The basque country is a cultural landmark of Spain. With a rich heritage, a fine cuisine and hills piercing out of the ocean and taking in the roughness of the sea through magnetic waves all year long.
Lush hills and quiet roads. You will be taken on a tour that shows you all of that typical basque spice, from coastal heavenly roads to classic climbs up to unforeseen vistas on the world around. Tapas and pinxos will fuel your muscles with the right amount of everything but hearty diners will be more welcome every night! Have a taste of txacoli (typical basque green wine) eat delicious sea food like chipirones (little calamri) or Navajas (sea knives) but don’t forget to taste the local healthy meat from the pastures around, grazing free. Riding perfect asphalt on a curated series of climbs, carefully handpicked to give you just the right amount of that typical basque reputation of steep and punchy climbs but also some long smooth gravel tracks through the valley.
Come discover hidden villages inland and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Basque country, Guernica that inspired Picasso his famous and tragic painting of the war, Azoia birthplace of the Jesuits movement, Bilbao, vibrant students’ heaven and Guggenheim nest, the little but proud San Sebastian one of the richest cities in Spain and finish on the other side of the border in France with a walk along the grande place and its gorgeous cliffs.
Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country. After our guides pick you up at the local airport/train station and transfer you to your first hotel for the briefing and bike setup of the tour, take the day to settle into your accommodation, explore the city's highlights, and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by Frank Gehry. Enjoy leisure time in Bilbao, savouring Basque cuisine at local restaurants and experiencing the city's unique cultural atmosphere.
Hotel: Vinnci Consulado de Bilbao or Grand Hotel Domine Bilbao (included in the premium option)
After breakfast at your hotel, your cycling journey begins as you leave Bilbao. The route immediately challenges you with a climb, offering stunning views of Bilbao from above. Along the way, you'll briefly join the Camino de Santiago and then the road soon widens, providing a more manageable gradient shaded by trees. You'll enter a classic Basque cycling route, often used for professional training. Keep an eye out for race markings on the tarmac and cheer on aspiring cyclists. The ride takes you to Lezama and a rare flat section toward Larrabetzu. From there, you'll descend to Guernica, famous for Picasso's masterpiece. Explore the town, including a reproduction of the mural and the site where village leaders once gathered around an oak tree. Sample Basque cuisine, particularly the mild green peppers, before reaching your final destination, the prestigious Castillo de Arteaga.
Hotel: Hotel Neguetxea (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, you'll depart from Guernica, starting with a coastal route that treats you to scenic lagoons and beaches bordering the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the serene beauty and follow the dedicated cycleway. You'll then arrive in Lekeitio and continue along the coastal road, which boasts breathtaking views. If hunger strikes, your guide can direct you to a fantastic pizza place in Ondarroa. Continue your journey along the picturesque coast. In the evening, dine in Deba, a charming town where you can savor the local cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Hiru Uhinak or Hotel Arbe (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, start the day with a gentle ride along the coast, relishing the scenic beauty. As you approach Itziar and Azurki, you'll encounter the only climb of the day. Enjoy a refreshing stop in Zestoa before embarking on a pleasant gravel road, part of the Via Verde network. This path leads to Azpeita, where you can explore the sanctuary of Ignatius de Loyola. Conclude the day with a manageable climb that offers breathtaking vistas. Your overnight stay is at the beautiful Hotel Irriarte.
Hotel: Hotel Irriarte (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast, descend from your hotel and head towards Tolosa. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes and forests. You'll then arrive in Villabona and begin the ascent to Aia, entering the Parque Natural Pagoeta. This climb is challenging but rewarding. Descend to Orio, where you can enjoy lunch at a local bar. Then, tackle the Monte Igeldo climb, known for its stunning views and local dining options. Arrive in San Sebastian and relax at your hotel, located in the heart of the town.
Hotel: Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra or Hotel Villa Favorita (included in the premium option)
After breakfast, start the day with a climb up Jaizkibel, a classic route that offers incredible views. As you descend, you'll cross into France, marking the transition to French cuisine. Pass through Irun and Hendaye as you approach the French border. Enjoy your first croissant on the journey. Arrive in Saint Jean de Luz and savour the French "savoir-vivre" with delicious food and wine at a cyclist-friendly café.
Hotel: Hotel La Caravelle or Grand Hotel Thallasso & Spa (included in the premium option)
Breakfast and check-out at your hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Saint Jean de Luz train station.
This tour offers a mix of challenging climbs, rolling coastal roads, and scenic gravel paths, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Basque Country and its surroundings. The routes alternate between steep ascents, such as Jaizkibel and Monte Igeldo, and descents with breathtaking views of the coastline and rural valleys. Riders will traverse forested backroads, sections of the Camino de Santiago, and dedicated cycleways through natural reserves like Urdaibai. Occasional flat stretches provide a respite before tackling the next climb, culminating in rewarding vistas and cultural landmarks at every turn.
Private rides:
If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.
Customized rides:
If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of spanish tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Spain.
For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We work with Specialized to equip our tours with high-performance bicycles designed for comfort, reliability and exceptional riding experiences on Portugal’s most beautiful cycling routes.
Road Bikes - Specialized Tarmac SL8
For our road cycling tours, we use the Specialized Tarmac SL8, one of the most advanced performance road bikes available today. These lightweight carbon bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, whether climbing mountain roads or cruising along Portugal’s scenic coastal routes.
Equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, the Tarmac SL8 offers precise gear changes, excellent control, and exceptional ride quality.
Gravel Bikes - Specialized Diverge
Our gravel bike fleet features the Specialized Diverge, a versatile bike built for adventure and mixed terrain riding. With its Future Shock front suspension, carbon fork, and stable geometry, the Diverge delivers comfort and confidence on both paved roads and gravel tracks.
This makes it the ideal choice for exploring Spain’s quiet countryside roads, coastal paths and scenic gravel routes.
Electric Touring Bikes - Specialized Turbo Vado
For riders looking for extra assistance on hills or longer distances, our electric touring fleet features the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 IGH Step-Through.
These comfortable e-bikes combine smooth pedal assistance with a powerful motor and long-range battery, allowing riders to enjoy Portugal’s landscapes with ease while still experiencing the joy of cycling.
E-Road & E-Gravel Bikes - Specialized Turbo Creo
Our Specialized Turbo Creo fleet offers the perfect balance between performance and electric assistance. Designed as a lightweight e-road and e-gravel bike, the Creo provides subtle motor support while maintaining the feel and agility of a traditional performance bicycle.
This makes it an excellent option for riders who want to tackle longer routes and climbs while still enjoying a dynamic cycling experience.
Mountain & Touring Bikes - Specialized Rockhopper
For adventure rides and mixed terrain routes, we offer the Specialized Rockhopper Comp, a recreational mountain bike designed for stability and comfort.
With its relaxed geometry, front suspension and wide tires, the Rockhopper is perfect for exploring countryside trails, natural parks and scenic rural roads.
Professionally Maintained and Fitted to Every Rider
All bikes are carefully prepared and adjusted for each guest before the start of the tour. Our team ensures every rider enjoys the correct bike fit for maximum comfort and efficiency during the trip.
The exact bike model used on your tour may vary depending on availability. All bicycles in our fleet are carefully maintained and prepared by our mechanics to ensure reliability and performance. At the start of your tour, each bike is individually fitted to every rider for optimal comfort and efficiency. If you have a specific bike preference or special request, please feel free to contact us.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Spain.
At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.
/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;
Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.
/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Spain!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER
While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.
RIDER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
3 EXPERT
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Cycling holidays Spain for all.
