Basque Country: Bilbao to San Sebastián via Olite

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

The adventure begins in Bilbao! Arrive in your hotel and meet in the lobby at 5:15 pm - the group will take a tour through the world-famous Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, a distinctive architectural icon housing many treasured pieces. The evening is at your disposal - explore more of this vibrant Spanish city, or enjoy peaceful downtime in your hotel.

Overnight in Bilbao.

Day 2: Bilbao – Argomaniz
20 miles/32 km

After your bike fitting in Bilbao, the journey begins! You'll start your cycle tour through the city of Bilbao as it slowly awakens to the day, following the River Nervion in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. Pedaling mainly along cycle paths and peaceful adjacent routes, you'll gain an insight into the emergence of Bilbao as a modern, artsy metropolis following an industrial decline. In Portugalete, glide over the world's oldest transporter bridge with the gently weaving Nervion River beneath you.

The tour will stop for lunch in the lively seaside resort of Getxo, home to splendidly elegant villas, before a minibus takes the group to the Embalse de Ullibarri, a tranquil reservoir near Vitoria Gasteiz. Here, you'll cycle along secluded paths with views of the lake. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in Parador, where dinner awaits.

Overnight in Argomaniz.

Day 3: Argomaniz – Estella
29 miles/46 km

In the morning, a bus will take you to the Sierra de Urbasa (around 30 minutes). On this high, deserted plateau, barren grassland alternates with lush beech groves. Here, you'll find charming flocks of sheep, sneaky griffon vultures, and gently grazing horses. Enjoy a fun descent with panoramic views as the bizarre, rocky scenery of the Sierra de Santiago de Loquiz unfolds around you.

Pedaling on past pictorial villages, emerge into Estella, where the group will take a round trip past Romanesque churches like the San Sepulcro, with its impressive tympanum, and the palace of the Dukes of Granada de Ega. End the day with a lovely dinner.

Overnight in Estella.

Day 4: Estella – Olite
30 miles/48 km

Your day starts with a short bus ride to a mirador (turret), from which you can admire the vast openness of Navarre. Enjoy the descent through the sublime Sierra del Pérdon on your way to Puente de la Reina, where the French Camino de Santiago joins the Spanish. In Calle Mayor, you'll discover architectural jewels such as the churches of Santiago and richly decorated residences - silent witnesses to a long tradition of pilgrimage in the area.

Around noon, you'll arrive in Artajona, towered over by a legendary fortress dating back to the 11th century. After a long ascent, you'll reach the wine growing area of Tudela, the production site of the famous Rosados de Navarre. Following atmospheric, lonely trails, you'll go on to reach the former royal city of Olite in the late afternoon. The eventful day draws to a close with a stylish dinner.

Overnight in Olite.

Day 5: Olite – Vera de Bidasoa
31 miles/49 km

Weather permitting, a minibus will take you the 90 minute distance to the summit of Mount Artxueta in the Aralar range, where a splendid view will open up over the Urbasa mountain range.

After a comfortable cycling leg that's mostly downhill, the bus will take you uphill to another pass. From here, you'll cycle almost 19 miles downhill into the most characteristically 'Basque' region of the tour. In the Rio Ezkurra Valley, with its sleepy villages and magnificent views into a wildly romantic landscape, the independent culture of the Basque Country really becomes evident.

On the last miles of today's tour, you'll follow the former railroad track to Vera de Bidasoa where you'll be welcomed at the hotel and served a scrumptious Basque dinner.

Overnight in Vera de Bidasoa.

Day 6: Vera de Bidasoa – San Sebastian
24 miles/38 km

In the morning, you'll travel by taxi to the Spanish-French border. From here, you'll cycle into the fabulous French Basque Country. The route leads you on a constant up and down path through picturesque villages like Sare and Ascain, home to the impressive Pelota Palaces.

By noon, you'll reach the quaint commune of St. Jean de Luz, with its picturesque alleys. There's enough time here to take a stroll or a dip in the sea before you turn your bicycle in Spain's direction once again.

Arriving in Hendaye, you'll take the ferry to Hondarribia, Spain. From here, there's a transfer to San Sebastián and your modern hotel, the NH Collection Aranzazu*** (two overnight stays). Dinner will be enjoyed together.

Overnight in San Sebastián.

Day 7: San Sebastian round trip
13 miles/20 km

Today's the day for exploring the scintillating city of San Sebastián, the jewel in the crown of the Basque Country. From the hotel, you'll cycle along Concha Bay into Old Town, home to impressive buildings from the Belle Epoque such as the Teatro Victoria Eugenia and the modern Palacio de Congresos. Pedaling into the suburb of Pasaia, you'll be immersed in the authentic Basque culture, with the Ikurriña (Basque flag) proudly flying from many balconies here.

You'll arrive back at your hotel in the early afternoon, leaving you with enough time to head down to the beach for a swim in the azure ocean waters, or to explore Old Town's numerous bars and shops. You'll enjoy your final group dinner, sharing your memories and experiences from the trip.

Overnight in San Sebastián.

Day 8: Departure

As there is nothing on today's program, your departure can be arranged individually. Buses travel hourly to the airport in Bilbao as well as into the city center of Bilbao (duration approximately 1 hour 15 min – tickets are not included in the travel price).

Looking to add to your itinerary? Why not spend the day uncovering something extra in San Sebastián or Bilbao on one of our cycling day tours?