Classic Biking from the Spanish foothills to the vineyards of La Rioja

The Spanish foothills located south of the Pyrenees, combined with fortified castles, ancient abbeys and humanity's partnership with nature have created a landscape of timeless and majestic beauty. Travel from these slopes to the ancient wine region of La Rioja where vitners have become household names known throughout the world. Though, this ancient region's local wines are some of the country's finest, Rioja is also home to spectacular mountain scenery, historic World Heritage sites, the Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way), 150 million year old dinosaur trails and relaxing therapeutic thermal waters. The fertile plains of the Ebro valley have given rise to a wine producing industry which goes back to Roman times. The region's rich soil and plentiful supply of water enable it to produce high quality fruit and vegetables (including artichokes, asparagus, egg plant and peaches) which together with Rioja's excellent cured meats form the basis of excellent regional cuisine from traditional to haute cuisine. Baby goat "cabrito", potatoes cooked with red "chorizo" sausage and the popular sweet red peppers "pimientos del piqillo" are among the typical dishes of the region.

Day 1 - Camino de Santiago - Rendezvous in Pamplona.Travel along the Camino de Santiago.Bike through the historic pilgrimage towns of Puente la Reina, Santa Maria de Eunate, and Tafalla, on our way to Olite, wine capitol of the Navarra.
Lodging in Olite (Today's route - 25 to 35 miles - easy biking)

Day 2 - Navarra Wines - Morning ride into the Chucho Alto hills, en route to the lovely perched town of Ujué and its spectacular views.Evening visit and wine tasting of prestigious D.O. Navarra wines at the Ochoa winery.Tonight, enjoy a romantic or fun filled evening on your own in Olite.
Lodging in Olite (Today's route - 30 to 40 miles - easy to moderate biking)

Day 3 - El Cidacos Valley - Travel to the Rioja wine region.Spin along the cliffs overlooking the breathtaking El Cidacos valley.Feeling the need ! Visit the health spa at Arnedillo.Pass through olive groves and almond orchards.Wind through meadows and fields dotted with sheep on quiet side roads and a paved railroad bed to the ancient town of Calahorra.Along the way, stop to see 150 million year old dinosaur footprints.
Lodging in Calahorra (Today's route - 25 to 35 miles - easy to moderate biking)

Day 4 - La Rioja Wine Villages - Bike from Fuenmayor along the Ebro River to San Vicente de Sonsierra, then up to Labastida to a historic winery located in a centuries-old monastery.Wine tasting at the prestigious Remelluri cellars where exquisite wines are the product of centuries of tradition.Tonight, enjoy an evening dinner in LaGuardia, perhaps sampling some the area's famous tapas.
Lodging in Abalos (Today's route - 30 to 40 miles - easy to moderately easy biking)

Day 5 - La Rioja Wine Country - Morning ride to a fifteenth-century vineyard for a historical perspective on wine making.Cycle through the picturesque towns of Briones and Azofre. Spin to the historic pilgrimage town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, on the banks of the El Rio Oja river.Celebrate your Spanish biking journey with a colorful farewell fiesta and dinner.
Lodging in Abalos (Today's route - 25 to 45 miles - easy to moderately easy biking)

Day 6 - Miranda de Ebro - Homeward bound.Say adios to the Rioja wine country and take a private transfer to the train station in Miranda de Ebro, or the airport in Vitoria - Gasteiz.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Adios !