Basque Country Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Basque Country Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024: Apr-Oct

From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

French Pyrenees & Spain's Rioja Wine Region

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.

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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​
Basque Country Bike Tour map

France & Spain

Start Biarritz, France

End Bilbao, Spain

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

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

Night 1

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)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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

Nights 2-3

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)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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

Nights 4-5

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)  

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

What's Included

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Straight 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.

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

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.

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.

Summer in Basque Country

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).

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

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From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

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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

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)

Nights 2-3

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)

Nights 4-5

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)  

From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

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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.

Backroads Performance Racer 2.0
Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike

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
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

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
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

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

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
  • $650 rental fee; subject to availability
  • 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
  • Built for hard-core riders
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
  • $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.

From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

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From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

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Dates & Prices

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request itinerary

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Learn more

From $5,199 - $5,649 /person

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