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 leads through the mountains to our friend Jon’s beautifully renovated 16th-century farmhouse hotel and our home for the night. Our efforts are rewarded with lunch prepared by Chef Mikel. Later, we’ll join him 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: 13 miles / 21 km, elevation gain: 1,269 feet / 387 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Mendi Goikoa Bekoa

Today we set our sights on the coast, starting with a short transfer to the 15th-century Basilica of Loyola, where our ride begins. We’ll warm up our legs on the way out of town, gradually ascending into the forest before conquering Elosuo, a favorite climb of local cyclists. At the top we’ll take in epic views of the electric green countryside and stop for a cold drink in the hidden mountain village of Aizarna. Continue cycling through rolling hills blanketed in vines to a delightful, picnic prepared by Mikel, 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: 22 miles / 36 km, elevation gain: 3,050 feet / 930 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 3,770 feet / 1,150 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: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 1,578 feet / 481 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Akelarre

The Bay of Biscay creates a magnificent backdrop for today’s ride along the coast. In Zarautz, we’ll make an indulgent pasty stop on the seafront terrace of beloved Basque chef Karlos Arguiñano’s hotel-restaurant. After, continue riding to 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 parrillas (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. Today’s lunch honors the legacy of Getaria’s arrantzales (fishermen) featuring just-caught seafood grilled to perfection. Choose to continue cycling along the Urola coastline and tackle the climb known locally as Mendizorrotz, or hop in the van for a transfer back to the hotel. Tonight, delve back into San Sebastián’s renowned culinary culture—Chef Mikel can suggest several excellent spots for dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Zarautz, Getaria, Igeldo
Accomplished: 15 miles / 23 km, elevation gain: 1,115 feet / 340 meters
Longer Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,950 feet / 900 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. Mikel greets us at the top, ready to share the secrets behind a traditional paella lunch. From there it’s a quick transfer or ride back to our hotel. Tonight, we’ll gather at sunset to toast the week with an aperitivo, then head to the hotel’s Espazio Oteiza restaurant for an unforgettable meal showcasing New Basque Cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Igeldo, Aia, Orio
Accomplished:  20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 2,780 feet / 850 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 44 km, elevation gain: 3,215 feet / 980 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Akelarre

Relish views of the Bay of Biscay over a relaxing breakfast this morning before we bid farewell to Basque Country. Your guides will transfer you to the San Sebastián bus station for your return to Bilbao (or your next destination). 

Meals: Breakfast