Day 3. > LA RIOJA CIRCULAR

Ride: 54 km | 350 m

Today is all about the diverse architecture of La Rioja. Enjoy quaint Ezcaray, a high point in La Rioja with its forested mountains and alpine feel on the river Ojo. After a drink in the square, ride on a cycle path to Calzado. Pedal through the many vineyards, and green pastures today in this cycle of La Rioja.

 

Small villages delight, and we visit the UNESCO heritage site of the impressive 15-17th century Yuso monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries and the birthplace of the Spanish written language! It is a beautiful building and has a great essence of history. Return to Santo Domingo and have a evening in this gentle town.

Day 4. > LAGUARDIA

Ride: 68 km | 700 m

Continue our day through the Rioja vineyards, we arrive at our beautiful village town of Laguardia, with its cobbled alleys and picturesque lined streets and vistas. A full day of cycling memories in the Basque Country and its mountainous backdrop of La Rioja, with some lovely villages and great vistas of the Ebro River feeding the vines.

 

We can’t wait though to get off our bike for a moment and have a wine tasting at another impressive monument, the word renowned Marques de Riscal winery. Frank Gehry’s whimsical architectural design: think a mother of pearl meets a wave. Simply beautiful, as it glimmers in the sunlight. And then there’s the wine!

 

Back to our nook for the late afternoon, with maybe a dip in the hotel’s pool and a group dinner tries some delicious local dishes.

Day 5. > LOGROÑO

Ride: 31/38 km | 300 m

Today we move on, descending the foothills and visit the Neolithic burial tombs of this area. The witches’ hut, “La Chabola de la Hechicera” overlooks the quilt-work like landscape, dotted with church steeples. The country cycle through the Rioja is relaxing as we head to Logroño to enjoy an afternoon walking and wine/ pinxto (tapas!) tour to really absorb the atmosphere of this part of Spain.

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, a resting point on the Camino and a mainstay of the wine industry.

 

Our beautiful and elegant hotel tonight is in the centre, so perfect for evening rambles and further exploring.Enjoy a free evening on your own tonight.

Day 6. > PAMPLONA

Ride: 67 km | 365 m

We take a short transfer out today and take a pedal around the local area with its small villages and bike paths, a reverse of the Camino! We end today’s ride in a town that has a most uniquely Spanish feel and traditions.

 

To really learn about the exciting town of Pamplona and its famous “bull running” San Fermín festival, and what was one of Ernest Hemmingway’s favourite spots, we take a guided walking tour.  Discover the sights and try the local dishes of Navarre, the province we are in tonight.

Day 7. > HONDARRIBIA

Ride: 65 km | 456 m

Transfer to the green hills of Leitza , a pretty Basque village with proud traditions, and great cooking (of course!), before we cycle to our last destination. A most distinctive spot! We ride the pathways to the most North Easterly part of Spain, and kiss the border with France! A fantastic place to finish.

 

Enjoy the seaside atmosphere of noble Hondarribia, an elegant place. Your luxury hotel will not disappoint and has a most privileged and elegant position on the River Bidasoa overlooking France and Spain coastline. It is a special place to end our journey through Northern Spain and we enjoy our celebratory dinner tonight here. It is a 10th century castle, so has had some esteemed guests, besides yourselves, such as Monarchs, Emperors and artists!

Day 8. > ONWARD TRAVEL

Take a last dip in the sea and either stay on here to venture into France, or follow on to San Sebastian for a central city drop-off.  San Sebastian is regarded as one of the culinary centres of the world, with its Michelin restaurants and fantastic pintxos scene. (Ask for our post-tour hotel package).

 

It has been our pleasure to share this cycling tour of La Rioja and Basque Country with you!

THANK YOU