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A fantastic bike tour though the idyllic, wine-making regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero in northern Spain.
Experience a sublime cycling journey through rolling hills and medieval hilltop towns whilst sampling the best food and wines these regions have to offer. At Bike Spain Tours we offer a unique opportunity for you to see a tranquil and traditional side of Spain that most visitors do not see.
We start in one of Spain´s most notable wine-making regions, La Rioja, and bike through the dramatic valley of the Ebro river surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping vineyards. Staying in some of the top hotels in the region, we sample the best of La Rioja wine combined with exquisite, gourmet food.
Moving south towards Madrid into the Duero valley we visit some of Spain’s most picturesque medieval towns whilst savouring the tastes of the more dramatic reds of Ribera del Duero. The climb to the stunning walled town of Pedraza is one you won’t forget as well as the ride to Segovia passing under its ancient Roman aqueduct. This will truly be a memorable biking and wine journey!
Day 1: Villabuena de Alava (Rioja)
Route: 26.6 km
Elevation: +380 m / -378 m
Accommodation: Hotel Viura
Pick-up at Madrid airport and transfer by van (4 hours), stopping over in Burgos to visit its breathtaking cathedral. Once we arrive at the hotel, we will explain the tour itinerary, give you the necessary documents and adjust the bicycles. Gourmet dinner with the best wines of the region.
This morning, we will pick you up at the Madrid airport or at your hotel in Madrid and do a transfer by van to Rioja (4 hours). We will stop over in Burgos to visit its impressive cathedral and take some tapas. Once we arrive at the hotel, we wil check in and then explain the weekly program, adjust the bicycles and have a walk around to know the area.
Tonight, we will share al together a gourmet dinner with the best wines of the region.
Day 2: Villabuena de Alava (Rioja)
Route: 41.9 km
Elevation: +651 m / -425 m
Accommodation: Hotel Viura
After breakfast we start pedalling to the most beautiful villages and roads of Rioja. On our way to San Millan, cradle of the Castilian language, we contemplate the region and the surrounding mountains and then cross the Camino de Santiago.
Lunch will take place in a beautiful winery on the way. Optionally, after lunch, you can go to the Spa Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, a great place to rest and enjoy the sensations and revitalizing properties of the grape.
In the afternoon, we will drive with our van to the charming walled city of Laguardia, the fortified and medieval capital of the Rioja Alava.
Tonight, you will have dinner on your own in the restaurant of your choice in Laguardia.
Day 3: Lerma (Burgos)
Route: 48.4 km
Elevation: +735 m / -713 m
Accommodation: Parador de Lerma
After breakfast, we cross the slope of the Rioja Alavesa, where the most famous wineries are located and will stop in some of them. We will pass by San Vicente de la Sonsierra, with its well-known castle and church, and by Haro, wine capital of Rioja. On our way back to the hotel, we will stop to visit and eat in a modern and spectacular winery.
After lunch, we begin the transfer to the other wine area: the Ribera del Duero. Lerma, your next destination is at 140 kms which is 1h30 by van.
There, a medieval village awaits us with a superb palace where we will stay.
Tonight we will have dinner together at the hotel.
Day 4: Valbuena (Burgos)
Route: 44.6 km
Elevation: +459 m / -630 m
Accommodation: Castilla termal Valbuena SPA
After breakfast, we have a short drive to Santo Domingo de Silos, famous for its monastery and beautiful Romanesque cloister. The monastery became famous all over the world since the first CD of Gregorian chants has been recorded.
From there, we begin the route towards Peñaranda de Duero where we will visit the castle and the medieval square. After lunch, the route ends at the Duero river.
At the end of the day, we will visit one of the most authentic wineries in the area. Enjoy our luxurious hotel and SPA for tonight. The excellent dinner will be combined with the wines of prestige elaborated here and whose we witnessed the vital process, from the vine to our glass.
Day 5: Valbuena (Burgos)
Route: 55.2 km
Elevation: +446 m / -451 m
Accommodation: Castilla Termal Valbuena SPA
Today’s route takes us through some of through the oldest vineyards of Ribera del Duero. We’ll visit the town of Pesquera del Duero, known for growing some of the best grapes in the region, and dedicated almost exclusively to wine production.
Next, we’ll follow the course of the Duero river to the historic fortified town of Peñafiel, one of the region’s centres of wine production. The town’s castle, the oldest part of which dates back to the 9th century, has been repurposed into a Wine Museum. We’ll visit the charming Plaza del Coso, which retains its original traditional wooden balconies. During the summer, the square fulfils its original medieval function as the town bullring. We’ll enjoy lunch in Peñafiel before returning to our hotel by van.
Tonight, we’ll head to a nearby town to enjoy a gourmet dinner of traditional fare in a refurbished historic windmill.
Day 6: Madrid
Route: 34.9 km
Elevation: +421 m / -392 m
Accommodation: Hotel Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza or similar
After breakfast, we will go by van to Segovia, one picturesque city which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will ride along the city walls and the river that surrounds the city before passing under the impressive Roman aqueduct, one of the best preserved in the world. After lunch we continue to Madrid by van (1h30).
In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner, as well as a fiery flamenco show. ¡Olé!
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the capital. If you choose to book extra nights in Madrid, we include a city tour by bike.
Hotel Viura
The design hotel Viura is a tourist attraction on itself, with its ultramodern architecture surrounded by ancient buildings.
The name of this hotel comes from the most planted white grape in Rioja, which is the Viura grape. All rooms are spacious with a modern design, offering a great view on the surrounding buildings and the countryside in the distance. Delightful dinners are offered in the restaurant, based on Riojan and Basque cuisine and accompanied by local wines.
Hotel Parador de Lerma
The amazing ducal palace at Lerma, now a Parador, is located in the upper part of the city.
The hotel features a central courtyard surrounded by lovely columned galleries. The elegant majesty of this palace from the era of the Hapsburgs and its lovely interiors, with beautifully designed lighting and décor, will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
Right at the heart of Ribera del Duero, this hotel – the first spa with 5 stars status in Castilla y León – is located in one the best preserved Cistercian monastery of the 12thcentury in Europe.
The Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena provides 79 rooms, all of them of high quality, a spa centre and hot spring bath, an outdoor pool, children’s playground and terrace.
Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza
The Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza is a boutique hotel located between Paseo del Prado and El Retiro in Madrid.
It is a perfect hotel at the heart of Madrid Triangle of Art, an ideal location close to the main tourist attractions of the city. Discover its complete rooms with a free iPad and relax: the Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza invites you to live a unique experience in Madrid.
3.540,00€
Experience a sublime cycling journey through rolling hills and medieval hilltop towns whilst sampling the best food and wines these regions have to offer.
Minimum group size for guaranteed departure at this price: 4 people.
Other dates and group size options available upon request.
| Dates | 16 Sept 2024, 1 Oct 2024, 14 Oct 2024 |
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