SpainBILBAO TO SAN SEBASTIAN
Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainBILBAO TO SAN SEBASTIAN
Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,690
This cycling holiday follows the beautiful Basque coastline in Northern Spain. The route passes through vibrant green scenery, small fishing villages and alongside immaculate sandy beaches, as you ride between
the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian.
This is a great opportunity to really immerse yourself in the culture of this fascinating region. From the museums of Bilbao and Gernika, to the beautiful countryside and the fine gastronomy, we explore and discover every aspect that has made the Basque Country such a unique and interesting part of the world.
This holiday is fully supported and guided and is suitable for riders of all levels. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a self-guided tour in the Basque Country.
Day 1 - Bilbao
We will collect you from Bilbao airport or train station and transfer you to a hotel in the centre of Bilbao.
After checking in, you are free to look around this elegant city - the largest in the Basque Country. Highlights include the Guggenheim museum and the narrow streets of the old town.
After checking in, you are free to look around this elegant city - the largest in the Basque Country. Highlights include the Guggenheim museum and the narrow streets of the old town.
Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao
Day 2 - Gernika & Urdaibai Natural Park
Our first day of cycling will see us arrive in
Gernika, a small town immortalised by Picasso's depiction of the Spanish Civil War.
We begin with a short transfer out of Bilbao to avoid some of the busier roads around the city, and enter the fantastic green landscape that is so characteristic of the Basque region. We follow quiet country lanes through kiwi plantations and pine forests before reaching Gernika.
In Gernika we visit some Roman remains and see a fantastic mural of the Picasso painting, before returning to the hotel.
Short Route: 30km (19 miles)
Long Route: 50km (31 miles)
We begin with a short transfer out of Bilbao to avoid some of the busier roads around the city, and enter the fantastic green landscape that is so characteristic of the Basque region. We follow quiet country lanes through kiwi plantations and pine forests before reaching Gernika.
In Gernika we visit some Roman remains and see a fantastic mural of the Picasso painting, before returning to the hotel.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 30km (19 miles)
Long Route: 50km (31 miles)
Basque style Etxea house near Gernika
Day 3 - Lekeitio & Basque Coast
We leave Gernika and head into the Urdaibai Natural Park, an area famed for its vast, empty beaches and picturesque coastline.
This rolling route follows the quiet coastal road, passing through small villages before reaching the town of Lekeitio, where you stay for the evening.
We take lunch in a fine restaurant overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, where you can choose from a range of popular local and national dishes.
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 41km (26 miles)
This rolling route follows the quiet coastal road, passing through small villages before reaching the town of Lekeitio, where you stay for the evening.
We take lunch in a fine restaurant overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, where you can choose from a range of popular local and national dishes.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 41km (26 miles)
Dramatic Coastal Scenery - Plentzia
Day 4 - Getaria
The cycling holiday continues leaving via a beautiful route along the coast overlooking the Bay of Biscay.
We stop off at several beaches along the route before the two route options split. The longer route heads inland crossing a couple of more challenging hills, while those of us on the shorter route hop on to the train to miss out a busier stretch of the coastal road.
We regroup in Zarautz, a town which is famous throughout Spain for its vast sandy beach, and have a pleasant lunch on the promenade, with fantastic sea views. After lunch we continue the short distance to Getaria, one of the most historic and charming towns in the whole of Spain.
In the evening we enjoy a gourmet experience, with a seven course tasting menu at a superb traditional Basque restaurant.
Short Route: 32km (19 miles)
Long Route: 61km (38 miles)
We stop off at several beaches along the route before the two route options split. The longer route heads inland crossing a couple of more challenging hills, while those of us on the shorter route hop on to the train to miss out a busier stretch of the coastal road.
We regroup in Zarautz, a town which is famous throughout Spain for its vast sandy beach, and have a pleasant lunch on the promenade, with fantastic sea views. After lunch we continue the short distance to Getaria, one of the most historic and charming towns in the whole of Spain.
