One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 24 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Apr 29; May 13, 20, 27; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9, 23 and 30, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €852 |
| Start city: | Santander/Campoo, Spain |
| End city: | Bilbao/Laguardia, Spain |
A superb trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains down to the distant Mediterranean. The very name of the Iberian Peninsula comes from this river: Iberia, the country of the Ebro.
The route follows what begins as a tiny mountain stream flowing through the green pastures of Cantabria, beautiful valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, witnessing the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally you arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest wines produced in Spain. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wine-producing bodegas, all with the limestone mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria in the background.
A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.
A superb trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains down to the distant Mediterranean. The very name of the Iberian Peninsula comes from this river: Iberia, the country of the Ebro.
The route follows what begins as a tiny mountain stream flowing through the green pastures of Cantabria, beautiful valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, witnessing the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally you arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest wines produced in Spain. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wine-producing bodegas, all with the limestone mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria in the background.
A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.
Day 1: Transfer to Campoo
Arrival in Santander and transfer to the hotel in Campoo; testing of the bikes.
Overnight in Campoo.
Day 2: Campoo – Villanueva de la Nía (Short 33 miles/53 km; Long 56 miles/90 km)
This stage takes you 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. You finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and continue to the day's final stop in Villanueva de la Nía. Those on the short version follow the river direct to Villanueva. The longer version circumnavigates the Ebro Reservoir.
Overnight in Villanueva de la Nia.
Day 3: Villanueva de la Nía – Pesquera de Ebro (33 miles/53 km)
You begin by cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very rock that are so characteristic of this region. As you progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until you arrive in a marvelous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead.
Make sure to visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades running through the village. As you approach Pesquera, the canyon of the Ebro reaches unbelievable dimensions before you finally reach the attractive village that will be tonight's stop.
Overnight in Pesquera de Ebro.
Day 4: Pesquera de Ebro – Medina de Pomar (23 miles/36 km; 39 miles/63 km with route extension to Puentedey)
Today follows a beautiful route that follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages. An optional extension takes you to the dramatic village of Puentedey, built on a natural rock bridge over the River Nela. Tonight you stay in the Castillian town of Medina de Pomar with its old Jewish quarter and the castle dominating the town and surrounding landscape.
Overnight in Medina de Pomar.
Day 5: Medina de Pomar – Fras (36 miles/56 km)
From Medina, you head back to the Ebro. The route then takes you 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 before you cycle through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle with excellent views of the Ebro Valley.
Overnight in Fras.
Day 6: Fras - Haro (Short 26 miles/41 km; Long 36 miles/58 km)
As you leave Fras, the valley begins to close in again until you find yourself in another spectacular canyon. The road runs along the shores of a reservoir surrounded by high mountains and through short tunnels carved out of the rock. The route crosses the little town of Miranda del Ebro before passing through imposing peaks that signal the gateway to the enormous open valley of La Rioja. Tonight is spent in the wine-producing village of Haro, with a chance to drink a glass or two of Rioja in its birthplace. The shorter route end in Miranda and transferred to Haro.
Overnight in Haro.
Day 7: Haro - Laguardia (31 miles/50 km)
Today begins with a visit to one of the many famous bodegas in Haro, complete with wine tasting. You then cycle through endless vineyards and numerous picturesque villages of La Rioja, with the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro never too far away. You finally reach the superb walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life.
Overnight in Laguardia.
Day 8: Departure
Tour ends, depart from Santander.
Apr 29; May 13, 20, 27; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9, 23 and 30, 2012
| Tour package (self-guided) |  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Available bikes are hybrid bicycles of a quality brand with conventional handlebars and 21 easy-to-change gear ratios for comfortable and easy cycling. Road bikes and children's bikes are also available upon request.
Bikes are equipped with a handlebar bag, pump, spare inner tube, water bottle, bike lock and basic tool kit. Extras such as lights or toe clips are available upon request.
