A treasure trove of history and traditions, folklore and fiestas, sports and health resorts, there is much to see and do in La Rioja. It’s varying geographical features, mountainous in the Upper (Alta) Rioja and flat with almost Mediterranean climate in the Lower Rioja (Baja), lends itself to a multitude of outdoor activities, such as our biking tours. Of ultimate importance however, are the world-renowned wines and the culinary delights of the region. The cuisine of La Rioja is rich and abundant and like the region itself, has its own personality. We’ll visit its many wineries and sample the fine tintos, clarets and golden yellow blancos.
Tour dates see Tour calendar
8 days/7 nights
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate-Challenging, we can accommodate all levels with this route.
La Rioja
Accommodations
- B & B´s
- Wine Hotels
Tour Details
Includes: All breakfasts, 2 dinners, snacks, use of Customized Trek hybrid
Begins/Ends: Pamplona – Burgos
Arrive: Pamplona
Depart: Pamplona/Madrid
Itinerary
Day 1
Olite we meet in Pamplona and shuttle to Olite for a warm-up ride and gourmet lunch with a few stops for wine tasting after the ride. Fairytale castes and lush landscaping are your introduction to this fertile region.
Day 2
Rolling hills will take us to Logroño, the capital of the Rioja region.
Tonight we enjoy Tapas in the old town.
Day 3
We ride to the Monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla, the cradle of the first words written in Spanish. Set at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda, the journey takes us through lush vineyards and picturesque valleys and villages.
Day 4
Today we ride to Haro, the capital of the famous Rioja Alta wines. Rolling hills with a patchwork of vineyards and high mountains in the background, add to the pleasure of this adventure. The hotel we stay in tonight is a converted monastery.
Day 5
When we arrive at Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a stop into the cathedral will leave you surprised and delighted to relive in this day and age, the legend of the Rooster and the Hen.
Day 6
The ride will take us to Castile after crossing the legendary mountain pass of Montes de Oca where bandits and wolves made it the most dangerous journey of the Camino de Santiago. After a stop at the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega we will continue to Burgos formerly the capital of Castile and home of Spain’s favorite son El Cid. A morning guided visit to the Cathedral of Burgos, led by a local art historian. Tonight we dine at a historical restaurant.
Day 7
Today we have a morning guided visit to the Cathedral of Burgos, led by a local art historian. Tonight we dine at a historical restaurant and say farewell in a most fitting way!
Day 8
Departures after breakfast.
