ECLIPSE BASQUE COUNTRY WEEK
Experience the magic of the next total eclipse from the vineyards of La Rioja, ride through legendary mountains, and discover the most authentic gastronomy and wine culture of the Basque Country.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the magic of the next total eclipse in La Rioja, surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking landscapes.
- Discover Bilbao and its vibrant transformation, ride along the spectacular Basque coastline, and fall in love with the jewel of the Cantabrian Sea: San Sebastián.
- Cycle routes for every level, following scenic gravel paths through charming family wineries.
- Savor the very best of Basque gastronomy with an exclusive tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Visit one of the most iconic wineries in La Rioja and the Basque Country, and raise a glass of their prestigious wines.
- Lose yourself in the most picturesque villages of La Rioja, Gipuzkoa, and Bizkaia.
- And enjoy a guided visit to an icon of contemporary art: the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
ITINERARY
Program
- Arrival in Bilbao and transfer from the airport to the hotel by private vehicle.
- Welcome and reception by the Bizi Cycle Tours team at the Miró Hotel, located in front of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum.
- Briefing of the complete program of the tour, detailing the bike rides and other activities.
- Delivery of welcome kit: Bizi Cycle Tours jersey and water bottle.
- Check-in.
- Guided tour to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- Dinner at the Michelin-starred Mina restaurant.
Program
- Breakfast at the Miró Bilbao hotel.
- Equipment set up before starting the route.
- Departure by bike: Route Bilbao – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
- A support van will always be available to provide technical assistance and snacks, as well as transportation through any section of the route if you do not wish to continue cycling.
- Lunch on the route, including fresh products, drinks, healthy snacks.
- Distance: 94 km | 58 miles
- Elevation: 2.260 mts | 7.415 feet
Day 2 Route – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Leaving Bilbao along the estuary, after a first gentle climb to warm up, we will pass through some beautiful villages in the interior of Bizkaia.
We will take a backroad to Markaida and then to Larrauri, where spectacular palaces were built. From there, we will take a detour to Bakio, a privileged summer resort surrounded by beaches, cliffs, coves, and promenades.
We will continue along the coastal route that passes through Jata, allowing us to enjoy spectacular views of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a protected biotope. Its stunning beauty led to its selection as a filming location for the famous TV series Game of Thrones.
We will follow the coastline to a surprising site, the Lemoniz nuclear power plant, which was never put into operation, before reaching the beautiful fishing village of Armintza. From there, we will continue pedaling toward Plentzia, a coastal town with beautiful beaches.
Finally, we will return to Bilbao along the coast, passing the impressive cliffs of Barrika, Getxo, and Las Arenas, and following the estuary, which reflects its industrial past. Along the way, we will gain first-hand insight into the city’s transformation, a model of urban renewal studied worldwide.
Program
- Breakfast at the Miró Bilbao Hotel.
- Equipment setup before starting the route.
- Departure by bike: Route Bilbao – Miranda de Ebro
- A support van will always be available to provide technical assistance and snacks, as well as transportation through any section of the route if you do not wish to continue cycling.
- Lunch on route, including fresh products, drinks and healthy snacks.
- Transfer by van to Rioja Alavesa
- Distance: 105km | 65 miles
- Elevation: 1.800 mts | 5.905 feet
Day 3 Route: Bilbao – Miranda de Ebro
The route begins in Bilbao, where you can start your day with a buffet breakfast, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city before heading east.The first section takes you through urban and suburban roads, gradually leaving the city behind and entering gentle hills and quiet local roads.The ride is a perfect blend of city charm and the natural beauty of the Basque countryside.
Soon, you arrive at Arrigorriaga, a charming village nestled among green valleys and forests. It’s an ideal spot to take a short break, stretch your legs, and appreciate the traditional Basque architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Continuing northeast, the route leads to Laudio (Llodio), a larger town full of history and character. Here, you can enjoy the open valley views and the relaxed pace of life in the Basque countryside.
The next stop is Amurrio, a village that beautifully combines rural charm with an industrial past. This is a great place for a longer pause and a coffee.
Finally, the route reaches Miranda de Ebro, in the province of Burgos, where the ride concludes along the banks of the Ebro River. Here, you can celebrate the accomplishment of the day, enjoy a well earned traditional Castilian lunch.
After lunch a private van will drive us to our Hotel in La Rioja, so we can relax after a long cycling day.
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel Viura in Rioja Alavesa.
- Equipment check before starting the route (gravel bikes).
- Bike departure: Route through Rioja Alavesa.
