Self-Guided
Rioja Self-Guided Biking
From mountains to medieval towns
5 Days, 4 Nights
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Best Time To Go
May – June, September – October
Priced per person from
$4,995 USD
Prices May Vary For Groups Larger Than Two
Carbon Neutral Trip
Rioja: where the reds are award-winning, the architecture’s delightfully quirky, and the roads were practically made for cycling. Ride through rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and pilgrim paths carved over millennia. With divine scenery, rich history, and vino at every turn, this self-guided spin serves up Spain with just the right splash of magic.
Experience the world-famous wines of Northern Spain, where modern winemakers are continually innovating while always respecting the old traditions of the Rioja region.
From rolling hills of vineyards and rocky mountain passes to lush forests and wheat fields, you’ll ride through a variety of landscapes. Take in new vistas each day.
Explore Laguardia, a medieval walled town that once served as a military fort, alongside a local expert.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Day 1
Begin your self-guided biking journey through La Rioja, starting in the Ebro River valley and passing through the picturesque Santo Domingo de la Calzada. End the day at Ezcaray's Hotel Echaurren, enjoying Michelin-starred dining and scenic charm.
Activity:
63 km (38 mi.) ride from Miranda de Ebro to Ezcaray | Elevation gain: 747 m (2450 ft.) | Elevation loss: 392 m (1,286 ft.)
Day 2
Cycle from Ezcaray to the medieval town of Briones, passing through Haro's renowned vineyards and wineries. Arrive at Santa Maria Briones, a restored 16th c. manor, and explore the town's historic sites. End your day with an exquisite dinner by a Michelin-trained chef.
Activity:
55 km (34 mi.) bike ride from Ezcaray to Briones | Elevation gain: 445 m (1,459 ft.) | Elevation loss: 777 m (2,549 ft.)
Day 3
On two wheels, venture through the Cantabrian Mountain range, exploring La Rioja Alta and Alavesa, with views of castles and the Ebro River. End the day with dinner in town or venture to Haro for a wider selection of restaurants.
Activity:
55 km (34 mi.) loop ride from Briones | Elevation gain: 839 m (2,752 ft) | Elevation loss: 840 m (2,755 ft.)
Day 4
Cycle east from Briones through picturesque vineyards and Camino de Santiago villages, including Nájera and Navarrete. Arrive at the stunning Hotel Marqués de Riscal, where you can relax with a massage or explore Elciego. End the day with dinner at the hotel’s renowned restaurant.
Activity:
67 km (38 mi.) ride from Briones to Elciego | Elevation gain: 809 m (2,654 ft.) | Elevation loss: 865 m (2,837 ft.)
Day 5
Enjoy a scenic loop ride through the Rioja Alavesa wine region, returning to Elciego for a guided visit to the Marqués de Riscal Winery. In the evening, explore the historic walled town of Laguardia with a local guide. Tonight, cheers to your incredible adventure through Rioja.
Activity:
56 km (35 mi.) bike ride around Sierra de Cantabria | Elevation gain: 871 m (2,857 ft) | Elevation loss: 871 m (2,850 ft.)
Day 6
After one final breakfast, you’ll depart Bilbao or San Sebastian for your ongoing journey.
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.
Featured stays
Hotel Echaurren
Location: Ezcaray, Spain
Santa María Briones
Location: Briones, Spain
Hotel Marqués de Riscal
Location: Eltziego, Spain
What's included
Accommodation & dining
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
Restaurant suggestions along the way.
Active essentials
Choice of bike as appropriate for terrain (see below), equipped with handlebar bag and helmet.
A biodegradable B&R water bottle.
Use of a smartphone with downloaded GPS routes provided via RideWithGPS.
Guided services & gratuities
Bike orientation on Day 1 from a local support guide.
Private tasting of regional wines.
Private walking tour of Laguardia.
Transportation & logistics
Pick up in Bilbao.
Drop off in Bilbao or San Sebastian.
All baggage transportation.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Experience Designer
Good to know
Dining
Be aware that lunches and dinners are scheduled later than you may be used to, as is typical in Spain.
Wine
Even if you don’t like wine, this trip is great as it shows you many aspects of the history and culture of Spain.
Restaurants
Spain's Rioja wine region boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Why choose a Self-Guided trip?
Total Freedom, Tailored to You
With a self-guided trip, you are the master of your own adventure. Every route, hotel, and dining experience is meticulously planned by our expert team, leaving you free to explore at your own pace. Follow our guidance or take that unmarked path that catches your eye—it's your call.
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you're an early bird who loves watching the sunrise or a traveller who prefers leisurely mornings, self-guided trips let you design each day to your rhythm. No strict schedules or group timetables—just the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, as you like it.
Support Behind the Scenes
Though you're on your own, you're never truly alone. Our local experts are just a call away, ready to offer support if needed. From roadside assistance to restaurant recommendations, we're there to ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free.
A Private Escape
Craving a solo adventure or a getaway with your closest companions? A self-guided trip offers the privacy to create lasting memories with your travel partner(s), free from distractions. The world is yours to explore, with no group to keep up with or slow you down.
Speak to an Expert