In the evening we enjoy a gourmet experience, with a seven course tasting menu at a superb traditional Basque restaurant.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 32km (19 miles)
Long Route: 61km (38 miles)
Cycling alongside the beach
Day 5 - Wine Tasting & Pagoeta Natural Park
There are several options today depending on how your legs feel! If you would like a day off, then you can relax on the beautiful beach in Getaria, or perhaps go for a stroll around the narrow streets of the old town. Getaria is also
home to the Balenciaga Fashion Museum.
If you wish to cycle, there is the option to do a great circular route in the vineyards surrounding Getaria. This is one of the more hilly routes, but the distances can be short, and so are suitable for everyone.
Today we also visit a vineyard in the hills above Getaria. Here you will taste the locally produced txakoli wine, which has very distinctive flavours due to the unique micro-climate of the region.
For lunch we visit one of Getaria's famous fish restaurants, sampling the finest of the local catches!
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 44km (27 miles)
If you wish to cycle, there is the option to do a great circular route in the vineyards surrounding Getaria. This is one of the more hilly routes, but the distances can be short, and so are suitable for everyone.
Today we also visit a vineyard in the hills above Getaria. Here you will taste the locally produced txakoli wine, which has very distinctive flavours due to the unique micro-climate of the region.
For lunch we visit one of Getaria's famous fish restaurants, sampling the finest of the local catches!
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 44km (27 miles)
Getaria Vineyards
Day 6 - San Sebastian & Basque Cider House
Today we leave Getaria heading along the traditional Camino de Santiago route before reaching a stunning viewpoint overlooking San Sebastian.
The scenery here is really stunning, with bright green fields, golden beaches and the blue sea combining to produce an idyllic setting.
For lunch we visit a traditional 'sidrería' (cider house), a type of restaurant and meeting place, which has an important place in Basque culture.
After lunch you are free to explore San Sebastian, or can continue cycling with a great extension to Jaizkibel - the famous climb used in the San Sebastian Classic cycling race.
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 42km (26 miles)
The scenery here is really stunning, with bright green fields, golden beaches and the blue sea combining to produce an idyllic setting.
For lunch we visit a traditional 'sidrería' (cider house), a type of restaurant and meeting place, which has an important place in Basque culture.
After lunch you are free to explore San Sebastian, or can continue cycling with a great extension to Jaizkibel - the famous climb used in the San Sebastian Classic cycling race.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 42km (26 miles)
A Hearty Lunch!
Day 7 - Departure or Extension
The cycling holiday ends after breakfast. However, if you would like to stay for extra nights in San Sebastian, please let us know and we can happily arrange it for you.
Another popular option is to extend the stay in Bilbao.
If you choose not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to San Sebastian train station or airport.
To find out more about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Another popular option is to extend the stay in Bilbao.
If you choose not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to San Sebastian train station or airport.
To find out more about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
San Sebastian view from Monte Igeldo
On this tour we really explore the culture of the Basque Country. We visit some of the region's most important historic sights: including the old town of Bilbao, the old capital of Gernika, and the historic center of Getaria.
We ride through the Basque country's finest natural scenery both on the coast and inland. And we sample loads of the famous Basque gastronomy - from pintxos and the cider house, to fine dining restaurants. We show you the real Basque country!
Check out just a few of the many highlights in our tour photo album below.
We ride through the Basque country's finest natural scenery both on the coast and inland. And we sample loads of the famous Basque gastronomy - from pintxos and the cider house, to fine dining restaurants. We show you the real Basque country!
Check out just a few of the many highlights in our tour photo album below.
The Basque Country
As well as its stunning Atlantic coastline, the Basque Country is home to beautiful inland scenery. The vibrant green forests and fields provide a great backdrop.
Bilbao
The largest city in the Basque Country is a fascinating city, bursting out from its lively historic center.
The Atlantic Coast
Spain's most dramatic coastline
Basque Cider House
Cider is the Basque national drink and is a major part of the local culture. In San Sebastian we enjoy the traditional cider menu; it's a hearty affair featuring lots of cod, steak and cheese spread over various courses. This is as authentically Basque as it gets!
Pintxos Bar in Bilbao
Pintxos are a kind of Basque tapas. The small plates are elaborately piled high with all manner of ingredients and almost resemble miniature works of art.
Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao
One of the finest modern art galleries in all of Europe.