Available bikes are hybrid bicycles of a quality brand with conventional handlebars and 21 easy-to-change gear ratios for comfortable and easy cycling. Road bikes and children's bikes are also available upon request.
Bikes are equipped with a handlebar bag, pump, spare inner tube, water bottle, bike lock and basic tool kit. Extras such as lights or toe clips are available upon request.
This tour is moderate cycling with some climbs as the route follows the River Ebro as it flows downstream. There are a few days that may have some climbing when the route moves away from the river.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
This tour is moderate cycling with some climbs as the route follows the River Ebro as it flows downstream. There are a few days that may have some climbing when the route moves away from the river.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Nearest train station: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
The pickup on day one is from Santander, Spain.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Nearest train station: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Included Transfers:
Day 1: Santander - Campoo
Day 8: Laguardia - Bilbao
Please note that differing arrival times may require some degree of customer flexibility
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Nearest train station: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
The pickup on day one is from Santander, Spain.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Nearest train station: Bilbao or Santander, Spain
Included Transfers:
Day 1: Santander - Campoo
Day 8: Laguardia - Bilbao
Please note that differing arrival times may require some degree of customer flexibility
With more than 50 million tourists visiting each year, Spain is the second most toured country in the world. Sitting on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain is known for its miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline ranging from the rocky Costa Brava to the white sand of Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands off the coast. Spain’s culture thrives in its urban centers of Madrid, the capital, Barcelona and Seville. The countries history is exhibited in countless monuments, ruins, castles and cathedrals, contributing to Spain's ranking as the second country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amazing renowned wines from La Rioja, olive oils from Baena, paella rice from Levanta, Crema Catalana liqueur from Catalonia and more than one hundred varieties of cheese define Spain’s mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.
With more than 50 million tourists visiting each year, Spain is the second most toured country in the world. Sitting on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain is known for its miles of beautiful Mediterranean coastline ranging from the rocky Costa Brava to the white sand of Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands off the coast. Spain’s culture thrives in its urban centers of Madrid, the capital, Barcelona and Seville. The countries history is exhibited in countless monuments, ruins, castles and cathedrals, contributing to Spain's ranking as the second country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amazing renowned wines from La Rioja, olive oils from Baena, paella rice from Levanta, Crema Catalana liqueur from Catalonia and more than one hundred varieties of cheese define Spain’s mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine.
Located in Mortera (near Santander), Cantabria, Spain, IberoCycle is a company specializing in cycle tours in Spain. Tours include guided and self-guide versions. IberoCycle's particular strengths include profound knowledge of all aspects of Spain, culture, history and geography, and the ability to find the right tour for every individual client.
Located in Mortera (near Santander), Cantabria, Spain, IberoCycle is a company specializing in cycle tours in Spain. Tours include guided and self-guide versions. IberoCycle's particular strengths include profound knowledge of all aspects of Spain, culture, history and geography, and the ability to find the right tour for every individual client.
