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Home > Basque Country Discovery tour: Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian
More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description
More infos BOOK NOW !Embark on a 7-day adventure through the captivating Basque countryside, renowned for its natural beauty and rich historical culture. Starting from the historic city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and ending in San Sebastian, a city renowned for its cuisine, you will ride amidst majestic mountains, along rivers and lakes, immersing yourself in the fascinating natural landscapes of the Basque Country.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, easily accessible by bus or train, welcomes you with its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, be sure to explore hidden gems like Estella and iconic sites such as the Plaza del Castillo in Pamplona. Your cycling adventure will conclude in San Sebastian, where you can unwind on the beautiful La Concha Beach.
The Basque Country is exceptionally well set up for cycling. Hence, depending on the type of bikes you choose, we'll provide you with a gravel itinerary or a road one. The figures below show the road option.
Your trip begins in lively Vitoria-Gasteiz in the heart of the Basque Country, which is easy to reach by plane, train, or bus. If you're sufficiently well rested after your arrival, take the time to explore the medieval quarter, and admire the city's cozy, narrow streets and stunning architecture, including the very impressive Santa María Cathedral. As you will notice when walking around Vitoria-Gasteiz, the city is well organized for cycling—the next few days will show you that the bike infrastructure is quite developed throughout the Basque Country. Make sure to get a good night's sleep to prepare for your cycling adventure tomorrow!
Using the provided navigation app, you will leave Vitoria-Gasteiz and soon find yourself pedaling northward on quiet secondary roads along the reservoir "Embalse de Ullíbarri." Make sure you pace yourself and keep some energy for the last part of the ride. You'll need it for the last 8-km climb. The reward is a beautiful downhill all the way to the village of Maestu where you'll overnight. Unwind and enjoy the calmness of this small and authentic village.
Today, you will be able to rest your legs a little, as your ride follows a downhill course. Along the way, take in the charm of the small villages you'll pass through — plenty of opportunities to take a welcome café con leche with a few pintxos. They beat all the energy bars you may have packed with you! Before you know it, you'll arrive in the scenic town of Estella. While you're there, make the most of your evening by exploring its historical and religious sites. Estella is an important stop on the Camino.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before saddling up your bike. About halfway through your ride today, make sure to check out the beautiful village of Puente la Reina. It is also a great place to stop to stock up on pintxos and drinks before the last part of the ride, which includes a steady climb to Alto del Perdón populated with wind turbines. Gravity is on your side for the rest of the ride. You will finish today in Pamplona, a city known the world over for its annual Running of the Bulls festival. Furthermore, being on the Camino de Santiago, this town has had a tradition of catering to travelers for centuries… You won't have any difficulty finding a restaurant to your liking!
After bustling Pamplona, you'll soon be riding through the peaceful and grandiose landscape of this part of Spain. You will ride through farmland and soon will follow the river Arakil. Further on, on your left, not so distant, is the Natural Park of Aralar, a protected area renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Your destination, Lekunberri, is the ideal gateway to explore the natural beauty of this area. Meeting the strict criteria set by the World Tourism Organization, Lekunberri has been honored as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" in 2021.
The first stretch of the ride involves some climbing, but once the climb is done, you can coast up to the halfway point of your ride. The rest is flat. Note that you also have the option to follow the gravel route, which follows an old railroad with impressive tunnels (one is close to 3-km long!) and bridges.
Your destination is San Sebastián, known for its beautiful beaches, culinary delights, and vibrant atmosphere. We recommend arriving early enough to explore it, whether you're interested in history and architecture or beach activities. If your schedule allows it, why not add an extra night?
After breakfast, depart San Sebastian at the time of your choice.
6 nights' accommodation in rural hotels and in "city" 3- and 4-star hotels