Details of the Vasconavarro Greenway by bicycle
This proposal to know the Vasconavarro Greenway by bicycle, aims to revive part of the route of what was one of the most important railroads in Spain.
Departing from Vitoria – Gasteiz (Alava), it is a simple and attractive route to Estella (Navarra) entering the “Llanada Alavesa” and through the best landscapes of the Alava Mountains. It is considered one of the longest Green Ways in the whole country.
Any of the options for cycling along the Vasconavarro Greenway Railway will be a very nice and easy getaway that we recommend for people who are starting out with family or friends.
This trip can be done in three different versions depending on the number of stages:
2 stages and 2 nights. 76km approx. from Vitoria to Estella.
3 stages and 3 nights. 110km approx. From Vitoria to Estella + green ring of Vitoria.
4 stages and 4 nights. 170km approx. From Vitoria to Estella + green ring of Vitoria + Ullibarri Gamboa reservoir.
Weekend option, 2 stages and 2 nights Vitoria – Estella
Relaxing day to visit Vitoria the day before starting to cycle. Here you will receive the bicycles in case you have rented them. Today is a day to relax and get ready to cycle the Vasco Navarro Greenway.
Day 2: Vitoria – Gasteiz – Maestu. 31 km and 460 m elevation gain
We will start pedaling gently along the Navarrese Basque Greenway away from Vitoria. It is worth a quick stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a jewel of Romanesque art of the eleventh century.
Then we go deeper and deeper into the typical forests of the area along with small villages. This first section is conditioned by the Laminoria tunnel (2,195 m.), which is currently impassable and closed. But, to avoid it, it can be done by a short detour by road without traffic or through a mountain track that probably has to be done on foot because of the slopes during the ascent and descent. This section of track is the only section that presents a certain difficulty. However, it is a beautiful stretch in the middle of the native forest in the Alavesa Mountains. Once we leave the mountain track, we will descend the Guereñu pass until we return to the original route of the Vía Verde, where after a few kilometers and after passing through a sound tunnel, we will arrive at Maestu.
Day 3: Maestu – Estella. 45 km and 60 m elevation gain
After breakfast, and shortly after starting to pedal, we will leave Alava to enter Navarra. Where we will arrive at the end of the Vasconavarro Railway Greenwayin Estella, located in the old Estella Railway Station, today a bus station.
Option of 3 stages and 3 nights Vitoria – Estella + green ring of the capital city
Relaxing day to visit Vitoria the day before starting to cycle. Here you will receive the bicycles in case you have rented them. Today is a day to relax and get ready to cycle the Vasco Navarro Greenway.
Day 2: Tour of Vitoria’s green ring road 30 km
Today you will pedal through a circular route that surrounds Vitoria, crossing and linking all the parks that make up the green ring of the city. A very interesting tour to get to know the parks and green areas of the city in a relaxed way.
Day 3: Vitoria – Gasteiz – Maestu. 31 km and 460 m elevation gain
We will start pedaling gently along the VasconavarroGreenway away from Vitoria. It is worth a quick stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a jewel of Romanesque art of the eleventh century.
Then we go deeper and deeper into the typical forests of the area along with small villages. This first section is conditioned by the Laminoria tunnel (2,195 m.), which is currently impassable and closed. But, to avoid it, it can be done by a short detour by road without traffic or through a mountain track that probably has to be done on foot because of the slopes during the ascent and descent. This section of track is the only section that presents a certain difficulty. However, it is a beautiful stretch in the middle of the native forest in the Alavesa Mountains. Once we leave the mountain track, we will descend the Guereñu pass until we return to the original route of the Vía Verde, where after a few kilometers and after passing through a sound tunnel, we will arrive at Maestu.
Day 4: Maestu – Estella. 45 km and 60 m elevation gain
After breakfast, and shortly after starting to pedal, we will leave Alava to enter Navarra. Where we will arrive at the end of the Vasconavarro Railway Greenwayin Estella, located in the old Estella Railway Station, today a bus station.
Option of 4 stages and 4 nights. Vitoria – Estella with green ring and Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir.
Relaxing day to visit Vitoria the day before starting to cycle. Here you will receive the bicycles in case you have rented them. Today is a day to relax and get ready to cycle the Vasco Navarro Greenway.
Day 2: Tour of Vitoria’s green ring road 30 km
Today you will pedal through a circular route that surrounds Vitoria, crossing and linking all the parks that make up the green ring of the city. A very interesting tour to get to know the parks and green areas of the city in a relaxed way.
Today we will make a 12 km link along the Vasconavarro Greenway to the north, to reach the beautiful Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir. There we will have the option to cycle along a route of great interest through walkways, green slopes and even bird watching from the viewpoints along the way. However, it is possible to shorten the itinerary if the km are too many.
Day 4: Vitoria – Gasteiz – Maestu. 31 km and 460 m elevation gain
We will start pedaling gently along the Navarrese Basque Greenway away from Vitoria. It is worth a quick stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, a jewel of Romanesque art of the eleventh century.
Then we go deeper and deeper into the typical forests of the area along with small villages. This first section is conditioned by the Laminoria tunnel (2,195 m.), which is currently impassable and closed. But, to avoid it, it can be done by a short detour by road without traffic or through a mountain track that probably has to be done on foot because of the slopes during the ascent and descent. This section of track is the only section that presents a certain difficulty. However, it is a beautiful stretch in the middle of the native forest in the Alavesa Mountains. Once we leave the mountain track, we will descend the Guereñu pass until we return to the original route of the Vía Verde, where after a few kilometers and after passing through a sound tunnel, we will arrive at Maestu.
Day 5: Maestu – Estella. 45 km and 60 m elevation gain
After breakfast, and shortly after starting to pedal, we will leave Alava to enter Navarra. Where we will arrive at the end of the Vasconavarro Railway Greenway in Estella, located in the old Estella Railway Station, today a bus station.
Price includes
Optional services not included
What it is like to cycle the Vasco Navarro Greenway by bicycle
On December 31, 1967 the “trenico”, as this railroad was known, made its last trip. But now it is possible to cycle along its course.
Doing the Vía Verde del Vasco Navarro Greenway by bicycle is a nice cycling experience recommended for anyone who wants to pedal slowly and at their own pace.
The route is simple and suitable for anyone who wants to do something different. However, the only point of difficulty is in the first stage, due to the impossibility of riding through the Laminoria tunnel. You must take a detour that includes a few kilometers up a road and a track built in the mountain to avoid that section and reach the Via Verde after the closed tunnel. This detour includes slopes that may have to be overcome on foot. The rest of the route is away from the roads and in the middle of nature through cereal plantations, lush forests and charming villages. All seasoned with a set of stations, viaducts and tunnels that make up a unique railway heritage.
Usual accommodations of the trip Vía Verde del Vasco Navarro by bicycle
The accommodations of this trip along the Vía Verde del Ferrocarril Vasco Navarro 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 3-4 star hotels and rural tourism accommodation, but always in private rooms with bathroom and good food!
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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