Client quote
In 1998 my wife and I joined a bicycle tour of northern Spain organized and led by Maggie Deffense. She did both essential jobs extremely well. However, we expect that of any competent tour outfit. But we got more: Maggie's friendly, out-going personality, which made us feel like we really "belonged", that we were part of her gang of adventurers. We felt her warmth at the dinner table or "on the road", a quality that made our tour all the more memorable and leaving us with the desire for more?
Ted Hamaan, Cambridge, MA
Verde España
Santander along the Bay of Biscay and Into the beautiful Picos de Europa
This 'hideaways' tour takes us on a remarkable journey through remote, timeless and virtually unknown northern Spain. Never conquered by the Moors and seemingly untouched since the Middle Ages the Picos de Europa mountains lie only 15 kilometers from the sparkling beaches of the Bay of Biscay. This is cycling paradise: lofty snow-capped mountains and magnificent stretches of beach all wrapped up in one unforgettable tour.
Our tour begins with a visit to the world famous Guggenheim Museum of modern art in Bilbao. Then, a couple of days pedaling along the Bay of Biscay before we head south, riding through the Picos rather than over them. We wend our way through breathtaking gorges carved between massive peaks by fast rivers full of trout and salmon. Our tour also includes 2 days of walks along some of the Picos most magnificent paths and one morning spent canoeing along the Deva River. Accommodations include small quaint hotels, a manor house and a restored village in the woods.
Trip Highlights
- Loop through Europe’s smallest, and considered by many, most beautiful mountain range
- Visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao – Frank Gerhy’s architectural masterpiece on the banks of the Nervion River.
- Kayak the Picos de Europa’s pristine, crystal-clear rivers.
- Cycle through gorgeous gorges and experience a fabulous 30km (gentle) downhill ride!
- Walk one of the top ten most beautiful walks in the world, the Cares Gorge.
- Stay a night in the perfectly preserved medieval village of Santilliana del Mar, near the Altamira Caves famous for their pre-historic paintings.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Bilbao to Comillas
Morning pick up in Bilbao and on to the world famous Guggenheim Museum. After lunch, transfer to our country hotel near the seaside town of Comillas - once the summer home of Spanish royals. After the bike fittings, we'll offer a ride to admire the local noble homes and palaces. This evening we'll enjoy a special dinner at a restaurant by Gaudí, one of only three buildings outside of Catalonia designed by the architect.
Day 2
Comillas to Pechón ride of 40km / 25m
We ride south today through quiet countryside amid centuries-old farmhouses and picturesque Cantabrian villages reminiscent of Austria's Tyrol. Then, it's back to the coast for a night along the sea before starting into the Picos de Europa. Our hotel is in the postcard perfect little village of Pechón overlooking the Bay of Biscay. We'll enjoy a special paella dinner together tonight.
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Day 3
Pechón to Potes ride of 43km / 27m
This morning we cycle for a short way before a fast-moving canoe trip on the Deva river, carving its way through the Picos. Then back on our bikes and a glorious ride through the Hermida Gorge to the little mountain town of Potes for two nights in Spain's most beautiful mountain range. We'll be staying at a great family run hotel overlooking the river. Free evening to try the local flavours.
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Day 4
Potes ride & hike of 50km / 31m
Today we can either ride our bikes to the cable car at Fuente Dé (a stiff climb) or catch a lift in the van. We then take the breathtaking cable car to the top of the mountain for a great hike along mountain paths to a rustic lodge for lunch on your own and then it's back to the cable car. The views are stupendous with lofty peaks in all directions - truly a walk to remember! Dinner tonight at the excellent restaurant in the hotel.
Day 5
Potes to Riaño ride of 63km / 39m
We start the day with a 12-mile gentle climb through an area of wild and rugged mountain terrain with heart-stopping views to reach the Puerto de San Glorio pass. After the pass it's all downhill to Riaño and our lakeside hotel for the night. Dinner at a restaurant with an incredible wine cellar!
Day 6
Riaño to Cangas de Onis ride of 71km / 44m
Today we ride along the Sella River, down through one of the most spectacular gorges in the world on a 35km / 22m easy downhill! It is fabulous: waterfalls shrouded in ferns, eagles circling above and the lovely fish laden river rushing along below. Our hotel is right next to the medieval bridge. Dinner at a wonderful local place where we'll get a taste of how the Asturianos drink their favorite brew - hard cider!
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Day 7
Cangas de Onis to Alles ride of 60km / 37m
Heading east, we visit Covadonga where the Christians rallied for the re-conquest of Spain from the Moors - now one of the holiest sites in Spain! From there, we'll enjoy another fantastic all-day ride along a lovely gorge to a country inn set in a mountain village. There'll even be time in the afternoon to go horseback riding! Dinner at our hotel's excellent restaurant.
Day 8
Alles - hike of 12km / 8m
A day off of the bikes where we'll take a walk along the breathtaking Cares Gorge. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful walks in Spain. It was literally carved out of the mountain and follows a broad path that meanders through short tunnels and behind waterfalls as it follows the Cares River far below. The mountains rise steeply up either side providing unbelievable vistas. A well-deserved dinner at our secluded hotel.
Day 9
Alles to Santillana del Mar ride of 30km / 19m
Today we'll have a short ride along the Deva River to its estuary and the seaside town of San Vincente where we'll transfer to Santillana del Mar. Frozen in time, Santillana is an unbelievably pretty walled town that has lost none of its charm and beauty. We'll arrive in plenty of time for sightseeing after checking into the wonderful stone and rough-hewn beamed hotel in the center of the village. Tonight we'll enjoy a special farewell dinner together.
Trip Details
Verde España
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| Dates: |
16-7-2010 to 25-7-2010 |
| Price: |
€2480 |
| Single Supplement: |
€400 |
| Duration: |
9 NIGHTS/ 10 DAYS |
| Included: |
all breakfasts, 7 dinners w/ wine + more |
| Accommodation: |
Luxury B&B, Boutique Hotels |
| Daily Mileage: |
51 km / 32 miles daily average |
| Activity Level: |
Easy |
| Tour Interests: |
Hiking, Kayaking, Outdoors, Bilbao |