Rioja Bicycle Tour Itinerary
Day One: Madrid – Abalos
On the 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 of 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
Day Two: La Bastida
Today 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 Arabarte winery, we’ll have a tasting and traditional Rioja-style lunch, a true feast! Then we will transfer you to Marques de Riscal, a luxurious spa where you can take a swim and treat yourself to a spa treatment (optional). Afterwards, we will transfer to Laguardia, the medieval walled city famous for its tapas restaurants. We will spend the evening here exploring the town before heading back to Abalos.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch
Destinations visited: La Bastida, Abalos, Laguardia
Distance cycled: 45 km / 27.9 miles
Day Three: Abalos – Lerma
Today will be the day to really get into the winemaking process. At a 15th century 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 to see the Museo Dinastia Vivanco, one of the best wine museums in the world before we continue through Azofre. After passing over the thousand-year-old Saint James Way, we'll stop at the monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla for lunch. This is the birthplace of the Spanish (Castilian) and Basque language. Later this 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/ Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Briones, Azofre, Lerma
(1.5 hour transfer to Lerma)
Distance cycled: 38 km / 23.5 miles
Day Four: Lerma – Aranda del Duero
Today 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 the Yecla Gorge, and for a gourmet picnic at the castle of Peñaranda amidst the outstanding landscape. We’ll continue to Peñaranda del Duero. Dinner tonight 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/ Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Santo Domingo de Silos, Yecla Gorge, Ribera del Duero, Peñaranda del Duero
Distance cycled: 47 km / 29.1 miles
Day Five: Aranda del Duero – Pedraza
We 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. From here we’ll follow the river's course to the fortress town of Pedraza de la Sierra, a relic of the Renaissance. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Sepúlveda, La Matilla, La Velilla & Pedraza
Distance cycled: 38 km / 23.5 miles
Day Six: Pedraza – Segovia - Madrid
Say adios to new friends made. Our guides will transfer you back to Madrid stopping along the way to visit 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.
Additional Information
Where do we meet on day one of the Rioja bicycle trip?
Your guides will pick you up at your hotel in Madrid and transfer you to the Rioja region. Relax and enjoy the Spanish countryside for our 3.5 hour journey north to the Rioja wine region.
Where does the Rioja bicycle trip finish?
Our guides will transfer you back to Madrid via Segovia to conclude your Spanish adventure (1.5 hour drive).
How should I go about making my travel plans?
DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for dinner in Madrid or reserving airline tickets, simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com
What is the weather going to be like in Rioja?
May, June, September and October in Spain usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with fresh evenings. Rain is rare here, but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.
What is not included on my Rioja bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.
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?
All travelers to Spain are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport, visa, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.
What is the average daily mileage?
The average daily mileage is about 25 miles (42 km). There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer miles.
How should I get in DuVine shape?
The best way to prepare for your DuVine bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Rioja bicycle tour. We have different riding options every day, and of course, great van support.
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.
