Included: An experienced bike guide with extensive local knowledge of the area 8-day Basque bike tour (6 days of cycling) Accommodation for 7 nights in handpicked boutique hotels and historic Paradores (double occupancy) Most meals — 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 multi-course dinners Standard touring bike rental Support van with luggage transport, technical assistance, and transfer facilities All transfers as per the program Two winery visits with wine tastings in the DOC La Rioja Alavesa Guided city tours and entrance fees in Bilbao, Vitoria, Santo Domingo, Pamplona, and more Picnic buffet service and drink breaks (costs for shared picnics distributed among participants) CO₂ compensation for the travel region Drinking water during cycling stages Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room E-bike upgrade Helmet rental Additional nights in Bilbao Departure transfer to Bilbao Airport Not included: Flights to Spain Helmet (mandatory for cyclists in Spain — available to rent at checkout) Lunches — your guides will offer picnic & drink stops or organize restaurant visits (costs for purchases shared, 15-25 EUR) Beverages other than those included at meals Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Basque bike tour, good fitness is required . The total cycling distance is 231 km (144 mi) spread across 6 riding days, with daily distances ranging from 24 to 48 km (15 to 30 mi). The route is mostly flat to gently rolling —much of it along the Camino de Santiago, quiet vineyard roads, and the traffic-free Vías Verdes (converted railway lines), which are exceptionally easy and scenic. Some transfers by support van are built into the itinerary, allowing us to skip busier sections and focus on the most enjoyable riding. A support vehicle is always available if you need a break. If you’d like extra support on the hillier sections, an e-bike upgrade is available at checkout. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Spain bike tours here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20–30 L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2 L capacity) Cycling shoes Comfortable cycling clothes Leisure clothes for evenings and sightseeing Warm layer for mornings and evenings—temperatures in the mountains and along the coast can be surprisingly cool in spring and autumn Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Sunglasses Camera—optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Northern Spain is greener and cooler than the rest of the country—layers are essential, especially in spring and September. Don’t wear jeans.

A standard touring bike is included in the price of this Basque bike tour . The Velo de Ville L200 is a comfortable 28″ trekking bike built for multi-day trips. Available in a diamond frame or step-through (low-step) frame, in multiple sizes, with ergonomically shaped handlebars. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps things nimble, the Shimano CUES 20-speed drivetrain offers smooth, reliable shifting, and Schwalbe Plus puncture-protected tires keep you rolling with confidence. All bikes come fitted with a rear rack, making them ideal for use with bike panniers. To make those hilly climbs a bit easier, you can upgrade to an e-bike — the Velo de Ville AEB Classic is for those who prefer a little extra boost. These e-bikes are equipped with a Bosch mid-motor (Active Line, Active Line Plus, or Performance Line) and a 500 Wh battery for reliable range on daily rides. The step-through frame makes mounting effortless, while the Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork, and Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus puncture-protected tires deliver a smooth, worry-free ride.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Basque bike tour, there will be two tour leaders accompanying you—a professional cycling guide as well as a driver/guide for the support van. It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants, though most departures have up to 12 people + 2 tour leaders. Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory —you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. Basque bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Basque bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Basque bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory —you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of the tour is Bilbao, Spain. Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main international airport for northern Spain, with good connections from across Europe. A taxi from the airport to the city center takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 30 EUR. Alternatively, bus line 3247 runs every 15 minutes to the city center (circa 4 EUR). You will meet your guide at your first night’s accommodation in Bilbao at 6 pm on Day 1. The tour ends in Hondarribia on Day 8. A pre-arranged departure transfer to Bilbao Airport takes approximately 90 minutes and can be added at checkout for an additional cost.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

BILBAO | SPAIN

Basque Bike Tour: La Rioja, Camino de Santiago, San Sebastián

8 days | Easy to Moderate

From $3,286 ()

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The name La Rioja alone is enough to excite wine lovers, but this 8-day journey through northern Spain delivers far more than world-class vineyards. Starting and ending in the Basque Country, we ride through a Spain that surprises: lush green hills, rugged coastlines, pilgrimage towns humming with centuries of history, and a food culture so extraordinary it has shaped the way the world eats. From Bilbao’s iconic architecture to the legendary Camino de Santiago, from underground wine cellars in Laguardia to the glamorous bay of San Sebastián—this is northern Spain at its full, magnificent best.

Adventure Highlights

Wine country on two wheels: Two winery visits with tastings in the DOC La Rioja Alavesa, riding vineyard roads and staying at a winery estate hotel right in Spain’s most celebrated wine region
Camino de Santiago, without the blisters: Several days trace the legendary pilgrimage route by bike through medieval towns like Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Estella, where pilgrims have walked for centuries
Bilbao to San Sebastián, the long and scenic way: From Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim to the glamorous curve of La Concha Bay, this tour connects two of Europe’s most spectacular cities, with everything worth riding in between

Duration

8 days

Season

May through September

Group size

Up to 18 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 8-day guided cycling tour connects Bilbao, La Rioja wine country, Pamplona, and San Sebastián through the most scenic and historically rich landscapes of northern Spain. A professional guide leads every stage, with a support vehicle handling luggage and transfers between riding sections. Much of the route follows quiet roads, vineyard trails, and the traffic-free Vías Verdes—former railway lines converted into cycling paths through dramatic countryside. Evenings are spent in handpicked boutique hotels and historic Paradores. Total cycling distance is 231 km (144 mi) across 6 riding days.

