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Bike Tour in La Rioja & Basque Country

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BASQUE COUNTRY, LA RIOJA
/
Start location:
Bilbao
/
Price from:
1990€ per guest
CYCLE SPAIN'S most famous wine region and along basque country's magnificent coastline
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Altimetry
600 › 1300 m, daily average
Distance
40 › 70 km, daily average
Bike type
E-BIKE, TOURING BIKE
Level
INTERMEDIATE

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

In this 8-day tour we invite you to discover La Rioja and the Basque Country by bicycle.

First visit Spain's most famous wine region and its world-class wineries, picturesque villages and fantastic scenery. Then cycle through the coastal landscape of the Basque Country - a region with its own identity and charismatic history. Stay in the best hotels of both regions and delight yourself with local cuisine in its awarded restaurants, with up to 3 Michelin stars.

Starting from Bilbao, you will cycle through the spectacular landscapes of La Rioja, immersed in a sea of ​​vineyards that is lost on the horizon. Stop at the local "bodegas" to enjoy the region's bold red wines, visit world heritage monuments or even cycle through a small section of the Camino Francés de Santiago. Rest and recover at a wine therapy spa, before leaving for the Basque Country and its magnificent coastal city of San Sebastián (or Donostia, in Basque).

Set at a natural amphitheater facing the sea and protected by mountains, enjoy its beach and gastronomy - after all, Donostia has the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in the world per square meter, with a total of 11. From this privileged location,you'll get to ride along the rugged coastline of the Basque country and its lovely fishing villages that seem to be taken from a fairy tale, until you arrive at Bilbao.

Hear from our guests

Outstanding service

Had a fantastic week of cycling. A group of 7 of us and 2 guides cycled through beautiful countryside, stopping in picturesque ...

A Cam, UK

Pedro made us kings of the road

I chose to use Live Love Ride because at outset Pedro was interested in making sure he had given me all ...

Ian W., New Zealand

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Cycling Rioja Pic7 1
Cycling Rioja Pic1
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Cellar
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Room2
Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
Cycling Rioja Pic7 1
Cycling Rioja Pic1
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Cellar
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Room2
Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
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Cycling Rioja Pic7 1
Cycling Rioja Pic1
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Cellar
Cycling Rioja Palacio Tondon Room2
Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
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Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1: Pick up from the airport/train station of Bilbao and private transfer to Haro (La Rioja) and your hotel for the night.

Tour briefing and bike setup.

Hotel - Eurostars Los Agustinos or Palacio Tondón ("Premium" option)

 

Day 2: Loop Ride from Haro - 58,7km and 422m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel;

Today you'll have a very scenic and relaxed loop ride, through the hills and small pueblos alongside the River Ebro. You'll be riding on secondary roads, on a mostly flat route until Miranda de Ebro, after which you'll begin facing a long climb of 12 km. The first half is steady and not very steep, having the last kms a bit more accentuated steepness. After the peak at 657mts altitude, you'll be riding down for the last 24 kms of today's ride, all the way to your hotel.

Hotel – Eurostars Los Agustinos or Palacio Tondón ("Premium" option)

 

Day 3: Ride from Haro to Villabuena de Álava - 56,1km and 1115m of total climbing

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel;

Start riding east on the roads towards San Vicente de la Sonsierra, and its church standing out on the top of the hill. From here we follow the GR-99, which runs along asphalt and some dirt and with continuous ups and downs, admiring the spectacular vineyards that accompany us throughout the trip. We go through Baños de Ebro and leave the GR-99 in the vicinity of Elciego where we can admire at the entrance of the town the modern architecture of the winery of the heirs of Marqués de Riscal. Continuing towards Laguardia, we'll be climbing 200mts throughout the next 7km - your hardest climb of the day. Ride atop a small plateau halfway to the peaks of the Sierra de Cantabria for around 8kms to start descending towards Villabuena de Álava and your hotel for the day.

Hotel – Hotel Eguren Ugarte or Hotel Viura ("Premium" option)

 

Day 4: Ride from Villabuena de Álava to Ezcaray - 72,7km and 1251m of total climbing

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel;

Today's ride will have a very smooth but continuous positive slope, for the majority of the route. Ride out of your hotel towards south and across the river Ebro, headed for San Millan de la Cogolla and its two UNESCO World Heritage Monasteries, at km 36. Set at the foot of the Demanda Mountains, this village is 728 metres above sea level on the banks of the River Cárdenas. You'll probably meet some pilgrims visiting the monasteries, taking a small detour from the Way. From here you'll head to Santo Domingo de La Calzada, with a short (4km) but rewarding descent, before a smooth and steady climb of 14km on a cycle path up until Ezacaray.

