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Spain the Passion for LifeDay One: Madrid – AbalosThe first morning of the tour, your guides will pick you up at your hotel for a relaxing, three-hour journey north through the Spanish countryside to the Rioja wine region. Along the way we’ll make a stop in Burgos, a medieval Castilian cathedral town founded in 884. Your first glimpse at one of the most astounding Gothic cathedrals in all of Spain will surely pique your excitement for the adventures ahead. When you arrive at your hotel in Abalos, we’ll welcome you with a glass of wine, a bike fitting and then a short spin around the area - a seemingly endless stretch of vineyards. A pre-dinner cocktail followed by a traditional meal will complete your welcome.
Meal: Dinner Destinations visited: Madrid, Abalos Distance cycled: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Spain Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 ride through vineyards of Rioja Day Two: La BastidaToday we will ride along the banks of the Ebro River - the lifeline of the Rioja wine region - to La Bastida. At an exclusive visit to the Remelluri winery, housed in a centuries-old monastery, we’ll have a tasting and traditional Rioja-style lunch. A true feast! We will cycle back to Abalos for a shuttle to Laguardia, the medieval walled city where we’ll have another wine tasting. In the evening, spend time exploring Laguardia, a real insider’s gem, and dining on the area’s famous tapas before heading back to Abalos. Option at the luxurious Spa Marques de Riscal
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch Destinations visited: La Bastida, Abalos, Laguardia Distance cycled: 45 km / 27.9 miles
Spain Bike Tour Photo: Day 2 ride through vineyards of to famous bodega Day Three: Abalos – LermaToday will be the day to really get into the winemaking process. At a 15th century wine vineyard, you will have a chance to be a part of production in the traditional way… bare feet are required! We’ll then ride through the picturesque towns of Briones and Azofre and have lunch near the thousand-year-old Saint James Way before visiting the Abadía (Abbey) de Cañas. Later that afternoon, we’ll take a drive to the fortress town of Lerma where we’ll have dinner and stay the night in the town’s Parador, established between 1601 and 1617 as a retreat for King Felipe III.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations
visited: Briones, Azofre, Abadía de Cañas
& Lerma Distance cycled: 38 km / 23.5 miles
Spain Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 ride through sleepy village of Abalos Day Four: Lerma – Peñaranda del DueroToday we begin with a van ride to Santo Domingo de Silos, where we’ll visit the monastery that made Gregorian chanting internationally famous. Next, we’ll ride to Peñaranda del Duero through the Ribera del Duero wine region, stopping to visit Yecla Gorges, and for a gourmet picnic amidst the outstanding landscape. We’ll continue to Peñaranda del Duero where we’ll visit the winery of a local vintner (who’s moved production into the town’s jail!). Dinner that night will feature the best of traditional Duero cooking. Perhaps take a pre-dinner ride to the 12th century Vid Monastery, one of the oldest wineries in the region.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations
visited: Santo Domingo de Silos, Yecla Gorge, Ribera del Duero,
Distance cycled: 47 km / 29.1 miles
Spain Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 typical ride through village in Ribera del Duero Day Five: Peñaranda del Duero – PedrazaWe begin the day with a van ride to the hillside town of Sepúlveda, dramatically situated on the edge of the Duratón Canyon Nature Reserve (Castile’s most important reserve for birds of prey). Once we’ve had a chance to wander the streets and visit its Romanesque monuments, we’ll ride through wheat fields and Segovian towns to the Casla River. We’ll follow its course to the fortress town of Pedraza de la Sierra, a relic of the Renaissance. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Spanish music.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner Destinations visited: Sepúlveda, La Matilla, La Velilla & Pedraza Distance cycled: 38 km / 23.5 miles
Spain Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 picnic stop on the way to pedraza Day Six: Pedraza – Segovia - MadridSay adios to new friends made. Our guides will transfer you back to Madrid via a visit to Segovia, an exquisite town filled with stunning architecture and fabulous shopping.
Meal: Breakfast Destination visited: Segovia & Madrid Accomplished: Total Satisfaction! TRIP TOTAL: 178KM/ 110.2 MILES, averaging 42km/ 26 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day. Reserve your Spain bike trip today
Additional Information
Where
do we meet on day one of the Rioja bicycle trip?
Where
does the Rioja bicycle trip finish?
How
should I go about making my travel plans?
What
is the weather going to be like in Rioja?
What
is not included on my Rioja bicycle trip?
How should I tip my DuVine guides? If you appreciate the service your DuVine Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.
What
travel documents will I need for my bike trip?
What
is the average daily mileage?
How
should I get in DuVine shape?
How should I pack? Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.
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