Basque Country + Rioja Eclipse Bike Tour

Your DuVine guides will greet you at one of our recommended hotels in downtown Bilbao, then we’re off to our iconic hotel designed by Frank O. Gehry: the glittering, ribbon-like roof appears right from the middle of the vineyards as we approach. After a safety review and bike fitting, we head out on our first ride through the Tempranillo vineyards, then return to Hotel Marqués de Riscal for a relaxed lunch amidst the gardens of their terrace restaurant. Spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool or head to the hotel’s Caudalie vinotherapy spa for one of their wine-infused treatments. This evening we raise a glass to the week ahead and share an unforgettable Riojana meal at Marqués de Riscal.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bilbao, Elciego, Samaniego
Accomplished: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 1,180 feet / 360 meters
Accommodations: Marqués de Riscal

Today, take your pick between an easygoing or a more challenging route. We’ll climb out of Elciego along a ridge high above the vineyards, then meet the Ebro River after descending through the town of Lapuebla de Labarca. Our destination is the medieval town of Laguardia, which sits upon a warren of 300 cellars carved from rock during the Middle Ages. These cellars (called calados) aren’t just subterranean wineries—they were once hideaways to protect townspeople in times of turmoil. They’re also a striking contrast to the ultra-modern wineries that have cropped up since Spain joined the European Union in the mid-1980s. Enjoy a traditional tapas lunch of cheese, charcuterie, olives, and croquettes at our favorite local restaurant, then opt to tack on some extra miles or hop in the van for a lift back to the hotel. Tonight, we transfer to downtown Haro, the spiritual capital of the Rioja wine region. There, our friend Jaime opens the doors to his family-run restaurant, which has been serving its famous wood-oven roasted lamb since 1870.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Lapuebla de Labarca, Laguardia, Elciego
Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 1,804 feet / 550 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 44 km, elevation gain: 2,385 feet / 727 meters
Accommodations: Marqués de Riscal

Begin the day with a bang on a spectacular climb towards the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. As we gain elevation the valley below seems to expand endlessly, filled with vineyards as far as the eye can see. Break for a well-deserved lunch at Dinastía Vivanco, a family winery that’s also Spain’s largest private museum of wine accouterments and art. After, hop in the van and head back to Hotel Marqués de Riscal or keep riding to rack up some extra miles. Tonight, our friend Irene hosts us at her family-run winery in Elciego for a casual dinner of tuna and local meat grilled over wood cuttings from her vines, paired with a selection of her estate’s wines.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Briones, Elciego
Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 2,130 feet / 650 meters
Longer Option: 36 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 3,200 feet / 980 meters
Accommodations: Marqués de Riscal

Today we cruise south to the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Monastery of Yuso, considered the birthplace of the Spanish language. We’ll pass pilgrims from around the globe and stop to chat as they hike this section of the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. Today’s lunch is a beautiful array of local cuisine served in the renovated part of the monastery, bridging the gap of time through food. Choose to bike back to the hotel or transfer by van for some downtime (and perhaps a Spanish siesta). Tonight is the show we’ve all been waiting for as a total solar eclipse takes place over northern Spain for the first time since 1905. A celestial celebration awaits at a prestigious, family-owned winery, where we’ll enjoy a feast among the vines with unparalleled views of the evening’s sol y sombra spectacle.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: San Millán de la Cogolla
Accomplished: 22 miles / 35km, elevation gain: 1,574 feet / 480 meters
Longer Option: 44 miles / 71 km, elevation gain: 3,100 feet / 944 meters
Accommodations: Marqués de Riscal

The last leg of our pilgrimage takes us along vineyard roads and past medieval villages into the Sierra de la Demanda mountains. Along the way, pause for photos at a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge then continue cycling to the village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where your guides relate the story of Saint Dominic and the miracle of the rooster at a popular pilgrim’s café. Lunch in Ezcaray follows, and there’s time to visit a luxury scarf and blanket weaver in town to stock up on a few souvenirs before we head to our final luxury hotel. Tonight, we’ll gather for a celebratory aperitivo before dinner at our hotel’s two Michelin star restaurant, El Portal de Echaurren. The meal, prepared by our friend Francis Paniego—one of Spain’s most influential chefs—promises to be a culinary showstopper and is the perfect way to cap off an incredible week.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Ezcaray, Briones
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 2,329 feet / 710 meters
Longer Option: 42 miles / 67 km, elevation gain: 3,030 feet / 925 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Echaurren 

Bid adiós to La Rioja, its wines, medieval architecture, sumptuous gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. After breakfast, we transfer back to Bilbao where your guides will take you to your post-trip hotel or the Bilbao airport.

Meals: Breakfast