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Arrive in Bilbao and make your way to the hotel, steps from the world-famous Guggenheim Museum—Frank Gehry’s titanium masterpiece that single-handedly transformed this former industrial port city into a global destination. The guide welcomes everyone at 6 pm for an introductory walk along the Nervión River and through Bilbao’s beautifully revitalized old town. The evening ends with the first taste of Basque cuisine: traditional pintxos and local Txakolí wine in a lively pintxos bar.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Miró (4-star), Bilbao

Day 2: Around Vitoria-Gasteiz and into La Rioja

We travel across the Cantabrian Mountains to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the elegant capital of the Basque Country, to explore its beautifully preserved medieval center. Our first cycling stage follows peaceful bike paths and quiet country roads around the Ullíbarri reservoir before continuing south into La Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine region. Our base for the night is a magnificent historic Parador—a former 16th-century monastery—in the pilgrimage town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 41 km (25 mi)
Accommodation: Parador de Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda (3-star), Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Day 3: Along the Camino de Santiago into Rioja wine country

Today’s route closely follows the legendary Camino de Santiago through vineyards, tiny villages, and peaceful rural landscapes, with pilgrims walking toward Santiago a near-constant presence on the road. After visiting Santo Domingo’s famous cathedral—home to the legendary “miracle of the chickens”—we cycle toward Nájera, once the capital of the Kingdom of Navarre, and cross the Ebro River into Rioja Alavesa, one of Spain’s premier wine-growing regions. A wine tasting at a renowned bodega is included before we arrive at our beautifully located vineyard hotel near Laguardia.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner, wine tasting
Cycling: 42 km (26 mi)
Accommodation: Winery Eguren Ugarte (4-star), near Laguardia

Day 4: Cycling through the Ebro Valley

We ride through the rolling vineyard landscapes of Rioja Alavesa on quiet roads lined with vines, medieval villages, and hilltop fortresses—this region was a contested frontier between the kingdoms of Navarre and Castile for centuries, and many fortified settlements still crown the hills above. After lunch near the river, we visit the beautiful medieval wine town of Laguardia, whose fortified old town conceals an entire underground network of ancient cellars carved into the rock. Before dinner, there’s an optional guided tour of the winery hotel and its impressive underground caves, followed by another tasting.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Accommodation: Winery Eguren Ugarte (4-star), near Laguardia

Day 5: The Vía Verde to Pamplona

We begin high in the Cantabrian Mountains and descend into Navarra along one of Spain’s most scenic Vías Verdes—a converted railway line that winds through tunnels, across viaducts, and through peaceful countryside for nearly traffic-free cycling all the way to the historic pilgrim town of Estella. After time to explore Estella’s medieval center, we transfer to Pamplona, capital of Navarra and immortalized by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises as the city of the famous Running of the Bulls.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 48 km (30 mi)
Accommodation: Hotel Tres Reyes (4-star), Pamplona

Day 6: Through the Bidasoa Valley to the sea

A guided morning walk through Pamplona’s historic old town sets the scene before we transfer into the foothills of the Pyrenees. From there, we cycle gently downhill along another beautiful Vía Verde through the lush Bidasoa Valley toward the Atlantic coast. Our destination is Hondarribia—one of the Basque Country’s most charming seaside towns—where we settle into a historic castle overlooking the estuary between Spain and France. The evening is free to explore the town’s lively tapas bars and excellent seafood restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 46 km (29 mi)
Accommodation: Parador Hondarribia (4-star), Hondarribia

Day 7: San Sebastián and La Concha Bay

Today’s final ride leads to glamorous San Sebastián—one of Europe’s great seaside cities—along the famous bay of La Concha, often cited as Spain’s most beautiful urban beach, with spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay and elegant Belle Époque architecture lining the promenade. After time to soak up the atmosphere of San Sebastián, we return to Hondarribia for a festive farewell dinner featuring the best of Basque cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cycling: 24 km (15 mi)
Accommodation: Parador Hondarribia (4-star), Hondarribia

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, pack up and check out. An optional transfer to Bilbao Airport (approximately 90 minutes) can be arranged.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Boutique hotels and historic Paradores

Throughout the tour, accommodation is handpicked for atmosphere, location, and character—ranging from boutique design hotels to Spain’s iconic Paradores. In Bilbao, Hotel Miró sits steps from the Guggenheim Museum and the Nervión riverside promenade. In Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the Parador occupies a former 16th-century monastery right on the Camino de Santiago. In Laguardia, two nights are spent at a working winery estate—stunning views of the Ebro Valley included. In Pamplona, Hotel Tres Reyes sits at the entrance to the historic old town. The tour ends with two nights at the Parador Hondarribia, a 10th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic coast.

