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Rioja: Hidden Spain, Land of Wine
A superb trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains down to the distant Mediterranean. The very name of the Iberian Peninsula comes from this river: Iberia, the country of the Ebro.
The route follows what begins as a tiny mountain stream flowing through the green pastures of Cantabria, beautiful valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, witnessing the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally you arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest wines produced in Spain. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wine-producing bodegas, all with the limestone mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria in the background.
A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.
Highlights
- Cantabrian Mountains
- Ebro Reservoir
- Romanesque Church of San Martin de Elines
- Village of Puentedey
- Wine-producing village of Haro
- Village of Laguardia
- City of Frias
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours or see more Spain bike tours.
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Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Transfer to Campoo
Arrival in Santander and transfer to the hotel in Campoo, where you will be fitted for and text your bike.
Overnight in Campoo.Day 2: Campoo – Polientes (38 miles/59 km or 61 miles/97 km)
This stage takes you through some fabulous and unspoilt scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains, along the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros surrounded by forests. You finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and continue to the day's final stop in Polientes. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Polientes. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.
Overnight in Polientes.Day 3: Polientes – Valle de Zamanzas (27 miles/43 km)
You begin by cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very rock that are so characteristic of this region. As you progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until you arrive in a marvelous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead.Make sure to visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades running through the village. As you approach Pesquera, the canyon of the Ebro reaches unbelievable dimensions before you finally reach the attractive village that will be tonight's stop.
Overnight in Valle de Zamanzas.Day 4: Valle de Zamanzas – Medina de Pomar (23 miles/36 km; 39 miles/63 km with route extension to Puentedey)
Today follows a beautiful route that follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages. An optional extension takes you to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the River Nela. Tonight you stay in the Castillian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating the town and surrounding landscape.
Overnight in Medina de Pomar.Day 5: Medina de Pomar – Frias (36 miles/58 km)
From Medina, you head back to the Ebro. The route then takes you along a quiet country road running parallel to the river, where the valley begins to open out again. Visit the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada before you cycle through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle with excellent views of the Ebro Valley.
Overnight in Fras.Day 6: Frias – Haro (39 miles/62 km)
As you leave Frias, the valley begins to close in again until you find yourself in another spectacular canyon. The road runs along the shores of a reservoir surrounded by high mountains and through short tunnels carved out of the rock. The route crosses the little town of Miranda del Ebro before passing through imposing peaks that signal the gateway to the enormous open valley of La Rioja. Tonight is spent in the wine-producing village of Haro, with a chance to drink a glass or two of Rioja in its birthplace.
Overnight in Haro.Day 7: Haro – Laguardia (Short 15 miles/25 km; Long 31 miles/50 km)
You cycle through endless vineyards and numerous picturesque villages of La Rioja, with the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro never too far away. You finally reach the superb walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life.
Overnight in Laguardia.Day 8: Departure
Tour ends, transfer from Laguardia to Bilbao.Surface and terrain
This tour is moderate cycling with some climbs as the route follows the River Ebro as it flows downstream. There are a few days that may have some climbing when the route moves away from the river.
Hotels
The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.
Posada de Ormas, Ormas
www.posadaormas.comCuartelillo Viejo, Polientes
www.elcuartelilloviejo.comPosada Molino del Canto, Valle de Zamanzas
www.molinodelcanto.comHotel Romanca, Medina de Pomar
www.romanca.esHotel rural Colas
www.posadacolas.comHotel Arrope, Haro
www.hotelarrope.comHospedería de los Parajes, Laguardia
www.hospederiadelosparajes.comInterested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour Start and end
Nearest airport: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Nearest train station: Reinosa or Santander, SpainThe closest airport for arrival is Santander Airport and the most convenient for departure is Bilbao Airport and we would prefer this. However, it may be easier for customers to book a return flight from Bilbao Airport. It is important to remember that at the end of the tour, the transfer time from Laguardia to Bilbao is 90 minutes, so if we allow for a 2-hour check in time, then it means departure time from Laguardia would be three and a half hours before flight time. Thus, departure time from Laguardia is scheduled for 9 a.m. so customers should take this into account before booking their flights.
