Basque Country Chef on Wheels Bike Tour

Meet your guides this morning in Bilbao before a transfer to the historic town of Guernica to meet Mikel Olaizola, our Chef on Wheels. Our culinary adventure begins with a visit to one of Basque Country’s last traditional markets, where Mikel introduces us to a bounty of local produce and demonstrates the fine art of haggling while we fill our baskets with fresh ingredients for tonight’s dinner. After a bike fitting and safety briefing, we’ll head out into the Basque countryside and tackle our first climb of the week—a lush and tree-lined route that travels alongside a mountain lake. Our efforts are rewarded with lunch at our friend Jon’s beautifully renovated 16th-century farmhouse hotel and our home for the night. Later, regroup and join Mikel to forage for edible flowers and wild herbs, then watch and learn as he transforms our market finds into a feast for the senses.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bilbao, Guernica, Axpe
Accomplished: 20 miles / 31 km, elevation gain: 2,460 feet / 758 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Mendi Goikoa Bekoa

Today we set our sights on the coast and head northeast for our longest ride of the week. The first leg of our journey takes us up into the mountains on shaded roads before descending towards the 15th-century Basilica of Loyola. Stop and refuel with a slice of creamy Basque cheesecake, then hop in the van or continue cycling through rolling hills blanketed in vines to one of the region’s most spectacular family-owned wineries. We’ll enjoy a Mikel-made picnic right there in the vineyard, paired with glasses of Txakoli: a fresh, effervescent white wine infused with the essence of the sea. It’s a short ride to the chic, coastal village of Zarautz and our boutique hotel a stone’s throw from the Bay of Biscay. Spend the afternoon basking on the beach while surfers ride the waves or take a seaside stroll along El Malecón. Tonight, we’ll dine in style at the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Axpe, Azpeitia, Zarautz
Accomplished: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 3,350 feet / 1,020 meters
Longer Option: 48 miles / 78 km, elevation gain: 6,460 feet / 1,970 meters
Accommodations: Hotel UR Bare

This morning’s ride is short but stunning, leading us through grape vines and chestnut groves to San Sebastián, the culinary capital of the Basque Country. Here, Mikel unlocks the magic of the city’s world-class food scene and guides us through the delightful Basque tradition of txikiteo (bar-hopping). We’ll sip local wines and sample savory snacks called pintxos prepared by some of his amigos. In the afternoon, transfer to the sublime hotel we’ll call home for the next three nights, with time for a treatment at the spa or a glass of Cava on one of the hotel’s many terraces. Later, we meet Mikel’s friend Gabriella—a renowned food and wine expert on the Basque culinary scene—at her beautiful home, where Mikel dazzles us with a sumptuous feast.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Zarautz, San Sebastián
Accomplished: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 2,034 feet / 620 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Akelarre

The Bay of Biscay creates a magnificent backdrop for today’s ride along the coast, where the famous flysch cliffs of Zumaia appear to erupt straight from the earth. Our destination is the picturesque fishing village of Getaria. Famous for being the onetime home of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first sailor to circumnavigate the globe, Getaria is also celebrated for its many historic parillas (grills) where just-caught fish are cooked outdoors in wire baskets over blazing coals. Get an inside look at the town’s rich seafaring history with our friend Manuela, the matriarch of one of the town’s few remaining fishing families, before heading to the Michelin-starred Elkano for lunch. There, chef Aitor Arregui shares his passion for both perfectly grilled seafood and Getaria’s maritime legacy. Afterwards, pedal along the Urola coastline to tackle the climb known locally as Mendizorrotz, or opt to transfer back to the hotel. Tonight, head into San Sebastián—Chef Mikel can suggest several excellent spots for dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Getaria, Zumaia, Igeldo
Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 1,673 feet / 510 meters
Longer Option: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 3,510 feet / 1,070 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Akelarre

Our final day of riding takes us inland through Pagoetako Natural Park to Aia, a quaint mountain town where we’ll meet Mikel’s friend Iker at his artisanal quesería. There, the renowned cheesemaker will explain the unique process he uses to produce his cow, sheep, and goat milk cheeses and share some delicious samples. Back on our bikes, we’ll return to the coast for a beachfront coffee stop. Transfer by van or opt to challenge yourself with another Mendizorrotz ascent. At the top, Mikel awaits with a picnic-style barbecue lunch. From there it’s a quick transfer or ride back to our hotel. Tonight, regroup at sunset to toast the week with an aperitivo, then head to Akelaŕe for a show-stopping dinner by three Michelin-star chef Pedro Subijana, one of the celebrated founders of New Basque Cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Igeldo, Aia, Orio
Accomplished:  20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,998 feet / 609 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 3,261 feet / 994 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Akelarre

Relish views of the Bay of Biscay over a relaxing breakfast this morning before we bid farewell to Basque Country. Transfer back to Bilbao and visit Frank Gehry’s magnificent Guggenheim Museum or return to San Sebastián for a day or two of solo discovery. 

Meals: Breakfast