2026 Basque Country, May 3 to May 10
- Dates: 03/05/2026 - 10/05/2026
- Tour length: 8 Days, 7 Nights
- Start / End: Bilbao
- Terrain: Vineyards, countryside, mountains and coast. Rolling hills and steep climbs.
- Price Per Guest:
$ 6,660 (Includes Bike Rental)
$ 850 Single Occupancy Fee
**$ 1,000 Deposit per guest due before November 15, 2025**
- Non-Cycling Guest: $ 6,100
- Sold Out
The Basque Country Tour is a collaboration between Willie’s World Cycling and Bizi Cycle Tours based in the beautiful city of Bilbao. Bizi has been operating tours for over 10 years. While the relationship with Bizi Cycle Tours is new, our introduction was by a mutual friend that I have known since 2016.
Bizi Cycle Tours founder, Virginia Berasategui, is a triathlete from Bilbao with an extensive professional career (World and European long-distance champion). In more than 20 years competing, she has taken part in iconic international races, such as the Ironman of Hawaii, Nice, Monaco, Wildflower and Wiesbaden, to name but a few. Today she is known as the best Spanish female triathlete of all times. The other half of Bizi is her husband, Ander Ortiz de Zarate. With over 20+ years of leading teams in multinational companies such as Adidas, he oversees business operations.
We will be staying at the Hotel Viura in the Rioja Alavesa region for the first 3 days. It is located in the Southern Basque Country. We will cycle among the vineyards, rolling hills. This region is known for producing high-quality red wines with fuller bodies and higher acidity. Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of Rioja’s three sub-regions, characterized by its unique terroir, influenced by climate, soil, and topography.
The next 4 days we will transfer to our hotel Antsotegi. Located in in a peaceful rural setting in the interior of Biscay (Basque Country) Antsotegi is a charming hotel with 15 beautiful rooms, all distinct and adapted with due respect to the building’s original structure, a former medieval forge that was closed in the early 19th century. The small mill that forms part of the site remained in operation until the 1950s. Basque cuisine is a rich tapestry woven with threads of the ocean and the mountains, with each area highlighting its unique resources while also sharing common culinary traditions and a deep respect for quality ingredients.
Food & Wine
Rioja Alavesa’s gastronomy is deeply intertwined with its wine culture, featuring hearty dishes that pair well with the region’s renowned red wines. Typical dishes include lamb chops grilled over vine shoots, “Patatas a la Riojana” (potatoes with chorizo), and “Menestra de Verduras” (a vegetable stew), Codfish prepared in a Riojan-style tomato sauce and fresh white beans stewed with quail. The area also boasts fresh produce like artichokes, peppers, and asparagus, which are featured in many local specialties.
Basque cuisine is a rich tapestry woven with threads of the ocean and the mountains, with each area highlighting its unique resources while also sharing common culinary traditions and a deep respect for quality ingredients. Inland areas, with their mountains and valleys, prioritize dishes based on meat, especially lamb, veal, and beef. Due to its proximity to the Bay of Biscay, coastal areas heavily feature fresh fish and seafood in their dishes. This includes Hake, sea bream, spider crab, and cuttlefish. Seafood stews are also an important part of the Basque cuisine.
The primary wines are the Rioja red wines made from Tempranillo grapes often blended with granacha grapes. The Txakoli white wines are primarily from the Hondarrabi Zuri grapes. They are dry white wines with a slight effervescence and pair very well with seafood.
We will visit Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega y Luis Cañas en Rioja Alavesa y Berroja en la zona de Urdaibai.
Bodega Luis Canas, located in Villabuena de Alava in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, traces its origins back to 1928 and its wines were transported by mule to Bilbao and San Sebastian. In 1970 Luis Cañas began bottling his wines, marking a significant shift. Under the leadership of his son, Juan Luis Cañas, the winery embraced modernization and sustainable practices. Luis Cañas has a strong to cycling culture. The Orbea Gravel Rioja Alavesa event threads through the region with one of the course support station at Bodega Luis Cañas.
