We present the personalized trip with our Brompton bicycles from Ezcaray in La Rioja to Zumaia in the Basque Country, combining cycling, culture and gastronomy. We will pass through the towns of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Casalarreina, Vitoria, Mondragón, Oñate, to reach the Basque coast in Zumaia. We have selected carefully the accommodations and restaurants. We provide the bicycles and we accompany you at all times with our van. We value cultural diversity, care for the environment and personal experience. We have created an excursion context to have a unique experience.
Day 1: Scenic Bike Journey from Ezcaray a Casalarreina. 27 Km
Kick off your cycling adventure with a comfortable van transfer from Burgos to the charming town of Ezcaray, the gateway to our journey. From here, we hop on our bikes for a stunning 14 km ride along the Vía Verde del Río Oja, a scenic route with a gentle downhill gradient, perfect for easing into the day. Our first stop is Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where we’ll enjoy refreshments at a historic parador and explore its impressive cathedral. Back on the bikes, we continue a 13 km ride to Casalarreina, enjoying more picturesque landscapes. In Casalarreina, we’ll indulge in a well-deserved gourmet lunch at Lumbre Restaurant, followed by a visit to the Monastery of Santa María de la Piedad, a hidden gem of Spanish heritage. After soaking in the history, a private transfer takes us to Vitoria, where we’ll check in at the Kora Hotel. To wrap up the day, we’ll savor an authentic Riojan dinner at El Tabanko, reflecting on a day of culture, nature, and adventure.
Day 2: Cycling Through Basque Countryside – From Argómaniz to Luko. 30 km.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kora Hotel in Vitoria before exploring the Cathedral of Santa María, a UNESCO-listed gem that inspired Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. After soaking in the history, we take a van transfer to Mendijur, the starting point of today’s ride. Our first leg is a 12 km scenic route to Marieta, featuring a gentle downhill slope through lush Basque landscapes. A well-earned break awaits at Uriko Tavern, where we’ll refuel before continuing. The next 9 km stretch takes us to Landa, a lakeside paradise where we’ll enjoy a delicious Alaboca-catered lunch in Landa Park, surrounded by nature. The final 7 km ride to Luko completes our day’s cycling adventure. Upon arrival, we check in at the Palace by Luko, where you can unwind with a snack and some well-deserved relaxation. To cap off the day, we gather for a memorable dinner at Urbazter, savoring the best of local Basque cuisine.
Day 3: Cycling Through the Basque Highlands – From Luko to Oñati. 35 km.
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Palacio Luko Hotel before setting off on today’s adventure. Our first ride is a 9 km stretch with a gentle ascent to Gure Ametsa, where we’ll take a short break with refreshments. Next, we descend 8 km along the GI-627 road to Escoriaza, enjoying breathtaking valley views. If you prefer, there’s an option to take the van down. From Escoriaza, we continue an 8 km flat ride to Mondragón, a town rich in Basque history and culture. Here, we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch at Gastrobar Jatetxea, tasting innovative local flavors. After lunch, the final 10 km stretch to Oñati is a smooth and scenic ride. Upon arrival, we check in at the charming Etxeaundi Boutique Hotel, where you can relax and recharge before the evening. To round off the day, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner at Zurrust Jatetxea, savoring the best of Basque cuisine.
Day 4: Cycling Through Basque Heritage – From Zumarraga to Iraeta. 32 km.
After a restful night at Etxeaundi Boutique Hotel, we begin the day with a visit to Sancti Spiritus University in Oñati, one of Spain’s oldest universities, rich in history and stunning Renaissance architecture. From here, a van transfer takes us to Zumarraga, the starting point of today’s cycling adventure. Our first ride covers 15 km to Azcoitia, a smooth route with a gentle downhill gradient, where we’ll pause for refreshments at the traditional frontons, a nod to the Basque region’s passion for pelota. Next, we continue a short 4 km flat ride to Loyola, home to the impressive Sanctuary of Loyola, birthplace of Saint Ignatius.
The journey continues with a 12 km flat stretch to Azpeitia, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at San Agustín Restaurant, savoring local Basque flavors. Afterward, we explore the Railway Museum, a must-see for history and train enthusiasts. From Azpeitia, a van transfer takes us to Zumaia, home to the famous Flysch cliffs, where we celebrate the completion of our unforgettable cycling journey with breathtaking coastal views. To conclude the adventure, we take a final transfer back to Burgos, reflecting on four days of cycling, culture, and camaraderie.
