URDAIBAI WEEK

Small groups Guided by ex-pros

Immerse yourself in an environment of unparalleled nature, full of surprising routes and exquisite local gastronomy

LevelCustomizable
Duration5 days | 5 nights
PriceContact us

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and its surroundings by bike guided by local ex-professional athletes.

Immerse yourself in a spectacular natural and peaceful environment and disconnect from the city for a few days.

Get to know the most beautiful beaches of Bizkaia, the fishing ports of Bermeo and Ondarroa, the impressive coast of Lekeitio or Gernika and its famous history.

Relax after pedaling thanks to the care of an experienced physiotherapist.

Enjoy the most select Basque gastronomic experience.

Experience the world’s first underwater winery-artificial reef and taste its wines aged underwater.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 villa Etxelaia, located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
  • 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.
  • Dinner by chef at villa Etxelaia.

 

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Program

  • Breakfast at Villa Etxelaia.
  • Equipment set up before starting the route.
  • Departure by bicycle: Beaches of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Route.
  • 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 pedaling.
  • Lunch en route, including fresh products, drinks, healthy snacks.
  • Visit to the Berroja Winery.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant, including a selection of wines, beers and other beverages.

 

Stage 1 – Beaches of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (36km / 620m)

This stage, in which we will enjoy the Cantabrian Sea and the green landscapes surrounding the spectacular Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, is designed to be a first contact with this wonderful natural landscape.

We will start the route bordering Gernika, a town world famous for the bombing suffered during the Spanish Civil War, the famous painting of Pablo Picasso and symbol of Basque culture.

We will pass through Arratzu, the largest producer of kiwis in the Basque Country, before climbing a 5 km pass to reach the village of Nabarniz. Located at the foot of Mount Iluntzar, it is known among the locals for its excellent red beans and delicious vegetable stew.

A narrow and barely traveled backroad will take us to Ereño. From the top, the views are spectacular, as you can see, on one side, mythical peaks such as Gorbeia, and on the other, the estuary of Mundaka and its port, and beautiful coastal towns like Ea. All this with the Cantabrian Sea as a backdrop.

A fun descent will take us through towns like Ibarrangelu, crossed by trails that run through a splendid landscape, or rural neighborhoods full of charm, such as Akorda.

Finally we will reach some of the most beautiful beaches of the Biscayan coast: Laga, undoubtedly one of the most photographed beaches of the Basque Country, and Laida, an impressive dynamic sandy beach whose strong tides in winter change its appearance every year. Today we will certainly have lunch with spectacular views!

Program

  • Breakfast at Villa Etxelaia.
  • Equipment set up before starting the route.
  • Departure by bicycle: Balcony of Biscay route.
  • 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 pedaling.
  • Lunch en route, including fresh produce, drinks, healthy snacks.
  • Visit to the Casa de Juntas of Gernika and its famous tree.
  • Dinner in a typical Basque restaurant in Gernika, including a careful selection of wines, beers and other beverages.

 

Stage 2 – Balcony of Biscay (66km / 1590m)

We will start the morning with a gentle climb to warm up before reaching the town of Mendata, an exceptional natural area surrounded by green mountains. With a markedly rural character, the municipality is closely linked to the farmhouse, the traditional Basque construction, and to the set of activities that take place around it. The inhabitants of Mendata have been dedicated for centuries to the cultivation of wheat and corn, and livestock.

Our goal this morning will be to reach the Balcony of Biscay. On the slopes of Mount Oiz, south of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, this viewpoint gives us one of the best panoramic views of the Urdaibai basin. Legend has it that witches used to gather here at nightfall and for this reason, the locals avoided coming here after dark.

After a fun descent of about 5 km, we will arrive at Munitibar in time to regain strength with a delicious lunch. A mythical and hard pass awaits us, the Santa Eufemia pass, an unavoidable place in the cycling tours of Spain and the Basque Country.

Then we will cross the villages of Markina, a town founded in the mid-fourteenth century and cradle of great pelotaris who grew up in its mythical fronton and framed in the Camino de Santiago, and Cenarruza-Bolivar, Biscayan municipality known due to the historical importance of Simon Bolivar, the so-called “Liberator of the Americas” and whose ancestors came from this town.

A descent of about 7 km of fun curves awaits us before returning to the hotel.

 

Program

  • Breakfast at Villa Etxelaia.
  • Equipment set up before starting the route.
  • Departure by bike: Route Lekeitio, Ea, Ondarroa.
  • 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 pedaling.
  • Lunch en route, including fresh products, drinks, healthy snacks.
  • Massage by a professional physiotherapist.
  • Dinner in a typical Basque restaurant, including a careful selection of wines, beers and other beverages.

 

Stage 3 – Lekeitio, Ea, Ondarroa (70km / 1350m)

Today we will visit some of the most beautiful villages of the Biscayan coast. But first, to warm up our engines, we will have a steep climb of about 6 km to descend to the first coastal town of this morning, Lekeitio. A dream environment, which invites us to enjoy the tranquility offered by this incredible natural landscape, its beaches, the island of San Nicolas, its port and the old town.

We will continue along an impressive road parallel to the Cantabrian Sea, until we reach the fishing village of Ondarroa. Located at the eastern end of the coast of Bizkaia, this stretch of coastline is formed by steep cliffs and its old town is one of the most emblematic places of the town. With an unmistakable medieval and seafaring flavor, we will stop to enjoy the atmosphere of its narrow and steep streets.