Guides
Marco Saligari
Marco Saligari
Marco started racing at the age of twelve, competing in the youth categories, obtaining good results and several victories and participating in the World Championship in Colorado Springs in 1986.
He turned professional at age 22 in 1987, and after 12 years he ended his career in 1998.
He participated in 10 Giro D’Italia, 4 Tour de France and in all the most important international classics races.
He won 3 stages of the Giro D’Italia, Sondrio 1992, Caserta 1993 and Valle Varaita 1994. Marco won the Tour di Suisse 1993 .
After finishing his career as a cyclist he became Sports Director of the Belgian LANDBOUWKREDIET team where he managed Jaroslav Popovyc. At the same time he began his career as a television commentator.
He worked for Swiss television at Eurosport. In recent years he worked for the Italian network, RAI. While at RAI he commentated on the motorbike at several Giro D’Italia and many of the classic Italian races. He also commentated in studio at the most prestigious races in the world.
In the cycling world he is known by his nickname COMMISSARIO for his curiosity as a rider and commentator.
Marco has had a leadership position with Willie’s World Cycling since 2014. Over the years he has become a friend of many of our guests because of his pleasant personality and commitment to personal service. He is married to Marialuisa (Lella) and they have two children, Martina and Giacomo.
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Willie Joffroy
Willie Joffroy
Founder & President
I combine nearly 30 years of experience in international logistics planning with a quarter-century of cycling experience in Italy. My expertise allows Willie’s World Cycling to offer some of the finest cycling tour experiences in Italy. From the choice of simple elegance and intimacy in accommodations, to the delectable regional cuisine of carefully chosen local chefs, (we) my wife Margarita and I impart international style and pay careful attention to detail.
I accompany every Willie’s World Cycling tour, sharing the extensive knowledge I have gleaned from 25 years of cycling in Italy. This storehouse of information includes: Italy’s premier cycling regions, scenic wine-growing regions and small wineries, unique and private accommodations, and fine regional cuisine.
Prior to establishing Willie’s World Cycling, I spent 29 years in cross-border logistics services along the U.S.-Mexico border. Throughout my business career, I have focused on providing my clients with the very best in professional and personalized service. I have instilled this commitment to the client into the values of Willie’s World Cycling.
I have been an avid cyclist for more than 35 years and regularly start my day cycling up and down Mount Lemmon, a 6,800-foot climb from my home in Tucson, Arizona. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, I have a great passion for the cycling, food, and wine unique to Italy, and take great pleasure in sharing that passion. I am a believer in the health benefits that flow from regular exercise such as cycling, fresh and wholesome local food, and fine wine. A consummate host, I make certain that each of my cycling tours inspires treasured memories.
CloseAccommodations
We will be staying at the Hotel Viura located in the Rioja Alavesa for the first 3 days. We will cycle among the vineyards and rolling hills. Hotel Viura is a 4-star avant-garde hotel located in Villabuena de Álava, surrounded by the centuries-old wineries of Rioja. Its unique architecture features whimsically stacked cubes, creating a striking visual impact. The hotel offers 35 spacious rooms with large windows, blending Brutalist concrete with Basque wood elements. Guests can enjoy wine tourism, gourmet dining, and stunning views of the Sierra de Cantabria. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views, while the wellness area offers natural treatments. Hotel Viura is a perfect destination for lovers of wine, architecture, and picturesque landscapes.
The next 4 days we will transfer to our hotel Antsotegi. Located in in a peaceful rural setting in the interior of Biscay (Basque Country), Antsotegi is a charming hotel with 15 beautiful rooms, all distinct and adapted with due respect to the building’s original structure, a former medieval forge that was closed in the early 19th century. The small mill that forms part of the site remained in operation until the 1950s. The family behind Hotel Antsotegi has a strong mountaineering background, with generations of climbers who explored peaks across Europe. Their love for adventure and nature shapes the hotel’s spirit—welcoming, rustic, and authentic. Guests feel the warmth of a family deeply connected to the mountains and Basque traditions.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Sunday, May 3
Pick up guests at Bilbao Airport at 9:30am. We will transfer to Hotel Viura in Rioja Alavesa. After a light lunch we will make final adjustments to the bike and go for a ride.
