7 Night - La Rioja – The Descent of the River Ebro
A superb trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains down to the distant Mediterranean. The very name of the Iberian Peninsula comes from this river – Iberia, the country of the Ebro.
Our route follows what begins as a tiny mountain stream flowing through the green pastures of Cantabria, beautiful valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, witnessing the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally we arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest wines produced in Spain. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wine-producing bodegas, all with the limestone mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria in the background. A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.
The canyons with sculptured limestone, sandstone and conglomerate were majestic. We wrongly anticipated La Rioja to be just vineyards. But there also was fascinating Laguardia with its magnificent views, the wildlife lagoon, La Hoya and the exotic bird reserve. Our holiday ended on a 'high'.
All this, added to the culture and history of the people, has left us very impressed. You chose an excellent route with so much interest, a varied cycling terrain, intriguing and comfortable accommodation, restaurants with good food and even provided very good company.”
Winston & Judy Lea – Mold, Wales
Trip Code - LS7LRE
| Night One | Campoo |
| Night Two | Villanueva de la Nía |
| Night Three | Pesquera de Ebro |
| Night Four | Medina de Pomar |
| Night Five | Frías |
| Night Six | Haro |
| Night Seven | Laguardia |
Day 1 Transfer to Campoo
We meet iin Santanderand transfer to our hotel in Campoo. Test bikes.Day 2 Campoo– Villanueva de la Nía
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 Villanueva de la Nía.Those on the short version follow the river direct to Villanueva. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.
Distance short 53 km – 33 miles
long 90 km – 56 miles
Day 3 Villanueva de la Nía – Pesquera del Ebro
We begin by cycling through
the open valley of Valderredible. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque
church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very
rock which are so characteristic of this region. As we progress down the river,
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.
Stop to visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades
running through the village. As we approach Pesquera, the canyon of the Ebro
reaches unbelievable dimensions before we finally reach the attractive village
that will be tonight’s resting-place. Distance 53 km – 33 miles (route extensions available)
Day 4 Pesquera del Ebro – Medina de Pomar
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 Castillian
town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating
the town and the surrounding landscape.
36 km - 23 miles (63 km - 39 miles with route extension to Puentedey)
Day 5 Medina de Pomar - Frías
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.
56 km - 36 miles
Day 6 Frías - Haro
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. Our shorter route terminates in Miranda and we transfer to Haro.
Distance short 41 km – 26 miles
long 58 km – 36 miles
Day 7 Haro - Laguardia
We begin Day Seven with a visit
to one of the many famous bodegas in Haro, complete with wine tasting. We then 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.
Distance 50 km – 31 miles
Day 8 End of IberoCycle Services
After breakfast in the hotel,
you make your way by taxi or by bus to Bilbao or another departure point.
.
| Trip Details | |
| Tour Dates | 18 April / 2 May / 16 May / 30 May / 13 June / 27 June / 11 July / 25 July / 8 August / 22 Auigust / 5 September / 19 September / 3 October / 10 October |
| Prices | 1 person in double share - 835 € (+ 115 € supplement for 8
August, 22 August and 5 September tours) Single person - 1075 € (+ 115 € supplement for 8 August, 22 August and 5 September tours) Bike hire - 88 € |
| Included | Accommodation with en-suite bathroom Luggage transport Continental style breakfast Evening meal on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Visit to wine bodega and wine tasting on Day 7 Transport from Santander to Campoo on arrival day. Information Pack (Route Guide and maps) |
| Not Included | Lunch Bicycle hire Holiday extension |
| Terrain / Gradients | Generally easy cycling as the route follows the River Ebro as it flows
downstream. Some days may involve some climbing when the route moves away
from the river. Easy to moderate. Note: that partial transfers of riders with our support vehicle allow us to offer both short and long stages. |
| Arrival points | Airports - Bilbao or Santander. Ferryports - Bilbao or Santander. Bus / train stations - Bilbao or Santander. It is more convenient to arrive in Santander and then depart from Bilbao. |
| Transfers | Day 1 – Santander - Campoo. Please note that differing pick up times may require some degree of customer flexibility |
| Holiday extensions | Possibility of spending extra nights in Bilbao or Santander. |
Special departures
Special departures may be organised for groups of 8 or more riders. Please
consult availability.
| Links |
Guide to Bilbao - a video by Simon Calder for the Independent Newspaper on what to see and do in Bilbao. Follow the Ebro - article by Danid Baxterfor the Independent written specifically about this tour |