LA RIOJA RAW BIKE

Stage – Rioja Alavesa (Gravel)
Today we will ride through unique landscapes—seas of vineyards whose colors change dramatically throughout the year. We’ll pass by small family-run wineries and cutting-edge architectural landmarks such as the spectacular Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

We’ll visit charming historic towns like the medieval village of Laguardia. The capital of Rioja Alavesa, Laguardia was founded in the 10th century as a defensive outpost of the Kingdom of Navarre, and it has preserved its medieval layout almost intact. It’s a walled town that once served as a strategic watchtower.

Laguardia is riddled with underground wineries, and you won’t have to look far to find one beneath a local bar or restaurant. One of the town’s greatest attractions is exploring its calados. But what are they? These are caves that lie beneath the surface of Laguardia and other medieval villages in this region of southern Basque Country, bordering La Rioja. Traditionally, they have been used to store wine.

We’ll cycle around the Laguardia Lagoons, a Protected Biotope in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. This lagoon complex is extraordinarily interesting from both geological and ecological perspectives due to its unique flora and fauna. Moreover, it is located in an area devoted almost exclusively to winemaking and is rich in archaeological sites such as the ancient village of La Hoya and the Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen, among many others.

Included

• Meals

  • Healthy snacks and isotonic drinks.

  Equipment

  • Welcome kit, including a Bizi Cycle Tours water bottle.

  Support

  • A bilingual guide (English-Spanish) with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the area. Among our team are former professional athletes.

  • A support van that is always available to provide technical assistance and snacks, as well as transport through any section of the route if you prefer not to continue pedaling. (from 4 people)

  • Daily bike cleaning.

  Activities & Memories

  • A personalized photo album of the tour.