VIP - TOUR DE FRANCE GRAND DÉPART BILBAO
Come and experience the first stages of the Tour de France, discover the Basque Country by bike, its landscapes, wineries and its famous gastronomy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cycle through several sections of the three stages of the Tour de France with local ex-professional cyclists.
- See the start and finish of the race in Bilbao and San Sebastian (VIP experience).
- Cheer on the peloton from privileged locations such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Alto de Itziar (VIP experience).
- Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the spectacular transformation of the city.
- The Basque coast and its traditional fishing culture.
- Gernika, soul of the Basque culture.
- The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and some of the most beautiful beaches: Laga and Laida.
- San Sebastian and the spectacular bay of La Concha.
- The local gastronomy: pintxos route and the best restaurants.
- Visit by boat to the winery, the first artificial reef-winery in the world, Crusoe Treasure.
ITINERARY
Program
Welcome to Bilbao! The Bizi Cycle Tours team will welcome you at the Bilbao airport, and a private transfer will take you comfortably to the Hotel Radisson Collection Bilbao.
Today we will take you on a first bike ride, covering part of the first stage of the Tour de France 2023. You will see firsthand the industrial conversion of Bilbao into a modern service city. We will cycle along its iconic estuary, the cliffs of Getxo and its magnificent coastline until we reach the bay of Plentzia, a spectacular natural setting.
We will visit by boat the first artificial reef-winery in the world, Crusoe Treasure, from where we will enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the Cantabrian Sea and a delicious lunch on board prepared by our own chef, tasting this very special wine.
- Today’s ride: 27km
- Ascension: 307m
- Hotel: Hotel Radisson Collection Bilbao 5*
- Included meals: Lunch on board Crusoe Treasure winery (private chef)
Program
Today we will ride part of the route of the first stage before all the pros do it.
Have you heard of Gernika and its importance to Basque culture? This morning we will depart from Mundaka, a world-renowned surfing town, and ride along the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, as well as some of the most spectacular sandy beaches in Bizkaia.
After a beautiful route, we will enjoy a tasting menu in a spectacular typical restaurant, the Baserri Maitea, built from a jewel of a 17th century farmhouse in a natural environment.
Back in Bilbao you can visit one of the most spectacular modern art museums in the world, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and enjoy the atmosphere of the city, its modern architecture and its Old Town.
- Today’s ride: 52km (optional longer ride: 64km)
- Ascension: 839m (optional longer ride: 1109m)
- Hotel: Hotel Radisson Collection Bilbao 5*
- Included meals: Buffet breakfast and lunch at the restaurant Baserri Maitea (tasting menu)
Program
The day of the Grand Départ has arrived! Today we will see the riders start from the esplanade of San Mamés, Athletic Club’s football field and experience the excitement at the start of this impressive race.
Afterwards, we will bike through the heart of Bizkaia to watch the peloton pass by from the best possible place, the coast of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the emblematic islet where the famous series Game of Thrones was filmed.
We will return to Bilbao in time to see the finish of the stage, chat with some of the riders and experience the unique atmosphere of a city that has turned out for this event.
Tonight we will say goodbye to Bilbao with a dinner in style!
- Today’s ride: 40km
- Ascension: 724m
- Hotel: Hotel Radisson Collection Bilbao 5*
- Included meals: Buffet breakfast, light lunch en route and dinner at a typical Basque restaurant in Bilbao
Program
Today in the morning we will drive to San Sebastian, known as “the pearl of the Bay of Biscay”. We will cycle the last kilometers of the second stage of the Tour de France before the pros do it in the afternoon.
On the way, we will have lunch with Iñigo Lavado, a renowned local chef who has been passionate about cycling since he was a child. We will arrive in San Sebastian just in time for a refreshing swim in the hotel pool before welcoming the riders upon their arrival in the city. On the beach of Gros, we will enjoy the impressive atmosphere of the stage finish.
The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to stroll around the Concha Bay, get lost in the old town, swim in its spectacular beaches and enjoy the magnificent gastronomy of the city.
- Today’s ride: 46km
- Ascension: 859m
- Hotel: Hotel Catalonia Donostia 4*
- Included meals: Buffet breakfast and light lunch at restaurant Iñigo Lavado.
Program
Today we will discover on two wheels the impressive Basque coast. We will cross emblematic villages of our fishing culture such as Getaria, Zarautz, Orio or Zumaia to finish in the Alto de Itziar where we will wait for the riders and see first hand the great love for cycling in this land.
