Details of the Capitals of the Basque Country and Navarre by road bike trip
Departing from the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, this trip through the Basque Country and Navarra by road bike will delight any cyclist. Not only because you will pedal through narrow roads between mountains, forests or by the sea, but also because of the combination of landscapes, culture and gastronomy.
The route is demanding, but the effort will be worth it.
Are you up for the real cycling challenge of the north?
Day 1: Arrival at Vitoria
Relaxing day to visit Vitoria and its cultural and gastronomic attractions. There we will do the briefing of the route, delivery of equipment, etc.. Today is a day to relax and get ready to tour the Basque Country on a road bike.
Day 2: Circular route in Vitoria 117km 2087m+
This first stage will be one of the hardest, we will have to regain strength at breakfast to enjoy the scenery that gives us the route.
A stage of ups and downs, which begins with the ascent to the Puerto de Azazeta and its subsequent descent to Maestu. We will continue pedaling and we will get fully into the Izki Natural Park, located in the Alavesa Mountains, it is a forest area crossed by the Izki River and bordered by mountains. We will cycle through Laguardia, a different landscape between fields of vineyards. Again a climb to the Balcony of La Rioja, we will contemplate spectacular views. Crossing Castilla y León through a land of fields we will return again to the Basque Country and finally to Vitoria.
Day 3: Vitoria – Pamplona 138km 1019m+
During today’s stage, we will start pedaling through the Llanada Alavesa, passing by the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir, one of the largest in the Basque Country. Continuing along a quiet road, between fields and forest vegetation, we will get strength to climb the Puerto de Opakua with a landscape around that will make pedaling easier. Along the road of Urbasa we continue to Estella, where we can make a stop.
Towards the end of the stage we will pass the Alloz Reservoir and climb to the Mirador de Etxauri, with views of the Navarrese landscape. And we finish the stage arriving at the capital of Navarra.
Day 4: Pamplona – San Sebsatián 107km & 1265m+
After a good breakfast, we continue towards San Sebastian on a road between huge green fields and forest areas with large trees on the sides of the road.
Leaving Navarra behind, we return to the Basque Country, passing through several charming villages, with a green landscape of narrow roads that will take us to San Sebastian and the bay of La Concha.
Day 5: San Sebastián – Lequeitio 73km & 973m+
During the tour of this 4th stage we will enjoy the coast and the mountains. Starting pedaling along a small road with huge green fields on the sides will lead us to Orio. Crossing the Oria river bridge we will go to Zarautz and its impressive beach full of surfers.
Along the coast of Gipuzkoa between sea and mountains, we will pass through small villages, such as Guetaria, Zumaya or Ondárroa, with great cultural and scenic attraction that will take us to Lequeitio.
Day 6: Lequeitio – Bilbao 94km & 298m+
From Lequeitio, leaving the coast behind, today’s stage will take us through the interior. With quiet roads, tall trees and full of vegetation will accompany us to Guernica – Luno, a town with great history.
From here we will enter the biosphere reserve of Urdaibai and return to pedal along the coast, beaches, cliffs and different species of birds will take us through coastal villages, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Arminza, Górliz among others.
Finally we arrive to the capital of the province, Bilbao, where we enjoy the gastronomy and the cultural attraction of the city.
Day 7: Bilbao – Vitoria 123km & 893m+
Our last stage will take us back to Vitoria. Again we will enjoy the green landscape of mountains and hills.
On the border between the provinces of the Basque Country and Castilla y León, we will face our last great mountain pass, the Puerto de Orduña, whose viewpoint will leave you fascinated with the views of the Basque Country and Castilla y León, two completely different but incredible scenarios. On one side, green mountains with large shrubby vegetation, while on the other side of the road you will see fields of crops, such as cereals and wheat with a more yellow color.
Between mountain scenery and farmland you will finish the stage returning to the city of Vitoria.
Day 8: End of the trip
Price includes:
Optional services not included:
What is it like to do the Capitals of the Basque Country and Navarre by road bike trip
You will discover the essence of the Basque Country in the best possible way, by bicycle.
This trip will show you the essence of the Basque Country, its environment, its landscape, its mythical mountain passes…
All this with good accommodations, good gastronomy and a detailed organization. Ideal for groups of friends or teams who want to cycle on other roads.
Usual accommodations for the Basque Country and Navarre road bike tour
The accommodations of this trip have been selected for their quality and location, as close as possible to the route. Always valuing the comfort when arriving with the bicycle and inspected by our team. They are 2-4 star hotels, 1-3 star pensions and rural tourism establishments, always in private rooms with bathroom.
I am only one person, can I still book?
Yes, you can book as a single traveler.
Is it possible to rent a bike?
Yes, this trip can be done with either your bike or ours. You can choose it during the booking process, hybrid or electric mountain bikes are available.
Is the daily luggage transfer between accommodations included?
Yes, every day we will take your luggage to the next hotel. You only have to leave it at the reception desk, and we will take care of everything. Normally it will already be at the hotel when you arrive.
Is it possible to cancel?
We want to be as flexible as possible. Therefore, in case of unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to change the dates of the trip free of charge so that you can travel within the same year, as long as you let us know at least 3 weeks in advance.
And if your plans change and you want to cancel the trip before the start date, the following handling fees will apply:
– with more than 30 days, the management fees will be 20% of the amount of the trip.
– between 30 and 15 days, the handling fee will be 50% of the amount of the trip.
– with less than 14 days, the amount to be paid will be 100% of the amount of the trip.
In order to have more flexibility, we recommend taking out travel, assistance, CR and cancellation insurance. Check with us the conditions. Please note that the price of the insurance is not refunded once contracted in case of cancellation or modification.
Are there roads?
Practically the entire trip is on Vias Verdes, tracks or asphalt roads. If you make the stage to Valencia, there are a few kilometers of link that are made by road where you should drive with caution.
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