Classic Basque Country
Spain Bike Tours
A supported bike tour including San Sebastián, Pamplona & Bilbao
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1249 Rates
Overview
The Basque Country is an ancient land, and this bike tour will provide a cycling adventure that you will not soon forget!
This unique region of Spain has its own language, culture, and world-famous cuisine.
The circuit combines both inland and beautiful coastal scenery, along with the fine cities of Vitoria, Pamplona, San Sebastián, and Bilbao. Part of the route leads along the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James) as you cross the Pyrenees for a brief incursion into France before returning to the coast.
Highlights
- Coastal views
- Mountain landscapes
- Basque culture and cuisine
- San Sebastián
- Center of art and architecture, Bilbao
- Guernica
- Guggenheim
The exquisite cuisine and the wonderful people of the region are two of the main reasons cyclists from all over the world come to the Basque Country. Be sure to check out our other bike tours in Spain.
Itinerary
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: BilbaoAll 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 HotelDay 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 outIf you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
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
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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation in double, twin, or single room with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast
- Trek hybrid rental bike with handlebar bag, rear rack, one or two panniers, pump, spare tube, water bottle, bike lock, & basic toolkit
- Helmet on request
- Information packet with route details and maps
- GPS tracks on request
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Transfer from Bilbao to Vitoria
- Tour leader (does not cycle with group)
- Support vehicle
- Transfer to Vitoria from Bilbao center or airport on arrival day
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- GPS device
- Departure airport transfer
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Supported tour
On request.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you are interested in this tour.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Only available for group bookings. Please contact us for a quote.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This tour is rated moderate to difficult due to the daily distances. Included in the supported tour is a backup vehicle and staff member support for all cycling stages, but do note that the guide does not ride with the group. Cyclists choose whether they cycle alone or with other cyclists. Some days offer a shorter option for those cyclists who do not wish to cycle the full stage. Non-cyclists may also participate in using the transfer service. Remember that you can always participate in this tour on an electric bike which greatly decreases the difficulty level.
Airport Info
Fly to Bilbao International Airport (BIO)
Local Travel
This tour begins in Vitoria. Transfers are provided from the center of Bilbao or the airport to tour start. Riders are also free to make their own way to Vitoria to which there are good rail and bus connections from major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. The tour ends in Bilbao. Public transportation (bus) or taxi are available for travel from the city center back to the airport.
Climate
The region you will be exploring on this bike tour is located primarily in the northwestern part of Spain. Here the Mediterranean climate gives way to a continental climate, strongly influenced by the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. Summers can be very warm. Please check local conditions prior to your arrival.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by IberoCycle.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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5 years agoVerified Reviewer
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Terry C.
5 years ago
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