Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 21:41
Vineyards of La Rioja Cycling Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Spain
- Programmes: Cycling
-
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: C07RI
Trip Overview
This 7 night holiday offers peaceful cycling along quiet country lanes and tracks in La Rioja, home of the famous La Rioja Spanish wine. Cycle through the heart of this celebrated wine region amongst the vineyards and past wineries and wine museums and where a glass of wine waits at every turn.
You start and finish your holiday in Logrono, on the banks of the river Ebro and the capital of La Rioja region, it is famous for its quaint historic city centre and its pinchos bars – Northern Spains equivalent of tapas bars. On your first cycling day you ride along a section of the pilgrims route, ‘El Camino de Santiago’ before reaching the beautiful town of San Millan de la Cogolla famed for its UNESCO World Heritage twin monasteries, Suso and Yuso.
Explore this wonderful wine growing region passing through medieval walled town of Laguardia, mountain village of Ezcaray, past ancient churches and visiting the regions wine capital of Haro, where there are opportunities aplenty to enjoy the regions most famous export.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- High quality bikes
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Transfer to the start of the cycling route on day 2
Highlights
- Cycle through the heart of the famous Rioja wine region alongside vineyards and along quiet country lanes.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Suso and Yuso.
- Spend a day on the Pilgrim route; El Camino de Santiago.
- Visit the celebrated vineyards of Vivancos with its wine museum and Marques de Riscal.
Is This Trip for You?
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, our local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
For those wanting to travel on their own there is a single supplement for the accommodation and where there is only one “solo” traveller on a particular departure there is also a solo traveller supplement.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Logrono
- End City: Logrono
Land Only Itinerary
Arrival in Logrono
Arrive in Logrono, the capital of la Rioja, a small but vibrant city with a beautiful historic city centre and excellent restaurants and pinchos/tapas bars. Soak in the atmosphere with a fabulous glass of Rioja.
Stay at the Hotel Gran Via Husa in Logroño , B&B
Logrono to San Millan de la Cogolla
After a short transfer to the start of your cycle route and the handover of bikes you’ll ride along a section of the long distance pilgrim route El Camino de Santiago before reaching the beautiful town of San Millan de la Cogolla where you will stay for the night. Here, you can find the twin monasteries of Yuso and Suso, both registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Stay at the Hostería Monasterio de San Millán in San Millán de Cogolla with B&B
San Millan de la Cogolla to Ezcaray
Perhaps take another chance to visit the monasteries in the morning before continuing on an easy cycle through rolling countryside to the historic town of Ezcaray, ful of charm and original architecture and set in the foothills of the impressive Sierra de la Demanda mountains.
Stay at the Hotel Palacio Azcárate in Ezcaray, with B&B
Ezcaray to Haro
Gentle cycling today along a dedicated cycle lane, away from any traffic. Coffee stops in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Casalareina will reveal two rich historic and artistic towns well worth exploring, before arriving in Haro, the capital of wine production in the Rioja region where you will stay for 2 nights.
Stay at the Hotel los Agustinos in Haro, with B&B
Circular route Haro
There will be chances to visit wineries in Haro in the morning and evening, but today you can ride a delightful loop amongst vineyards to take in the essence of this rich region, Follow the route to reach the beautiful town of Briones where you can visit the Wine Museum of the Vivancos vineyard and then onto Labastia and back to Haro. Alternatively you could use this day to rest from cycling and visit some of the vineyards that Haro is so famous for.
Stay at the Hotel los Agustinos in Haro, with B&B
Haro to Laguardia
Today you cycle along the river Ebro amongst the vineyards, to reach the beautiful hilltop town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, which was built as a 10th century fortress overlooking the Ebro. Then enjoy the quiet country roads taking you through colourful landscapes until you reach the beautifully preserved medieval walled town of Laguardia which is perched on a hill top with commanding views below. Take the opportunity to explore the ancient churches with their baroque paintings.
Stay at the Hotel Posada Real de Migueloa in Laguardia, with B&B
Laguardia to Logrono
Soon after leaving Laguardia, you come to the town of El Ciego, famous for its Marques de Riscal vineyard and its spectacular building designed by architect Frank Gehry. You rejoin the river Ebro on winding country roads which take you back to Logroño.
Stay at the Hotel Gran Via Husa in Logroño , with B&B
Leave Logrono
Depart Logrono after breakfast or why not treat yourself to an extra night or two to enjoy Logrono or to visit Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum?
Accommodation
C07RI
You stay at carefully picked hotels throughout your Rioja cycling trip. They range from and 18th Century town mansion hotel, to an elegant 4 star historic hotel housed within the Yuso Monastery, a UNESCO World Heratage Site. For your evening meals you can choose to sample the hotel’s specialities or select one of the many fine local restaurants (all payable locally).
Single supplement from £ 368
Food & Drink
All breakfasts are included.
There is a good choice of restaurants in the local area for Dinner options.
Half board options available – ask for details when booking.
Transport
There is a cycle transfer to the start of the route included on Day 2 of the itinerary.
Weather & Seasonality
In April and October expect temperatures in the 5-15°C with high chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May, June and September tend to be about 5°C warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm (15-25°C). Occasionally in summer there can be hot days so it is always important to make sure you have enough water.
Joining Instructions
Your trip starts at the first hotel on the afternoon of day 1.
Our standard flights are as follows – please contact us if you would like to book these.
British Airways Heathrow to Madrid 07:20/10:50 then rail Madrid to Logrono (times TBC) and taxi to hotel, bookable and payable locally, approx 5 mins. Return: Taxi to station, bookable and payable locally, approx 5 mins then rail Logrono to Madrid (times TBC) then British Airways Madrid to Heathrow 18:15/19:40.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Logrono
Location end: Logrono
Transfer Details
The flight inclusive prices for this holiday include our standard transfers. If you are booking a land only package then we can usually arrange transfers for you for an additional charge.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Cycling helmet – please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own
Padded cycling shorts
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
Local Bike Details
A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.
Conditions
1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.
E-Bikes Available
Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available and usually the most convenient way of obtaining Euros. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks. Credit cards are widely used.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunch and Dinner is not included in the itinerary, where dinners are left open there are good restaurant choices, please allow some spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 per lunch and €20-30 for dinner.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.