Please note that transfer to and from arrival/departure points (normally Bilbao or Santander airports, ferryports, railway stations, or bus stations) is included in the tour package.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Sundays: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2023 (additional dates upon request for groups of 4 or more)
Prices
Tour package
Per person, double occupancy €1120 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1405 Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €120 Road bike €165 Electrically assisted bike €195 GPS rental €42 Included services
- 7 nights accommodation (mixture of country inns, and 3 & 4-star hotels)
- Continental style breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Information pack with route guide and maps
- Service hotline for help or advice
- 5 dinners (days: 1-5)
- Transport to and from arrival/departure points - normally Bilbao or Santander airports, ferry ports, railway stations, bus stations
Bike rentals
Bikes available to rent on this tour (reserved in advance at the time of booking):
- Hybrid bikes
- Road bikes, available upon request
- Tandem bikes, available upon request
- Electrically assisted bikes, available upon request*
- Children's bikes, available upon request
- Child seats, available upon request
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Bikes come equipped with the following at no extra cost:
- Rear rack with panniers (on hybrid bikes)
- Seat post bag (on road bikes)
- Handlebar bag/map holder (on hybrid bikes)
- Helmet
- Cycle computer
- Pump
- Spair inner tube and basic toolkit
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
- Lights and toe clips available on request
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour. For safety and hygiene purposes, we recommend that you bring your own helmet.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Pamela Oberst 1 month ago
Great introduction to Basque country
We had a great time on the Basque wine country. Met 4 new friends on the tour and plan on riding with them again. Recommend this tour for everyone. Nice mileage and time to explore places of Interest.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Mary Ricks 3 months ago
A way to see some more of Spain.
The ride was great after the first day. Three of us were together and one bike kept losing its chain and something was rubbing. We called BikeTours and they delivered a different bike and we had no more problems. Ignacio from BikeTours was great as he kept in touch with all of us during the trip.
The first day did not offer much in scenery. Would have liked to start the ride with second day itinerary and continue.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 11-18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 20; not all same company
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Bev Langsch 3 months ago
Lots of ups and downs, super on Ebike
Our group of three ebikers, average age 75, enjoyed zooming up the long, steep hills and then drifting down again. The route was on paved roads, with very little traffic. Wind and clouds in mid-September were with us, but rain came in late afternoon, and by then, we were resting in our new hotel. Scenery with mountains, very small towns and old churches was interesting. Hotels were varied, from very simple near Frias to renovated mill to luxurious in LaGuardia. The GPS routes were very helpful, but we usually read and reread the written information. The written notes would be more helpful if the actual number of the road was included. We had a bit of trouble adapting to Spanish meal times, but loved the tapas served in bars (only until 3 or 4 pm) and waited anxiously for dinner after 8.30. Three other bikers were doing the same route and joined us at mealtimes. The six of us had a wonderful time together.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 11, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Andres Volosin 4 months ago
Bike kids bike!
I was a great way to experience the Rioja area and great for our first bike trip with our kids.
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★★★★★ Ken Schneider 4 months ago
Great Trip
Absolutely beautiful route with good places to stay. Significant climbs every day made the E Assist bikes a necessity for our group. (We had 6 people about 60 years old and in quite good shape). It was unseasonably hot for our week and a number of the smaller hotels in the mountains did not have AC. I'm not sure how often that would be an issue but sleeping was tough for a few nights. The local crew was friendly, timely and helpful. I would recommend the trip.
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★★★★★ Dorothy Westerfield 4 months ago
Fabulous trip!
Possibly the most beautiful scenery we’ve seen yet. All the hotels were wonderful, and the self-guiding directions and maps were perfect. We would highly recommend this trip, but I do think it should be rated as a 3 in difficulty. Lots of hills, and I was very glad to have an ebike!
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★★★★★ Mari October 14, 2019
Amazing cycling through beautiful landscapes & small towns
The Rioja self-guided cycling tour was amazing! Our group of 5 friends were a mix of varying levels from sport cyclists and occasional cyclists – and we all enjoyed the route, especially the first few days biking through remote roads with few if any car traffic. Even the last two days where we were biking with more cars was not bad since we had designated bike lanes and the drivers were all very kind in giving us plenty of space.
Highlights were cycling through the canyons and along the Ebro River, stopping by small towns for pintxos, and enjoying the homemade meals especially by chef Alberto at Hotel Romanca and the lovely family at Posada Molino del Canto. The beautiful Hospederia de los Parajes was also a wonderful end to wrap-up our week-long trip.
