Basque Country to Asturias

Day 1: Bilbao – Arrival
Arrive in Bilbao and settle into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant Basque capital — wander through the atmospheric Old Quarter and sample some of the finest pintxos in Spain.

Day 2: Bilbao – Castro Urdiales (40 km; +720 m / −730 m)
You will leave Bilbao along the River Nervión, passing the shimmering Guggenheim Museum on the way out. In Getxo you will admire magnificent 19th-century villas built by Basque industrialists, then cross the river on the Puente Vizcaya, a UNESCO-listed transporter bridge dating to 1893. The coastline guides you west to the fishing port of Castro Urdiales, where a Gothic church stands watch over the pretty harbour.

Day 3: Castro Urdiales – Santoña (34 km; +515 m / −515 m)
The route follows the Cantabrian coast westward. At Sonabia, dramatic cliffs harbour a colony of griffon vultures soaring overhead. You will ride past Laredo's sweeping beach towards Santoña, famous for its prized anchovies. A short ferry crossing delivers you across the estuary, and your hotel awaits on the long sand beach of Berria.

Day 4: Santoña – Santander (49 km; +640 m / −640 m)
Heading west through green scenery of beaches and cliffs, you will reach the surfers' haven of Somo and then Pedreña, home to the legendary golf course where Severiano Ballesteros first learned to play. A boat ride across the Bay of Santander brings you to the elegant capital of Cantabria.

Day 5: Santander – Santillana del Mar (54 km; +705 m / −620 m)
You will leave Santander along the waterfront, taking in sweeping views across the bay and the golden sands of El Sardinero. The unspoilt beaches of Liencres open ahead with the Picos de Europa rising on the horizon. A fine cycle path follows the River Besaya through the pilgrims' trail of El Camino de Santiago, past the coastal village of Suances, and into the perfectly preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar.

Day 6: Santillana del Mar – San Vicente de la Barquera (36 km; +650 m / −725 m)
From Santillana you will ride through the lemon groves of Novales and on to Comillas, home to Gaudí's whimsical El Capricho. The route continues through the Oyambre Natural Park — sandy beaches, green headlands and Atlantic horizons — before reaching the charming fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera.

Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera – Llanes (47 km; +780 m / −770 m)
You will cross the headland of Pechón and ford the River Deva at Unquera, entering Asturias. In Colombres, grand villas built by returned emigrants to the Americas line the streets. The dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera accompanies you as a descent through eucalyptus forest leads to the colourful fishing village of Llanes.

Day 8: Llanes – Ribadesella (39 km; +385 m / −375 m)
The final riding day follows the spectacular Asturian coast westward. You will discover a string of hidden beaches including the remarkable landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri. The mountains of the Sierra de Cuera and the Picos de Europa rise to your left, the Atlantic stretches to your right, and the day ends in Ribadesella — a lively fishing village at the mouth of the Sella river.

Day 9: Ribadesella – Departure
Your tour ends after breakfast. Before you leave, Ribadesella's riverside promenade and the prehistoric cave paintings of Tito Bustillo are well worth a last visit.