When you arrive in Bilbao (by either plane, train or bus) our local driver will meet you and drive together with the group on a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Ábalos, the starting point for the gravel cycling week in the Basque Country.

Ábalos is a charming town situated at the base of the Cantabrian mountains in the Rioja region. You will spend the first night here.

After checking into your evening's accommodation, you'll get your first introduction to authentic Spanish cuisine at a welcome lunch.

Spend your afternoon on a tranquil walk with sweeping views of the Rioja vineyards.

We will do a bike fitting and a short test ride.

Later that evening, a local winemaking family will treat you to an exclusive wine tasting session prior to a relaxing dinner at the hotel.

Your cycling journey kicks off with a morning ride across the Sierra de Cantabria's vineyard-dotted foothills, featuring a pause to check out ancient prehistoric megaliths.

Following a tasty lunch in a quaint village, the route ascends a mountain pass before dropping down into the lush woodlands of Izki Natural Park—providing a dramatic shift in scenery from the morning.

The day concludes in the picturesque village of Virgala Mayor, where you can unwind and take a dip in the pool at your historic 15th-century guesthouse, La Casa de Nuestro Abuelo.

Distance: 63 km

Elevation gain: 952 m

Start the day with a quick transfer by car to Maturana before hopping on the bikes.

You ride alongside the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir, which is a prime spot for birdwatching featuring herons, egrets, and cormorants.

After tracing the water's edge, you'll gradually pedal upward into the mountains.

A lunch break awaits in the secluded town of Olaeta. Here you get to visit a former Olympic medalist in wrestling!: Maider Unda. She is now an artisanal producer of Idiazabal cheese and invites you to taste it.

The afternoon features a steeper climb toward the rugged Urkiola peaks, followed by a descent into the village Axpe, where you will stay at the rural Mendigoikoa hotel. It is so silent here that the silence is "loud".

Distance: 61 km

Elevation gain: 800 m

Trade your pedals for walking shoes this morning!

We start the day by stretching the legs with a short hike. On this easy levelled hike, you follow a beautiful valley trail surrounded by the majestic peaks of Urkiola Natural Park.

Next, a vehicle transfer takes you to the scenic Bodega Berroja near the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Here, you'll catch your first ocean views while sipping Txakoli, a classic Basque white wine, over lunch.

Afterward, we resume cycling down peaceful paths and rural roads, eventually merging with the famous Camino de Santiago to arrive at a unique, family-owned ironwork turned into a guesthouse: Hotel Antsotegi.

Distance: 25 km

Elevation gain: 480 m

On this final full day of cycling, we hit the road right away, tackling a mix of ascents and descents on tranquil backroads.

The route follows the River Lea straight to the coast, culminating in the historic fishing port of Lekeitio.

Celebrate your arrival with a refreshing drink, a hearty lunch, and some well-earned beach time for a swim in the sea.

In the late afternoon, embark on one final, brief coastal ride to reach your last guesthouse, an eco-luxury oasis of pure wood and sustainable design, run by an entrepreneurial family of passionate cyclists.

Distance: 42 km

Elevation gain: 842 m

Your cycling has come to an end - but before you leave the Basque Country, you have some time on this last day to explore Guernica village and its rich cultural importance in the Basque history.

After savoring your final breakfast we have a transfer by car to Gernika.

Enjoy a guided visit of the symbolic Tree of Gernika, the Biscayan Assembly, and the Peace Museum among others. Admire the ceramic replica of Picasso's "Guernica" mural and explore the fast-paced sport of Cesta Punta. 

After this morning visit, we be drive Bilbao for your onward journey and final farewells.