2024
Radtour durch La Rioja

Bike tour through La Rioja

Bike and wine enjoyment in northern Spain

Burgos – Pineda de la Sierra – San Millán de la Cogolla – Elciego

  • Rioja wine region
  • Cathedral of Burgos, Sierra de la Demanda, Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, Briones Wine Culture Museum
  • Rental bike included!
  • Daily routes ●●●○○, altitude profile ●●●●○

days
8

Ø km per day
40

Our bike tour through La Rioja not only takes you to the north of Spain, but also to one of the most important wine-growing regions in Europe. However, the region, which is particularly famous for Rioja, has even more to offer than excellent and outstanding wines. You start the bike tour through La Rioja in the historic city of Burgos, which is known throughout the country for its impressive cathedral. Cycle through the Sierra de la Demanda to the picturesque mountain villages of Pineda de la Sierra and Viniegra de Abajo. With the monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, you will get to know the birthplace of the Spanish language and end up just a stone's throw away amidst traditional wineries and their spectacular buildings. Relax and cycle towards the destination of our bike tour through La Rioja. Via the charming medieval town of Laguardia, you will reach Elciego, known for its City of Wine.

Our bike tour through La Rioja is suitable for all those who want to get to know one of the smallest and less well-known Spanish provinces. But also for those who are not afraid to pedal hard at times. You will be rewarded for your efforts in the unique and gently rolling landscape, but also on the way with detours to the wineries and numerous bodegas, which offer you enjoyable insights into winegrowing.

 

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    ES-SPBE7
  • Start / Destination
    Burgos / Elciego
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 255 km
    Daily routes ●●●○○
    between 30 and 60 km, Ø 40 km
    Altitude profile ●●●●○
Map of the bike tour through La Rioja

Day 1: Individual arrival in Burgos

Your bike tour through La Rioja begins in Burgos. After arriving at your hotel, explore the medieval city center. The Catedral de Burgos will particularly catch your eye. The sublime cathedral is one of the most extraordinary church buildings in Spain. In the center of the church is the tomb of the Spanish national hero El Cid. Take an evening stroll along the Río Arlanzón and up to the ruins of the Castillo de Burgos, a castle complex built in the 9th century.

 

Burgos

Burgos

Day 2: Burgos – Pineda de la Sierra, approx. 50 km / 495 elev.

After you have received your touring bikes, you are ready to set off. Heading out of the city, you follow the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, for a few kilometers. Then it's uphill towards the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range. You follow an old railroad line away from the traffic, accompanied by dense oak and beech forests. You reach your destination for the day in the mountain village of Pineda de la Sierra. The church San Esteban is particularly worth seeing. It is one of the most outstanding Romanesque churches in the north of Spain.

Vines in front of the Sierra de la Demanda

Sierra de la Demanda

Day 3: Pineda de la Sierra – Viniegra de Abajo, approx. 60 km / 455 elev.

The second stage of your bike tour today takes you to the La Rioja region. You cycle along small country roads that take you along the Río Najerilla and the Mansilla reservoir to the charming mountain village of Viniegra de Abajo. The remote village was probably founded in ancient times. After your arrival, take a walk and discover numerous palatial houses, which contrast with the simpler old buildings of the former local cattle breeders along the main road.

 

Viniegra de Abajo

Viniegra de Abajo

Day 4: Viniegra de Abajo – San Millán de la Cogolla, approx. 45 km / 310 elev.

You cycle along the Río Ventrosa and the Río Najerilla on your bike tour through La Rioja to San Millán de la Cogolla, known for its monastery ensemble. It consists of two monasteries, the San Millán de Yuso and the San Millán de Suso. Both are dedicated to Saint Millán, who died over 1500 years ago, and are popular pilgrimage destinations. In addition to numerous architectural features, the site has great historical significance as it is home to the first writings in Spanish.

 

San Millán de la Cogolla - Yuso Monastery

San Millán de la Cogolla - Yuso Monastery

Day 5: San Millán de la Cogolla – San Vincente de la Sonsierra, approx. 35 km / 230 elev.

Today you cycle along rolling hills into the Ebro valley. It is known for its cultivation of the famous Rioja grapes. Stop off en route in Briones and visit the Museum of Wine Culture. Back on the bike, you will notice the church of Santa María la Mayor from afar above your destination for the day, San Vincente. It is part of a complex of buildings whose origins date back to the 12th century. Visit the former defensive complex and enjoy the impressive view of the surrounding area.

San Vincente de la Sonsierra

San Vincente de la Sonsierra

Day 6: Roundtrip in the Rioja wine region, approx. 35 km / 410 elev.

Today your bike tour through La Rioja includes an excursion to the surroundings of San Vincente de la Sonsierra. Not far from the River Ebro, you cycle to the historic town of Haro, including a few climbs. The town is the capital of the Rioja Alta wine-growing region. The long wine-growing tradition dates back to Roman times. Taste excellent and award-winning red wines in the bodegas and visit the many wine cellars. You will return to San Vincente de la Sonsierra full of energy.

 

Haro - Capital del Rioja

Haro - Capital del Rioja

Day 7: San Vincente de la Sonsierra – Laguardia – Elciego, approx. 30 km / 340 elev.

Today you will get to know the south of the Basque Country and the Rioja Alavesa wine region. First you cycle to the medieval town of Laguardia. Surrounded by a city wall, the town center is located on a hill in a region characterized by vineyards. Visit the church of Santa Maria and the picturesque old town before getting back on your bike. Once you arrive in Elciego, it is worth making a detour to the avant-garde Hotel Marqués de Riscal. It houses a bodega and was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.

 

La Guardia - Castillo

La Guardia - Castillo

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your bike tour through La Rioja comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Burgos or Logroño with an extra night on request.

Elciego

Elciego

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2024

Arrival daily from 01.04.2024 to 31.10.2024

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form.

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Season A
01.04. - 31.10.

from1059 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights incl. breakfast, national 2* / 3* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Elciego, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Rental bike (24-gear), Electric bike with supplement
  • Dinner in Pineda de la Sierra (1 x)
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per room)
    – only available in English –
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Minimum number of participants: 2 people

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Not inlcuded is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

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For our younger cyclists

For lack of family rooms, we cannot offer discounts for children on this trip.

Due to the demanding stages, we do not recommend this trip for children.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

219 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
0 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
99 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 24-gear unisex / men's bike
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier, map holder, water bottle holder, luggage rack, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit, spare inner tube, multi-tool and rental helmet

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24-gear rental bike

included

Surcharge e-bike / pedelec

99 €

All prices are per person

Brief info

  • Booking code
    ES-SPBE7
  • Start / Destination
    Burgos / Elciego
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 255 km
    Daily routes ●●●○○
    between 30 and 60 km, Ø 40 km
    Altitude profile ●●●●○
  • Trail conditions
    You are mainly on country roads, most of which are asphalted and take you through partly hilly terrain.
  • Notes
    Travel documents only available in English!
    In Spain, cyclists are required to wear a helmet outside built-up areas. Helmets are not compulsory on long climbs, in extreme heat and if medically prescribed. Please also note that this rule is interpreted differently from region to region.
  • Return journey
    The tour ends in Elciego, which does not have its own train station. The return journey from Elciego to Logroño is recommended by cab, approx. 25 km, costs approx. 40 euros, then by train to Bilbao, takes approx. 2.5 hours.
  • Minimum number of participants
    2 people
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is only conditionally suitable for people with limited mobility. Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding your individual needs.
  • Print version PDF

days
8

Ø km per day
40