Basque Country Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
Basque Country Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Premiere Hotels
2025: Apr-Oct
French Pyrenees & Spain's Rioja Wine Region
Cruise through a gorgeous trifecta of scenery past elegant seaside towns, the green valleys of the Pyrenees and Spain's Rioja wine region vineyards. In this corner of Europe, dreamy scenery, fantastic cuisine and rich culture are woven together to form a place unlike any other. Part French, part Spanish, it's a land with a history and identity all its own.
Highlights
- 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 rich and colorful Basque culture, with its own language, customs and gastronomy
- Cycle along sections of the Camino de Santiago and discover a breathtaking coastal pilgrimage route
Start Biarritz, France
End Bilbao, Spain
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
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.
Night 1
Built in 1901, this hotel has retained the charm of the belle epoque while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury. (spa)
Days 2-3
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 • 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.
Nights 2-3
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
Limestone peaks and lush valleys set the scene in Spain's Navarra region • Challenge yourself with a climb up Puerto de Bernedo • 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.
Nights 4-5
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)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Amid Basque country and the Pyrenees foothills, you can look forward to some great climbs and steep descents on our bike rides. If you want a boost, e-bikes are available and we can flatten some of the more challenging portions of the routes with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable handling hilly terrain or hopping in the van for a lift.
While we always aim to get off the beaten path, this region is a popular coastal vacation spot for European tourists. You'll be among locals and fellow travelers when we visit towns, and there can be moderate car traffic on some of the country roads we bike on (cars in this area are very respectful of bikers).
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Premiere Hotel
Built in 1901, this hotel has retained the charm of the belle epoque while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury. (spa)
Nights 2-3
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)
Nights 4-5
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)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $400 rental fee
- Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
- Custom upgraded wheelset
- Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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