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Trip Overview Cycle the quiet country roads of Rioja! |
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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Cycle through beautiful countryside and villages, along quiet back roads and Via Verde rail trails, as we discover the rich history and culture of the Rioja region of northern Spain. Our cycling days are rewarded with relaxed evenings in lovely paradors and inns enjoying traditional cuisine and fine wines. We celebrate our journey with a final stay in the seaside resort of San Sebastian. 
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1: Arrival Day: Pamplona to Calahorra
Our adventure begins as we meet in Pamplona in the early afternoon for a walking tour from the famous Plaza de Toros to the Cathedral, and through the authentic medieval quarter of this old Basque city. After our walking tour, we’ll drive 45 minutes to Calahorra, a 2000-year-old town above the Ebro River alluvial plain, for our first night in Rioja. Calahorra recently celebrated its bi-millennium and preserves traces of Roman occupation as well as a rich medieval past. Calahorra is also the capital of Rioja Baja, a subzone of the famous wine region where a hotter, drier climate produces wines different from the famous ruby-colored Rioja. After checking into our hotel we will have an orientation about our tour in the lush garden before our Welcome Dinner. Tonight, we stay at the inviting Parador Calahorra.
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2: Via Verde to Arnedillo
After breakfast we’ll try out and adjust our bikes. Then were off, cycling on smaller roads and the Via Verde rail trail to the spa town of Arnedillo, tucked into the gorge formed by the Cidacos River. The town is famous for its waters, said to cure rheumatism and bone disorders. It’s also home to the Château-like Santuario Vinícola Riojano bodega, built around a 300-year-old mill on the river bank. In the afternoon, we can cycle out and back to Spain’s Jurassic Park (optional 38 KM ride) or indulge in optional afternoon activities including: swim/soak in the river and mineral pools; enjoy pre-arranged spa services; or relax at your leisure. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant in the village. Tonight we stay in Arnedillo. 34 KM
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3: Leggin' it to Logroño
Today our cycling route takes us on quiet country roads from lower Rioja to upper Rioja along the River Jubera, through desert-like mesas and on into Logroño. Logroño is the marketing center for Rioja and is a prosperous small city, with a charming old quarter overlooking the Ebro River. No visit to the town is complete without strolling along Calle Laurel and sampling copas and tapas. Overnight in Logroño. 68 KM
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4: Vineyards, Villages & a Famous Winery
Today our roads through Rioja take us along country roads across the River Oja to the medieval hill town of Laguardia which is seen from miles away. The town is riddled with a maze of underground cellars. On a walking tour, we can see one of the cellars and the local church with its famous portal. We will continue to El Ciego to see the award-winning Frank Gehry hotel extension to the Marqués de Riscal Winery. There are wonderful vineyard views en route to Briones, a picturesque hilltop town with a vista over the Ebro River. Briones is nicely preserved with medieval walls, a ruined castle, and a gentle historical quality. At the bottom of the hill is the extraordinary Dinastia Vivancos Wine Museum; the perfect place for a wine tasting. From here, it’s 12 KM to Briñas, one of Rioja’s prettiest villages. Our base for two nights is an 18th century mansion beautifully restored and complete with an old wine press in this town which is famed for its many stunning mansions. This evening, meet your local hosts over a private dinner in a winery overlooking the vineyards. 46KM
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5: Cycling in the Shadow of the Camino de Santiago
After following a quiet country road from Briñas to Casallareina we’ll join the Via Verde. Along the way, we’ll stop to see the Cathedral in Santo Domingo on the Camino de Santiago, with its celebrated hen house, and then continue through bucolic countryside towards the Sierra de Demanda Mountains and Ezcaray. Those with enough energy can take an optional ride to the summit at Valdezcaray. We’ll return on the Via Verde to Santo Domingo and then follow the Turón river to the Oja river where it flows below Briñas. This evening is free to explore Briñas. 76 KM
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6: Yuso & Suso Monasteries
Today we cycle through the verdant Valley of San Millán de la Cogolla, and tour Spain’s most ancient and important monasteries, Yuso & Suso. A World Heritage Site, this monastic community was founded by St Millán in the mid-6th century. A fine Romanesque church built in honour of the holy man still stands at the site of Suso. In the early 16th century the community was housed in the fine new monastery of Yuso, below the older complex; it is still a thriving community today. We will picnic on the lovely grounds of the monasteries. After lunch, we’ll cycle on to Nájera, beneath cliffs carved out with caves used for food storage. The town was a former capital of the Kings of Navarra whose tombs are enshrined in a church built around a cave shrine. After touring the church we will transfer to our van for the ride to San Sebastián, which will be our home for the last two nights of the trip. Join your guide on an evening tapeo in the city that is famous for them—tapas in the old quarter! 67 KM riding, plus 1.5 hour van shuttle to San Sebastián.
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7: San Sebastian
Curved around the Bahía de La Concha, luxuriating in the warm Basque sun is the Pearl of the Bay. The most Basque of Basque cities, San Sebastian is a blend of cosmopolitan style and old-world ambience, and a favored beach resort for trendy Spaniards. With its three lovely beaches: the laid-back Ondaretta , the casual and friendly Playa de Gros, and the popular Playa de la Concha there’s plenty to see, although it may be too cool to actually go in the water. The day will be free to explore sights such as the creative outdoor sculptures of Eduardo Chillada, but rest up as tonight we’ll have a memorable Farewell Dinner.
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8: Departure Day or start Bilbao Extension
Our Rioja Adventure ends today, but you may want to extend your trip with our optional extension to Bilbao, or with a visit Barcelona or Madrid. Spain is filled with many wonders yet to enjoy! For those on the Bilbao Extension, we will take a train today from San Sebastian to Bilbao, and stay at the Hotel Miró. The creation of the fashion designer Antonio Miró, this minimalist property is one in a line of chic new hotels in the city. All rooms are equipped with AC, mini bar, safe, TV, and the hotel offers a gym and spa plus a comfortable bar for sampling Basque pintxos and a glass of Txacolí. The hotel is a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum. The extension price includes a train ticket from San Sebastian to Bilbao including hotel-train transfers; two nights at the Hotel Miró in double occupancy including breakfast; and a private guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Other meals and activities, and your transfer to the airport or train station when departing Bilbao, are on your own.
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9-10: Bilbao Extension
Today is our day to explore this amazing city which has experienced many booms and busts. In the 19th century, Bilbao was the financial, shipping and mining center for the north of Spain and the elegant boulevards and fine buildings are a reminder of those days. Since the Guggenheim Museum opened its doors in the 1990s, Bilbao has again become a destination, rising like a phoenix from its post Spanish Civil War obscurity. The city offers two extraordinary museums, a rich old quarter, and an elegant city with art galleries and fine shopping. You can enjoy a classic view by gazing down Bilbao’s Calle Iparraguirre, and seeing the soft green mountains that enfold the curvaceous titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum. Below the avant-garde masterwork of Canadian Frank Gehry flows the River Nervión linking the newer city to the traditional Basque town founded in 1300 AD. Whether dining at the Michelin-starred Zortziko, in the Guggenheim’s restaurant overseen by Chef Beraseteguí, or in the simpler but delicious Yandiola, you’ll enjoy a two night stay in this city of culture.
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