GRAVEL BASQUE COUNTRY WEEK
From the Rioja Alavesa and its vineyards to the Basque coast. Discover rural areas and local producers.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the Basque Country by gravel bike alongside experienced guides.
- From the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa to the Basque coast, exploring some of the most spectacular and authentic landscapes in northern Spain.
- Ride along quiet backroads and peaceful trails, connecting charming small villages, centuries-old farmhouses, and characterful rural accommodations.
- Experience the essence of Basque gastronomy with a visit to a traditional Idiazabal cheese producer, a family-run winery in Rioja Alavesa, and an exclusive culinary experience prepared by a local chef.
- End your adventure by the sea in a charming fishing village, after discovering some of the Basque Country’s best kept secrets.
ITINERARY
Program
- Arrival in Bilbao and private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Rioja Alavesa.
- Welcome and reception by the Bizi Cycle Tours team at Hotel Villa de Ábalos.
- Tour briefing, including the cycling stages and the rest of the activities planned throughout the trip.
- Bizi Cycle Tours Welcome kit.
- Bike fitting and short test ride.
- Wine tasting at Bodegas Puelles, a small family-owned winery with a strong winemaking tradition.
- Welcome dinner featuring local cuisine at Hotel Villa de Ábalos.
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Start of the ride through vineyards and peaceful rural landscapes.
- Lunch during the ride.
- Arrival and check-in at Casa de Nuestro Abuelo, a charming rural guesthouse.
- Free time to relax by the pool at Casa de Nuestro Abuelo.
- Dinner at the guesthouse featuring seasonal, locally sourced products.
- Today’s route: Rioja Alavesa – Virgala Mayor
- Distance: 63.4 km / 39.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 952 m / 3,123 ft
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Short transfer to Maturana.
- Ride through the Basque Country’s interior, passing through forests, mountains, and small villages.
- Visit to a traditional artisan cheese dairy and tasting of authentic Idiazabal cheese.
- Lunch during the ride.
- Check-in at Hotel Mendigoikoa.
- Time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel featuring local products.
- Today’s route: Virgala Mayor – Axpe
- Distance: 61.2 km / 38.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 799 m / 2,621 ft
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Hiking route through the valley, admiring the stunning Urkiola Natural Park.
- Transfer to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
- Lunch, visit to Bodega Berroja, and tasting of its traditional Txakoli at this family-run winery, surrounded by incredible views of the Basque landscape.
- Relaxed gravel ride through traditional farmhouses and green meadows.
- Arrival at the rural accommodation in Antsotegi.
- Time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel featuring local products.
- Morning Hike: 12 km | 7,4 miles
- Today’s route: Axpe – Markina
- Distance: 24.8 km / 15.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 480 m / 1,575 ft
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Gravel bike ride to the Basque coast.
- Lunch during the stage at the fishing port of Lekeitio.
- Arrival in the picturesque fishing village of Ea.
- Farewell dinner with a live cooking show, prepared by our local chef, accompanied by live local musicians.
- Today’s route: Markina – Ea
- Distance: 41.5 km / 25.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 842 m / 2,762 ft
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Bilbao.
- End of the journey.
DATES
30 may-04 June, 2027
Availability: Spots available19-24 September, 2027
Availability: Spots availableWHAT’S INCLUDED
Included
Accommodation
- Five nights (double occupancy) at 4-star hotels (single occupancy available with additional charge).
- Transfer to and from the airport in a private van.
Meals
- Breakfast made on the spot at the hotel.
- Lunches on the road, including fresh products, drinks, and healthy snacks.
- Dinners at well-known restaurants in the Basque Country, which include an impeccable selection of wines, beer and other drinks.
Equipment
- Bizi Cycle Tours welcome kit.
Support.
- A bilingual guide (English-Spanish) with lots of experience and knowledge of the area. Our guides are locals.
- There is always a support van available to provide technical assistance, refreshments, and transportation for any part of the route that you don’t want to cycle through.
- Daily bicycle cleaning.
Activities-Souvenirs
- Visit to Bodegas Puelles, a family-run winery with generations of winemaking tradition. Wine tasting included.
- Visit to Bodega Berroja, a local Txakoli winery surrounded by stunning Basque countryside. Wine tasting included.
- Visit to a local Idiazabal cheese dairy. Cheese tasting included.
- A personalized online photo album with highlights from the tour.
Not included
- Bike rental. We can organise this for you if needed.
- Flight tickets to and from Bilbao.
- Other activities not included in the package and not organized by Bizi Cycle Tours.
- Accommodation before and after the end of the tour.
- Personal shopping during the tour.
Group
Minimum 6 people, maximum 12.
For smaller groups, ask for rates.
HOTELS
The hotels featured are examples of the type and standard of accommodation included in your tour. Your final hotel selection will be confirmed at the time of booking, subject to availability.
Casas de Ea-Astei
Our final night is spent at Ea-Astei, a charming rural retreat made up of beautifully restored traditional Basque houses, surrounded by nature and tranquillity. An intimate and authentic setting where traditional architecture, stunning landscapes, and the spirit of the Basque Country come together to create a truly unique stay. The warm hospitality and distinctive character of these houses provide the perfect way to end our adventure through the Basque Country, immersing ourselves in its landscapes, culture, and way of life.
Hotel Mendigoikoa
Hidden in the heart of nature, Mendigoikoa is a charming rural retreat where tranquillity and Basque hospitality take centre stage. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers the perfect setting to unwind after a day of cycling. Its welcoming atmosphere, personalised service, and outstanding cuisine, recognised with a Repsol Sun and recommended by the Michelin Guide, make staying here one of the most special experiences of the journey.
BIKE RENTAL
ORBEA Terra M30
The Orbea Terra M30 is a high-performance gravel bike designed for limitless exploration. Its lightweight carbon frame, Shimano GRX gravel-specific groupset, and hydraulic disc brakes offer the perfect combination of efficiency, comfort, and control.
Whether riding on asphalt, gravel roads, or rural trails, the Terra M30 delivers an agile, stable, and confident ride, allowing you to make the most of every adventure.
ORBEA Denna 20i
The Orbea Denna 20i is an electric bike featuring a carbon frame, natural and progressive motor assistance, and an integrated battery, offering an excellent balance of performance and comfort. Its stable geometry and tires provide confidence and control on both paved roads and gravel tracks.
Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and components designed for long-distance riding, the Denna 20i makes challenging climbs and demanding routes more accessible while maintaining a natural riding feel. A versatile and comfortable bike for enjoying every adventure.
BOOK
Make your pre-reservation, check specific tour date availabilty or ask for additional information filling the following questionnaire.