To say goodbye to this incredible experience, tonight we will go on a pintxos route through some of the most emblematic bars of the city. We will taste the famous cider from Guipuzcoa, and some of the most appreciated wines of the area such as txakoli or red wines from Rioja Alavesa.
- Today’s ride: 47km (optional longer ride: 90km)
- Ascension: 1016m (optional longer ride: 1715m)
- Hotel: Hotel Catalonia Donostia 4*
- Included meals: Buffet breakfast, light lunch en route and dinner (pintxos tour in San Sebastian)
Program
Every great adventure comes to an end so, if you need it, today we will take you to the airport of San Sebastian or Bilbao by private transfer. We look forward to seeing you soon!
DATES
29/06-04/07/2023
INCLUDED
Included
Accommodation
- Five nights accommodation in shared double room in 4* and 5* hotels (single room option with additional charge).
Meals
- Five buffet breakfasts at the hotel.
- One lunch on board of Crusoe Treasure’s winery boat by private chef.
- One lunch at Restaurante Baserri Maitea, including a fine selection of wines, beers and other beverages.
- Three light lunches en route, including fresh products, drinks, healthy snacks.
- One dinner at renowned restaurant in Bilbao, including a fine selection of wines, beers and other beverages.
- A pintxos tour in the old part of San Sebastian.
Equipment
- Welcome kit, including a Bizi Cycle Tours jersey and water bottle.
Support
- A bilingual guide (English-Spanish) with a lot of experience and knowledge of the environment. Our guides include former professional athletes.
- A support van that 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 pedaling.
- Transfer from/to Bilbao airport.
- Daily cleaning of the bike.
Activities-Souvenirs
- Five bike rides through sections of the first three stages of the Tour de France 2023.
- VIP assistance at the start and finish of the race in Bilbao and San Sebastian.
- VIP assistance to the race in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Alto de Itziar.
- Boat visit to the world’s first artificial reef winery, Crusoe Treasure.
- Private guided visit to the Museum Guggenheim Bilbao.
- A personalized photo album of the tour.
Not included
- Bike rental (Trek Émonda SL 6 Disc: 275€ / BH Core Gravelx Carbon 2.6: 325€)
- Plane tickets to and from Bilbao.
- Other activities not included in the package and not organized by Bizi Cycle Tours.
- Lodging before and after the end of the tour.
- Personal items purchased during the tour.
Group
Minimum 6 people, maximum 12.
For smaller groups, please consult rates.
HOTELS
Radisson Collection Bilbao 5*
Conveniently located in the heart of the cosmopolitan Gran Via area, the hotel is just minutes from iconic Bilbao landmarks such as the imposing Guggenheim Museum, Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao Cathedral and the old town, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and charming cafe-filled squares such as Plaza Nueva.
The hotel, which combines large spaces with informal elegance, is a haven of calm and relaxation. Its interior, designed in an art deco style renovated with Japanese touches.
Enjoy exceptional experiences and services throughout the hotel, the incredible NKO restaurant by Eneko Atxa, where the fusion of Basque and Japanese cuisine becomes unique, and the private rooftop bar, with vertical gardens and colorful umbrellas; a true haven high above the city.
Hotel Catalonia Donostia 4*
Enjoying the wonderful city of San Sebastian staying at the Catalonia Donosti hotel is a unique experience. The hotel is located in a natural viewpoint, on the hill of San Bartolomé in the center of the city and with magnificent panoramic views over the Concha beach. Two minutes from the cathedral, it is an ideal hotel to stay in San Sebastian enjoying the charm of a historic building with all the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel.
Located in a former convent of the 17th and 18th centuries, the hotel features a bar, gastronomic restaurant, wellness area and spa. If there’s one thing you can’t miss at this hotel, it’s the views from the building’s panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking La Concha beach, the Cathedral and the city center. And for hot days, enjoy the swimming pool and solarium area with sun loungers and chill-out zone.
BIKES TO RENT
TREK Émonda SL 6 Disc
This bicycle can deal with the toughest mountains, the steepest descents, the tightest curves and the fastest sprints.
The hydraulic disc brakes have great breaking power and control regardless of the type of road and the weather conditions.
Just like the other Émondas, it is designed to be the lightest and fastest in its category.
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.
