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 local professional 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 your hotel in Rioja Alavesa.
- Welcome and reception by the Bizi Cycle Tours team at Hotel Villa Abalos.
- Full tour briefing, including the cycling stages and activities.
- Receive your welcome kit.
- Bike fitting and short test ride.
- Welcome dinner featuring local cuisine.
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Start the ride through vineyards and rural landscapes.
- Lunch along the route.
- 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 local produce.
- Today’s route: Rioja Alavesa – Virgala Mayor
- Distance: 61 km / 37.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,091 m / 3,579 ft
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Ride through the heart of the Basque Country, crossing forests, mountains, and small villages.
- Visit a traditional artisan cheese producer and taste authentic Idiazabal cheese.
- Lunch along the route.
- Check-in at Mendigoikoa.
- Time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel featuring local produce.
- Today’s route: Virgala Mayor – Axpe
- Distance: 91 km / 56.5 miles (long route) | 61 km / 37.9 miles (short route)
- Elevation gain: 1,354 m / 4,442 ft (long route) | 799 m / 2,621 ft (short route)
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy a relaxed gravel ride through traditional farmhouses and green meadows.
- Stop at some of the Basque Country’s most hidden viewpoints and lesser-known corners.
- Lunch along the route.
- Visit Bodega Berroja and taste its traditional Txakoli.
- Arrival at the rural accommodation in Antsotegi.
- Time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel featuring local produce.
- Today’s route: Axpe – Markina
- Distance: 94 km / 58.4 miles (long route) | 30 km / 18.6 miles (short route)
- Elevation gain: 2,500 m / 8,202 ft (long route) | 473 m / 1,552 ft (short route)
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Gravel ride towards the Basque coast.
- Lunch at the port during the ride.
- Arrival in the picturesque fishing village of Ea.
- Farewell dinner with a live cooking experience, prepared by our local chef.
- Today’s route: Markina – Ea
- Distance: 60 km / 37.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,336 m / 4,383 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 ex-professional athletes.
- 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 Bodega Berroja, a local Txakoli winery.
- Visit to a local Idiazabal cheese producer.
- Personalized online photo album of 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
We choose characterful accommodations rather than large, impersonal hotels. Throughout the journey, we stay in a different carefully selected property each night, chosen for its charm, location, and warm Basque hospitality. Here are a few examples.
Hotel Villa de Ábalos
Our first night is spent at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, a charming boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 17th-century manor house in the peaceful village of Ábalos. Surrounded by vineyards and just a few minutes from Laguardia, the hotel combines the character of traditional Rioja architecture with all modern comforts. Its welcoming atmosphere, carefully crafted cuisine, and strong connection to the local wine culture make it the perfect place to begin this adventure through Rioja Alavesa and the Basque Country.
Hotel Mendigoikoa
Nestled in the heart of nature, Mendigoikoa is a charming rural retreat where tranquility and Basque hospitality take center stage. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers the perfect setting to unwind after a day of cycling. Its warm atmosphere, personalized service, and carefully prepared cuisine featuring local produce make it one of the most memorable 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.
BH Core Gravelx Carbon 2.6
So lightweight, that you won’t believe that it’s an e-bike. Its frame is made of carbon, with the technology used in the frames of BH’s high-end road bike range.
This bike has a significant autonomy (165Km and up to 220Km) thanks to a combination of low motor consumption and a 540Wh battery.
The Core display is fully integrated into the stem and it features a button that allows you to increase or reduce the assistance level, through an LED colour system.
BOOK
Make your pre-reservation, check specific tour date availabilty or ask for additional information filling the following questionnaire.
