Gravel
La Rioja

Gravel La Rioja

Famous for its red wines, La Rioja also happens to be heaven on earth for gravel riding

Join us in La Rioja for a week of incredible gravel riding, top-rated local gastronomy and some of the world’s most famous red wines

Overview

Details

Next Departure

No Upcoming Departures

Duration

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

Not available

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

La Rioja wine region in central Spain is home to some of the best red wines in Europe, but it’s also home to some incredible gravel riding.

Our carefully planned route offers a unique combination of magnificent rides through the world-famous vineyards and challenging adventures into the high mountains that surround the region. The accommodations are superlative and you’ll enjoy excellent local food, including dinner at the famous Echaurren restaurant in Ezcaray. Of course, you’ll never be far away from a glass of the famous red stuff throughout the length of the trip.

Join our local Spanish staff for a week of complete immersion in La Rioja culture, incredible gravel trails, gourmet food and Spain’s finest wines. Not to be missed!

Trip Technical Difficulty

1
2
3
Not only for gravel newbies but also experienced riders that don’t enjoy very technical terrain. Possibility of a few tricky segments here and there, among easy sections and paved roads.

Ride Surfaces

Grade 1
50%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
15%
Grade 4
3%
Grade 5
2%

Bike Setup Recommendations

Recommended Tires

700×38

A minimum 700×38, but feel free to use more rubber for more comfort and grip if your bike has extra tire clearance.

Recommended Gearing

38T × 11-42

We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.90 using a 38T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent). Check your gear ratios at www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.


Gravel Explained

Read below for a brief description of our gravel definitions. We have classed the surfaces into five categories, from tarmac to boulders, to give an indication of the amount and level of rough stuff on each trip.

Click below to see Cycling Tips’ great explainer video on gravel surfaces.
GRADE 1
Bad roads, cobbles and rough paved surfaces. You’d find this rideable on a standard road bike.
GRADE 2
Well-made, hard-packed dirt roads offering a road-like experience but without the traffic. Some rutting and looseness of stones.
GRADE 3
Reasonably smooth gravel. Discernible small rocks over a hard-packed surface.
GRADE 4
Rough gravel with conditions that may include shale, larger gravel and rocks. Tubeless tyres and big clearance are the most practical choice.
GRADE 5
Borderline MTB terrain, at the rougher end of the spectrum for the capabilities of most gravel bikes.

Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Logroño AC Logroño
02 Into the Camino towards Santo Domingo Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada
03 Wineries Loop Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada
04 Old monasteries route Hotel Echaurren Relais & Chateaux
05 Heading north through the vineyards Palacio Tondon
06 Following the Ebro River AC Logroño
07 Hasta la próxima!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Logroño

Your trip starts at Bilbao Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Logroño, laid-back capital of the world-famous Rioja wine region.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first taste of riding the magnificent gravel trails through the Rioja vineyards.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Into the Camino towards Santo Domingo

You’ll follow the Iregua river path to start the day, a flat gravel path that was designed and used by the Romans 2000 years ago. At the end of the river path, our route heads into the West following parts of the famous Camino de Santiago (St. James Way), crossing medieval towns and ancient forests before arriving at your hotel in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Wineries Loop

After the mountain stage yesterday, we planned a flatter stage for today, riding through some of the most iconic wineries in the Rioja valley. Muga, Lecea, Ramon Bilbao and Vivanco are just a few of the famous vineyards you’ll ride though today. Enjoy the scenery and the relatively flat ride today as tomorrow’s ride takes us back into the mountains.

Map & Profile

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
50%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
10%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
0%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
20%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
30%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
10%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
50%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
20%
Grade 4
0%
Grade 5
0%

Surface Details

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06

Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
Close

Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    AC Logroño

    Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada

    Hotel Echaurren Relais & Chateaux

    Palacio Tondon


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Bilbao Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Holiday Inn Express Bilbao Airport

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Bilbao Airport

    10:00am



    Gravel La Rioja

    La Rioja culture, incredible gravel trails, gourmet food and Spain's finest wines. Not to be missed!


    Similar trips