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!
Cycling Rioja: Vineyards, Villages & Mountains
Highlights
- 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
Day to Day
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
This tour follows a relaxed mix of quiet vineyard roads, well-maintained gravel tracks, and scenic country lanes, making it ideal for leisure cyclists, e-bike riders, and wine lovers seeking a comfortable cycling holiday. The first days are spent riding through the renowned wine regions of Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, where peaceful backroads and gravel paths wind between endless vineyards, medieval villages, and historic wineries. As the journey progresses towards San Millán de la Cogolla and Ezcaray, the landscape gradually changes from rolling wine country to forested valleys and gentle mountain scenery, with a few longer climbs balanced by rewarding descents and spectacular views. With daily distances ranging from 30 to 50 kilometres and moderate elevation gain throughout, this tour is designed for relaxed exploration, combining world-class wines, authentic villages, outstanding gastronomy, and some of the most beautiful cycling routes in northern Spain.
Tour Options
Not available during the months of July and August
Tour Options
Not available during the months of July and August
Tour Prices
Not available during the months of July and August
Group Dates
Your group, your dates.



Private rides:
If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.
Customized rides:
If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of spanish tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Spain.
For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We work with Specialized to equip our tours with high-performance bicycles designed for comfort, reliability and exceptional riding experiences on Portugal’s most beautiful cycling routes.
Road Bikes - Specialized Tarmac SL8
For our road cycling tours, we use the Specialized Tarmac SL8, one of the most advanced performance road bikes available today. These lightweight carbon bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, whether climbing mountain roads or cruising along Portugal’s scenic coastal routes.
Equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, the Tarmac SL8 offers precise gear changes, excellent control, and exceptional ride quality.

Gravel Bikes - Specialized Diverge
Our gravel bike fleet features the Specialized Diverge, a versatile bike built for adventure and mixed terrain riding. With its Future Shock front suspension, carbon fork, and stable geometry, the Diverge delivers comfort and confidence on both paved roads and gravel tracks.
This makes it the ideal choice for exploring Spain’s quiet countryside roads, coastal paths and scenic gravel routes.

Electric Touring Bikes - Specialized Turbo Vado
For riders looking for extra assistance on hills or longer distances, our electric touring fleet features the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 IGH Step-Through.
These comfortable e-bikes combine smooth pedal assistance with a powerful motor and long-range battery, allowing riders to enjoy Portugal’s landscapes with ease while still experiencing the joy of cycling.

E-Road & E-Gravel Bikes - Specialized Turbo Creo
Our Specialized Turbo Creo fleet offers the perfect balance between performance and electric assistance. Designed as a lightweight e-road and e-gravel bike, the Creo provides subtle motor support while maintaining the feel and agility of a traditional performance bicycle.
This makes it an excellent option for riders who want to tackle longer routes and climbs while still enjoying a dynamic cycling experience.

Mountain & Touring Bikes - Specialized Rockhopper
For adventure rides and mixed terrain routes, we offer the Specialized Rockhopper Comp, a recreational mountain bike designed for stability and comfort.
With its relaxed geometry, front suspension and wide tires, the Rockhopper is perfect for exploring countryside trails, natural parks and scenic rural roads.

Professionally Maintained and Fitted to Every Rider
All bikes are carefully prepared and adjusted for each guest before the start of the tour. Our team ensures every rider enjoys the correct bike fit for maximum comfort and efficiency during the trip.
The exact bike model used on your tour may vary depending on availability. All bicycles in our fleet are carefully maintained and prepared by our mechanics to ensure reliability and performance. At the start of your tour, each bike is individually fitted to every rider for optimal comfort and efficiency. If you have a specific bike preference or special request, please feel free to contact us.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Spain.
At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.
/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;
Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.
/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Spain!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER
While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.
RIDER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
3 EXPERT
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Cycling holidays Spain for all.




















