7 Night - La Rioja – The Descent of the River Ebro
23-30 May and 18-25 September 2010 Guided Tour
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 - SAT8LRE
| 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 at Bilbao Airport and transfer to our hotel in Fontibre. 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 circumnavi- gates the Ebro Reservoir.
Distance short 53 km – 33 miles
long 90 km – 56 miles
Day 3 Villanueva de la Nía – Pesquera de 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 de 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 5Medina 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 6Frías - 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 7Haro - 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 | Transfer Laguardia – departure point End of trip. Pick up from hotel and transfer to departure point. |
| Trip Details | |
| Tour Dates | 23-30 May and 18-25 September |
| Prices | 1 person in double share - 940 € Single person - 1070 € Bike hire - 88 € |
| Included | Accommodation in double, twin or single room with en-suite bathroom
(see price list for prices and single supplement) Continental style breakfast Set evening meal on Day 4 Visit to wine bodega and wine tasting on Day 7 Transport to and from arrival / departure points Information Pack with Route Guide and maps Luggage transport between hotels |
| Not Included | Lunch & dinner Bicycle hire (see price list) 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 – Madrid. See our Getting There page for links to airline and ferry companies. Holiday extension |
| Transfers | Day 1 – Bilbao – Campoo. Day 8– Laguardia – Bilbao 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. |
| 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 Baxter for the Independent Newspaper written specifically about this tour |