- A support van will always be available to provide technical assistance and snacks, as well as transportation along any section of the route if you prefer not to continue cycling.
- Lunch on the route, including fresh products, drinks, and healthy snacks.
- Visit to a Rioja Alavesa winery.
- Eclipse observation, a unique phenomenon in the sky, around 20.00h
- Distance: 53 km | 33 miles
- Elevation: 670 mts | 2.200 feet
Day 4 Route: Villabuena de Alava – Laguardia – Villabuena de Alava
Today we will pedal through unique landscapes, seas of vineyards, whose colors change completely throughout the year. Small family wineries and large avant-garde buildings, such as the spectacular Marqués de Riscal winery designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.
Monumental and charming villages await us, such as the medieval town of Laguardia.
One of the main attractions of this town is the opportunity to access its cellars. But what are they? They are caves that undermine the ground of Laguardia and other medieval villages in this region, located in the south of the Basque Country, bordering La Rioja. These caves have traditionally been used to house wine cellars. For lunch time we will go to one of our favourites family run wineries.
We will end the day with a truly special moment. After enjoying a meal at the winery, surrounded by vineyards and fine wine, we will prepare to witness a historic event: the eclipse. A unique phenomenon, filled with magic and emotion, that will become one of the most memorable highlights of this journey. After all, it’s not every day that we get the chance to witness the sky writing one of its most spectacular chapters. And you will be there, part of this unforgettable experience.
The first one crossing the peninsula since 1905. Total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, but to experience one in the same location is truly rare it can take centuries before it happens again.
Program
- Breakfast at the hotel Viura in Rioja Alavesa.
- Bike check and preparation before starting the route.
- Cycling departure: Rioja Alavesa – Labastida route.
- Support van available throughout the route.
- Lunch on the route, including fresh products, drinks, and healthy snacks.
- Transfer to San Sebastian by van.
- Distance: 52 km | 32 miles
- Elevation: 800 mts | 2.625 feet
Day 5 Route: Villabuena de Alava – Samaniego – Villabuena de Alava
In our final stage, we will enjoy the charm that these natural environments offer and learn about the history of its villages through their rich heritage: dolmens, a Celtiberian well, prehistoric settlements, and cave presses.
We will pass through vineyards where we can stroll and relax, while discovering some of the most charming villages in the area, such as Samaniego, an obligatory stop at the foot of the Sierra de Toloño.
From there, we will continue to Ábalos, which stands out for its monumental heritage with a careful structure of narrow streets and beautiful stone manor houses, as well as for the surrounding landscapes, until we reach Labastida, a town that bases its economy on wine, a fundamental pillar.
We will return through a network of fun roads parallel to the Ebro River, the longest in Spain, enjoying San Vicente de la Sonsierra, a walled town located on top of a hill, created in the tenth century as a fortress and has a very important historical and ethnographic heritage.
Program
- Breakfast at Hotel Arima in San Sebastian.
- Equipment set up before starting the route.
- Departure by bike: Route San Sebastian – Hondarribia – San Sebastian.
- A support van will always be available to provide technical assistance and snacks, as well as transportation through any section of the route if you do not wish to continue cycling.
- Lunch on route, including fresh produce, drinks, healthy snacks.
- Massage by a professional physiotherapist.
- Distance: 72 km | 44,7 miles
- Elevation: 1.430 mts | 4.691 feet
Day 6 Route – San Sebastian – Hondarribia
In this stage, we will head east to climb the beautiful port of Castillo del Inglés, a rarely traveled road of about 5 km. On a clear day, we will be able to see the city of San Sebastián and the spectacular Bay of La Concha.
A fun descent through the trees awaits us before reaching the beautiful coastal town of Hondarribia, bathed by the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, where we can enjoy the views offered by the wonderful Bay of Txingudi, with the neighboring Hendaye, already in France, in the background.
Hondarribia is home to historical treasures that give the town a special charm. If we enter the walled old town, we can walk through its cobbled streets, lined with emblazoned houses and unique buildings such as the Castle of Emperor Charles V, now converted into a Parador.
Next, the emblematic port of Jaizkibel awaits us, through which the tours of Spain and the Basque Country usually pass. The views from the top will have been worth it.
Finally, we will enjoy a fun descent back to San Sebastián.
Program
- Breakfast at Hotel Arima in San Sebastian.
- Equipment setup before starting the route.
- Departure by bike: Route San Sebastián – Zarautz.
- A support van will always be available to provide technical assistance, snacks, and transportation through any section of the route if you choose not to continue cycling.
