A unique trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains. This special cycling holiday takes you through green pastures and valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty unspoilt villages.
Finally, you arrive in La Rioja, a sea of fragrant vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and home of the finest Spanish wines.
Today you should be arriving in Santander or Bilbao and transfer to our hotel in Campoo.
Once you arrive, your bikes will be delivered, and you will have the chance to test the bikes for comfort and fitting for the remainder of your cycling holiday.
We begin your cycling tour through some fabulous and unspoilt scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains to the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros surrounded by forests to finally re-join 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.
Today you will be 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 is very characteristic of this region. As we progress down the cycle path towards 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.
A beautiful biking route follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and quaint 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.
From Medina, we head back to the Ebro. The cycling 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 opens out into the fertile valley around Friías.
There is a spectacular village built around the castle, and you can enjoy fine views of the Ebro Valley.
As we leave Frías, the valley begins to narrow 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 after breakfast from Laguardia to either Santander or Bilbao.
There are some climbs on this Cantabria cycling holiday on days when route moves away from Ebro Valley.
If you like the sound of cycling holidays in Spain, check out some of our other amazing routes around this fantastic country. From our Green Coast of Spain by bike trip tour to ever-popular cycling holidays in Catalonia, there is truly something for everyone.
Route Map (for guidance only)
Routes on our La Rioja tours by bike may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most of the Cantabria and Rioja cycling holidays and Spain river holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Santander or Bilbao airport to reach the starting point of this Cantabria cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport, or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Voyages SNCF for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point of our cycling holidays in Cantabria or call us on 0800 755 5385 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the Cantabria cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after this cycling trip to Spain has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Cantabria to Rioja cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on +44 (0) 800 7555385.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on +44 (0) 800 7555385 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 01.04. - 30.06.2018 | Sundays |
Season 2: | 01.07. – 31.08.2018 | Sundays |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Season 1: | £1069 |
Season 2: | £1169 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £69 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* and 4* hotels |
Date From | Date To |
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