Cycling through La Rioja wine region

Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Burgos (approx. 1h30m). Burgos is the former capital of Castile and home to the impressive Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. In Burgos we have a chance to visit the splendid Gothic Cathedral (7 Euros payable locally) and to enjoy the local “Pinchos” that are typically had with a wine in the lively bars.

We cycle out of Burgos along the Arlanzon River to the village of Arlanzon, where we join the Via Verde, an old railway track recently converted into a cycle path that gives us easy access into the Sierra de la Demanda with its oak, beech and pine forests. We spend the night in the quaint mountain village of Pineda de la Sierra, deep in the heart of the Sierra de La Demanda.

Today's ride is relatively long but mainly downhill. We continue on the Via Verde path winding its way through the woods and then follow quiet country roads along the Najerilla River and the Mansilla reservoir, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

We continue following the Najerilla River downstream and eventually turn west to climb up to the beautiful village of San Millan de la Cogolla, home to UNESCO-listed Yuso Monastery, birthplace of the modern Spanish language. Visit to the Monastery (6 Euros payable locally).. 

Today we enter the wine growing region on the northern flank of the Ebro Valley and cycle to the mediaeval walled town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, along the popular Camino de Santiago historic route. We have a bit of time to explore its narrow alleyways, the Cathedral and the old Pilgrims' Hospital that make the town a Site of National Historic Interest. Back on our bike, we cycle to Briones, where we have the opportunity to learn about La Rioja region at the Museum of Wine Culture (11 Euros payable locally).

Today we enjoy a circular route pedaling across the Rioja Alta region, dotted with tranquil hilltop villages. In Haro, we have the chance to visit a big, well established winery and taste some of their famous wines. We also enjoy the typical Pinchos and Tapas from the region in the main square of Haro before making our way back to San Vicente where we have the option to visit a small family run vineyard. (allow for approx 5 to 10 Euros for each winery visit, payable locally).

Our final ride takes us east through more vineyards and wineries, including the Marques de Riscal wine cellars and its ambitious Wine Village project, planned by the Canadian architect Frank Gehry, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. We will not have a chance to visit the winery but just seeing the building is very impressive. We continue to the beautiful medieval fortress town of Laguardia, perched high on a rocky hill, where we spend our last night.

Transfer to Bilbao Airport after breakfast.