FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE FRI 6 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 over the border into France towards Saint-Jean and back down the coast road.
DISTANCE | 35KM | 22MI
ELEVATION | 400M | 1300FT
DAY TWO SAT 7 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 SUN 8 SEP | JAIZKIBEL LOOP
Great day riding the northern loop of the Clásica San Sebastián. This famous one day race includes the stunning Jaizkibel with coastal views that will have you stopping at every bend in the road. The out and back climb to Mirador Bianditz is optional, but worth very pedal stroke for the vast panoramic view.
DISTANCE | 80KM | 50MI
ELEVATION | 1850M | 6070FT
DAY FOUR MON 9 SEP | HONDARRIBIA TO TOLOSA
We head out in reverse of yesterday's finish, but then continue on to Epela before beginning our 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 FIVE TUE 10 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 the Navarra region, 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 SIX WED 11 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 SEVEN THU 12 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 EIGHT FRI 13 SEP | LOOP TO EIBAR
Classic Basque course that has a succession of climbs in a scenic loop ride to Eibar. We can make a group decision on just how many hills you'd like to include, with route options from 70KM to 95KM. This is truly Vuelta a Espana terrain and promises a memorable day in the saddle.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 2450M | 8050FT
DAY NINE SAT 14 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 TEN SUN 15 SEP | GOODBYE
Leisurely last breakfast and then a morning transfer to Bilbao - we'll get you there mid-morning so you can make departure plans accordingly.
Time to say farewell, until next time!
Ride safe Puntos.