--- title: "Cycling Rioja: Vineyards, Villages & Mountains" url: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains/ type: Tour wp_type: tour resource: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains/ date_published: 2026-06-09T10:25:23+01:00 date_modified: 2026-06-24T11:01:43+01:00 language: en translations: - lang: en url: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains/ md: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains.md - lang: es url: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains/ md: https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains.md description: "Discover La Rioja by bike. Ride through famous wine country, historic villages, UNESCO sites and mountain scenery on a premium cycling holiday in Spain." featured_image: https://biketoursspain.com/wp-content/uploads/DESTAQUE_BIKE_TOURS_LA_RIOJA_SPAIN-1024x576.jpeg --- # Cycling Rioja: Vineyards, Villages & Mountains Duration 7 days, 6 nights Altimetry 200 to 450meters, daily average Distance 30› 50 km, daily average Bike type ALL BIKES, E-BIKE, GRAVEL, TOURING BIKE Level ALL, BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE # Cycling Rioja: Vineyards, Villages & Mountains Cycle through the heart of La Rioja, from world-famous vineyards and medieval wine villages to UNESCO monasteries and the forested mountains of the Sierra de la Demanda, discovering Spain’s finest wine region one pedal stroke at a time. This trip is for: Couples, friends and solos Price from: 1790€ All, BASQUE COUNTRY, LA RIOJA Start location: Bilbao [** Book Now](https://cms.llride.com/lp/f5007larioja/) Start Planning * The most amazing trip ever! I was in a group of 10 Alaskan women, all friends, traveling together to escape the demands of everyday life! Our experience with Live Love Ride was one we will all never forget. We were in excellent hands with our Mammas. We nicknamed our guides Mammas, because that was exactly what they were. We were well looked after, fed the most amazing foods, and completely safe. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime and lifelong friends. We are begging our Mammas to come to Alaska so we can guide them through our mountains! Katie S,  USA Fantastic Trip – Great guides! Had a great trip. Our guides, Rodrigo and Bruno, were excellent. The hotels the company chose were great, and same goes for the food. Everything was meticulously planned. Would definitely recommend it to others and hopefully return. Alan S.,  ## Highlights This tour in a nutshell - Cycle through the world-famous vineyards of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, Spain’s most celebrated wine region. - Enjoy scenic rides on quiet country roads connecting medieval villages, historic wine towns, and spectacular viewpoints. - Explore charming destinations including Laguardia, Briones, and Ezcaray. - Visit iconic wineries and wine landmarks, including Bodegas Ysios and the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine. - Discover the UNESCO-listed Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, considered the birthplace of the Spanish language. - Experience the changing landscapes of La Rioja, from vineyard-covered hills to the forests and mountains of the Sierra de la Demanda. - Enjoy outstanding Rioja cuisine, local gastronomy, and carefully selected wine tastings throughout the journey. - Stay in handpicked hotels and enjoy seamless logistics, including luggage transfers and private Bilbao airport transfers. This tour is perfect for cyclists who want to combine scenic riding with exceptional wine, gastronomy, and culture. Designed for riders of moderate fitness, the route follows quiet roads through vineyards, historic villages, and mountain landscapes, with daily distances that allow plenty of time for wine tastings, sightseeing, and leisurely lunches. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of authentic Spain, or simply looking for a relaxed cycling holiday with premium accommodations and unforgettable scenery, this tour offers the perfect introduction to La Rioja. ▾ ### Gallery A closer look at the region Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1 Bike Tour French Way 2 1 Bike Tour French Way Bridge Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7 Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5 Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3 Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1 Bike Tour French Way Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1 Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle ## Day to Day What you’ll be experiencing everyday ### Day 1 – Arrival in Bilbao & Welcome to Rioja Upon arrival in Bilbao, a private transfer takes you south into the heart of Rioja Alavesa, where medieval villages and endless vineyards create one of Spain’s most iconic landscapes. After checking in, collect your bicycles and enjoy a short introductory ride through the vineyards surrounding Laguardia. The route leads to the striking Bodegas Ysios, renowned for both its award-winning wines and spectacular architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava. This evening, enjoy your first Rioja wine tasting and a welcome dinner overlooking the vineyards. Ride: 5 km | +102 m Overnight: Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia
Premium: La Casa Cosme Palacio ### Day 2 – Rioja Alavesa Loop Your first full day of cycling explores the rolling vineyard landscapes of Rioja Alavesa. Quiet country roads connect charming wine villages including Elciego, Villabuena de Álava, Leza and Samaniego, offering constant views across rows of vineyards stretching towards the Cantabrian Mountains. Along the way you’ll discover centuries-old wine traditions, elegant wineries and spectacular viewpoints overlooking one of Europe’s most prestigious wine regions. Highlights include the village of Elciego and the iconic Marqués de Riscal City of Wine. Ride: 35 km | +573 m Overnight: Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia
Premium: La Casa Cosme Palacio ### Day 3 – From Laguardia to Briones Leaving Rioja Alavesa behind, today’s route follows scenic vineyard roads towards Rioja Alta. Cycling through historic villages and alongside the Ebro River, you’ll discover a landscape shaped by centuries of wine production. Passing through Baños de Ebro, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Briñas and Haro, the route finishes in the beautifully preserved medieval village of Briones. After arriving, take time to stroll through its stone streets and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding vineyards. Wine lovers may wish to visit the renowned Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture or explore Haro’s legendary winery district. Ride: 48 km | +657 m Overnight: Hotel Santa María de Briones ### Day 4 – Rioja Alta Loop Today’s circular ride showcases the quieter side of Rioja Alta. Pedalling through an ever-changing landscape of vineyards, fields and traditional villages, you’ll visit Haro, Sajazarra, Anguciana and Cihuri before returning to Briones. This is one of the most picturesque cycling days of the tour, combining gentle terrain with endless vineyard scenery and authentic rural Spain. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the historic Bodegas López de Heredia offers an unforgettable glimpse into Rioja’s winemaking heritage. Ride: 48 km | +437 m Overnight: Hotel Santa María de Briones ### Day 5 – Briones to San Millán de la Cogolla Today marks a transition from wine country into the quieter mountain foothills of Rioja. Leaving the vineyards behind, you’ll cycle towards San Millán de la Cogolla, home to the UNESCO-listed Monasteries of Suso and Yuso. The scenery gradually changes as forests and rolling hills begin replacing vineyards, creating a completely different atmosphere from the previous days. This stage offers a fascinating blend of history, spirituality and nature. Ride: 30 km | +492 m Overnight: Hostería San Millán ### Day 6 – San Millán de la Cogolla to Ezcaray The final ride takes you deeper into the mountains of La Rioja. Following quiet roads through forests, valleys and traditional villages, you’ll reach the charming mountain town of Ezcaray, nestled beneath the Sierra de la Demanda. This region feels worlds away from the vineyard landscapes where the journey began and provides a fitting finale to your Rioja adventure. Celebrate your week with exceptional local cuisine and a farewell dinner. Ride: 37 km | +472 m Overnight: Hotel Echaurren Relais & Châteaux ### Day 7 – Departure After breakfast, private transfer to Bilbao Airport. ▾ ### Map Where you’ll be riding --- *Fonte: [Spain Bike Tours](https://biketoursspain.com/tour/cycling-rioja-vineyards-villages-mountains/)* *Última actualização: 2026-06-24*