Rioja Wine Guided Route

• Day 1: Ezcaray | 24 km / 15 miles | 172 m (564 ft) ⛰

  On the first day of the tour, we’ll meet you at the airport in Madrid when you arrive or at your hotel in the morning. From there enjoy a comfortable ride in our VW minibus to Burgos, just 4 hours away. Dating back to 884, Burgos rises from the banks of the River Arlanzón and offers stunning examples of Spain’s gothic architecture. We’ll have a light lunch in Burgos when we arrive, followed by a tour around the city, and a visit to the cathedral. We’ll drive on to Santo Domingo de La Calzada and bicycle the last 15 miles along the River Oja as far as our charming mountain hotel in the ski resort of Ezcaray. Upon arrival, we’ll celebrate with a welcome drink and handing out of tour documents to prepare for the week’s adventure. Later there’s time for a stroll around the village through which flows the River Oja, giving its name to the Autonomous Region of La Rioja (Río Oja = Rioja). Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

• Day 2: Ezcaray – Haro | 74 km / 46 miles | 220 m (722 ft) ⛰

  Every morning you can count on a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the day’s stage. Following a buffet breakfast this morning, the route takes us towards the villages of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Haro. This will be quite a long cycling day, but the route can be shortened depending on the group’s abilities and desires. From Haro we cycle to La Bastida (fortress) then on to Remelluri, where we’ll have lunch at the bodega. This route, taking us along the left bank of the river through the High Rioja and the Rioja Alavesa regions is gently rolling, following side roads lined by abundant vineyards. Next, a visit to the village of El Ciego where we’ll have a rest at the relatively modern (inaugurated in 2006) Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by celebrated architect Frank Gehry. Transfer back to our hotel by minibus, and you’re free to explore on your own for the afternoon until dinner, which we’ll have at the Parador hotel. Haro has many wine cellars and an interesting wine museum. Our hotel, located in the center of town, is a former Augustine convent. Nowadays it offers all the modern comforts and traditional style of a four star hotel.

• Day 3: Haro – Covarrubias | 50 km / 31 miles | 277 m (909 ft) ⛰

  Today we leave Haro heading towards Nájera and on to San Millán de la Cogolla to visit its famous monasteries recognized by UNESCO. It’s also the site of the first manuscripts ever written in Castilian Spanish. Next we’ll have lunch and in the afternoon our minibus will take us through a relaxing tour of the Sierra de Cameros mountain region, the River Najerilla and we’ll stop to check out Mansilla, a village that was rebuilt as its original location is now covered by the water of a recently constructed reservoir. Jump back on the bikes for some truly beautiful stretches of the Camino, to arrive at Covarrubias, an ensemble of well-preserved and restored buildings and monuments of Celtiberian, Roman, Visigothic, Medieval and Baroque heritage. Tonight we’ll have a wholesome country supper and stay in a charming hotel in the main square of town.

• Day 4: Covarrubias – Peñaranda de Duero | 65 km / 41 miles | 390 m (1280 ft) ⛰

  This morning we set off in the direction of Santo Domingo de Silos to visit its unique monastery, famous for its Gregorian chants sung superbly by monks. Feeling quite relaxed we can continue on to Yecla Gorge, a natural wonder, and Caleruega, charming pueblo. Next we’ll bicycle to Peñaranda and stop at the Posada (Inn), overlooking the main square and castle of the town. The inn is very pleasant and comfortable, you’ll feel right at home, and they’ve also got great food. A small, peaceful village, we’ll explore a bit or just hang out before dinner.

• Day 5: Peñaranda de Duero – Peñafiel | 55 km / 34 miles | 159 m (522 ft) ⛰

  Before we leave this morning, we can take some time to visit a palace belonging to the Zúñiga and Avellaneda families. Peñaranda is also home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Spain, having been in the same family for eight generations! We’ll make a quick trip and then hop in the minibus to go to Sotillo for a tour of one of the oldest wineries in the region. Next we’ll bicycle to Roa for lunch, and finally on to Peñafiel, whose imposing castle can be seen from miles away. Our accommodation awaits, an ancient monastery converted into a 4-star hotel. For dinner we’ll check out a restaurant that previously housed a flour mill. Peñafiel is the central point of the Ribera del Duero region in the province of Valladolid. It has one of the finest castles in Spain, also home to the Wine Museum and a very traditional main square.

• Day 6: Peñafiel – Valladolid | 70 km / 43 miles | mostly flat ⛰

  Cycling along the meadows on the banks of the River Duero, our route takes us through beautiful and abundant vineyards past charming villages like Pesquera. We’ll have lunch and in Tudela board the minibus for the last stage of the trip to Valladolid, the capital city of Castile and León. There are many museums and churches, with just 320,000 inhabitants it has a bustling city feel with lots of bars and restaurants, too. We’ll have a rest and enjoy free time for shopping or visiting the many sights of the city. Dinner is at a lovely, traditional restaurant in the city center.

• Day 7: Valladolid – Segovia – Madrid

  We leave early today, as there’s still much to see! The journey in the minibus is about 3 hours, but we’ll stop for lunch along the way and there’s a possibility of including a visit to the city of Segovia, too. Segovia is a city rich in history nestled in the lush mountains north of Madrid, dating back to Celtiberian times with an authentic Roman aqueduct and many other monuments and things to explore. Once we’ve filled our lungs with the precious fresh pine-scented air, we’ll head back to Madrid. Back in Madrid, your last evening is free to celebrate your accomplishment however you choose – we’ve got some great recommendations and can help you make reservations in a restaurant worthy of the occasion.

