River Ebro and Rioja Vineyards

RIVER EBRO AND RIOJA VINEYARDS

Included
Hire of 21speed hybrid cycle and equipment
B&B in quality "Posadas" and hotels in rooms with shower/wc

5 evening meals
Luggage transport
Tour information including maps and routes
Transfer Santander to Campoo
Emergency support

Visit to Wine bodega and wine tasting day 7

Excluded
Lunches and 2 Dinners
Cycle helmets

Extras
Single rooms
Extra night(s) Bilbao to visit the guggenheim Museum

Access: (advice only, not included) by air to Santander airport: Ferry Plymouth to Santander
transfer to tour start.

Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days

Start: Sunday start only every 2 weeks from 18th April to 3rd Oct plus extra departure on 10th Oct 2010

Level 2

Tour Code EBR

Price £870 per person.

Single Suppl £310

Supplement of £105per person on following departures: 8th, 22nd August and 5th Sept 2010 .

Early booking discount before 1st March - 5%

Child reductions available please enquiry at office.

Day 1. arrive Santander and transfer to CAMPOO/FONTIBRE. Collect cycles and equipment.

Day 2. CAMPOO - VILLANUEVA DE NÍA 33ml/56(53/89km)

This stage takes us through some fabulous and unspoilt 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 to finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and tonight’s stop in Villanueva de la Nía. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Villanueva. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.

Day 3. VILLANUEVA DE NÍA - PESQUERA DE EBRO 33ml(53km)
Leaving Villanueva take the opportunity to visit the numerous centuries old cave churches and in contrast the beautiful Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines. Cycle through impressive canyons where eagles and vultures circle overhead and visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja de Castillo before emerging at Pesquera de Ebro.

Day 4. PESQUERA DE EBRO - MEDINA de POMAR 23/39ml(37/62km)
A beautiful route which follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages. An optional extension takes us to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the River Nela. Tonight we stay in the Castillian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating the town and the surrounding landscape.

Day 5. MEDINA de POMAR - FRÍAS 36ml(58km)
From Medina, we head back to the Ebro, The route then takes us along a quiet country road running parallel to the river where the valley begins to open out again. Visit the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada and soon we are cycling through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle and enjoying fine views of the Ebro Valley.

Day 6. FRÍAS - HARO 39ml(62km)
From the valley of Frías, the river carves its way through more impressive canyons. Cycle along the banks of the Embalse del Sobrón reservoir to the gentler landscape around Miranda del Ebro. Visit Santa Gadea del Cid where the legendary El Cid swore allegiance to the king and finally reach the immense Rioja valley and its wine capital, Haro. Sample the tapas bars in its lively streets.

Day 7. HARO - LAGUARDIA 15/31ml(24/49km)
Take the opportunity to visit one of the large wine producing bodegas before setting out today. The route travels through endless seas of vineyards with the horizon dotted with castles before reaching the fortified medieval village of Laguardia.

Day 8. Depart LAGUARDIA