Pricing is based on twin-share rooms; a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee.

Basque food and Rioja wine

Apart from daily breakfasts, six multi-course dinners are included throughout the tour, at restaurants chosen for authentic regional cuisine. Northern Spain is one of the great food regions of the world—the Basque Country alone has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere on earth.

Expect pintxos bars and Txakolí wine in Bilbao, crisp rosados and bold Tempranillos in La Rioja, and a farewell dinner in Hondarribia with outstanding Basque seafood. Two wine tastings at bodegas in the DOC Rioja Alavesa are included in the program. Spanish dinners start late—usually around 8 or 9 pm—and are very much a part of the experience.

Adventure, packed to go

Basque Bike Tour: La Rioja, Camino de Santiago, San Sebastián

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced bike guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
  - 8-day Basque bike tour (6 days of cycling)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in handpicked boutique hotels and historic Paradores (double occupancy)
  - Most meals — 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 multi-course dinners
  - Standard touring bike rental
  - Support van with luggage transport, technical assistance, and transfer facilities
  - All transfers as per the program
  - Two winery visits with wine tastings in the DOC La Rioja Alavesa
  - Guided city tours and entrance fees in Bilbao, Vitoria, Santo Domingo, Pamplona, and more
  - Picnic buffet service and drink breaks (costs for shared picnics distributed among participants)
  - CO₂ compensation for the travel region
  - Drinking water during cycling stages
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - E-bike upgrade
  - Helmet rental
  - Additional nights in Bilbao
  - Departure transfer to Bilbao Airport
Not included:
- - Flights to Spain
  - Helmet (mandatory for cyclists in Spain — available to rent at checkout)
  - Lunches — your guides will offer picnic & drink stops or organize restaurant visits (costs for purchases shared, 15-25 EUR)
  - Beverages other than those included at meals
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this Basque bike tour, good fitness is required. The total cycling distance is 231 km (144 mi) spread across 6 riding days, with daily distances ranging from 24 to 48 km (15 to 30 mi).

The route is mostly flat to gently rolling—much of it along the Camino de Santiago, quiet vineyard roads, and the traffic-free Vías Verdes (converted railway lines), which are exceptionally easy and scenic. Some transfers by support van are built into the itinerary, allowing us to skip busier sections and focus on the most enjoyable riding. A support vehicle is always available if you need a break.

If you’d like extra support on the hillier sections, an e-bike upgrade is available at checkout.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Spain bike tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20–30 L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2 L capacity)
  - Cycling shoes
  - Comfortable cycling clothes
  - Leisure clothes for evenings and sightseeing
  - Warm layer for mornings and evenings—temperatures in the mountains and along the coast can be surprisingly cool in spring and autumn
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera—optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Northern Spain is greener and cooler than the rest of the country—layers are essential, especially in spring and September. Don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
A standard touring bike is included in the price of this Basque bike tour. The Velo de Ville L200 is a comfortable 28″ trekking bike built for multi-day trips. Available in a diamond frame or step-through (low-step) frame, in multiple sizes, with ergonomically shaped handlebars. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps things nimble, the Shimano CUES 20-speed drivetrain offers smooth, reliable shifting, and Schwalbe Plus puncture-protected tires keep you rolling with confidence. All bikes come fitted with a rear rack, making them ideal for use with bike panniers.

To make those hilly climbs a bit easier, you can upgrade to an e-bike — the Velo de Ville AEB Classic is for those who prefer a little extra boost. These e-bikes are equipped with a Bosch mid-motor (Active Line, Active Line Plus, or Performance Line) and a 500 Wh battery for reliable range on daily rides. The step-through frame makes mounting effortless, while the Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork, and Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus puncture-protected tires deliver a smooth, worry-free ride.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Basque bike tour, there will be two tour leaders accompanying you—a professional cycling guide as well as a driver/guide for the support van.
  - It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants, though most departures have up to 12 people + 2 tour leaders.
  - Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout.
Basque bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Basque bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Basque bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is mandatory—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of the tour is Bilbao, Spain. Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main international airport for northern Spain, with good connections from across Europe. A taxi from the airport to the city center takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 30 EUR. Alternatively, bus line 3247 runs every 15 minutes to the city center (circa 4 EUR).

You will meet your guide at your first night’s accommodation in Bilbao at 6 pm on Day 1.

The tour ends in Hondarribia on Day 8. A pre-arranged departure transfer to Bilbao Airport takes approximately 90 minutes and can be added at checkout for an additional cost.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 40% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
- - More than 120 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund of 80% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 119 to 60 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund of 60% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 59 to 31 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund of 40% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 30 to 15 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund of 20% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 14 to 5 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund of 5% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - Within 4 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

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