Basque Country + Rioja Bike Tour

Your DuVine guides will greet you at one of our recommended hotels in downtown Bilbao, followed by a transfer to Palacio de Samaniego, a luxurious, nine-room boutique estate. After a safety review and bike fitting, head out for our first ride on the scenic backroads of the Rioja Alavesa wine region, which weave through a golden landscape lush with undulating vines. Along the way we’ll pause to explore one of the region’s fascinating ancient ruins. Finish riding the loop back to the hotel in time for a lunch of local delicacies in the garden. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool or stroll through the small village of Samaniego. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner accompanied by a selection of Rioja’s best wines at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bilbao, Samaniego
Accomplished: 14 miles / 23 km, elevation gain: 1,194 feet / 364 meter
Accommodations: Palacio de Samaniego

Today, take your pick between an easygoing or a more challenging route toward the Ebro River, starting on serene roads high above the vineyards. Stop for coffee at a local market, then continue riding to the medieval town of Laguardia, which sits upon a warren of 300 cellars carved from rock during the Middle Ages. These ancient cellars (called calados) aren’t just subterranean wineries—they were once hideaways to protect villagers in times of turmoil. They’re also a striking contrast to the ultra-modern wineries that have cropped up since Spain joined the European Union in the mid-1980s—but at lunchtime, we’ll head to a tasting room in town to try wines that the same family has been producing for five centuries. After, opt to tack on some extra miles or hop in the van for a lift back to the hotel. Tonight we transfer to Haro, the spiritual capital of the Rioja wine region. Our friend Jaime opens the doors to his family-run restaurant which has been serving its famous wood-oven roasted lamb since 1870.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Lapuebla de Labarca, Laguardia, Samaniego, Haro
Accomplished: 29 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 2,460 feet / 750 meters
Longer Option: 35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 3,150 feet / 960 meters
Accommodations: Palacio de Samaniego

Begin the day with a gorgeous descent into the 10th-century village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. After a quick coffee in the town square, settle in and start climbing into the Sierra de Cantabria mountains—our sights are set on Haro, where we’ll stop for lunch in the barrel room of a historic winery located in the Railway Station District. Inaugurated in 1863, Spain’s first electric railway was built to transport Rioja wines to Bilbao and beyond, bringing them to export markets around the world—many of the region’s best-known wine houses established their home base here. After lunch, continue riding or transfer by van to the charming town of Briones and our next hotel. There’s time for an après velo drink at the bar or a stroll around town before we regather for a short transfer to see our friend Don Raphael, who guides us through an exclusive tasting. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an exceptional meal paired with local wines selected by the sommelier.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Haro, Briones
Accomplished: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 1,345 feet / 410 meters
Longer Option: 30 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 2,330 feet / 710 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Santa Maria De Briones

Today we cruise south to the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Monastery of Yuso, considered the birthplace of the Spanish language. We’ll pass pilgrims from around the globe and stop to chat as they hike this section of the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. Today’s lunch is a beautiful array of local cuisine served in the renovated part of the monastery, bridging the gap of time through food. Choose to bike back to the hotel or transfer by van for some downtime (and perhaps a Spanish siesta). Tonight, transfer to Laguardia for dinner on your own—your guides can suggest their favorite tapas bars or assist with restaurant reservations. On egin!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: San Millan de la Cogolla, Briones
Accomplished: 21 miles / 33 km, elevation gain: 1,692 feet / 516 meters
Longer Option: 40 miles / 63 km, elevation gain: 2,841 feet / 866 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Santa Maria De Briones

Our pilgrimage continues as we pedal on vineyard roads and cross the flatlands into the Sierra de la Demanda. Pause at our favorite bakery in the village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where your guides will relate the legend of Saint Dominic and the miracle of the rooster. From there, continue riding to our friend Victor’s organic honey farm. We’ll leave with a few pots of his golden honey, the perfect addition to a picnic lunch prepared by your guides and set beside the Rio Oja—the river which lends its name to this celebrated wine region. Choose between a gentle downhill ride to our final hotel or hop in the van to get there sooner. The afternoon is yours to spend in the town of Ezcaray: stroll the picturesque streets, shop for handwoven blankets and scarves, or visit the medieval church of Santa María la Mayor. Tonight, we’ll regroup for a celebratory aperitivo before dinner at the hotel’s two Michelin star restaurant, El Portal de Echaurren. The meal, prepared by our friend Francis Paniego—one of Spain’s most influential chefs—promises to be a culinary showstopper and is the perfect way to cap off an incredible week.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Briones, Santo Domingo de La Calzada, Ezcaray
Accomplished: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 2,640 feet / 807 meters
Longer Option: 43 miles / 70 km, elevation gain: 2,640 feet / 807 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Echaurren

Bid “adios” to La Rioja, its wines, medieval architecture, sumptuous gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. After breakfast, we transfer back to Bilbao where your guides will take you to your post-trip hotel or the Bilbao airport.

Meal: Breakfast