Zarautz Beach
The largest beach in the region is popular with surfers and is scenically framed at each end by vibrant green hills.
Some of the Locals
The Basque Country still has a very rural and tranquil feel, on most rides you will see far more cows than cars.
Country Lanes
Our routes follow quiet country lanes through the scenic Basque Country.
Gernika Oak Tree
Gernika was the former capital of the Basque region. Council meetings took place under this historic oak tree. The town was later immortalized in a painting by Pablo Picasso which highlighted the horrors of the Civil War.
Getaria
Getaria is a stunningly beautiful coastal town surrounded by Txakoli vineyards. It is also the home town of Juan Sebastian Elcano (the first man to circumnavigate the world - finisihing off Magellan's voyage), as well as the fashion designer Critsobal Balenciaga.
Undulating Terrain
The Basque region is often quite hilly, but the short daily distances on this tour make it accessible to riders of all levels.
Lekeitio
View overlooking the harbour and beach.
Monte Igeldo
One of the highlights of the route is cycling this open ridge overlooking the sea.
Basque Gastronomy
The region is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world. We enjoy an excellent seven course tasting menu in Zarautz.
Ondarroa
A still active fishing village nestled in an inlet.
Orio
Riding along the beachfront in Orio.
Rugged Coastline
Over half of the route follows the dramatic Atlantic coastline.
More Pintxos
One of literally hundreds of pintxos bars in San Sebastian.
Plentzia
A pleasant beach near to the city of Gernika.
San Sebastian
The dramatic San Sebastian bay as seen from Monte Igeldo.
Zumaia Flysch
These flysch rock formations have created incredible looking cliffs and sea beds in Zumaia.
Urdaibai UNESCO Biosphere
A UNESCO listed natural 'biosphere' popular with birdwatchers. Black storks and herons are among the species commonly spotted here along the various beaches.
A Well Deserved Lunch
Enjoying the Basque gastronomy is a key part of this trip. Our three course lunches always have interesting local options on the menu - including the Basque classics of Marmitako and Biscay style cod.
Wine Tasting
We visit a local vineyard to sample the Basque Txakoli wine.
Discussing Today's Route
We have two different ride options each day, depending on how your legs feel.
Txotx!
Tasting Basque cider in the traditional manner, directly from the barrel.
Basque desserts
For those of you with a sweet tooth!
Support Van
On hand throughout the day if you need any assistance. In the background you may see a statue of the 'Liberator of South America' - Simon Bolivar. A small village in the Basque Country was his ancestral home.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ 12 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches in excellent local restaurants & 1 Evening Tasting Menu (all with drinks inlcuded)
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike).
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival / departure point
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Vehicle Support on the routes
- ✔ Experienced guide cycling the routes and explaining places of interest
- ✔ Detailed information pack
- ✔ Txakoli wine tasting in Getaria
- ✔ Train tickets for short transfer on day 4.
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions (optional extra)
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday, and we have hybrid, road and e-bikes.
We generally recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes on this tour for greater comfort and for the low gearing. But if you are more used to riding a road bike, or plan to ride the longer routes on some days, then one of carbon road bikes may be more suitable.
E-bikes are a good option if you are unsure about the distance or about tackling some of the short hills that are common in the Basque Country.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
We generally recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes on this tour for greater comfort and for the low gearing. But if you are more used to riding a road bike, or plan to ride the longer routes on some days, then one of carbon road bikes may be more suitable.
E-bikes are a good option if you are unsure about the distance or about tackling some of the short hills that are common in the Basque Country.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
Despite the Basque country being quite a hilly region, this tour is rated as 'Easy to Medium' difficulty.
The routes involve some short climbs, and a couple of slightly longer ones, but the gradients are mostly gentle and they are enjoyable to ride. The short daily distances mean you can take your time and this is suitable for riders of all levels.
The routes are on paved roads and cycle paths throughout. We hate riding alongside cars and so avoid it as much as possible!
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The routes involve some short climbs, and a couple of slightly longer ones, but the gradients are mostly gentle and they are enjoyable to ride. The short daily distances mean you can take your time and this is suitable for riders of all levels.
The routes are on paved roads and cycle paths throughout. We hate riding alongside cars and so avoid it as much as possible!