|
Booking Conditions IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for death, injury or illness of customers on our holidays. IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for the state of roads on our trips. All routes are followed at the rider’s own risk. Cyclists must ride and behave in a responsible fashion. Holidays are booked with the understanding that all riders are physically fit and do not have any medical condition which may make physical activity dangerous for them. Cyclists use any transportation provided by IberoCycle at their own risk. Helmets are now compulsory in Spain. We recommend their use, especially for children. For the sake of comfort and hygiene, cyclists are requested to bring their own helmets. 2. Insurance Possession of holiday insurance is a booking condition. All travellers must take out an adequate insurance policy before beginning the trip. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided to be able to confirm the booking. This insurance should cover health and accident (if necessary), luggage loss or damage, departure delay or failure, trip cancellation. Any insurance claims are the liability of the insurance company and not IberoCycle. 3. Changes Changes in group composition or length of trip must be notified in writing. 4. Cancellation Notice of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: 8 weeks or more before departure date Loss of deposit 8-6 weeks before departure date 50% of balance 6-4 weeks before departure date 70% of balance 4-0 weeks before departure date 100% of balance 5. Modifications IberoCycle reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary. In the unlikely event of this happening, the customer will be informed as soon as possible. Any changes made will be of a minor nature. We do not have a minimum numbers policy, so once a booking is taken, we guarantee the trip will run. 6. Bicycles Cyclists are responsible for IberoCycle bicycles during their trip and any damage to or loss thereof. Cyclists are also responsible for minor repairs such as punctures. Those who bring their own bicycles are responsible for any damage to or loss of these machines. These bicycles should be serviced before the trip, and should carry sufficient spares. IberoCycle will supply bikes in good condition and of the right size for each cyclist. 7. Force majeure IberoCycle cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from war or terrorist activities, weather conditions, fire, flood or drought, airport closures, rescheduling of means of transport, or any other eventuality which may delay or extend the holiday. 8. Customer care IberoCycle is committed to the maximum enjoyment of the customer. Any problems or complaints must be made immediately so they can be dealt with in situ. Customers will be asked to complete a customer satisfaction form when their holiday is over. 9. Entrance fees No entrance fees to places of interest are included in the tour prices, unless the brochure indicates otherwise. 10. Transfers Transfers are included in tour prices on the understanding that the customer arrives at the time and place previously agreed. If this is not the case, the customer will be liable for the cost of the transfer to the first night’s accommodation. Customers who opt for a tour extension at the beginning or end of the holiday (e.g. The Bilbao/Guggenheim tour extension) will be liable to organise their own taxi transport between the airport and the hotel. If on any particular trip guests arrive on the same day but at different times, a common pick up time may be arranged for the party. IberoCycle will endeavour to make the wait as short as possible. 13. Transport The client is responsible for organising travel to Spain. In this way it is hoped that the customer will get the best deal possible. IberoCycle will be glad to give advice to the customer on travel arrangements. 14. Accommodation IberoCycle monitors the standard of its accommodation very carefully and is very grateful for customer feedback. Customers are requested to fill in our survey at the end of each trip and to supply us with both positive and negative feedback if it is felt to be relevant. Any problems should be reported immediately with a view to solving them as quickly as possible A twin room refers to a room for two people with two beds. A double room is a room for two people with one bed. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and are of a high standard. Accommodation is in hotels and locally graded accommodation. Every attempt will be made to satisfy a client’s room preference. Clients who have requested a double room may on occasions be given a twin room if availability does not permit this. On some occasions, clients travelling on the same trip may stay in different hotels. This depends on hotel availability. Every effort will be made to ensure that hotels are of a similar standard. 15. Prices Prices include accommodation and continental style breakfast. Transfer to and from airports or ferry ports is included except in the case of the Way of St James tour where customers must take their own way to and from arrival and departure points. The customer is responsible for all other expenses incurred. 16. Discounts All discounts are applicable over the trip price for one person in double share. Bike hire and the single supplement will be added after the discount has been deducted. 17. Seasonal variations Prices are given for high, mid and low season. Those holidays that fall between two seasons will be charged proportionately. Final prices will be confirmed before booking. 18. Excursions We do not provide excursions. IberoCycle may organise excursions on your behalf. In this case, the contract is between the customer and the excursion supplier, and not with IberoCycle. IberoCycle can accept no liability for these excursions and cannot guarantee they will take place. Excursions will be subject to availability and to minimum customer numbers. |
|
