Kingdoms of the North Road Bike Tour – JUNE 25 Single Occupancy

We begin with a meet and greet welcome, a chance to size up your bikes to fit and take you for a spin in the direction of the Navarra Pyrenees. Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Pamplona. Afternoon pleasures include a meet and greet welcome with wine and some pinchos (what we call tapas in Northern Spain, a chance to size up your bikes to fit. We provide you with a list of our favourite restaurants and make any reservations you request. This is a non-riding day.

Food: Welcoming pinchos and wines
Ride the best portion of: Non-riding day
Sleep: Four Star Hotel & Spa ****

We will ride along the Javierada Pilgrims Way that takes us to the 10th century mediaeval castle of Javier. We follow the Irati River to the beautiful Lumbier gorge, where a vulture sanctuary ensures we will see them sailing overhead on windy spirals. Upon arrival, we will visit Javier Castle, then complete the ride to your hotel within the grounds of the Romanesque monastery in the kingdom of Navarre. Afternoon pleasures include a visit to the Leyre Monastery and the graves of the astounding mediaeval Navarre Kings, then, as the sun goes down on the monastery church we listen to the resident Benedictine monks sing Gregorian chants. We have dinner and stay in the monastery.

Food: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Ride the best portion of: Pamplona / Javier Castle / Monasterio de Leyre
Sleep: Hotel in an authentic Monastery ***
How far: approx 31 miles / 50 km.

We cycle through a landscape of beautiful almond trees and rolling hills to the mediaeval town of Sos del Rey Católico, which was founded in the year 900. Afternoon pleasures off the bike include a visit their pretty historic quarter before enjoy an excursion to the Roman ruins of Santa Criz in the middle of nature, and wine tasting at the Michelin Star menu wine winery of Bodegas Caudalia paired with spicy Navarre chorizo with the owners of the winery. We will enjoy an in-house dinner in Sos to end the day.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ride the best portions of: Monasterio de Leyre / Sos del Rey Católico
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far: approx 31 miles / 50 km.

After a top breakfast we will cycle to our accommodation, a mediaeval castle fit for a king in Olite. Along the way, we will be stopping in one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Ujué. Here is your chance to try their famous ‘migas de pastor’, shepherd’s crumbs. Afternoon pleasures include tickets to the Olite castle, one of Spain’s more interesting castles, exploring its courtyards, royal chambers and towers. Enjoy dinner on your own in the town of Olite. We provide you with a list of our favourite restaurants and make any reservations you request.

Food: Breakfast, and picnic lunch
Ride the best portions of: Sos del Rey / Ujué / Olite
Sleep: Hotel Parador Olite ****
How far: approx 31 miles / 50 km.

After a fine breakfast, we cycle through the heart of the Navarre Bardenas desert, a UNESCO desert that boasts unique formations and abruptly changing landscapes, forming canyons and plateaus moulded by a famous dry wind called the cierzo. The many layers of reds, golds, oranges and white reveal the erosion of clay, chalk and sandstone over many geological eras. Our final destination is Uncastillo, in mediaeval Aragon, the land of kings and queens, to the magical town of Uncastillo, Aragon. We visit the impressive villa where Ferdinand the Catholic was born, perhaps the most famous king in Spanish history. Take time to explore the hotel or mediaeval Uncastillo, then re-group for dinner.

Food: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Ride the best portions of: Olite / Bardenas Desert / Uncastillo
Sleep: Three Star Hotel***
How far: approx 31 miles / 50 km.

Yet another glorious day in Aragon. We will cycle to the largest Romanesque structure in Northern Spain, the Loarre Castle. There, we will visit the Loarre Castle and transfer to your hotel. We will enjoy an in-house dinner. Afternoon pleasures include a swim in the solar heated outdoor pool that boasts of spectacular views of the Riglos de Mallos red rock walls.

Food: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Ride the best portions of: Uncastillo / Murillo de Gallego / Loarre
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far: approx 31 miles / 50 km.

After a relaxing breakfast, we will transfer back to Pamplona. Our cycling journey ends with a walking visit to Pamplona, followed by lunch in the historic quarter with a culinary experience show cooking in a private gastronomy club to learn how to make and then enjoy traditional Navarran dishes. We’ll assist in arranging your transportation to the nearest airport or train station for your onward travels.

Food: Breakfast and lunch
Travel: Murillo de Gallego / Pamplona
Ride the best portions of: Non-riding day