Tour of Basque

Straddling the border of France and Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, this area is home to some of the world’s finest food, pintxos, and innovative buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum.

Distance (KM)

Elevation (M)

Days Riding

This route offers plenty of flexibility and isn’t limited to the example shown here. There are many different ways to do this journey, and we can adapt it to your requirements. The options are endless, what you’ll find below is simply a typical itinerary.

Tour of Basque Itinerary

Day 1

Distance: 50km

Elevation: 537m

We fly into Bilbao airport and transfer to our hotel in Pamplona, best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín). You will have a chance to meet the rest of the pie crew over lunch before having a briefing and getting out on your bikes for a few hours in the afternoon, depending on flight times. The warm-up loop offers some gentle rolling hills to ease everyone into the first day ride as the route criss-crosses the Camino de Santiago.

Day 2 – Pamplona to San Sebastian

Distance: 120km

Elevation: 1604m

We start the day riding north as we head for the coastal town of San Sebastian. We will be riding on quiet roads as we navigate our way along stunning valleys. There are three named climbs during the day, San Miguel de Aralar, the Zuarrarrate, and the Uitzi. After all the climbing, your reward is a 15km descent into the outskirts of San Sebastian.

‘This was one of the best experiences of my life. Definitely the best cycling trip. ‘Fantastic organisation and support throughout.’ – Top to Toe of Portugal 2024

Day 3 – San Sebastian to Durango

Distance: 124km

Elevation: 1527m

In the morning, we ride downhill into San Sebastian, passed the bull ring, the old town and the beautiful Bahia de la Concha. Unfortunately, what goes down must go up, and that up is 6 hairpins, which take you to the top of Monte Igueldo. The climbing continues for several kilometres as we follow the coastline, which offers spectacular views out across the Bay of Biscay and takes in routes from the 2018 Vuelta a España, Tour of Basque and San Sebastian Classic.

Day 4 – Durango to Bilbao

Distance: 124km

Elevation: 1527m

Setting off from Durango, we head to our final destination in Bilbao, via Guernica. This truly is the heart of the Basque Country, where the battle for independence was once fought, and the area bears the scars of war. We tackle two of the most famous climbs in the area, Puerto de Urkiola and Balcon de Bizkaia, before riding past the Guggenheim Museum to the finish hotel to celebrate everyone’s achievements.

Day 5 – A chance to relax after the trip

Today is a free day to enjoy all the historic port city of Bilbao before your return flight back to the UK.

Example Routes

What Our Clients Say…

      
   pie - Passion In Events
   48 Google reviews 
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   Sally 
 17/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Superb organisation by Team PIE
  
 
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   Sarah Bower 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Four day trip from Ljubljana to Trieste. Lovely friendly staff with excellent efficient organisation. Very nice hotels  and great coffee and lunch stops - only wish they could have organised the weather too! Incredible support in tough conditions. Top notch all round.
  
 
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   Jason Bacon 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 9th PIE organised cycle challenge for the 40tude charity. Another spectacularly organised PIE ride. The way the team and guides handled and responded to all the surprises and challenges thrown their way, making everything smooth for us punters was extraordinary. And very much appreciated. The most professional and friendly group of tour managers, support team and cycle guides. Well done to the whole PIE team and Paul & Tina. You are simply the best.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Martin 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Event team did a great job coping with air traffic meltdown in the UK, storms in Slovenia and road closures from visiting diplomats.

accommodating, feeding and moving over 30 people on a daily basis is no easy task and they do it very well! Kudos to Paul and team.
  
 
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   James Purves 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is probably my 6th rode with pie. They always have things organised and when something isn’t quite right it is fixed quickly and with lots of communication. Paul and the team were brilliant in Slovenia with us all. When you are cycling and out of your comfort zone the last thing you want is to worry about the logistics and pie do that all for you. Thanks And see you soon at the next ride!
  
 
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   Richard Plaistowe 
 05/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pie Events helped me organise the Branditos networking cycles at the International Trademark Association Annual Meeting in London, and sorted routes and guides.  Tje rides were thoroughly enjoyable and professionally guided (and 100% safe)  Riders from all over the world participated and everyone  was effusive in their praise.  A fantastic success thanks to Pie Events.
  
 
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   Daniel Osmer 
 27/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just completed my second 4-day group ride managed by pie. Again, it was a fantastic experience. The 3 person pie team - a trip co-ordinator, ride guide, and on-bike medic - were all top professionals as well as great fun. It was another great trip which the whole team enjoyed. I highly recommend pie.
  
 
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   Ron Rees Davies 
 27/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Michael Taylor 
 24/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PIE is outstanding and are indeed passionate about their events.

Whether Medical, Portering, Providing Food (paying attention to dietary requirements) and Drink (morning coffee, regular rehydration electrolyte tabs, soft drinks at lunch, alcoholic beverages at the end of the day - if you like that sort of thing), excellent hotels & restaurants, - all needs catered for.

Staff - highly sympathetic & empathetic - who convert a steep hill into a mere undulation. All staff  were immaculately turned out in identical uniforms.

Bike maintenance - Brilliant
Route planning - beautiful lanes, B roads, cycle paths - superb routes.

Overall - excellent management throughout, with high empathy and support for all participants (including a cat!!).
  
 
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   John Pocock 
 23/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many many thanks for all your team’s support and guidance over the last 4 days. You provided perfect guides and excellent on the spot management. Your ride support team were always on hand to help and kept our water and salt levels up at all times. Your team were really professional and our whole group gelled around them.

Of us 8 riders who did the whole 260 mile trip, we have all gone away absolutely delighted with the achievement AND the organisation provided by yourselves.
  
 
  
  
 
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