Embark on a captivating cycling journey through Spain's renowned La Rioja and the Basque Country. This guided tour combines scenic rides with rich cultural experiences, offering a unique blend of history, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights:
- Bilbao: Explore the city's avant-garde architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry.
- La Rioja Wine Region: Cycle through Spain's most famous wine-producing area, visiting esteemed bodegas and savoring world-class wines.
- Camino de Santiago: Ride along historic pilgrimage routes, passing through towns like Santo Domingo and Pamplona.
- Vías Verdes: Enjoy leisurely rides on converted railway lines, offering traffic-free paths through stunning natural settings.
- San Sebastián's "La Concha": Relax at one of Spain's most beautiful beach bays.
- Accommodations: Stay in boutique hotels and historic Paradores, providing comfort and local charm.
- Basque Cuisine: Delight in the region's culinary diversity, from traditional pintxos to innovative dishes.
Itinerary Snapshot:
- Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao; evening city walk and welcome dinner.
- Day 2: Transfer to Santo Domingo; explore the town and its Parador.
- Day 3: Ride through the Rioja Alavesa; wine tasting and overnight at a vineyard hotel.
- Day 4: Cycle along the Ebro River; visit Laguardia's medieval streets and wine cellars.
- Day 5: Ride the Vía Verde to Estella; transfer to Pamplona for a city tour.
- Day 6: Cycle through the Bidasoa Valley to the coast; overnight in Hondarribia's historic Parador.
- Day 7: Short ride to San Sebastián; farewell dinner.
- Day 8: Departure; optional transfer to Bilbao Airport.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bienvenido! Ongietorri!
Arrival in Bilbao Individual arrival in Bilbao. From the airport, it’s just a short 15-minute taxi ride into the city center and to our hotel within view of the Guggenheim Museum. At 6:00 PM, our tour guide will meet you at the reception of Hotel Miró to begin a city walk along the exterior of the Guggenheim Museum and the Río Nervión, leading us to the old town.
Bilbao is a city reborn like no other. In the 1990s, major redevelopment projects such as "Bilbao Ría 2000" and "Operación Bilbao Metropoli" transformed this gritty industrial city into a cultural and architectural gem. Older guidebooks became obsolete overnight. The charming old town has always been worth a visit, even before the facelift. Around Plaza Nueva, locals gather for a “chiquiteo”—an early evening wine stroll—and sip the local Txakolí wine. We’ll do the same and enjoy our first evening with a sampling of Basque tapas (known here as “Pintxos”). Overnight stay at Hotel Miró**** / Bilbao.
Day 2: Around Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green Capital of the Basque Country | 41 km, easy stage
In the morning, we depart Bilbao by bus and cross the Cantabrian Mountains to reach the high plateau of Álava Province. Our destination is Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque Country. The city boasts a beautifully preserved medieval center with multiple churches, two cathedrals, and scenic plazas. A short walking tour introduces us to the town before we start biking from the green belt surrounding Vitoria. Following a repurposed rail trail, we cycle through peaceful countryside and around the Ullibarrí Reservoir, returning to Vitoria by quiet country roads.
In the afternoon, we continue by bus to the wine region of La Rioja. On arrival, we spot the tower of Santo Domingo de la Calzada’s cathedral from afar. A tiny town with big significance on the Camino de Santiago (Pilgrims’ Way of St. James), Santo Domingo features two historical Paradores, and we stay in one—a converted 16th-century monastery. Dinner and overnight at Parador Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresnada****.
Day 3: Along the Camino de Santiago into the Wine Country | 42 km, easy stage
Santo Domingo is built around the Camino de Santiago, which runs directly past its cathedral. We begin the day with a visit to this Gothic cathedral, where your guide will share the story of the famed “Miracle of the Chickens.”
Then we cycle a peaceful route through vineyards and tiny hamlets, following the pilgrimage trail. A lunch stop awaits in the historic town of Nájera, once a medieval capital of the Kingdom of Navarre. In the afternoon, we cross the Río Ebro into the celebrated wine-growing region of Rioja Alavesa, technically part of the Basque Country. Here, we visit a renowned winery for a tasting, then transfer by bus to our unique wine estate hotel Eguren Ugarte near Laguardia. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Eguren Ugarte**** / Laguardia (or at the equally distinctive Hotel VIURA****).
