Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
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.
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.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hosteria Monasterio de San Millan.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Palacio Azcarate.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Los Agustinos.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Los Agustinos.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Posada Mayor de Migueloa.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Gran Via Husa.
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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.
Departure from Logrono.
Why not treat yourself to an extra night or two to enjoy Logrono or to visit Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$766.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