My husband & I have been on several cycling trips and by far, the road bikes provided by IberoCycle were of the best quality. The bikes definitely made the cycling tour that much more enjoyable, especially with the daily climbs. The tour is listed as a Level 2 but compared to a prior Level 2 BikeTours.com tour in Italy/Croatia, the steep climbs made it feel more like a higher Level 2. All in all though, it was still doable even for our most beginner of cyclists (friend who hadn't been on a bike for 5 years!)
Overall, highly recommended!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ TJS53 July 29, 2019
Amazing Scenery along the Ebro River
The route takes riders through some of the most sparsely populated and beautiful parts of Spain. Much of the ride along the river winds through a deep canyon. Although the route follows the river downstream, there is significant climbing (and some of it steep) everyday, but the pay off, terrific views and then long downhill stretches, is well worth it. The tour is ranked 2?, but it is a 3.
The route takes riders through interesting villages steeped in history. You'll see churches, castles, bridges, plenty of wheat and sunflower fields. There are quite a few opportunities to get off the bicycle, see the sites and interact with the locals. Be sure to see the castle and the cathedral in Frias. In Laguardia we arrived in time to witness the "running of the cows", an annual festival featuring a parade of town dignitaries and marching band that culminates with the release of cows that romp through the cobblestone streets. A good time was had by all, except maybe for the cows.
We took the tour during a record-setting heatwave, three days of temperatures over 100 degrees, so we started early each day to get to the next hotel before the heat became unbearable. I'd plan to do this trip during a time of year more likely to offer moderate temperatures.
The hotels were always good. However the Posada de Ormas, Hotel Romanca and the Hospederia de los Parajes in Laguardia were outstanding.
All in all this is a good tour and a great value.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6-23-2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 30, 2019
Thanks for the review and comment about the difficulty. We'll be sure to note that in our year-end review of this tour. We're elated to hear you enjoyed your time in Spain, and thanks again for sharing what you saw and experienced.
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★★★★★ JJ1970 April 28, 2019
Great Tour
Excellent tour. Great bikes and great support. Amazing views and historical towns.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Carlosita November 12, 2018
A most memorable trip
This tour following the Ebro River was very well organized. Each day was different. The directions were excellent, the roads were good surfaces, the innkeepers very nice, and the mix of history, nature, and wine country a good combination.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 7, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Laird June 25, 2018
Amazing scenery and incredible Rioja wine region!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany June 26, 2018
Thank you very much for your review. We're delighted that you had a great time on tour!
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★★★★★ Maria June 24, 2018
Glorious wine country
What a fabulous country Spain is! We loved this tour. May is an excellent time to enjoy this area. Ibero Cycle gave us an incredibly thorough briefing before heading off and were available throughout if any problems came up. The roads we traveled were without cars even though we were sharing the road. Unbelievably quiet roads and stunning scenery. Small little villages were at our days end and accommodations were clean and comfortable. The terrain was mixed and many hills over the course of the week but we enjoyed every challenge. Arriving to Haro and then on to LaGuardia were real wine country. I would even suggest an extra night in LaGuardia to enjoy some more of the local sights and wine tours. Beautiful trip! Thank you Bike Tours for another great and memorable experience.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 21-27, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Jane B September 19, 2017
Beautiful countryside in Northern Spain!
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour through the countryside along the Ebro River -- the terrain varied from the hills at the river's source, through beautiful canyons and into the broad valleys of the Rioja. The hotels were wonderful, with hosts who were friendly, helpful and provided great dinners. Our bikes were in perfect condition. Overall, this trip exceeded our expectations. This is Northern Spain, so more clouds likely, but it only actually rained one day of the ride. Morning cool and clouds turned to afternoon sun and warmth. Perfect biking weather.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 3-10
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Paul K July 23, 2017
Amazing tour. Just as advertised
We had a fantastic time. Simon obviously has this tour down to a science. Everything was exactly as advertised. We loved the rural roads and small hotels we stayed in. We found the Terrain stunning. There were some challenging hills but overall anyone with a reasonable level of fitness would have no difficulty with this trip. I would book with this tour company again.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 18,2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- Two
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ MominBC July 11, 2017
Wine Country Tour
Much better than expected, we did the self guided option. Pick up was on time, the bikes were great and the route map and directions were easy to follow.
Most roads were quiet and the hotels selected were superb. It was unforgettable and I will definitely do another one with this tour group.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 18-25, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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