Day 4: Through the Ebro Valley | 30 km, moderate hilly stage
We begin the day cycling directly from our wine estate hotel through a landscape of vineyards and red earth. Our route follows the northern bank of the Ebro River, passing rolling hills, castle ruins, and ancient fortified villages. This was once a contested borderland between the kingdoms of Navarra and Castile. After a lunch break along the river, we transfer back to Laguardia for a nice stroll through this picturesque hilltop town. Overlooking the vast Ebro Valley, Laguardia is the heart of Rioja Alavesa. Built in the 10th century as a fortress, its old town is riddled with wine cellars—nearly every house hides a bodega beneath it.
Before dinner, you have the option to join a guided tour of our wine hotel’s underground cellars, followed by a tasting. Dinner and second overnight at Hotel Eguren Ugarte**** (or Hotel VIURA****).
Day 5: Via Verde to Pamplona | 48 km, easy stage
A scenic day awaits! We begin with a bus transfer (18 km) to a high point in the Cantabrian Mountains. From there, enjoy a thrilling downhill ride into Navarra, continuing along a “Vía Verde” (greenway) repurposed from a former railway line. This 30 km stretch—the Via Verde Vasco Navarro—is nearly flat and passes through lush foothills, using tunnels and viaducts.
Our ride ends in Estella, a medieval town and historic stop on the Way of St. James. After a short walking tour and café break, we transfer by bus/taxi (46 km) to Pamplona, the capital of Navarra. A walk through the lively old town ends with dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Tres Reyes****.
Day 6: From the Bidasoa Valley to the Sea & France | 46 km, very easy stage
Pamplona is famous for the Running of the Bulls during San Fermín, immortalized by Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” In the morning, a local guide leads us through the historic city center. Then we transfer by bus (60 km) to the Pyrenean foothills to begin our ride down a green river valley along another Vía Verde, ending at the sea.
You’ll stay for two nights in a medieval castle perched above the river mouth in Hondarribia’s old town. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—wander the cobbled streets or head to the lively promenade with its many bars and restaurants serving Basque cuisine and Rioja wines. First overnight at Parador Hondarribia**** / Hondarribia.
Day 7: “La Concha” and San Sebastián | 24 km, very easy stage
Just a short ride from Hondarribia lies the elegant seaside resort of San Sebastián, long a favorite of Spanish aristocracy. In the morning, we cycle along “La Concha,” the Bay of Biscay’s most beautiful beach. The final biking stage in the afternoon ends after a long downhill from the Monte Igueldo down to a beautiful bay with a sandy beach!
We celebrate the end of our tour with a festive farewell dinner at an outstanding restaurant in Hondarribia.
Day 8: Departure Individual departure.
terranova offers an optional transfer to Bilbao Airport (EUR 75 per person) or to a hotel for extended travel. The distance from Hondarribia to Bilbao Airport is 118 km and takes about 90 minutes.
Route Assessment: Total distance by bike and on foot: 231 km. The Basque Country, La Rioja, and Navarra offer a stunning variety of natural and cultural landscapes—from dramatic mountain vistas to rolling vineyard-covered hills. Routes are mostly on quiet paved roads or gravel tracks, often traffic-free, tracing the Camino de Santiago, vineyard trails, and several “Vías Verdes.” These repurposed railway tracks make for exceptionally scenic and easy rides.
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PRIVATIZE A TRIP
Experience the Freedom of Bespoke Travel. Imagine all the possibilities, and let us bring them to life. With our bespoke travel option, you have the power to design your perfect cycling adventure. Whether it's for a group of friends, a couple, or a family, we can customize our bike tours to suit your preferences.
You decide who joins you, how and when you want to travel, and where you want to explore. Our Experience Designer will work closely with you to craft a personalized itinerary, infused with insider knowledge, local connections, and a touch of magic.
Ready to start planning? Before we begin, we'd love to hear more about your vision. Get in touch today to begin your bespoke cycling adventure: Info@terranova-touristik.de | +49-69693054.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Route rating / difficulty level: The tour is designed for cyclists of moderate fitness, with daily distances ranging from 24 to 48 km on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain.
