FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE TUE 15 SEP | WELCOME
Our first day starts around 10:30AM, when your guides meet you in the foyer of our start hotel. A double check of bike fit for those who have hired one of our awesome Cipollini road bikes, and assistance for anyone who has brought their own beloved steed. This will be followed by a light lunch and Tour Briefing. In the afternoon we ride! A leisurely route to the stunning Jaizkibel with coastal views that will have you stopping at every bend in the road.
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 1000M | 3300FT
DAY TWO WED 16 SEP | LOOP TO ENDARA
Today we ride into France, over the Col d'Isbardin and a brilliant loop ride to the lake at Endara. The terrain is hilly, the scenery is gorgeous. Nothing over 550M, as the day rolls by. The magic of the Basque Country will be casting its spell over you.
DISTANCE | 79KM | 46MI
ELEVATION | 1850M | 6050FT
DAY THREE THU 17 SEP | HONDARRIBIA TO TOLOSA
We head out in reverse of yesterday's finish, but then continue on to Epela before beginning the adventure into the Basque hills. Quiet roads beside tranquil rivers before arriving at our destination for today, Tolosa. You'll love it!
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1750M | 5750FT
DAY FOUR FRI 18 SEP | LOOP INTO NAVARRA
A more leisurely ride today that leaves time to explore the charms of Tolosa in the afternoon. Our route takes us into Navarra, famous for the running of the bulls in its capital, Pamplona.
Our 'run' through Navarra leads us through quiet, winding roads over rounded hills dotted with farms and small villages. One gradual climb on our way to Uitzi, and then it's downhill all the way. A beautiful day in the country!
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 950M | 3100FT
DAY FIVE SAT 19 SEP | LOOP TO MANDUBIA
Super fun day in the saddle with three gorgeous climbs to test your mettle! An ancient acquaduct, lakes, forest, old churches and panoramic vistas. Plus a meandering ride along an old railway line, reborn as an inviting bike path. Great day!
DISTANCE | 89KM | 52MI
ELEVATION | 1800M | 5900FT
DAY SIX SUN 20 SEP | TOLOSA TO DURANGO
Today's route takes us through the stunning Basque heartland. We ride up and over one of the favourites of the Tour of the Basque Country and Spanish Vuelta, the Puerto de Urkiola. The descent into Durango is fantastic and wonderfully photogenic. You'll be torn between stopping for a pic or swooping down the hill.
DISTANCE | 100KM | 62MI
ELEVATION | 1650M | 5400FT
DAY SEVEN MON 21 SEP | LOOP TO OIZ
Your fantastic final challenge! We climb the easier side of Monte Oiz, and descend the route that was first introduced to the Vuelta in 2018. The ascent from Guernica is tough, and was the penultimate Stage of Spain's Grand Tour. Claimed to be the new Angliru! You'll be glad we're going down. The view from the narrow ridge at the top is spectacular, with the giant windmills overhead and hills receding into the horizon where land meets sea.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 2050M | 6700FT
DAY EIGHT TUE 22 SEP | GOODBYE
Morning transfer to Bilbao airport.
Time to say farewell, until next time!