Spain – Basque Country Bike Tour

Fly to Bilbao, Spain a day (or two) early so you have time to explore Spain’s de facto capital of the Basque region. Spend a few hours at its gleaming Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum or get oriented to Basque culture and history at Bilbao Basque Museum in “Old Town.”

Meet us in the morning on Day 1 for a transfer (~2hr) to where we begin cycling. Pedal to Isaba, tucked into the Spanish Pyrenees in the valley of Roncal. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with steep-roofed stone mansions are hemmed in by rugged mountain peaks. Isaba’s historic town center boasts the 16th-century church-fortress of San Cipriano. In this region of Navarra’s Pyrenees, the higher peaks begin, making for stunningly beautiful cycling and few cars. Hostal Lola, near the town center will be our base for the next three days.

Bicycle from Isaba through the gorgeous Navarra Pyrenees to Matamachos col today. Rolling roads wind through stunning mountain vistas on this loop. Pedal south, west, then north again, back to Isaba’s cobbled streets. Stop along the way for a typical Spanish ‘pintxos’ (similar to tapas) lunch.

Head north into France for a hilly loop tackling some of the tougher climbs in the Pyrenees, including Arette La Pierre Saint-Martin and Larrau. Alpine views abound at the summit!

In the morning, we transfer (1.5hrs) to Puente La Reina to begin riding. This small town, named for its ancient Roman bridge, is an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Become a “pilgrim for a day” and follow a section of this 1,000-year-old route. We end in Laguardia, another historic town surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and wineries with a dramatic backdrop provided by the escarpment of the Sierra de Cantabria to the north. You will have plenty of time to explore as we spend the next three nights here at Silken Villa de Laguardia.

Today is a layover day. Explore Laguardia: visit a local winery (or two, or…); go bird watching at Barranco del Valle; enjoy a private massage; or relax at the hotel swimming pool. If you want more riding, our guides are happy to suggest a route. If you prefer to get out of town, you can visit nearby Logroño, the capital of La Rioja. Lunch and dinner on your own today.

Ride the Rioja region from north to south. Visit the Parador Nacional of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an old Hospital from the 12^th century reconverted in a hotel. Climb to Valdezcaray, a ski resort overlooking the peaceful town of Ezcaray in the valley below.

A ride of contrasts! Pedal through three distinct environments today. Warm up in the rolling vineyards of La Rioja before entering the “Sierra de Urbasa” – a landscape reminiscent of the African savannah. Feel the humidity rise as you approach the lush greenery of the coastal region at San Sebastian. One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, San Sebastian is world renowned for its beautiful bay, beaches, gastronomy, and quality of life. We’ll give you enough time to decide for yourself if the reputation is deserved! Spend two nights here at Hotel Londres, or Hotel Catalonia Donosti. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Ride the “Route of the Coast.” This fascinating commercial route was well known and much traveled in the past. Today, it’s most popular with local cyclists, as well as an alternate northern (coastal) pilgrimage route for the Camino the Santiago. The history of the Basque Country is one of both wine and fish – with their traditions inextricably linked to the ocean. Bicycle sheltered roads with matchless views and the sea at your side. Pedal through tiny fishing ports and marvel at miles of coastal vineyards. The region is especially well known for its unique Txakoli grapes, which produce an exuberant, bright, sometimes fizzy white wine. Today’s ride is one we guarantee you will remember forever!

Last, (but definitely not least!), enjoy a route that combines both the Basque mountains as well as the coast. Le Tour de France passes by some of these roads in 2023. The ride ends in Lekeitio, a quaint fishing village well known for its beautiful beaches. From here we transfer to Bilbao (1hr) and stay at Hotel Petit Palace Arana.

Dinner is on your own tonight, but your lodging is included as well as breakfast in the morning before you begin your journey home.

Please make your return flight arrangements for the day after the last day of the tour.