Along the Ebro River to La Rioja
Spain Bike Tours
Bike along the Ebro River from the Cantabrian Mountains to the vineyards of Rioja
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1298 Rates
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Overview
This unique bike tour in Spain follows the Ebro River, the country's longest, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains. It begins as a mountain stream, gathering strength and force as it flows, passing through green pastures, valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, and lovely, secluded villages.
Cycling this region allows you to experience the changes in the landscape and the river itself. As you descend along the banks, the river widens, and the climate and vegetation change from the cool, dry mountain climate to a balmy, Mediterranean climate.
Upon arrival in La Rioja, home of the finest Spanish wines, a sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles, and wineries will be your backdrop. This is a perfect bike tour for those who wish to visit parts of Spain that most tourists never see.
Highlights
- Varied and dramatic scenery
- Cantabrian Mountains
- Ebro Reservoir
- Monastery of Montesclaros
- Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines
- Picturesque villages, riverbank scenery, spectacular gorges, and world-famous wine!
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santander or Bilbao. Overnight in Campoo.
Day 2: Campoo - Polientes, 38 or 61 mi. (59 km or 97 km)
Day 3: Polientes - Pesquera de Ebro - Valle de Zamanzas, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 4: Valle de Zamanzas - Medina de Pomar, 23 or 39 mi. (36 or 63 km)
Day 5: Medina de Pomar - Frías, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 6: Frías - Haro, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 7: Haro - Laguardia, 15 or 31 mi. (25 or 50 km)
Day 8: LaguardiaAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival in Santander or Bilbao
Arrival in Santander or Bilbao and transfer to the first hotel in Campoo, located in the high Ebro. You will enjoy a welcome drink with olives, a slideshow, an introduction to the tour, and bike fitting. Be sure to climb on your bikes for a short test ride before you begin your journey.
Preferred accommodation: Posada de OrmasDay 2: Campoo - Polientes, 38 or 61 mi. (59 km or 97 km)
Your first stage leads through some fabulous and unspoiled scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains, along the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros surrounded by forests, you will rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible for your first overnight in Polientes. Dinner will be in your hotel. You can also opt for a shorter version that follows the river directly to Polientes. (The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir).Preferred accommodation: Cuartelillo Viejo
Day 3: Polientes - Pesquera de Ebro - Valle de Zamanzas, 27 mi. (43 km)
The day begins with cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. You will want to take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines as well as the churches carved into the very rock, a strong characteristic of this region. As you progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until you reach a marvelous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead. The fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades running through the village will beckon you for a reprieve. In Pesquera the Ebro, its Canyon soars above the river to unbelievable dimensions. Dinner will be enjoyed in your hotel. Overnight in Valle de Zamanzas.Preferred accommodation: Posada Molino del Canto
Day 4: Valle de Zamanzas - Medina de Pomar, 23 or 39 mi. (36 or 63 km with extension to Puentedey)
The route is stunning today, following a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages that seem straight out of a romantic ballad, even the humblest of which contains a palace and Romanesque church. An optional extension will lead to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the Nela River. Overnight this evening is the Castilian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and its castle dominating the town and the surrounding landscape. Dinner will be had in your hotel.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Romanca
Day 5: Medina de Pomar - Frías, 36 mi. (58 km)
From Medina, you will head back to the Ebro, following a quiet country road that runs parallel to the river and the valley begins to open up again. The Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada is well worth a visit. Soon, you will be cycling once again through another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle with spectacular views of the Ebro Valley. Your accommodation is located close by where dinner will be had, also.Preferred accommodation: Casa Rural Posada Colás
Day 6: Frías - Haro, 39 mi. (62 km)
Leaving Frías, the valley begins to close in again until you find yourself 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. Be sure to sample a glass or two of Rioja Wine in the very place of its origin.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Arrope
Day 7: Haro - Laguardia, 15 or 31 mi. (25 or 50 km)
Today you 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. The day's destination is the walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life!Preferred accommodation: Hospedería de los Parajes
Day 8: Laguardia
Transfer from Laguardia to Bilbao at approximately 9 am. It is important to remember that at the end of the tour, the transfer time from Laguardia to Bilbao is 90 minutes, so allowing for a 2-hour check-in time, departure time from Laguardia would be three and a half hours before flight time. Keep this in mind for departing flight times. Perhaps you would rather book an extra night after your tour in Bilbao.Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news
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Map
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodation
You will stay in five quality country-inn style establishments that are small and two hotels in Haro and Laguardia. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If the preferred hotel is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be offered.
