Region Overviews: Spain Travel Guide: Overview
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Biking
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Basque Country Bike Tour
French Pyrenees & Spain's Rioja Wine Region
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,199 - $5,649 pp dbl occ
($1,400 for sgl occ)
A corner of Europe unlike any other. Part French, part Spanish, a warm and proud people with a history and identity all their own. Tranquil mountain villages, the capital of the French Basque Country, bold Rioja wines and world-class biking from the majestic Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Atlantic coast.
Basque Country Bike Tour map
France & Spain
Start Biarritz, France / End Bilbao, Spain
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Cruise by bike past sweeping views of the grand Pyrenees as you cross over the scenic border from Spain to France
- Savor Rioja's bold red wines, which pair perfectly with jamón serrano, ripe green olives or thick slices of Manchego cheese
- Luxuriate in the artistry and comfort of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry
- Immerse yourself in the rich and colorful Basque culture, influenced by French, Spanish and local traditions
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description
Breathe in the fresh sea air in lavish Biarritz as you start your Basque Country journey along the coast | Pass ocean-worn cliffs and expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic as you ride | Arrive at the dramatic Bay of Biscay | The quaint seaside village of St-Jean-de-Luz invites you to bask on a sandy beach or wander its shop-lined cobblestone streets | Unwind at our grand waterfront retreat.
Accommodations
Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa
St-Jean-de-Luz
| Premiere Hotel Built in 1901, this hotel has retained the charm of the belle epoque while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury. (spa)
Days 2-3
Description
Bike through charming towns festooned with garlands of bright red piment d’Espelette (sun-dried peppers), a cornerstone of the region’s cuisine | Ride into the mountains along the historic Pas-de-Roland and experience the grandeur of the French Pyrenees | Indulge in rich chocolate in enchanting St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry | Incredible biking awaits as you cycle through the idyllic French countryside | Local flavors come alive at our tasting of Irouléguy AOC wines and Ossau-Iraty AOC cheese.
Accommodations
Auberge Ostapé
Bidarray
| Premiere Hotel A beautifully restored traditional Basque farm from the 17th century offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Limestone peaks and lush valleys set the scene in Spain's Navarra region | Challenge yourself with a climb up Puerto de Bernedo | Admire the fantastical design of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, dreamed up by maverick architect Frank Gehry | Explore the mountainous landscape of northern Spain by bicycle, from the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria to the ancient stone walls surrounding Laguardia | Take in the vibrant reds, yellows and greens of Rioja vineyards | Stop for pintxos (tapas) along the way | Tour the underground cellars of a Laguardia winery, one of only a few wine caves still operating within the village walls | A gentle descent brings us to our exquisite hotel and the end of our journey.
Accommodations
Hotel Marqués de Riscal
Elciego
| Premiere Hotel Created by Frank Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece—featuring Michelin-starred cuisine—is a destination unto itself. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
October 2023
Oct 2 - Oct 7
Sold out
Oct 9 - Oct 14
Sold out
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Activity Level:
2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Steep gradients can make routes feel more challenging than the elevation gain may suggest.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Steep gradients can make routes feel more challenging than the elevation gain may suggest.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Limited & Fixed Menus
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Terrain & Shuttles
With Rioja's limestone cliffs and the Pyrenees' foothills, you can look forward to some great climbs and steep descents. If you want a boost, we can flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable with some steep uphills, long downhills or hopping in the van for a lift.
Air-Conditioning
Auberge Ostapé is a Premiere Hotel housed in a beautiful historic building. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Limited & Fixed Menus
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Terrain & Shuttles
With Rioja's limestone cliffs and the Pyrenees' foothills, you can look forward to some great climbs and steep descents. If you want a boost, we can flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable with some steep uphills, long downhills or hopping in the van for a lift.
Air-Conditioning
Auberge Ostapé is a Premiere Hotel housed in a beautiful historic building. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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