We deal directly with each tour operator, which means we can guarantee you the best price. If within 24 hours of your booking you find the exact same tour elsewhere for a lower price, let us know and we'll refund you the difference!
Spain: Basque Country and Rioja Wine Region
Duration
6 days
Site savings
$51
From
$4,999 USD
Embark on a 6-day journey to the heart and soul of gorgeous Basque Country and Rioja wine region. Basque, or Euskadi, is the incredibly hospitable independent community in Northern Spain and Southern France, with a distinct identity of its own. Explore the bold and beautiful Rioja wine region. Ride past vibrant vineyards, Roman towns, and charming fishing villages. Enjoy the sun-soaked beaches, traditions, and pintxos culinary culture of San Sebastian and the Basque community.
- CategoryRoad Cycling
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration6 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance160.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance40.4 miles
Best Price Guarantee
No booking or payment fees
Quick Stats
- Duration6 days
- Main DestinationGreen Spain - The North Coast
- Distance160.9 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance40.4 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet Bilbao Airport
Meet your tour leaders in at the Bilbao Airport. “Ongi etorri” to Northern Spain’s Basque Country, home to people with their own distinct culture, language, award-winning wines, and Michelin-starred restaurants - a region known for its historic villages, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cycling. You'll be transferred to Alava, which is about a 90 min shuttle. After a picnic lunch and bike fitting, get on your saddle for a short warm up ride to the lauded Casa Valdelana Winery.
That afternoon you'll transfer to Hotel Silken de Laguardia, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Rioja wine country. This evening gather with your tour leaders and travel companions for a delectable dinner in the hotel’s fine dining room.
- 9.3 miles
- Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia
- Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2Villabuena de Álava
This morning after breakfast, set out on a revelatory ride into the Rioja wine region, passing through rolling vineyards and more than a dozen towns and villages in the shadow of the Sierra de Cantabria. You will ride into the historic town of Najera to catch up with Christian pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, and recharge with a picnic lunch. After a short shuttle (to avoid some vehicular traffic), you'll cycle from outside of Santa Domingo de la Calzada on the banks of the Oja River. Saint Domingo built a bridge, hospital,
and hotel here, and began construction on the cathedral for pilgrims following the “French Way” of Saint James.In the evening, head out to the walled village of Laguardia, for a special dinner at one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the area that is home to 16th century cellars.
- 28 miles
- Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3San Sebastian
After breakfast, embark on a leisurely ride through Rioja’s vineyards into the Romanesque town of Baños de Ebro and the 10th century fortress town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Today, you'll shuttle back to San Sebastian, where you'll find your home for the next three nights, the historic, elegant Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra. This beachfront hotel features spectacular views of the city and ocean and is close to numerous famed San Sebastian Pintxos bars. San Sebastian is where the sea reclaims its place and according to the locals, is the best place to experience the Cantabrian Sea.
This afternoon, take some time to walk up Monte Urgull for some incredible views, stroll La Concha beach, or just explore the gardens and the old quarters of San Sebastian, dubbed “the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea.” Dinner is on your own tonight. Renowned for its fine cuisine (there are at least six Michelin-starred restaurants and countless bars serving a diverse selection of Pintxos), San Sebastian offers plenty of options to tempt your palate. Reservation is highly recommended for most of the restaurants.
- 15.5 miles
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
- Breakfast
- Day 4San Sebastian
Today’s ride follows the city’s bike path, ascending to Mount Igueldo for panoramic views of the coastline and winding through several villages, before ending at the beaches of Lekeitio. Pause in Getaria, the home village of legendary Basque explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano, who completed the first circumnavigation of the world. Recharge with a selection of local dishes for lunch at a favourite local restaurant. Riding on to Lekeitio, take a walk or a dip at the main beach of this small fishing village and port. Depending on the tides and timing, walk along an exposed sandbar to the small island of San Nicolás Island. With a shuttle back to San Sebastian, unwind and enjoy the hotel’s excellent amenities before heading out for dinner. Dinner will be on your own tonight.
- 28.6 miles
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 5San Sebastian
From colorful fishing villages and ferry rides to Victor Hugo, pirates and a jewel of a beach resort, the journey today brims with intriguing stories and adventure. Begin the ride towards French Basque country through the small fishing village of Pasajes San Pedro, once again following the yellow markers of the Camino de Santiago. Board the ferry to Pasajes San Juan (where the great French writer Victor Hugo once lived) and cycle to Hondarribia and its well-preserved old town, stopping for a leisurely lunch.
Board another ferry to Hendaye, France, and cycle along a coastal route. Tonight, toast to this Basque adventure with a sumptuous farewell dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers. As the Basque would say, ‘Topa!’
- 28.6 miles
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 6Depart