Booking Conditions IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for death, injury or illness of customers on our holidays. IberoCycle does not accept responsibility for the state of roads on our trips. All routes are followed at the rider’s own risk. Cyclists must ride and behave in a responsible fashion. Holidays are booked with the understanding that all riders are physically fit and do not have any medical condition which may make physical activity dangerous for them. Cyclists use any transportation provided by IberoCycle at their own risk. Helmets are now compulsory in Spain. We recommend their use, especially for children. For the sake of comfort and hygiene, cyclists are requested to bring their own helmets. 2. Insurance Possession of holiday insurance is a booking condition. All travellers must take out an adequate insurance policy before beginning the trip. Proof of adequate insurance must be provided to be able to confirm the booking. This insurance should cover health and accident (if necessary), luggage loss or damage, departure delay or failure, trip cancellation. Any insurance claims are the liability of the insurance company and not IberoCycle. 3. Changes Changes in group composition or length of trip must be notified in writing. 4. Cancellation Notice of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: 8 weeks or more before departure date Loss of deposit 8-6 weeks before departure date 50% of balance 6-4 weeks before departure date 70% of balance 4-0 weeks before departure date 100% of balance 5. Modifications IberoCycle reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary. In the unlikely event of this happening, the customer will be informed as soon as possible. Any changes made will be of a minor nature. We do not have a minimum numbers policy, so once a booking is taken, we guarantee the trip will run. 6. Bicycles Cyclists are responsible for IberoCycle bicycles during their trip and any damage to or loss thereof. Cyclists are also responsible for minor repairs such as punctures. Those who bring their own bicycles are responsible for any damage to or loss of these machines. These bicycles should be serviced before the trip, and should carry sufficient spares. IberoCycle will supply bikes in good condition and of the right size for each cyclist. 7. Force majeure IberoCycle cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from war or terrorist activities, weather conditions, fire, flood or drought, airport closures, rescheduling of means of transport, or any other eventuality which may delay or extend the holiday. 8. Customer care IberoCycle is committed to the maximum enjoyment of the customer. Any problems or complaints must be made immediately so they can be dealt with in situ. Customers will be asked to complete a customer satisfaction form when their holiday is over. 9. Entrance fees No entrance fees to places of interest are included in the tour prices, unless the brochure indicates otherwise. 10. Transfers Transfers are included in tour prices on the understanding that the customer arrives at the time and place previously agreed. If this is not the case, the customer will be liable for the cost of the transfer to the first night’s accommodation. Customers who opt for a tour extension at the beginning or end of the holiday (e.g. The Bilbao/Guggenheim tour extension) will be liable to organise their own taxi transport between the airport and the hotel. If on any particular trip guests arrive on the same day but at different times, a common pick up time may be arranged for the party. IberoCycle will endeavour to make the wait as short as possible. 13. Transport The client is responsible for organising travel to Spain. In this way it is hoped that the customer will get the best deal possible. IberoCycle will be glad to give advice to the customer on travel arrangements. 14. Accommodation IberoCycle monitors the standard of its accommodation very carefully and is very grateful for customer feedback. Customers are requested to fill in our survey at the end of each trip and to supply us with both positive and negative feedback if it is felt to be relevant. Any problems should be reported immediately with a view to solving them as quickly as possible A twin room refers to a room for two people with two beds. A double room is a room for two people with one bed. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and are of a high standard. Accommodation is in hotels and locally graded accommodation. Every attempt will be made to satisfy a client’s room preference. Clients who have requested a double room may on occasions be given a twin room if availability does not permit this. On some occasions, clients travelling on the same trip may stay in different hotels. This depends on hotel availability. Every effort will be made to ensure that hotels are of a similar standard. 15. Prices Prices include accommodation and continental style breakfast. Transfer to and from airports or ferry ports is included except in the case of the Way of St James tour where customers must take their own way to and from arrival and departure points. The customer is responsible for all other expenses incurred. 16. Discounts All discounts are applicable over the trip price for one person in double share. Bike hire and the single supplement will be added after the discount has been deducted. 17. Seasonal variations Prices are given for high, mid and low season. Those holidays that fall between two seasons will be charged proportionately. Final prices will be confirmed before booking. 18. Excursions We do not provide excursions. IberoCycle may organise excursions on your behalf. In this case, the contract is between the customer and the excursion supplier, and not with IberoCycle. IberoCycle can accept no liability for these excursions and cannot guarantee they will take place. Excursions will be subject to availability and to minimum customer numbers. |
|
|
|
Gold Corporate Member
|
