Classic Basque Country

Day 1: Vitoria
Day 2: Vitoria - Estella, 60 mi. (96 km)
Day 3: Estella - Pamplona, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 4: Pamplona - St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 43 or 54 mi. (70 or 87 km)
Day 5: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - San Sebastían, 48 or 63 mi. (79 or 101 km)
Day 6: San Sebastían - Lekeitio, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 7: Lekeitio - Bilbao, 20 or 68 mi. (35 or 110 km)
Day 8: Bilbao

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally

Day 1: Vitoria
Your tour begins in the capital of the Basque Country, a delightful and unpretentious city with something for everyone. The environmentalist will delight that Vitoria was named the European Green Capital in 2012 due to the series of interconnecting parks, ponds, and marshes linked by cycle paths. The old quarter dates back more than 8 centuries and showcases historical treasures such as the Cathedral of Santa María or the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Stroll the medieval streets and be sure to visit one (or more) of the renowned tapas bars in the city center!

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Silken 

Day 2: Vitoria - Estella, 60 mi. (96 km)
Leaving Vitoria, you will pedal eastward towards Pamplona. The day's itinerary begins by circumnavigating the reservoir of Ullibarri- Gamboa. The Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Urbasa y Andía, with a side trip to the beautiful source of the Urederra, is a beautiful ride! The day's destination is the town of Estella, situated on the Camino de Santiago, the famous old pilgrimage route known as the Way of St James.

Elevation gain:  3'526 ft (1'075 m)
Preferred accommodation: Hospedería Chapitel
 

Day 3: Estella - Pamplona, 30 mi. (48 km)
A shorter ride is on the agenda today which will lead to neighboring Navarra and the capital of the region, Pamplona. Of course, most will know Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls during the legendary festival of San Fermin. Hemingway immortalized the city as well in his novel, The Sun Also Rises. There is plenty to explore here especially the atmospheric old quarter!

Elevation gain: 2871 ft. (875 m)
Preferred accommodation: Pamplona Catedral Hotel

Day 4: Pamplona - St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 43 or 54 mi. (70 or 87 km)
You will continue pedaling along the Camino De Santiago towards France. Your backdrop will be the incredible scenery of the lower Pyrenees. As you descend, you will enter the village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a beautiful and bustling French market town nestled in the foothills. 

Elevation gain: 4183 ft. (1275 m)
Preferred accommodation: Hotel Juantorena
 

Day 5: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - San Sebastían, 48 or 63 mi. (79 or 101 km)
The day is spent cycling on the northern side of the Pyrenees through France, reaching the French Basque coast by Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is possible to take a short train transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastián (but those who wish to ride there may do so). This beautiful city has a fine bay, beaches, Old Quarter and fishing harbor. Last but not least, it offers incomparable gastronomy, second to none, where the multitudes of tapas bars compete with some of the best restaurants in the world.

Elevation gain: 3067 ft (935 m)
Preferred accommodation: Hotel Codina

Day 6: San Sebastían - Lekeitio, 45 mi. (72 km)
The route turns westward and follows the coast in the direction of Bilbao. It has been said that this stretch offers the finest coastal scenery in Spain. At times, you will ride along the water's edge and other times, you will ride high above it with impressive views of the coast, interspersed with charming villages. The overnight this evening is Lekeitio, a small, charming fishing village located on the Bay of Biscay. 

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren
Elevation gain: 4'878 ft (1487 m)

Day 7: Lekeitio - Bilbao, 20 or 68 mi. (35 or 110 km)
The last cycling day is another ride along the impressive coastline.  En route, you pass fishing villages in dramatic settings such as Elantxobe, surrounded by high cliffs. The route leads around the estuary of Urdaibai to finally reach the town of Guernica, the subject of the painting by Picasso which depicted the horrors of war. From Guernica, a short train ride follows to Bilbao to explore this fascinating city. Be sure to visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum!

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Abando
Elevation gain: 4'757 ft (1450 m)

Day 8: Departure
Your tour officially ends at the normal hotel check out

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Accommodations

Hotels range from small posadas, Casas Rurales, Casas de Labranza* or country inn type accommodation to three and four-star hotels. They are, wherever possible, small establishments, each with its charm and character and are chosen for their unique situation, regional atmosphere and comfort, Please note that many of these types of accommodation do not use the hotel star rating system as they are classed as country inns by local Tourist Boards.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Trek FX - male and female frames

• 27 speed
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Bontrager tires
• Shimano gearing
• Bontrager Sport saddle

Accessories

• Helmet
• Handlebar bag
• Odometer
• Rear luggage rack
• Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
• Pump
• Spare inner tube
• Water bottle
• Bike lock
• Basic tool kit

Road Bike

Berria (Various Brands/Models)

• 22-speed Shimano gearing
• Full carbon frame
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Bontrager tires
• Shimano gearing
• Bontrager P3 Verse Comp

Accessories

• Seat postbag
• Odometer
• Pump
• Spare inner tube
• Water bottle
• Bike lock
• Basic tool kit

Electric Bike

Conor/Haibike (Various Brands/Models)

• Aluminum frame (men or women's)
• Shimano Alivio 9 speed
• Hydraulic brakes
• Bosch Active Line Motor

Accessories

• Helmet
• Handlebar bag
• Odometer
• Rear luggage rack
• Choice of rear rack bag (5 liters) or pannier (40 liters)
• Pump
• Spare inner tube
• Water bottle
• Bike lock
• Basic tool kit