Cycle tour in La Rioja

Your cycle tour begins in Logroño, the capital of the Spanish province of La Rioja. Due to its location on the Way of St. James, Logroño has developed into a vibrant city. Visit the picturesque old town and enjoy the region's famous pinchos in one of the numerous wine bars. The small snacks are usually held together by a skewer and are therefore different from the tapas that are so popular in Spain. Rounded off with a full-bodied Rioja wine, the little delicacies taste twice as good.

After a short transfer (included) to the starting point of your cycle tour in La Rioja and handing over your bikes, you are ready to set off. First of all, you are on a section of the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James. Today's stage destination of San Millán de la Cogolla is a place of great historical significance. The first writings in Spanish were produced in the local monasteries San Millán de Yuso and San Millán de Suso and are still preserved there today.

Today you cycle through a hilly landscape to Ezcaray at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda. The town lies on the Río Oja, which gives its name to the La Rioja region. The church of Santa María la Mayor from the 15th century is particularly worth seeing. It looks like a fortress, as it was built with almost no windows. If you would like to swap your bike for a short hike, the ascent to the Mirador de San Torcuato is worthwhile. From the viewpoint, you have a wonderful view of the town and the surrounding area.

Not far from the Río Oja, you will cycle to Santo Domingo de la Calzada on today's stage of your cycle tour in La Rioja. The name of the town is identical to that of its founder, who, according to legend, built a bridge, a hospice and paths for the passing pilgrims. Via Casalarreina, you reach Haro, the main town in the Rioja Alta wine region. The Romans were already cultivating vines in La Rioja, a tradition that still produces excellent wines today. Visit the numerous bodegas and sample one or two red wines from the Haro region.

Today is a day at your leisure. Explore the wineries around Haro, cycle through vineyards and taste the full-bodied wines directly on site. Or how about a stroll through the medieval town center of the wine-growing town? It is located on a small hill, on the highest point of which is the church of Santo Tomás with its striking spire, the town's landmark. The main entrance to the church is particularly worth seeing. If you like, you can also simply relax at the hotel for the day.

Not far from the River Ebro, you first cycle between gently rolling vineyards to Briones. It's worth visiting the Museum of Wine Culture there. Let's continue! You cycle imperceptibly into the Basque part of the Rioja wine-growing region and reach the Rioja Alavesa wine region. The small wine-growing town of Laguardia lies at the heart of the region. The center of Laguardia is located on a hill and is surrounded by a city wall. Visit the medieval old town and treat yourself to a Tempranillo, a red wine typical of the Rioja region, in one of the bodegas.

The last stage of your cycle tour in La Rioja takes you back to your starting point, Logroño. On the way, you will get to know the town of Elciego. It is known nationwide for the avant-garde hotel Marqués de Riscal. It was designed by the world-famous architect Frank Gehry. Cycle along the winding Ebro to your destination. Treat yourself once again to typical northern Spanish specialties and enjoy the Spanish way of life.

After breakfast, your cycle tour in La Rioja ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Logroño or Bilbao with an extra night on request.