Basque country and Navarre 2024

In Bilbao, the Gran Hotel Domine*****, awaits you, a high-class hotel, directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum (Travel dates 1, 3: Hotel Miró Bilbao****). We will meet up at 4:30 pm in the hotel lobby for a tour of the world-known museum, which makes a special impression with its bizarre architecture. You will then have the evening to your own disposal.

After the adjustment of bikes, we will cycle along the Nervión through the slowly awakening Basque metropolis in the direction of the Atlantic. While travelling mainly on cycle paths and peaceful adjacent routes, we will encounter witnesses of the downfall of the former industrial city, but also numerous buildings which suggest a new, modern Bilbao. In Portugalete we will cross the Nervión with the oldest transporter bridge in the world. After a midday break in the lively bathing area Getxo, we will travel by bus for about an hour to the Embalse de Ullibarri, a reservoir not far from Vitoria-Gasteiz. We will cycle around the Basque capital city on small secluded paths, gradually approaching our daily destination, Argomaniz, which we will reach in the late afternoon. We will be spending the night in the Parador de Argomaniz****. Dinner will be held in the hotel restaurant.

In the morning, we will travel by bus for half an hour into the Sierra de Urbasa. Green meadows alternate with lush beech woods at irregular intervals on this deserted plateau. Flocks of sheep, griffon vultures and grazing horses accompany our cycling group. After a longer descent with splendid views of the bizarre rocky landscape of the Sierra de Santiago de Loquiz, our cycling route leads to Estella. Romanesque churches such as San Sepulcro or the palace of the dukes of Granada de Ega can be seen during our city round trip. At the end of the cycling stage, we will be welcomed by the Hospederia Chapitel****, located in the heart of Estella. We will end our day of cycling over an enjoyable dinner.

In the morning, a bus will bring us to a Mirador, from which the endless expanses of Navarre are revealed. This cycling day begins with an enjoyable descent through the picturesque Sierra del Perdón to Puente de la Reina. Here the Aragonese branch of the way of St. James joins up with the Navarre branch. Architectural jewels such as the Santiago Church as well as numerous richly ornamented houses are located in the Calle Mayor, and are silent witnesses of a long pilgrimage tradition. At around midday, we will reach Artajona which is situated on a hill, and is dominated by a legendary medieval fortress. A longer ascent brings us into the wine growing district of Tudela. The famous Rosados de Navarra are produced here. By travelling on desolate paths, we will reach the former royal residence city Olite in the late afternoon. We will round off our eventful day with a stylish dinner in our place of accommodation, the Parador de Olite***.

In the morning, we will travel northwards by bus into the Pyrenees (duration approx. one and a half hours). At the top of a pass, we will mount our bikes and travel downhill, following the Ezkurra River. In the still pristine Valle del Rio Ezkurra, one can sense the independent culture of the Spanish Basque country all around. In the afternoon, we will cycle on a former railway line to Vera de Bidasoa. The family run Hotel Churrut***. awaits us here. This especially stylish hotel dates back to the 18th century and was converted into comfortable lodgings. We will then end our cycling day in the hotel restaurant.

In the morning, we will travel by taxi to the Spanish – French border. From there, we will cycle into the French Basque country. Our route leads in a constant up and down path through picturesque villages such as Sare and Ascain with their impressive Pelota Places. We will reach the mundane St. Jean de Luz at noon, with its picturesque alleys. There is enough time to take a stroll in the city or to bathe in the sea, before our path leads us in the direction of Spain once again. In Hendaye, we will travel by ferry and will reach Hondarribia, which lies in Spain. We will then take a transfer to San Sebastián to our hotel, the modern NH Collection Aranzazu**** (two overnight stays). We will enjoy our dinner together.

Today we will explore San Sebastián by bike. The famous Concha Bay, the splendid old town with the Plaza Mayor as well as the Teatro Victoria Eugenia are located along the cycling route. The elegance of this sophisticated bathing resort is visible and noticeable all around, skilfully combining tradition and modernity without forgetting its Basque roots. We will be back in our hotel in the early afternoon, leaving you enough time to either have a swim in the sea or to explore the old town on your own, with its numerous bars and shops. We will enjoy our final dinner together, while sharing memories and experiences of our trip.

As there is nothing on today’s programme, your departure can be arranged individually. Busses travel hourly to the airport of Bilbao as well as into the city centre of Bilbao (Duration approx. 1 hour 15 min. – tickets are not included in the travel price).

We gladly assist you on booking additional nights. All prices are on request. Please note, that it can be cheaper, when you book additional nights by yourself.