Spain : Rioja

Vineyards of La Rioja Cycling

Trip code: C07RI 4.6 (7 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Cycle through the heart of the famous Rioja wine region alongside vineyards and along quiet country lanes past wineries and wine museums.
  • Explore historic villages and towns including Ezcaray, in the foothills of the Sierra de la Demanda mountains and the medieval walled town of Laguardia.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Suso and Yuso and spend a day on the Pilgrim route; the Camino de Santiago.
  • Taste and try at the celebrated vineyards of Vivancos with its wine museum and Marques de Riscal as you cycle along the Ebro river

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Transfer to the start of the cycling route on day 2
  • Email briefing pack

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This 7 night holiday offers peaceful cycling along quiet country lanes and tracks in La Rioja, home of the famous La Rioja Spanish wine. Cycle through the heart of this celebrated wine region amongst the vineyards and past wineries and wine museums and where a glass of wine waits at every turn.

You start and finish your holiday in Logrono, on the banks of the river Ebro and the capital of La Rioja region, it is famous for its quaint historic city centre and its pinchos bars - Northern Spains equivalent of tapas bars. On your first cycling day you ride along a section of the pilgrims route, 'El Camino de Santiago' before reaching the beautiful town of San Millan de la Cogolla famed for its UNESCO World Heritage twin monasteries, Suso and Yuso.

Explore this wonderful wine growing region passing through medieval walled town of Laguardia, mountain village of Ezcaray, past ancient churches and visiting the regions wine capital of Haro, where there are opportunities aplenty to enjoy the regions most famous export.

Terrain

Your routes on this holiday will Include cycle track, with section of tarmac roads - mainly quiet country roads - and dirt tracks, as well as following part of the famous Camino de Santiago route.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Logrono

Arrive in Logrono, the capital of la Rioja, a small but vibrant city with a beautiful historic city centre and excellent restaurants and pinchos/tapas bars. Soak in the atmosphere with a fabulous glass of Rioja.

You stay at Hotel Gran Via Husa.

hotel details

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Hotel Gran Via Husa, Logroño

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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TV
Minibar
Aircon
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Located in the heart of Logroño, the hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the old town. The rooms are elegant and classically styled with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Logrono to San Millan de la Cogolla (38km/23.6mi)

After a short transfer to the start of your cycle route and the handover of bikes you'll ride along a section of the long distance pilgrim route El Camino de Santiago before reaching the beautiful town of San Millan de la Cogolla where you will stay for the night. Here, you can find the twin monasteries of Yuso and Suso, both registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

elevation

You stay at Hosteria Monasterio de San Millan.

hotel details

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Hosteria Monasterio de San Millan, San Millan de Cogolla

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This historic hotel is housed within the Yuso Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which is the birthplace of the Spanish language and holds some of Spain's ancient manuscripts in Spanish and Basque. The elegant rooms at Hosteria del San Millan provide views of the surrounding mountains and are equipped with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV channels and even a pillow menu. The hotel features an excellent à-la-carte restaurant, serving local specialities complemented by renowned Rioja wines. Located in the monastery's former kitchen, the on-site café serves snacks and drinks.

Day 3: San Millan de la Cogolla to Ezcaray (33km/20.5mi)

Perhaps take another chance to visit the monasteries in the morning before continuing on an easy cycle through rolling countryside to the historic town of Ezcaray, ful of charm and original architecture and set in the foothills of the impressive Sierra de la Demanda mountains.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Palacio Azcarate.

hotel details

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Hotel Palacio Azcarate, Ezcaray

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Located in the centre of Ezcaray at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda mountains and originally an 18th century town mansion, the hotel has been lovingly restored, whilst still retaining the impressive, classical style decor and antique furniture. The hotel has spacious, original gardens which provide a peaceful setting in which to relax. The hotel's restaurant serves a combination of traditional and modern dishes. Please note that it opens only for groups and guests staying on a half-board basis. Lunch can be found in the café.