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival point is Bilbao, which is accessible from many domestic and international destinations.
If you can not get a direct flight to Bilbao, there are also regular trains running there from San Sebastian, Madrid and Barcelona. We will collect you from the airport, train station or another hotel in Bilbao at the start of the tour.
The departure point is San Sebastian. We will transfer you to the train station or airport. Please let us know if you would prefer to be transferred to another destination nearby (e.g. Bilbao, Biarritz) and we can help to arrange it for you.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Bilbao or San Sebastian.
If you can not get a direct flight to Bilbao, there are also regular trains running there from San Sebastian, Madrid and Barcelona. We will collect you from the airport, train station or another hotel in Bilbao at the start of the tour.
The departure point is San Sebastian. We will transfer you to the train station or airport. Please let us know if you would prefer to be transferred to another destination nearby (e.g. Bilbao, Biarritz) and we can help to arrange it for you.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Bilbao or San Sebastian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
What is the weather like?
In the Basque Country the weather is a bit less reliable than in most of Spain. More often than not it is bright and sunny, but cloudy days with some rain are not uncommon.
It is a good idea to bring a light jacket for cycling in case we get caught in a shower. But even if it does rain, the temperatures usually remain warm, and it's not long before the sun reappears.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. Popular options are to stay extra nights in
Bilbao
or San Sebastian.
But it's also possible to stay extra nights in the French Basque country (Biarritz), the Pyrenees, or several other great places nearby.
Please contact us if you would like to know more about the different options.
Can non-cyclists come on the trip?
Absolutely! Non-cyclists are more than welcome.
Non-cyclists have the option of following the group in the support vehicle, or spending longer exploring the towns and cities where we are based, before being transfered separately in the afternoon.
How big are the groups on your tour?
We usually limit the groups to a maximum of 10 people. We find that if there are many more than that, it can become a bit unwieldly. We think that smaller groups also provide for a more personal experience, as well as enabling to book more easily in some of our favourite restaurants.
Who is leading the tour?
All of our guided tours are led personally by the founders of Cycle Fiesta - Ian & Lucia.
See our about us page for more information.
What do the meals consist of on this tour?
All breakfasts and lunches are included on this tour, as well as three evening meals. Snacks are also provided while cycling along the route.
Breakfast is taken in the hotel and is a continental buffet style, with plenty of options to suit all tastes.
Most lunches are taken in local restaurants and consists of a three course meal. The lunch on Day 6 is taken in the traditional Basque cider house and is a six course menu.
The evening meals vary depending on location and are detailed in the itinerary.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our pages on Bilbao
or San Sebastian for more information about the main cities on the tour.
We also have some more indpeth articles looking more at the fascinating history of the Basque Country:
Hotel Abando
This stylish 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Bilbao.
It's ideally situated on the edge of the old quarter and just a ten minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
It's ideally situated on the edge of the old quarter and just a ten minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
Hotel Gernika
This family run 3-star hotel is the best in Gernika. It's situated next to the historic center, allowing you to easily explore the fascinating history of Gernika.
Palacio Uribarren
A charming boutique hotel with a stunning location.
Situated in the center of Lekeitio right next to the delightful beach, this is a great place to relax on the terrace or to explore the narrow streets of the old town.
Situated in the center of Lekeitio right next to the delightful beach, this is a great place to relax on the terrace or to explore the narrow streets of the old town.
Hotel Saiaz
This boutique hotel in Getaria is housed in a 15th century Gothic palace in the heart of the old town.
It is stunningly decorated and has impressive views looking out over the ocean.
It is stunningly decorated and has impressive views looking out over the ocean.
Hotel Sercotel Europa
This impressive *** hotel, with classic decor, is situated just a few metres from San Sebastian's La Concha beach, and also just a short walk from the Cathedral and picturesque old town.
It's ideal for exploring the city and has comfortable and well equipped rooms.
It's ideal for exploring the city and has comfortable and well equipped rooms.
| Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd - 28th September 2024 | €1690 | €390 | Included | |
| Other Dates² | - | - | - |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
²Other Dates
Groups of six people or more contact us to arrange a private guided tour starting on any date. Similar tours that you may be interested in:
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