Rioja + Basque Country Bike Tour

Your DuVine guides will greet you at one of our recommended hotels in downtown Bilbao, then we’re off to our iconic hotel designed by Frank O. Gehry: the glittering, ribbon-like roof appears right from the middle of the vineyards as we approach. After a safety review and bike fitting, set out on a ride along 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 for a coffee in the charming medieval town of Samaniego. Afterwards, our friend Irene hosts us at her family-run winery for a casual lunch of tuna and local meats grilled over wood cuttings from her vines, paired with a selection of her estate’s wines. Spend the afternoon by the pool or head to the hotel’s spa for one of their treatments. This evening, we raise a glass to the week ahead and share an unforgettable Riojana meal at Marqués de Riscal.  

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 the 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. Enjoy a traditional tapas lunch of cheese, charcuterie, olives, and croquettes at our favorite local restaurant, then opt to tack on some extra miles or hop in the van for a lift back to the hotel. Tonight’s destination is a prestigious, family-owned winery, where we’ll explore the caves and taste wines that have been crafted on the estate for five generations. The visit ends with a beautiful wine-paired dinner in the vineyard.

This morning we’ll take a short transfer to a quaint mountain village, the starting point for today’s ride. Heading west, we’ll pedal along quiet, pastoral roads into the Basque countryside—a vibrant patchwork of gilded plains and lush grapevines.  A steady climb leads us to the Balcón de la Rioja. Set on a ridge in the Sierra de Cantabria mountains, this scenic lookout rewards us with sweeping views of La Rioja’s vineyards and villages. Capture the scene with a few photographs then enjoy an exhilarating descent toward the small town of Leza. From here, spin back to our hotel, where a relaxed lunch awaits amidst the gardens of their terrace restaurant. The afternoon is yours—sip a glass of wine in the Vinoteca or simply admire the property’s visionary architecture. Tonight, choose to transfer to Laguardia or stroll into Elciego for dinner on your own—your guides can suggest their favorite tapas bars or assist with restaurant reservations. On egin!  

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, the spiritual capital of the Rioja wine region, 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. Check into your room and enjoy an après velo drink at the bar or take a walk to town. Later we’ll regather and transfer to downtown Haro. There, our friend Jaime opens the doors to his family-run restaurant, which has been serving its famous wood-oven roasted lamb since 1870. 

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, we’ll gather for a celebratory aperitivo before a spectacular wine-paired dinner at our hotel’s gastronomic restaurant. 

Bid adiós 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.