Day 4: Ezcaray to Haro (35km/21.7mi)

Gentle cycling today along a dedicated cycle lane, away from any traffic. Coffee stops in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Casalareina will reveal two rich historic and artistic towns well worth exploring, before arriving in Haro, the capital of wine production in the Rioja region where you will stay for 2 nights.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Los Agustinos.

hotel details

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Hotel Los Agustinos, Haro

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


This historic and beautiful 14th century hotel building has been a former convent, military barracks, prison and hospital. The individually decorated rooms are set around a internal central, lounge courtyard area, with stunning glass roof.

Day 5: Free day or Circular route Haro (30km/18.6mi)

There will be chances to visit wineries in Haro in the morning and evening, but today you can ride a delightful loop amongst vineyards to take in the essence of this rich region, Follow the route to reach the beautiful town of Briones where you can visit the Wine Museum of the Vivancos vineyard and then onto Labastia and back to Haro. Alternatively you could use this day to rest from cycling and visit some of the vineyards that Haro is so famous for.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Los Agustinos.

hotel details



Hotel Los Agustinos, Haro

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


This historic and beautiful 14th century hotel building has been a former convent, military barracks, prison and hospital. The individually decorated rooms are set around a internal central, lounge courtyard area, with stunning glass roof.

Day 6: Haro to Laguardia (36km/22.4mi)

Today you cycle along the river Ebro amongst the vineyards, to reach the beautiful hilltop town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, which was built as a 10th century fortress overlooking the Ebro. Then enjoy the quiet country roads taking you through colourful landscapes until you reach the beautifully preserved medieval walled town of Laguardia which is perched on a hill top with commanding views below. Take the opportunity to explore the ancient churches with their baroque paintings.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Posada Mayor de Migueloa.

hotel details

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Posada Mayor de Migueloa, Laguardia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
Tea/coffee


This charming hotel retains all historic features of the original 17th Baroque mansion, which is set amongst 300 year old vineyards, still producing wines which you can taste at the hotel.

The rooms are traditional with antique furnishings giving you an authentic and traditional experience. The restaurant serves traditional Basque and Riojan cuisine, however the cavernous, vaulted wine cellar is the hotels greatest feature and is full of the most exquisite wines from the surrounding Rioja region and beyond. Wine tasting session are also possible at the hotel's bodega.

Day 7: Laguardia to Logrono (30km/18.6mi)

Soon after leaving Laguardia, you come to the town of Elciego, famous for its Marques de Riscal vineyard and its spectacular building designed by architect Frank Gehry. You rejoin the river Ebro on winding country roads which take you back to Logrono.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Gran Via Husa.

hotel details



Hotel Gran Via Husa, Logroño

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Located in the heart of Logroño, the hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the old town. The rooms are elegant and classically styled with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 8: Departure

Departure from Logrono.

Why not treat yourself to an extra night or two to enjoy Logrono or to visit Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum?

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£1279
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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £348.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Madrid airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric bikes
  • Extra nights
  • Travel options and transfers

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

We feel that we experienced a great flavour of Rioja from city wine festivals to more religious celebrations in the villages. The hotels were all quite unique and the service excellent.The local food and particularly the wine was always especially good as we had just cycled through the vineyards during the day so we felt we had earned it even with electric bikes.



Mrs Sim, 20 Sep 2024

 

Easy booking, everything fell into place, the app worked well, hotels were tasteful and good quality - even if the beds were a bit hard

Mrs Harris, 15 Sep 2024

 

A great tour. Would recommend it.

Mr Finch, 10 Sep 2024

 

Well organised, our local contact was very available and understanding.

A Valued Customer, 10 Sep 2024

 

From start to finish a brilliant experience. The team are first class.

Mark Finn, 1 Sep 2023

 

Booking with Headwater is always a positive experience and the holidays are of the highest standard.

Susan Warren, 7 Jun 2023

 

Great trip, interesting & sometimes challenging itinerary. Definitely make sure you include the optional extra from Haro. Wonderful hotels!

GREG, 22 May 2023

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

12.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

7 nights from £1279

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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