BASQUE'ING IN JOY!

BASQUE'ING IN JOY!

Basque Country

|

SPAIN

|

15 - 22 Sep 2020

|

Moderate

START LOCATION

HONDARRIBIA

END LOCATION

DURANGO

DAYS

8

AV. DAILY DISTANCE

75KM | 47MI

AV. DAILY ELEVATION

1550M | 5050FT

A ride on the wild side! Cycle through the untamed hills of the Basque Country.

This tour takes you on a journey into the heart of Basque territory. Beautiful rolling terrain, thick woodland beside rushing streams, leafy gorges where surely elves must hide, and gob-smacking coastal views. We ride through tiny villages tucked intermittently among the trees or on the slopes of picture perfect valleys.

Spoil your tastebuds with delicious, rustic dishes and tasty pinchos. Relax into the rhythm of Spain. Enjoy a more leisurely start to the day and the convivial joy of evening aperitivi. This holiday is so much more than riding your bike, as you get to embrace the spirit of the warm and feisty Basque people. Hola!





WHAT'S INCLUDED

LUXE ACCOMMODATION (TWIN SHARE) | BREAKFASTS | LUNCHES | DINNERS | FULL GUIDE AND VEHICLE SUPPORT | ON-ROAD SNACKS AND SUPPLEMENTS | GPS LOAN UNIT | COMPLIMENTARY PUNTOTOURS CYCLING KIT | DAYPACK | BIDONS | KIT LAUNDRY SERVICE EVERY SECOND DAY | GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFERS ON DEPARTURE

RECOMMENDED AIRPORTS

ARRIVAL BILBAO OR BIARRITZ DEPARTURE BILBAO

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!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

FLIGHTS | INSURANCES | BIKE HIRE | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES | PRE- OR POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION

DO YOU REWARD REGULAR GUESTS?

We are very fortunate to have a loyal following of “Puntos” and would love to count you as one!  Check out our Loyalty offers.

WHAT KIND OF TRIP INFORMATION DO YOU PROVIDE?

Our website provides an overview and daily itinerary summary.  When you book a tour with us, you become a Punto!  Your Member login will give you access to your tour booking, detailed information for your tour and helpful info to ensure you are ready for your cycling holiday.

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