BASQUEPITALS SEPTEMBER

BASQUEPITALS

18 to 27 September 2026

“In 1999, I arrived in the Basque Country and it only took a few days for me to fall completely in love with this place. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela —a bustling capital where the rhythm of city life pulses with Latin American culture. The contrast was immediate and profound. I was raised in San Sebastián, where the calm embraced me. The close presence of the sea, the mountains, and the exquisite gastronomy went straight to my heart.” Nacho Pellejero: Founder of Abra Cycling Tours

The Basque Country, with a history as ancient as its mountains, is structured in a unique territory that reflects its complex and fascinating evolution. The region is divided into two main autonomous communities: the Basque Autonomous Community (Euskadi), which includes the provinces of Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Álava, and the Foral Community of Navarra. Despite their administrative differences, these four provinces and their respective capitals share a cultural and linguistic heritage that gives them a common identity. We are going to travel through all of them.

HIGHLIGHTS

Our cycling trip is designed to be much more than a physical route: it’s a journey through the history and soul of this land, connecting the four neuralgic points that define its past and present:

Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia, is the emblem of transformation. Born as a commercial port, it became the industrial engine of the country. After a crisis, it re-emerged with a bold architectural vision, symbolised by the Guggenheim Museum, becoming a cultural and service capital without losing its working-class port character.

San Sebastián, capital of Gipuzkoa, represents elegance and refinement. Its history as a fishing port gave way to its consolidation as a tourist destination for European aristocracy in the 19th century. Today, its Belle Époque architecture and La Concha Bay are the backdrop for a city that combines culinary tradition with urban sophistication.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Álava and the seat of the Basque Government, is the political heart of Euskadi. Its historic center, known as “the medieval almond,” tells us about its past as a commercial hub. The city has managed to merge this heritage with a modern ecological consciousness, transforming itself into a model of sustainability and quality of life.

Pamplona, the historic capital of the Kingdom of Navarra, is a crossroads of cultures. With Roman origins, its name has resonated throughout history as a key point on the Camino de Santiago, hosting pilgrims from all over Europe. It is a walled city that breathes history in every corner, where tradition, faith, and a festive spirit are inseparably intertwined.

INFORMATION

For further information about how to book and pay, please, do not hesitate on contacting with any of the emails below so we can share with you all the details.

Once the payment is done the organisation will share with you the entire handbook of the tour where you will be able to find the complete information necessary about the trip.

• Arrival at Bilbao Airport.
• ABRA will organise your hotel and airport transfer.
• Evening at leisure.

• Bike preparation and trip briefing.
• Optional warm-up ride around the surroundings
of Bilbao for those who wish to spin their legs and
get familiar with the area.
• Welcome dinner.

Distance: 67 km
Elevation: +700m
Difficulty: Easy(optional)

This optional stage is designed as a gentle introduction to the journey and to Basque culture.
The route follows quiet roads and green valleys around the Nervión estuary, gradually moving from the city into more rural landscapes.
More than a training ride, this stage is about settling into the rhythm of the trip, riding together and starting to understand the territory we are about to explore. It’s a calm and social loop that blends light climbing, easy spinning and the first cultural landmarks of the Basque Country.

Distance: 114 km
Elevation: +1800m
Difficulty: Hard

This stage is your gateway to the inland landscapes of the Basque Country.
Leaving Bilbao behind, the route crosses the valleys of Bizkaia and climbs the legendary Puerto de Orduña, offering panoramic views over the Sierra Salvada. The descent leads into the vineyards of La Rioja, finishing in Haro, a town defined by its wine culture.

Distance: 80 km
Elevation: +1240m
Difficulty: Medium

Leaving Haro behind, the route transitions from the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa into the forests and valleys of the Álava Mountains.
The stage crosses quiet villages such as Peñacerrada and Lagrán, before entering the oak forests of the Izki Natural Park. The day concludes in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava’s capital, known for its green spaces and vibrant atmosphere.

Distance: 116 km
Elevation: +1600m
Difficulty: Medium – Hard

Leaving Vitoria-Gasteiz behind, we head into the heart of Navarra, where nature takes center stage.
The main challenge will be crossing the vast landscapes of the Urbasa and Andia Natural Park, with its beech forests and high-altitude meadows. After a rewarding descent into the Améscoa valley, the route winds through quiet Navarrese villages and past the historic Salinas de Oro on the way to Pamplona.

Distance: 110 km
Elevation: +1580m
Difficulty: Medium – Hard

From Pamplona, the route crosses forested landscapes and climbs Puerto de Huici, marking the transition toward the green hills of Gipuzkoa.
After a rewarding descent and a quiet stretch near the Añarbe Reservoir, the stage finishes in San Sebastián, a city defined by its elegance, La Concha bay and a deep-rooted food culture where gastronomy is part of everyday life.