Hotel - Hotel Pura Vida or Echaurren Hotel Gastronómico ("Premium" option)

 

Day 5: Optional Loop Ride from San Sebastián - 34km and 700mts

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel; Transfer from Ezacaray to San Sebastián - 2h private transfer

After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred to San Sebastián and to your hotel for the day. After check-in we have a small Loop ride prepared for you, in case you want to do a small reconnaissance lap. If not, just indulge into San Sebastián's many pleasures: it's bay and beaches, or one of the 11 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Hotel - LaSala Plaza Hotel or Akelarre Relais & Châteaux ("Premium" option)

 

Day 6: Ride from San Sebastián to Lekeitio - 73,7km and 1252m of total climbing

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel;

Today's ride will send you along the Basque country coastline, amidst its green woods and atop the cliffs that overlook the sea. Start by facing your toughest climb of the day, up until km7, followed by the corresponding descent and a plain section until the magnificent beach of Zumaia. Being the rest of the route mostly flat, you'll still have to face two climbs this stage reserves for you. One right after Zumaia and the other up to Lekeitio and your hotel for the day.

Hotel - Hotel Zubieta (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)

 

Day 7: Ride from Lekeitio to Bilbao - 65,2km and 784m of total climbing

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel;

Start by facing your toughest climb of the day, up until km 13. Then descend towards Guernica and its magical Oma woods. The rest of the day will be flat, except for two sharp but short climbing sections, until you arrive back at Bilbao.

Hotel - Hotel Carlton or Gran Hotel Domine ("Premium" option)

 

Day 8: Breakfast and check-out at your hotel;

At the scheduled time transfer to Bilbao Airport.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
Transfer in from arrival airport to start of the tour and transfer out from end of the tour to departure airport;
7 nights in charm 4 star hotels, in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included;
Upgrade to 7 nights in charm 5 star hotels (or superior rooms), in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included;
Rental of a Road, Touring or MTB bike (Scott Addict 20 or Scott Aspect 930), helmet and spares;
Detailed briefing, bike fit and routebook provided before the tour by a local guide;
Personal guide accompanying your group, providing restaurant reservations, booking of local experiences and all passenger transfers throughout the tour;
Support vehicle (SAG Wagon) throughout all the rides;
Ride along guide;
Luggage transfer between hotels;
Sports Nutrition, hydration and snacks during our rides;
Garmin GPS with preloaded daily tracks
Access to the Live Love Ride app, that you can use to navigate and explore the best this tour has to offer;
Personal accidents insurance during our tour;
Spanish mobile cellphone for contact with your local guides;
Live Love Ride Jersey;
Live Love Ride full cycling kit (jersey, bib short, cap and Scicon rain bag;
Visit to wineries, museums and other select experiences during the tour;

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Per guest - Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests - Not available during the months of July and August
1990€ per guest
2890€ per guest
3900€ per guest
High season supplement (May, June, September, October)
200€
200€
300€
Single room supplement (mandatory for solo riders)
500€
500€
750€
Premium hotel upgrade supplement
350€
350€
Already included in price

Add-ons

Half-Board - 6 dinners (at the hotel in the "self-guided" option, drinks not included)
315€
(at your hotel)
315€
315€
Full-Board - lunch and dinner at select restaurants (drinks not included)
Not available
630€
630€
Upgrade to E-bike
200€
200€
200€
Ride along guide
2400€ (per group)
2400€ (per group)

Discounts

For non cycling guests ( does not apply to add-ons)
not available
not available
not available
Children up to 10 y/old
35% discount
35% discount
35% discount
Children from 10 to 14 y/old
25% discount
25% discount
25% discount
Children from 14 to 17 y/old
20% discount
20% discount
20% discount

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests
from 1990€ per person
click to see what's included

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 2890€ per person
click to see what's included

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 3900€ per person
click to see what's included

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates
No dates found
Start Planning
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

Request a Detailed Itinerary

We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet
your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it.
Download itinerary

Why Live Love Ride?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE
EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS
HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED
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 portuguese 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 Portugal.

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 operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep your speed on flat sections. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.
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 Portugal.

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 Portugal!
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 Portugal for all.

GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE

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.

EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese 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 Portugal.

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.

HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR

We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott E-Scale 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.

MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT

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 Portugal.

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!

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, 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 hiking is done.

/ Access 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 walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED

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 Portugal for all.
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
Telephone: 00351 217 590 365 (Call to the Portuguese national fixed network)
Email: ridewithus @ liveloveride.pt 

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