Cycling tour: Tunnels and beaches of the Spanish Basque Country
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBasque Country / Spain
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions89.7 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This trip is an invitation to discover a route that captures the essence of Northern Spain: a journey along the Vías Verdes (Greenways) of the Basque Country and Navarre, following the old railway line and traversing valleys via cycle tunnels, from Vitoria, the capital of the Basque Country, to the stunning beaches of San Sebastián. This seven-day self-guided tour is an invitation to disconnect and reconnect with nature, cycling at a leisurely pace through landscapes of unparalleled greenery and a rich historical heritage.
Our journey begins in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the "Green Capital". We take the Vasco-Navarro Green Route, crossing the serenity of the Llanada Alavesa and the historic tunnels towards the medieval city of Antoñana.
In Estella, we follow the EuroVelo 1 to Pamplona, famous for its city walls and gastronomy. From there, the Plazaola Greenway takes us into the heart of the Atlantic Forest. From Lekunberri, the route through the Leitzarán Valley winds through tunnels and over viaducts in a pristine landscape.
The finale is magical: via narrow gorges, we reach the Cantabrian Sea. The arrival in San Sebastián and the majestic La Concha Bay conclude this odyssey blending nature, history, and haute cuisine.
The highlights
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Northern Jewels: Vitoria, Pamplona and San Sebastián.
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Nature Immersion: The Leitzarán valley through the Plazaola Greenway.
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A unique transition: From the tranquility of the Alava plain to the beaches of Donostia.
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average distance/day: 49 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 368 m
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Tourist documentation
Recommendations and sites of interest
Digital Journey
Access to the premium navigation app
Telephone support
Program
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Arrival at the first hotel the night before the first stage
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A relaxing day to visit the capital of the Basque Country the day before the first leg of the journey. Vitoria is ideal for strolling through its Almendra Medieval (the old quarter) and enjoying its green spaces.
Day 1 -
Vitoria - Gasteiz – Maestu
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The start of the Vasco-Navarro route is along the Vía Verde. We begin this gentle ride from Vitoria, venturing into the Alava Mountains and enjoying the rural and historical heritage of the Antoñana Monumental Complex. After the necessary detour to pass through the Laminía Tunnel, we descend along the original route until we reach Maestú, a charming rural village where we'll find a well-deserved rest.
Day 2 -
Maestu – Estella
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 60 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Riding towards Navarre. A stage with a very favorable and almost flat profile. We leave Alava behind us to enter Navarre and reach Estella (Lizarra), a monumental and historic city, a key stop on the Way of St. James, and where the Basque-Navarrese Railway route ends.
Day 3 -
Estella – Pamplona
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The EuroVelo and Way Challenge. We leave the Green Way to connect with EuroVelo 1, following the route of the Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction. This stage takes us to the vibrant Navarrese capital, Pamplona (Iruña), famous for its impregnable walls and historic center.
Day 4 -
Pamplona – Lekunberri
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Gentle Climb to Plazaola. After leaving the Navarrese capital behind, we head towards the mountains to reach the start of the Plazaola Greenway. The stage is a gradual ascent that immerses us in the Atlantic landscape until we reach Lekunberri, with its old train station transformed into a key point for cycle touring.
Day 5 -
Lekunberri – San Sebastian
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 65 km
- Positive elevation gain 170 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Festival of Tunnels and the Sea. The queen stage, all downhill. We plunge into the heart of the Leitzarán Valley, a pristine Atlantic Forest site, traversing the multitude of tunnels of the Plazaola. The path guides us through the Andoain Valley and the Bidegorris region to San Sebastián (Donostia), ending next to the iconic La Concha Beach.
Day 6 -
End of the Journey
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast in San Sebastián, and with the image of the sea etched in our retinas, the trip comes to an end.
Day 7
Note
The organizers reserve the right to adjust or modify the itinerary and accommodations based on availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. The final program will be detailed upon confirmation of your trip.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
For this 6-night stay with accommodation and breakfast in the low season
Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 piece of luggage / Person)
Route in digital format and GPS
Documentation and travelogue of the trip
Navigation APP access
Telephone support available from 9am to 7pm
The price does not include
Rental of traditional or electric bicycles
Additional nights
Lunches and dinners
Travel insurance
flights
Any service not expressly mentioned
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF219.55 / person
- Electric mountain bike rental : CHF329.33 / person
- Transfer back to the starting point on the last day (maximum 4 people) : CHF237.85 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
