Overview

We recommend that you meet your guides at the meeting point in Hotel Parador de Hondarribia (Plaza de Armas, 14, 20280 Hondarribia, Guipúzcoa) between 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM the day before your trip starts to get a custom fit to your Trek bike (and if you wish, go for the self-guided warm-up ride on the famous climb, Jaizkibel). Alternatively, you can wait until the first day for your bike fit, arriving before the group meets. You'll officially begin your cycling adventure from the quaint village of Hondarribia, but before you do, take a moment to marvel at the beauty of the Basque Spanish coast. You'll cross the Bidasoa river to France and experience the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Basque country. The climb starts from the coast and winds through pastures filled with grazing sheep and signature white Basque farmhouses. After arriving at Saint-Palais, a charming market town dating back to the 12th century, you'll gather for social hour and dinner as your guides brief you on the exhilarating albeit challenging week ahead.

Overview

Today you’ll ride from the foothills into the mighty Pyrenees. Begin on a quiet road with rolling hills toward the first climb of the day, with stunning views to the Pic d'Elaudi, a popular bird migration viewpoint. After a nice downhill, you'll ride along the Saison River, climbing and passing through quaint pastoral villages where sheep cheese production is the main source of work and income. Enjoy lunch in the remote valley along the Route du Fromage to fuel up for the second half of the day. You’ll ride through the largest broadleaf forest in Europe en route to Col de Izarbe and Col de Soudet, your final summit of the day, with views of Pic d’Arias on the French and Spanish border. You’ll reconvene with the rest of the group for dinner at your hotel in Oloron-Saint-Marie, a 1st-century village that is home to the Lindt Chocolate Factory and the confluence of two Pyrenean mountain rivers, Gave d’Aspe and Gave d’Ossau.

Overview

From your hotel you'll ride up towards the Vallée d’Aspe and pass by some local vineyards to continue your journey into the Hautes-Pyrénées. If you're lucky, as you climb through the old beechwood forests to Col de Marie-Blanque, a climb never to be underestimated, you may see one of the six recently reintroduced brown bears. Later you'll also pass the Neoclassical spa town of Eaux-Bonnes before the next historic and challenging climb — Col d’Aubisque. You’ll climb Aubisque from the "hard" side which starts out relatively easy until after the Cascade de Valentin where you’ll be confronted by thigh-burning 13% grades. If the riding doesn't take your breath away, then the stunning views found on a clear day certainly will! At the summit you will enjoy a warm and hearty mountain refuge lunch before continuing to the second half of the day's ride. You'll welcome the long descent through Col du Soulor to give your legs a break. Enjoy the views as you reach our next hotel in the village of Saint-Savin for a well-deserved rest and a hearty meal.

Overview

Prepare for climbing today on a Tour de France Queen Stage! Today you'll take on Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and Col de Peyresourde, three epic climbs that have been regularly featured in the Tour de France. You’ll begin your day riding along the Gavarnie river with astonishing views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, one of the most majestic summits in the Hautes-Pyrénées. You'll head towards Luz-Saint-Sauveur which sits at the base of the renowned Col du Tourmalet, the highest pass traversable by a vehicle and home of the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. After reaching the summit you will have an exhilarating descent before climbing halfway up Col d’Aspin where you will be stopping for lunch. After lunch you'll finish the climb up to the cow-grazing peak of Col d’Aspin with its panoramic vistas. Once again enjoy a sweeping descent down to Arreau, the former capital of ancient Aragon. The final climb up to Col de Peyresourde will test your best after the first two climbs already in your legs. The feeling at the summit is second to none knowing what was accomplished today. A warm meal and cozy bed awaits you after zipping down into the famous spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Overview

Today you'll say au revoir to France then hola as you head into Spain! You’ll enter the Val d’Aran from atop the wooded Col du Portillon. This valley is on the French side of the Pyrenean watershed but, under Spanish rule, was cut-off from the outside world for centuries. Your biggest challenge of the day is Puerto de la Bonaigua. A barren and broad landscape stretches before you as you wind your way down the valley to one of the premier whitewater rafting spots in Europe, La Noguera Pallaresa. You’ll end the day in the luckiest town in Spain, Sort (meaning "luck" in Catalan). Sort attracts Spaniards from all over the country, who buy their lottery tickets here in hopes of becoming the next "El Gordo" national lottery winner. Tonight you’ll regroup to enjoy some exceptional Catalan tapas in the company of new friends. Whether you hold a lottery ticket or not, sharing this special meal makes you a winner.

Overview

It's a rest day today and an opportunity to recuperate and recharge your batteries for the remainder of the trip. Relax amidst the captivating backdrop of Sort — a destination celebrated for its natural beauty and adventurous flair, anchored by the renowned Noguera Pallaresa River, hailed by experts worldwide as one of Europe's premier spots for whitewater sports. During your two-night retreat at Hotel Pessets & Spa, enjoy the charming pool and garden area, along with the sauna, small spa, and indoor pool, as you indulge in your well-deserved rest. If adventure is calling you, consider taking advantage of an array of activities available in the area. Although they are not included, your guides will assist you with any arrangements, whether it's navigating rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure, taking a leisurely riverside stroll, or hiking through this beautiful area. Tonight you are free to explore many great options in town or at the hotel for dinner.

Overview

Today starts from the front door of the hotel with a Category 1 pass, a regular climb of the Vuelta a España—Coll de Cantó. You'll then drop down to La Seu d’Urgell, home of the canoeing events of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Continue pedaling up through the valley with the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park on your right and the Andorra mountain giants on your left. Alongside the roads, you'll often see goat-like chamois precariously perched or maybe locals out foraging for mushrooms. Enjoy a nice relaxing spa or a stroll along the lake before exploring the village and a dinner of your choosing.

Overview

Dive into the day and explore the many sights you pass on your ride through this intriguing and unique region of the Pyrenees. Begin with a challenging ascent to La Molina ski station and Coll de la Creueta offering stunning views of the stand-alone Pedraforca mountain as you ride past the remote village of Castellar de n’Hug and the Fonts del Llobregat. From here you'll continue to the larger, medieval town of Vic, known for its Romanesque churches. This epic day on the bike concludes with a final climb to a very tranquil setting near the Sau Reservoir and the panoramic views of the Guillerias Mountains, where you will rest up in the traditional style of a Catalan country house.

Overview

Today the last exhilarating ride of your epic trans-Pyrenees adventure lies before you - so savor every moment! You’ll start by descending from the Sau reservoir through the training ground that many professional cyclists use to jump-start their season. Today's ride is filled with short but challenging climbs that must be conquered before one last climb stands between you and your long-awaited view of the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Your ride ends with a spectacular finale, winding along the rugged, beautiful Costa Brava (the "Brave Coast") to your hotel nestled right on the beach. Here, you'll ceremoniously conclude your ride by again dipping your toes or a full body plunge in the sea. While overlooking the clear blue waters with your fellow riding companions, you’ll toast to your conquest of the magnificent Pyrenees with a traditional glass of cava then enjoy a farewell dinner as the sun sets behind the mighty jagged peaks you’ve just traveled.

Overview

This last morning is yours to do as you please. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil Mediterranean Sea, or take a walk along the sandy beach and enjoy the spray of the surf. You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the Park Hotel San Jorge. You’ll then shuttle two hours to the Barcelona Sants train station, arriving at approximately 12:00 PM noon. From here, you can easily connect to the Barcelona Airport and the city center.