Welcome to Hooked on Cycling holidays and our cycling holidays in Spain. This biking vacation in Spain is available as a level 2-3 self guided bike tour. This particular cycle tour is a cycling journey through the Sierra de la Demanda and into the re-known wine region of Rioja. The cycle starts in the Castilian city of Burgos, following a "via verde" (disused rail track adapted as a cycle route) into the heart of the Sierra de la Demanda. The river Najerilla is followed downstream amongst spectacular landscapes to reach the Monastery of Yuso (birthplace to the Castilian language). The journey then takes you to the rich land of La Rioja where you will enjoy the last three days cycling along quiet country lanes, surrounded by vineyards, in the Ebro river valley. There will be plenty of chances to visit famous wineries, some with very exciting architectural designs, and taste the excellent wines of La Rioja. The first days cycling is more a level 3 after this mainly level 2 cycling.

Available daily April to October
Level 2-3 self guided cycle tour

Day 1 Arrival to Burgos
Make your way to Burgos and visit the most splendid gothic cathedral in Spain.

Day 2 Burgos to Pineda de la Sierra 28 miles 46 km
After breakfast cycle and equipment hand-over. The you cycle leaving Burgos following the Camino de Santiago. From Arlanzón you follow the "Via Verde de la Demanda" (disused rail track adapted as a cycle route) taking you into the remote mountainous area of the Sierra de la Demanda.

Day 3 Pineda de la Sierra to Viniegra de Abajo 27 miles 43 km
The morning is spent cycling on the "Via Verde" amongst forests of oak and beech. After lunch you reach the birth of the river Najerilla and follow it downstream cycling on country roads, as it grows twisting and jumping down in spectacular waterfalls. Today you are mainly cycling downhill.

Day 4 Viniegra de Abajo to San Millan de la Cogolla 27 miles 43 km
Today you cycle following the river downstream once again and out of the mountains. As the Ebro valley appears before you, you reach the 5th century, Monastery of Yuso, in San Millán de la Cogolla, today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today you are mainly cycling downhill again.

Day 5 San Millan de la Cogolla to Sonsierra 18 miles 29km
Today you cycle away from the foot of the mountains and into the valley of the river Ebro. The rich fields of cereals, give way to the first photogenic vineyards as you approach the heart of the wine growing region of Rioja. Time in the afternoon to visit one of the best Wine museums in the world: "Dinastia Vivancos" in Briones

Day 6 San Vicente de la Sonsierra 22 miles 35 km
Today an almost circular route following the river Ebro and visiting historic hill-top villages. The cycling takes place on very quiet secondary roads surrounded by vineyards with the backdrop of the mountains in the distance.

Day 7 San Vicente de la Sonsierra to La Guardia 19 miles 30km
One last day on your bike exploring this beautiful wine region. You make your way along specially chosen small roads, towards the walled town of La Guardia, where you will find your last hotel. You will be able to enjoy some of the most striking wineries today, with buildings designed by modernist architechts such as Frank Gehry, and Santiago Calatrava

Day 8 Return to Bilbao from Logroño.

2012 Prices

How to get there
By Plane
Fly low cost to Bilbao then take by train from Bilbao to Burgos (takes 2,5 hours) and a taxi or bus to the hotel.
At the end of the holiday take a taxi for a 20 km ride from your last hotel to Logroño and take a train from Logroño to Bilbao (takes 2 hours and 25 minutes).

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