On the way back we will have a stretch of ups and downs, until we reach Ea, a small town located in the region of Busturialdea. Its beach and its beautiful views of the sea, make it an ideal place to stroll quietly and enjoy a pleasant time. It has an urban nucleus, that, thanks to its small historical helmet and its stone bridges, makes those who visit it fall in love with it. It is not for less. It is a different town, of special beauty and uniqueness.

Next, we will cross Ispaster, a simple and authentic village surrounded by a landscape full of hills, caves and chasms and whose main feature is its neighborhoods of scattered farmhouses.

 

Program

  • Breakfast at Villa Etxelaia.
  • Equipment set up before starting the route.
  • Departure by bike: Bay of Plentzia Route.
  • 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 en route, including fresh produce, drinks, healthy snacks.
  • Visit to the Crusoe Treasure underwater winery.
  • Dinner in a typical Basque restaurant, including a careful selection of wines, beers and other beverages.

 

Stage 5 – Bay of Plentzia (77km / 1000m)

Leaving towards the town of Gernika, we will start the stage with a 2km climb to Gerekiz. On the way to Mungia, a town surrounded by a multitude of farmhouses in their neighborhoods, some of them erected between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, we climb a hill to Andraka.

Our stop today will be in Plentzia. With the estuary as a central element and the beach as a tourist attraction, Plentzia is a pleasant and cozy coastal town located about 25 kilometers from Bilbao, in a beautiful bay overlooking the sea. It is one of the most demanded localities by the Biscayans themselves to enjoy the summer season.

We will return for the imposing castle of Butrón. Located in Gatika, for over three hundred years, since the sixteenth century, the castle was the scene of continuous and bloody battles between two sides of the nobility of Biscay. The lords of Butrón, who took refuge in the castle, exercised their power over the territory.

Then, on the way back, a flat stretch awaits us, and then a nice climb of about 5 km to Errigoitia to make a fun descent full of curves of about 5 km to Gernika. We will cross the famous town before returning to the hotel.

Program

  • Breakfast at Villa Etxelaia.
  • Equipment set up before starting the route.
  • Departure by bike: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe route.
  • 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 pedaling.
  • Lunch en route, including fresh products, drinks, healthy snacks.
  • Transfer in private vehicle to Bilbao airport.

 

Stage 5 – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (68km / 1225m)

On this route we will leave along the natural area of the beautiful mouth of the Oka River to cross Mundaka, world famous in the international surfing circuits for its wave, considered the best left wave in Europe.

Next, the town of Bermeo, known for its long fishing tradition, awaits us. This Biscayan municipality has a unique personality and charm and is one of the main fishing ports of the historical territory. Its star product is canned fish: salted anchovies, tuna in olive oil, pickled tuna, tuna belly fillets in olive oil, sardines…

After a stretch of ups and downs that will test our legs, we will reach one of the most recognized points of this stretch of coast: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Few places on the Basque coast are as magical as the rock of Gaztelugatxe. The privileged location of the centenary hermitage defying the Cantabrian Sea, combines with the strength of nature, history and tradition.

Our stop for lunch today will be in the town of Bakio, considered the “soul of txakoli” of Bizkaia, the delicious local white wine. Its geographical location, on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and at the same time protected in the center of a valley, gives the Hondarribi grape from its vineyards a personality of its own.

Next, a steep climb will take us to Larrauri, for years a summer resort for the people of Bilbao, where several palaces were built. A backroad will take us to Meñaka, a Biscayan municipality of rural character. Linked to this economic activity are many of the farmhouses that exist in the area, constructions that were built between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.

We expect ups and downs, rural landscapes, a beautiful natural environment and typical farmhouses. We will finish today’s stage with a 2 km long pass through Errigoiti and Gerekiz and a fun 5 km downhill before returning to the hotel.

DATES

28/04-03/05/2024

15-20/09/2024

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Included

Accommodation

  • Five nights (double occupancy) at Villa Etxelaia, located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (single occupancy available with additional charge).
  • Transfer to and from Bilbao airport in private van.

Meals

  • Breakfasts made on the spot at the hotel.
  • Five lunches on the road, including fresh products, drinks, and healthy snacks.
  • Four dinners at well-known restaurants in the region, which include an impeccable selection of wines, beer and other drinks.
  • One dinner by a chef at villa Etxelaia.

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 Gernika and the Casa de Juntas.
  • Visit to the Crusoe Treasure underwater winery (boat ride + wine tasting on board).
  • Visit to a Txakoli Winery (Bodegas Berroja).
  • Personalised photo album of the tour.

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.

Optional

  • Boat trips, kayaking in the estuary, whale watching, surfing, scuba diving…
  • Port and old town of Bermeo.
  • Oma forest.
  • Caves of Santimamiñe.
  • Visit to txakoli wineries.
  • Hiking (Camino de Santiago / Route GR38).
  • Rural sports, exhibition and practice of Basque pelota.
  • Private visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Group

Minimum 6, maximum 12.

For smaller groups, ask for rates.

HOTELS

Villa Etxelaia

Etxelaia Villa

Etxelaia is a new, inviting place for luxury accommodation and events in the midst of a rural setting. This luxury villa is in Gautegiz Arteaga, a stunning setting right in the centre of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

Etxelaia’s interior decor is also to be highlighted. The consistent mix of classic and modern pieces aims to preserve the essence of the original, two hundred year old building without compromising the comfort of a modern home.

BICYCLES

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

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.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This