Distance: 47 km
Elevation: +800m
Difficulty: Easy(optional)

This optional stage explores the most authentic stretch of the Gipuzkoan coast.
Leaving San Sebastián, the route follows the shoreline toward Hondarribia before climbing the legendary Jaizkibel pass. Panoramic sea views lead into a technical descent, finishing with a unique boat crossing into the fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan.

Distance: 71 km
Elevation: +1300m
Difficulty: Medium

This stage is a celebration of the coastal beauty and cycling heritage of Gipuzkoa.
Leaving San Sebastián, the route begins with a short but demanding climb to Monte Igeldo. From there, the road drops toward the coast, opening the door to one of the most spectacular cycling corridors in northern Spain.
With its constant changes of rhythm, rolling climbs and fast descents, this stage is a true classic, finishing in the harbour town of Lekeitio.

Distance: 106 km
Elevation: +1900m
Difficulty: Hard

The final stage follows the coastline of Bizkaia, tracing the shore from Lekeitio through historic fishing towns and surf spots. Passing Mundaka and Bermeo, the route offers iconic views of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe before continuing along quiet coastal roads and turning inland towards a celebratory return to Bilbao, completing the journey around the Basque Country

• ABRA will organise your hotel and airport transfer.
• ABRA services conclude here.

PRICE: € 3890

The price includes
• Bike guides from Abra Cycling (Depending on number of participants)
• Support vehicle (Number of vehicles depending on number of participants)
• 2 nights of hotel accommodation in Bilbao at arrival
• Stage nights: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
• Dinners during the stages: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
• Welcome & Bye bye dinner
• Breakfast during all stages and days in Bilbao
• Sports Nutrition during stages
• Picnic stops(depending on length of stage there will be three, two or one stop)
• Group travel insurance
• Airport transfer on arrival to Bilbao (if arrival on the scheduled day)
• Airport transfer on departure day in Bilbao (if departure on the scheduled day)
• Mechanic support

The price does not include
• Airfare and baggage fees, bike equipment
• Flights
• Lunches and dinner where not expressly specified
• Food during bike days except where specified
• Excursions, extra activities
• Bike rental
• Additional costs in case of logistic changes (extra transfers etc.)
• Anything not listed in “The price includes” section

Extras
• Bike rental
• Single room

FAQ

Before booking

Basquepitals is a guided road cycling journey through the Basque Country.

There are no time limits, no classifications, and no competitive structure.

We ride together. We experience together.

Basquepitals is designed for cyclists who:

Are comfortable riding 80–120 km per day
Can manage 1,200–1,900 m of elevation
Have experience riding mountain passes
Enjoy multi-day road cycling

You don’t need to be fast.

You need to be prepared.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to assess your profile personally.

The trip ranges from medium to hard depending on the stage.

Hard stages: Bilbao–Haro / Lekeitio–Bilbao
Medium–Hard: Vitoria–Pamplona / Pamplona–San Sebastián
Medium: Haro–Vitoria / San Sebastián–Lekeitio
Optional easy rides in Bilbao and San Sebastián

All routes are on paved roads.

This is a road cycling tour.

We recommend:

Road bike in good condition
Compact gearing (or equivalent) suitable for sustained climbs
Tyres between 25–30 mm

If in doubt, contact us before the trip and we’ll review your setup.

Minimum group: 8 participants
Maximum group: 12 participants

This ensures both atmosphere and proper support.

during the trip

Yes.

Throughout all stages we provide:

Support vehicle
Mechanical assistance
Luggage transport
Sports nutrition and picnic stops

This is a fully supported road tour.

The support vehicle is available if needed.However, participants should arrive physically prepared for full cycling days. This is part of the nature of the journey.

Weather in the Basque Country can vary between coast and mountains.

Light rain and wind are part of the experience.

Routes may be adapted if required for safety reasons.

The guide team always prioritises group wellbeing.

As with any outdoor journey, minor adjustments may be required due to weather, road works, or local circumstances.

ABRA reserves the right to modify routes or timing when necessary for safety and overall experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Cancellation fees apply as follows:

45–31 days before departure: 30%
30–22 days: 40%
21–15 days: 75%
14 days or less: 100%

A €300 administration fee applies to all cancellations.

Full details are available in our Terms & Conditions.

Each participant may bring:
- One suitcase
- One small backpack or personal bag
Less is more.

No.

This is a fully supported tour with luggage transport.

You only need to carry what you would normally take on a long road ride.

Participants are responsible for carrying valid travel documentation according to their nationality.

Yes.

Many participants join solo.

Basquepitals is designed as a shared experience.