Self Guided Gravel Basque Country Bike Tour
From: 1.550,00 €HighLights
- Visiting the 3 capitals: Vitoria, Pamplona and San Sebastián
- Easy Gravel paths crossing amazing and beautiful landscapes
- The famous “Camino de Santiago” sharing a section with the pilgrins
- An attractive tour visiting very old and historic places
This amazing self guided Basque Country Gravel Bike Tour link the 3 capitals of this Basque land. From Vitoria , the green capital of the Basque Country , visiting Pamplona , where history and its renowned San Fermín festivities are the main attractions, ending in San Sebastián, where the cuisine and beauty of its urban beaches will be a spectacular finale to this gravel route.
INCLUDED
NO INCLUDED
Possible Hotels
The B&B HOTEL Vitoria General Álava (formerly AC Hotel General Álava) is a 3-star hotel with an elegant and contemporary style, located on the main avenue of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Located on the city’s main avenue, next to the Conference Center and perfectly connected to all the city’s exits. Its magnificent location and services make this hotel the perfect destination.
The building, dating back to 1712, occupies the Larrea Palace, whose coat of arms presides over the façade. Due to its strategic location, this enclave has always functioned as a crossroads of cultures: Romans, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and even caravans from Flanders and France passed through here.
The Parador was also a convent of the Discalced Carmelites before becoming a palace, and during the War of Independence it was used as headquarters for French troops. In fact, it is said that Napoleon planned the assault on Vitoria there.
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Hotel located in the heart of the historic center. It is on the street where the Camino de Santiago passes. A quiet area, surrounded by history on all four sides of the building. Simple but cozy hotel with excellent beds. Breakfast is NOT available, but there are several places nearby where you can have a pilgrim’s breakfast.
A Former 19th-century convent converted into a boutique hotel in the heart of Pamplona. The hotel is located next to the Portal de Francia, the natural entrance for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, surrounded by the walls of Pamplona and just a few meters from the Cathedral. Its facilities have been completely renovated and an exclusive swimming pool has recently been opened.
Hotel Rural Lopenea is a traditional-style accommodation modeled after a farmhouse, the typical Basque house found in rural areas. Comfortable rooms, but without luxuries. The accommodation has a bar, very popular with locals, and serves food made with local products.
GALERY
Pre-etapa
On the day of your arrival, we suggest a pleasant walk to Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the heart of the city. Nearby lies the town’s medieval quarter, home to its impressive Gothic cathedral, which overlooks the entire Alava plain. The church served as inspiration for author Ken Follett’s famous medieval novel *The Pillars of the Earth
STAGE 1
Vitoria to Argomaniz
We leave the city via Vitoria’s cycle paths. The extensive network of urban and semi-urban paths in this beautiful capital is incredible. The loop around the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir is one of the most popular gravel routes in the region. It’s a smooth ride through natural surroundings, mostly running alongside the reservoir. The route features a very gentle cumulative elevation gain. The final stretch leads to Argómaniz, where you can rest at the wonderful Parador of Argomaniz.
ETAPA 2
Argomaniz to Estella
After enjoying our stay at the Parador, we’re ready to get back on the gravel trail. We’ll connect via gravel paths to the old Basque-Navarre railway line and follow it along an easy gravel trail. It’s a stunning route through peaceful beech and oak forests, leading to the historic, charming medieval town—a stopover for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
STAGE- 3-
Estella to Pamplona
Leaving Estella, you follow the historic “Camino de Santiago.” You’ll travel about 20 kilometers to the small medieval town of Puente La Reina, another iconic and must-see stop on this route. Continue for a few kilometers until you reach a trail that leads to the Church of Eunate, a Romanesque church with a simple yet distinctive style; it is said to have belonged to the Knights Templar. You leave the “Camino” to continue along wide gravel trails, visiting small historic villages filled with ancient houses bearing coats of arms. Once you’ve crossed the Sierra del Perdón, you enter Pamplona via the “Camino de Santiago,” which you rejoin in the final stretch.
ETAPA 4
Pamplona to Leitza
We leave Pamplona along cycle paths that cross the city and take some trails covering the first section of the route to Latasa. We continue along the Plazaola Greenway until we reach a spectacular nature trail through the woods and alongside the Larraun River, which will take us to Lekumberri. From there, we rejoin the Leitzaran/Plazaola Greenway until we reach the town of Leitza.
ETAPA 5
Leitza to San Sebastian
We complete this 5-day gravel route with the stage that will take us to San Sebastián. We’ll take the Leitzaran Greenway downhill through narrow, lush valleys alongside the river. We’ll pass through tunnels along the way as we make our way to Andoain, where we’ll take the bike paths that lead us to the city, the final destination of this route.
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