• Day 8: Madrid – End of Trip or Extension

  Congratulations on your week’s feat, well done! If you’re up for it, consider joining us on our 3 Hour Madrid City Tour this morning for free, or even rent a bike to explore on your own. We also do day trips to Toledo and El Escorial, ask us for more information or to reserve your space.

Tour departures guaranteed with a minimum of six participants, you choose the starting date! Groups of six or more any time of the year. Discounts available for large groups. We do recommend that you travel between the beginning of April and the end of October due to weather conditions. Bear in mind that in the months of July and August temperatures are higher.

Best months to travel are May, June, September and October.

• Example of Hotels

  4 ⭐ Hotel / Parador Example:

  Parador of Villafranca del Bierzo 4⭐

  

  The Parador in Villafranca is the leading choice for accomodation in the area, nestled in the village surrounded by mountains replete with cherry and fig trees, chestnut trees and poplars. Clad in stone and slate, the hotel is instantly welcoming as you step inside into the elegance, class and comfort that paradores are known for. There’s a large restaurant, café and lounge for guests. Breakfast is also included. The rooms offer breathtaking views of the El Bierzo region, WiFi is available; indoor/outdoor swimming pools and a sauna await you.

  Google rating: 4.4 ⭐ (647 reviews)

Early bird discount available on reservations made now! Ask us about discounts for larger groups. Bravo Bike also offers other guided tours in Spain. Our cozy VW Transporter, seating 8 passengers, awaits your next adventure.

What’s Included in the Guided Rioja and Duero Wine Bike Trip?

• Duration

  8 days | 7 nights

• Included

  – 7 nights accommodation in 4 ⭐ hotels and parador

  – All transfers beginning the first day in Madrid and ending the last day, back in Madrid; daily luggage transport between hotels

  -:- Includes trip from Madrid to Burgos, and return voyage from Valladolid to Madrid in our comfortable cruising VW minibus

  – Reinforced continental and buffet breakfasts

  – 6 x sitting lunches with traditional Spanish set menu, including drinks

  – 3 x 3-course dinners, including a drink, extra drinks payable on site

  – Admission fees to museum (Peñafiel), visiting wineries and wine tasting in the different wine regions

  – Bilingual tour guide / local expert, speaking Spanish, English and also available in French and German

  – Support vehicle with trailer, driver providing technical support

  -:- Snacks and beverages along the route, including water, juice, cereal bars and fresh fruit

  – Rental bicycle, mountain bike or hybrid style; electric bicycles and road bikes available at an additional charge

  -:- Equipped with rear rack and panniers (12kg | 26lbs cap. each), front handlebar bag

  -:- Includes tube repair kit, spare tube, pump, multitool, Bravo Bike water bottle, locks, helmet [we recommend you bring your own helmet to ensure proper fit]

  – Welcome pack and gift, maps and hundreds of photos to browse through when you’ve finished the tour (we’ll be documenting everything from the moment we start the road trip from Madrid together)

  – Our 3 Hour Madrid City Bike Tour

  – All applicable taxes

• Not Included

  – All lunches and dinners not mentioned above and any personal expenses

  – Health insurance and travel insurance (ask us about the plans we offer!)

  – Transfers to and from the airport, bus stations or train stations

  – Deposit required for week-long bike rental, 150€ (cash or credit card hold)

  -:-15€ per day additional bike hire after Camino trip (65€ per week)

• Difficulty

  Category: Intermediate and Advanced

  5 daily routes of 45-75 km (28-50 miles), adaptable to the groups’ skill and physical fitness level. Routes are perfect for road bikers too. Our support van is available at any time.

• The Bikes: Trek 7200

  

  Trek 7200

  Aluminium frame, front suspension, 24-speed (triple crankset)

  Sizes Available: S, M, L

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Trek Émonda Road

  

  Trek Émonda Road

  Carbon frame, Shimano 105 components

  Sizes Available: 54

  Note: extra fee applies for road bike rental

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Btwin Hybrid

  

  Btwin Hybrid

  Aluminium frame, front suspension, 9-speed, disc brakes

  Sizes Available: M, L

   

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Trek Neko+ | Orbea | Kettler Electric

  

  Kettler Electric Cruiser

  

  Trek Neko+ Electric

  

  Orbea Electric

  
  

  Aluminium frame, front suspension (Trek | Kettler), 9-speed, disc brakes (Trek | Orbea), electric assist

  Sizes Available: M, L, XL

  Note: extra fee applies for electric bike rental

• Notes

  – We also offer many other Guided Tours and self-guided tours from any other starting point in Spain. Self-guided tours can be started daily from April to the end of October. Please ask for more information.

  – For any extra nights or further information before or after the trip, please consult us. We consider ourselves local experts and it’s our pleasure to share that knowledge with you so you can make the most of your Spanish holiday!

• How to Reserve This Tour

  To reserve your Rioja Wine Bike Tour, a 25% deposit is required per person and final payment 6 weeks before departure. Credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard or AmEx do carry an additional fee of 2.5%.