- Lunch on route, including fresh produce, drinks, and healthy snacks.
- Transfer to the airport
- Distance: 45 km | 28 miles
- Elevation: 885 mts | 2.905 feet
Day 7 Route: San Sebastian – Zarautz
Today we finish our adventure by climbing Mount Igueldo, located at the edge of La Concha Bay, marking the boundary between the sea and the city, a great way to warm up the legs. At the top, a series of beautiful ups and downs awaits us before we finally descend into the coastal town of Orio.
This typical fishing village on the Gipuzkoan coast, bustling in the summer season, lies where the sea, the mountains, and the mouth of the Oria River come together. This small seafaring town has witnessed the passage of pilgrims over the centuries and remains closely tied to the Camino de Santiago to this day.
Its historic quarter dates back to the 12th century and consists of a maze of steep, cobbled streets that take us back to the Middle Ages. Nearby, we will be surrounded by the aroma of fish and meat being grilled in the open air, right on the street near the harbor.
We will leave Orio via a one-kilometer backroad, a fun and demanding climb through nature and surrounded by caseríos, the traditional Basque farmhouses. From the top, we will begin our descent towards Zarautz.
Its vast beach, flanked by cliffs, stretches for more than two kilometers and is bordered by a lively promenade filled with terraces and cafés where we can regain our strength. The unmistakable sight of hundreds of blue and white tents and its fine golden sand make it one of the most beautiful beaches on the Basque coast. The beach opens directly onto the sea, and its spectacular waves attract thousands of surf enthusiasts.
On our way back to San Sebastián, a final climb from Orio to Igueldo awaits us before ending the stage.
To close our week, we will head to the airport in the Bizi Cycle Tours van, marking the end of this adventure.
DATES
09 - 15 August, 2026
Availability: Spots available01-06 August, 2027
Availability: Spots availableWHAT’S INCLUDED
Included
Accommodation
- Six 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.
- Five lunches on the road, including fresh products, drinks, and healthy snacks.
- Two dinners at well-known restaurants in the Basque Country, which include an impeccable selection of wines, beer and other drinks.
- Pintxos tour dinner in San Sebastian.
- A dinner at the award winning one-star Michelin Mina restaurant.
Equipment
- Welcome kit, which includes a Bizi Cycle Tours jersey and a water bottle.
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.
- One massage by a professional physiotherapist.
- One day of laundry for cycling gear.
- Daily bicycle cleaning.
Activities-Souvenirs
- Private guided tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao museum.
- Visit to Rioja Alavesa winery.
- Personalised photo album of the tour.
- Visit the Eclipse in La Rioja
Not included
- Bike rental.
- 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
Hotel Miró Bilbao 4*
This boutique hotel is located opposite the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Rooms at Hotel Miró feature minimalist-style décor. The bathroom includes Molton Brown toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Free mineral water is provided.
A buffet breakfast is served with selected local products. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center. Numerous traditional Basque restaurants are located nearby. The historic center is a 5-minute walk away.
Hotel Viura Rioja Alavesa 4*
This design hotel is located in Villabuena de Álava, in the Rioja Alavesa wine region. It offers free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Sierra de Cantabria. Regular wine tasting sessions are organized, as well as visits to nearby wineries. Rooms at the Viura have a minibar with free sparkling and still mineral water, heating, and air conditioning.
The Viura enjoys an ideal location for touring La Rioja, 20 minutes from Logroño and Haro. Hotel Viura have free access to a public swimming pool located next to the hotel. Various massage treatments are also offered.
Hotel Arima San Sebastian 4*
In the heart of the Miramon Forest and close to the city center, Arima offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by a natural ecosystem, it will allow you to live a healthy and authentic experience. All rooms feature state-of-the-art soundproofing, temperature and humidity control and low CO2 concentration.
At Tilia (Cafeteria and Restaurant) you can enjoy breakfast, weekend brunch, menu of the day and a varied bistro menu in a space full of light and a terrace open to the forest of Miramón. Hotel Arima has a well-equipped gym.
BIKE RENTAL
ORBEA Orca M10i OMX
The Orbea Orca M10i OMX is a professional-level road bike that embodies the spirit of Basque cycling, with a heritage tied to teams like Euskaltel-Euskadi, which has competed in major tours using Orbea bicycles. UCI-approved, this bike is designed for the most demanding races, from classic events to mountain stages in the Tour de France or the Vuelta to the Basque Country. Its OMX carbon frame and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset make it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking pure performance.
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.