- Meeting Point
Our tour guide will meet you at 6:00 PM at the reception of Hotel Miró in Bilbao. After a brief welcome, we’ll start the trip with a one-hour walk from the hotel along the Guggenheim Museum and the Nervión River to the old town of Bilbao. There, we’ll enjoy our first dinner together in a traditional Basque pintxos bar.
If there are any changes to this meeting time, you’ll be informed in your final travel documents or the guide will leave a message at the hotel. You will receive the mobile number of your terranova tour guide and an emergency contact number approximately two weeks before departure.
- Arrival by Plane
Bilbao is the biggest International Airport at the North coast of Spain. There are many International flight connections to Bilbao.
- Airport Transfers (Arrival)
We recommend taking a taxi from the airport. The ride to Hotel Miró (city center, near Guggenheim Museum) takes only about 15 minutes. Cost: approx. EUR 30.
Alternatively, the airport bus line 3247 runs every 15 minutes to the city center (fare: EUR 4.00). It takes about the same time, but note that the hotel is still 400 m away from the bus stop.
- Airport Transfers (Departure)
From the final tour stop (Hondarribia or San Sebastián), the drive to Bilbao Airport takes around 90 minutes. A taxi costs approx. EUR 250. terranova offers a pre-arranged transfer for just EUR 75 per person.
Please book this return transfer at least 3 weeks before departure. On-site arrangements usually require booking a separate taxi at full price (app. EUR 250).
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Pre- and Post-Tour Nights
• Bilbao: Due to late arrivals, there is limited time to explore Bilbao—just a short walk before dinner. We recommend arriving a day early to fully enjoy the Guggenheim Museum and a relaxed stroll along the riverside promenade.
Note: The Guggenheim Museum is closed on Mondays (except in July and August).
Opening hours: Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM | Admission: EUR 12 (EUR 6 for seniors) | As of 2023.
Also worth a visit: the Museum of Fine Arts, just a few hundred meters behind Hotel Miró, featuring works by Goya, Murillo, El Greco, and many international artists.
- Seat Belt & Helmet Requirements
In Spain, wearing seat belts is mandatory—even in our terranova minibus. Fines for non-compliance are currently EUR 100.
Helmet use is legally required for cyclists and has been strictly enforced since 2017. terranova offers rental helmets for EUR 10. Please reserve in advance (at least 3 weeks prior) so we can ensure availability.
- Dinner Times
If you're used to early dinners, note that Spaniards typically eat late. Most restaurants do not open before 8:30 PM. Wherever possible, our dinners start at 8:00 PM and finish by 10:30 PM, though delays may occur.
We’ve selected authentic local restaurants so the dining experience is part of your cultural immersion.
- terranova Support Vehicle
Our Mercedes support vans are indispensable—transporting bikes, luggage, and assisting with any repairs or transfers. If your bike has an issue, it’s swapped for a replacement and repaired later. The van is also available for non-cycling transfers when needed. terranova holds an official license for passenger transport.
- What to Pack
We travel through varying climates! Mornings can be cool—especially in mountain areas—while afternoons may be hot. Please bring layers and rain gear. A warm jacket or sweater is essential, especially in spring and fall.
- Climate
In spring and September, Bilbao sees average highs of 20–24°C and lows of 10–14°C. May/June typically have 10 rainy days; September averages 8. Weather conditions inland can differ significantly from the coast.
- Personal Expenses
Plan your travel budget to cover lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and tips. Lunch is either in a trusted local restaurant or prepared as a picnic by your guides.
Costs for picnic meals (including drinks) are shared among participants: approx. EUR 15–18 per person per picnic. This includes a fixed equipment cost of EUR 5 per guest per trip (e.g. dishwashing, utensils).
Lunches at restaurants typically cost EUR 20–25. For quicker service, we recommend choosing 1–2 common dishes for the group. Your guides will help with local menu suggestions.
- Entry, Health & Safety Requirements
You’ll receive a personalized link with current information on entry requirements, health advisories, and safety guidance with your final travel documents.