Elciego, Nájera, Briones. 61.5km and 585mt elevation gain. Dinner at hotel. -
Day 2:
Monday, May 4
Today we will ride to Labastida, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, lunch on the road.
81.8km and 1,457mt elevation gain. Dinner at a restaurant. -
Day 3:
Tuesday, May 5
Today we will ride to Lapuebla, Logroño, Fuenmayor, lunch on the road.
80km and 888mt elevation gain. Dinner at hotel. -
Day 4:
Wednesday, May 6
Transfer to Hotel Antsotegi, rest day. Dinner at hotel
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Day 5:
Thursday, May 7
Today we will ride to Lekeitio, Ondarroa. Lunch on the road.
60km and 915mt elevation gain. Dinner at a restaurant -
Day 6:
Friday, May 8
Today we will ride to Urdaibai Biosphere.
71.2km and 1,362mt elevation gain. Dinner at a restaurant. -
Day 7:
Saturday, May 9
Today we will ride to Balcónde Bizkaia, Berrojawinery
64km and 1,237mt elevation gain. Dinner at hotel. -
Day 8:
Sunday, May 10
Transfer to Bilbao Airport to arrive before 12:00 noon.
Pricing
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Included:
4 to 5 cycling guides and van support
Lodging 7 nights
All breakfasts
All lunches
All dinners
Wine pairings with dinners
Wine tastings as part of the tourCycling kit (jersey and shorts)
Energy bars and water on bike rides
Cycling guide, driver, and mechanic services
Tips for cycling guidesNot included:
Airfare
Non-tour hotels
Any rental car or train service you may use outside of tour activities.
Any purchases of a personal nature including bar and hotel mini-bar.Cooking Class for non-cyclists or cyclists if requested at least 6 weeks before the tour.
Any incidental expenses associated with non-cycling activities, such as, cost of guide, museum entry fees, spa services, archaeological site entry fees, etc.
Laundry service at hotel
Post ride massage if availablePlease see instructions below for payment by check. Please contact us for Wire Transfer instructions & ZELLE account notification . We do not accept payment by PayPal.
Credit card payments will have an additional 3% fee for USA transactions and a 4.5% fee for international transactions.Payment Instructions:
Willie’s World Cycling prefers payment by check payable to:
Willie’s World Cycling LLC
4231 E. Pontatoc Canyon Dr.
Tucson, Arizona 85718
A *non-refundable deposit is required in the amount of $1,000 with the balance to be paid in full 60 days before the start date of the tour unless otherwise noted. Tour prices are based on double occupancy per cyclist or non-cyclist. A single occupancy supplement may apply to those traveling alone and requesting their own room. Please make checks payable to Willie’s World Cycling or pay via wire transfer. If your party includes a non-cyclist, please notify us when you register and submit your deposit so we can begin planning stimulating and rewarding activities while cyclists are on the road.
Our prices are in U.S. Dollars and are based on exchange rates in effect at the time of publication. While we make every effort to avoid adding surcharges, Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to do so should the U.S. Dollar lose substantial value against the Euro.
After your deposit is received, you will be sent more information regarding the sizing for your bicycle, liability waiver, and general information that will be helpful for your visit to the Basque Country.
We recommend obtaining travel or trip cancellation insurance. Please speak to your travel agent for further assistance.
Willie’s World Cycling reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. We will refund any payment received by Willie’s World Cycling which will constitute full settlement.
Although we make every effort to contract the very best in outside services, we do not guarantee services provided by third parties.
Preparation:
Please make sure you have a valid passport.We count on our clients to ensure they are healthy and adequately fit for this tour. This tour is rated Activity Level C Challenging.
*Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are non-refundable if a guest cancels. If the guest signs up for a tour during the year of the cancelled tour or the following year then the deposit will be credited to the tour. After 1 full year the deposit is forfeited to Willie’s World Cycling. Final payments are not refundable. Exceptions to this policy will be considered in cases of illness or family emergency45 Days or less: Cancellation charge of 100% of the total cost of the tour
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