized by vineyards. Visit the church of Santa Maria and the picturesque old town before getting back on your bike. Once you arrive in Elciego, it is worth making a detour to the avant-garde Hotel Marqués de Riscal. It houses a bodega and was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.

After breakfast, your bike tour through La Rioja comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Burgos or Logroño with an extra night on request.