Bicycles
Trekking Bike
Trek FX - male and female frames
- 27 speed
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano gearing
- Bontrager Sport saddle
Accessories
- Helmet (obligatory)
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
Road Bike
Cube Attain GTC - male and female frames
- 22-speed Shimano gearing
- Full carbon frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano gearing
- Bontrager P3 Verse Comp
Accessories
- Helmet (obligatory)
- Seat postbag
- Odometer
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
Tandem Bike
Dawes Duet Tandem
- Alloy frame
- Shimano 21 speed
- Dawes custom saddles
- Flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
Acessories
- Helmets (obligatory)
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottles
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
Electric Bike
Various models
Accessories
- Helmet (obligatory)
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Rear luggage rack
- Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
- Pump
- Spare inner tube
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
- Basic tool kit
*Equipped with flat pedals (Shimano & LOOK are available at no charge)
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights with breakfast
- Evening meal with wine on nights 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
- Information pack (Route guide, maps, elevation profiles, & GPS files)
- GPS tracks on request
- Standard touring bike rental (Trek or Specialized). Please see our bike section for more information. Final bike rental may vary depending on availability. We will inform you upon confirmation of type of bike rental available & any corresponding details
- Luggage transfer
- Hotline
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
What’s Not Included
- All meals other than those included
- Beverages
- GPS device
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Mar 30Mar 30 € 1298 Book Mar 30Mar 30 € 1610 Book Apr 6Apr 6 € 1298 Book Apr 6Apr 6 € 1610 Book Apr 13Apr 13 € 1298 Book Apr 13Apr 13 € 1610 Book Apr 20Apr 20 € 1298 Book Apr 20Apr 20 € 1610 Book Apr 27Apr 27 € 1298 Book Apr 27Apr 27 € 1610 Book May 4May 4 € 1298 Book May 4May 4 € 1610 Book May 11May 11 € 1298 Book May 11May 11 € 1610 Book May 18May 18 € 1298 Book May 18May 18 € 1610 Book May 25May 25 € 1298 Book May 25May 25 € 1610 Book Jun 1Jun 1 € 1298 Book Jun 1Jun 1 € 1610 Book Jun 8Jun 8 € 1298 Book Jun 8Jun 8 € 1610 Book Jun 15Jun 15 € 1298 Book Jun 15Jun 15 € 1610 Book Jun 22Jun 22 € 1298 Book Jun 22Jun 22 € 1610 Book Jun 29Jun 29 € 1298 Book Jun 29Jun 29 € 1610 Book Jul 6Jul 6 € 1298 Book Jul 6Jul 6 € 1610 Book Jul 13Jul 13 € 1298 Book Jul 13Jul 13 € 1610 Book Jul 20Jul 20 € 1298 Book Jul 20Jul 20 € 1610 Book Jul 27Jul 27 € 1298 Book Jul 27Jul 27 € 1610 Book Aug 3Aug 3 € 1298 Book Aug 3Aug 3 € 1610 Book Aug 10Aug 10 € 1298 Book Aug 10Aug 10 € 1610 Book Aug 17Aug 17 € 1298 Book Aug 17Aug 17 € 1610 Book Aug 24Aug 24 € 1298 Book Aug 24Aug 24 € 1610 Book Aug 31Aug 31 € 1298 Book Aug 31Aug 31 € 1610 Book Sep 7Sep 7 € 1298 Book Sep 7Sep 7 € 1610 Book Sep 14Sep 14 € 1298 Book Sep 14Sep 14 € 1610 Book Sep 21Sep 21 € 1298 Book Sep 21Sep 21 € 1610 Book Sep 28Sep 28 € 1298 Book Sep 28Sep 28 € 1610 Book Oct 5Oct 5 € 1298 Book Oct 5Oct 5 € 1610 Book Oct 12Oct 12 € 1298 Book Oct 12Oct 12 € 1610 Book Oct 19Oct 19 € 1298 Book Oct 19Oct 19 € 1610 Book Oct 26Oct 26 € 1298 Book Oct 26Oct 26 € 1610 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Sundays; Mar 30 - Oct 26, 2025
Additional dates upon request with surcharge for less than 3 travelers and free of charge for groups of 4 or more.
- Tour package 2025 Mar 30–Oct 26 from € 12982025 departures: Sundays Mar 30–Oct 26
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1298 Single occupancy € 1610 Bike rental Price Standard trekking bike Included Carbon road bike € 51 Electrically-assisted bike € 83 - Extra options
Miscellaneous Non-standard start date On request Bike rental Price Garmin GPS unit € 45 Pedals Shimano, Look, etc - free of chargeOn request
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Tour package 2025 Mar 30–Oct 26 from € 1298
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This route is rated easy to moderate as generally follows the Ebro River as it flows downstream. Some days involve some climbing when the route leads away from the river.
Airport Info
The closest airport for arrival is the Santander Airport and the most convenient for departure is the Bilbao Airport. However, it may be easier to book flights to and from Bilbao.
Local Travel
Transfers are included from/to airport or from/to railway stations, bus stations, or ferry ports in Bilbao or Santander. Cyclists staying extra nights in Bilbao are responsible for their own transfers between the hotel and the airport or vice versa. The easiest way is by taxi. There is a bus service with departures every 30 minutes from the airport to Bilbao Center and from the center to the airport. There is also an hourly bus service from Bilbao Airport to the Plaza de Pío XII in San Sebastián.
Good to note :
- It is important to remember that at the end of the tour, the transfer time from Laguardia to Bilbao is 90 minutes so departure time from Laguardia would be three and a half hours before flight time. Generally return transfers are scheduled to depart from Laguardia at 9 a.m.
- Take note that you may not need to go to Bilbao after the tour, depending on what your plans are. For example, if you are going to Barcelona or Madrid then it is a lot easier to transfer to nearby Logroño and then take the train or the bus to either of these cities. If in doubt, contact us for advice.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Remarks
You can rent an electric bike, road bike, or tandem for this tour.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
Spend an extra night in Bilbao and visit the city and the Guggenheim Museum (remember the museum is closed on Monday except during July and August when it is open every day). Or ask us for recommendations for extra nights in San Sebastián or La Rioja.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by IberoCycle.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
- It is important to remember that at the end of the tour, the transfer time from Laguardia to Bilbao is 90 minutes so departure time from Laguardia would be three and a half hours before flight time. Generally return transfers are scheduled to depart from Laguardia at 9 a.m.
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