The Basque Country Classics

Overview Destination Accommodation Program Essentials

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Overview

Distance

700 km

Gain

10 000 m

Temperature

20°C

31-70

Moderate to hard

NORTHERN GEM OF SPAIN

The Basque Country is arguably the best region for cycling in Spain. It has something for everybody; with beautiful countryside, interesting towns and arguably the finest gastronomy in the world.

The region is mostly situated in Northern Spain and forms a triangle around its three largest cities – Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is the traditional heartland of cycling in Spain; home to the famous bike manufacturers Orbea and BH, as well as the Tour of the Basque Country professional race. The region is largely hilly, but a cyclist can easily choose between gently rolling routes and more challenging climbs.

This is an indepth guide to cycling in the region, with information about the terrain, the best towns, Basque culture and some of the finest cycling routes.

Basque Country is a gem!

Highlights of your trip

Unique Basque Country side

Second to none views that you'll remember. Basque Country is without doubt on the list of world's best cycling locations, renewed by pros and amateurs alike.

Perfectly planned trip

We have planned an ideal cycling holiday from you. The route is optimal and you will see all the highlights of the area. Hotels are carefully selected to provide you with comfortable accommodation in the locations that you'll admire.

Quality accommodation

Hotels are carefully selected to provide you with comfortable accommodation in the locations that you'll admire.

Destination

Basque Country

Straddling two nations on the Atlantic Coast — stretching about 100 miles from Bilbao, Spain, north to Bayonne, France — lies the ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques. The Basque Country is famous for its beaches and scintillating modern architecture…and for its feisty, industrious natives. It's also simply beautiful: Bright white chalet-style homes with deep-red and green shutters scatter across lush, rolling hills; the Pyrenees Mountains soar high above the Atlantic; and surfers and sardines share the waves. On the Spanish side, the dazzling architecture of the Guggenheim Bilbao modern-art museum and the glittering resort of San Sebastián draw enthusiastic crowds, while traditional small towns, such as Lekeitio and Hondarribia, are also thriving, making the entire region colorful, fun, welcoming.

Weather

Basque Country boasts very mild and cool summer which is not typical in Spain. That's why some Spaniards come here in August to escape the heat. Good news for cycling, it's never too hot. But do not forget your gilet though, it can rain sometimes.

Terrain

Expect quite hilly terrain. Pyrenees are very close here and you will see quite rigged coast and barely any flats! This will give you some challenging cycling opportunities with rewarding views on every climb.

Culture

High in the mountains of northeastern Spain sits Spanish Basque country. Travelers to these Basque territories come for the “Pais Vasco” culture and food, but there’s much more behind why this one of the most unique cultures in all of Europe.

42.9896° N, 2.6189° W

Check out some of the best rides in Basque Country

Basque Coast at it’s best

This is one of the nicest stretches of the coast of the Basque Country, with impressive views and some unique rock formations. Places to be recognised by some Game of Thrones fans!

Col de Ordino (from Canillo)

The Col de Ordino is situated in Andorra. This climb belongs to the Pyrenees. The Col de Ordino via Canillo is ranked number 340 of the Pyrenees. The climb is ranked number 22 in Andorra and number 5486 in the world. Starting from Canillo, the Col de Ordino ascent is 9 km long. Over this distance, you climb 439 heightmeters. The average percentage thus is 4.9 %.

La Mussara

Alt de la Musara is a picturesque cycling climb situated in the Tarragona province of Catalonia. It has been used in the Volta a Catalunya professional race, most recently in 2017 when the riders descended this side.The climb on the Vilaplana side is characterized by a high number of hairpin bends, as it winds its way through forest towards the Prades Mountains. Very ocasionally the trees open out to offer some nice views looking back down the climb.Alt de la Musara is nominally open year round, with only very rare closures due to snow in winter.

Accommodation

Day 2

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Program

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to Vitoria (no riding)

Airport pick up, accommodation, organisational meeting and rest.

Day 2 - Stage 1

Vitoria to Estella

Distance

96 km

Altitude gain

720 m

Distance

96 km

Altitude gain

720 m

Day 3 - Stage 2

Estella to Pamplona

Distance

48 km

Altitude gain

600 m

Distance

48 km

Altitude gain

600 m

Day 4 - Stage 3

Pamplona to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Distance

70 km

Climb

1000 m

Distance

70 km

Climb

1000 m

Day 5 - Stage 4

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to San Sebastián

Distance

79 km

Climb

900 m

Distance

79 km

Climb

900 m

Day 6 - Stage 5

San Sebastián to Lekeitio

Distance

72 km

Climb

800 m

Distance

72 km

Climb

800 m

Day 7 - Stage 6

Lekeitio to Bilbao

Distance

110 km

Climb

1500 m

Distance

110 km

Climb

1500 m

Day 8 (no riding)

Transfer to the airport

What’s included in your trip

Accommodation

Hand picked hotels along the route

Guided tour

Full information of the route and car support

Logistics

Your luggage being transported along the route

Transfers

From and to the airport

What's not included.

Flight

Please book your flight yourself

Bike rental

Available for extra cost upon request, fleet of modern bikes

What you'll need on your trip.

Fully equipped bike
Cycling clothing, helmet, shoes and glasses
Casual clothing

Kit guide

Let us know your interested

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Price From

€1,124 Per Person