Descent of the Ebro River to La Rioja
Description
A unique cycling trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains.
It begins as a mountain stream flowing through green pastures and valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, As we cycle we perceive the changes in the landscape and the river itself.
Finally we arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest Spanish wines. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wineries.
A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.
Itinerary
Arrival in Santander or Bilbao and transfer to our hotel in Campoo. Test bikes.
This stage takes us through some fabulous and unspoilt scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains, along the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros surrounded by forests to finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and tonight's stop in Polientes. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Polientes. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.
We begin by cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. Visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very rock, so characteristic of this region. Then the sides of the valley begin to close in until we find ourselves in a marvellous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead. Visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with cascades running through the village. We pass Pesquera de Ebro before reaching our hotel in the Valle de Zamanzas
A beautiful route which follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages. An optional extension takes us to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the River Nela. Tonight we stay in the Castilian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating the town and the surrounding landscape.
From Medina, we head back to the Ebro, The route then takes us along a quiet country road running parallel to the river where the valley begins to open out again. Visit the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada and soon we are cycling through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle and enjoying fine views of the Ebro Valley.
As we leave Frías, the valley begins to close in on us again until we find ourselves in another spectacular canyon. The road runs along the shores of a reservoir surrounded by high mountains and through short tunnels carved out of the rock. The route crosses the little town of Miranda del Ebro before passing through imposing peaks that signal the gateway to the enormous open valley of La Rioja. Tonight is spent in the wine-producing village of Haro, with a chance to drink a glass or two of Rioja in its birthplace.
We cycle through endless vineyards and numerous picturesque villages of La Rioja, with the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro never too far away. We finally reach the superb walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life.
Transfer from Laguardia to Santander or Bilbao - 9:30 a.m
Options
Self-guided tour in a double/twin room.
Self-guided tour in a single room.
Items Reviewed - 2
Iberocycle
An amazing cycle tour through the Rioja
Jul 2023
Fantastic service and extensive knowledge especially Ignatio. This is our 3rd cycle holiday in Europe but the first to Spain and definitely the best cycle company. Transfers on time, excellent quality of bikes, attentive but not intrusive team offering daily recommendations on WhatsApp. 6 days across la rioja region and a fascinating route with a range of accommodation which was all excellent (Very clean and friendly). Would love to return again . Bike maps and local information about area very detailed
Iberocycle
Jul 2022
Our bike trip down the Ebro River Valley was spectacular. Iberocycle, the organizing bike company, took excellent care of us. Our bikes were flawless. The small staff we interacted with were very accommodating and friendly, despite the fact that we asked them to adapt the original plan due to unforeseen circumstances within our group. The GPS, maps and other supporting information were very helpful and accurate. They were resourceful and always on top of any situation, responding to any request quickly and effectively. We have taken many bike trips in Europe and found Iberocycle to be the best we have experienced.
The route took us through varied terrain with both beautiful natural habitat and fascinating villages with rich histories. We ate picnic lunches in small village central squares next to ancient churches and sampled tapas outside at a bar in a hillside village above a waterfall. We rode with cliffs on both sides and massive griffin vultures soaring overhead. When we couldn’t see the road on the other side of the stone bridge over the Ebro, we discovered that we would ride through tunnels through the mountain. We climbed easily on e-bikes accompanied by the sound of cows with bells, then soared down mountains, through huge fields of grapes, sunflowers, or wheat. Mountains always formed the backdrop.
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Location
- Address : -4.237500799999999
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