Day 1 (Sun):
Transfer to Campoo
Arrival in Santander and be transferred to your hotel in Campoo. Opportunity to test bikes and relax.
 Day 2 (Mon):
Campoo to Villanueva de la Nía, short 33 miles (53km); long 56 miles (90km)
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 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 (Tue):
Villanueva de la Nía to Pesquera de Ebro, 33 miles (53km)
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 which are so characteristic of this region. As you progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until you find yourself in a marvellous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead. Stop 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 resting-place.
Day 4 (Wed):
Pesquera de Ebro to Medina de Pomar, 23 miles (36 km); long 39 miles (63km)
A beautiful route which 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 the surrounding landscape.
Day 5 (Thu):
Medina de Pomar to Frías, 36 miles (56km)
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 and soon you 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 (Fri):
Frías - Haro, 39 miles (62km)
As you leave Frías / Herrán, the valley begins to close in again until you find yourself in yet 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.
Day 7 (Sat):
Haro to Laguardia, short 25 miles (15km); long 31 miles (50km)
You begin the final cycling day with a visit to one of the many famous bodegas in Haro, complete with wine tasting. You then cycle through the vineyards and 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.
Day 8 (Sun):
Departure from Laguardia
After breakfast it is time to make your way home or extend your stay. |
Freedom Holiday
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. Our 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 we 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.