Tour
Total tour distance: 230 miles
Daily tour distance: 40 miles
Difficulty: 50 / 100
Description
We are glad to add Explorer type self-guided, but a SAG van supported and a driver guided tours to our regular all-inclusive tours for hard-core cyclists.
We offer you to explore the “Green Spain” Cantabria and Asturias by bike:
Ride the coast, green valleys, and climb up to Lagos de Covadonga – the most spectacular National Park in Spain
Visit charming Spanish villages, and explore lively port city of Santander, capital of Asturias – Oviedo, and exciting city of Bilbao
Enjoy Spanish hospitality while having traditional tapas, delicious sea food and natural cider
All transfers, luggage transportation, accommodations, support van, services of our driver are provided from professionals of HC Bike Tours
The tour is perfect for recreational cyclists, allthough it’s easy to make it into a real hard-core trip by adding Alto del Angliru and other legendary climbs of Vuelta a España to every days` rides
Accomplish in total 230+ mi / 360+ km in total
A special group discount is available for groups of 4 persons or more.
Call us on +1 650 319 8824 or email us to get a quote or if you have any questions.
Would you like to make this tour private? Go to Custom Group Cycling Tour page and indicate your wishes or simply send us an email.
---What's included---
8 days / 7 nights a SAG van and our driver supported tour
All transfers and ground transportation including pick-up/drop-off at the airport
Support vehicle during the ride
Our van and driver at your disposal during and after the rides
All luggage transportation between hotels
All accommodation fees in a double or triple room (2-3 star hotels or B&B)
All breakfasts
On-road supplements: fresh fruit, snacks, and water
Services of HC Bike Tours professional English speaking staff
Mechanic assistance
Maps for the tours
Holidays preparation advice
Non-riders take the daily rides with the riders in a SAG van and enjoy beauty of the magnificent country
---What's not included---
Airfare
Travel and personal insurance (recommended)
Additional hotel expenses, i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, drinks, gratuities, laundry, coffe stops
Lunches and dinners (on-road supplements are included)
Rental bike (available for an additional fee)
---Tour itinerary---
---Day 1---
Welcome to Spain!
HC Bike Tours’ team will meet you at the airport. From there, you will be provided with the transfer to Santander. A bit later, our team will help you to set up your bicycles. If possible, we will take off for a warm-up ride around Santander in the afternoon.
Visit lively Santander and its Península de la Magdalena and spectacular beach - Playa del Sardinero. Tapas time! We recommend to have great dinner at one of the traditional Spanish restaurants in the old city of Santander.
Distance 20-50 km
---Day 2---
Let’s start to explore the Green Spain
Santander – Santillana del Mar - Comillas
We will leave Santander in the morning and head to historical village of Santillana del Mar - a picturesque town in Cantabria. Definitely we make stop here to have a coffee and simply to go around the village. A bit later, our way heads to another beautiful village of Comillas with its interesting architecture. Dinner – it’s time for seafood.
Distance 60-70 km
---Day 3---
From the coast into the mountains
Comillas - Gorge of La Hermida - Potes
We start our day with the ride along the sea and turn into the mountains. Gorge of La Hermida – must ride roads in Cantabria. We finish our ride in historical village of Potes. The area is surrounded by spectacular mountains, with running streams and rivers.
Distance 60 km
---Day 4---
Long downhill and spectacular views of the sea
Potes – Llanes
Nice warm-up going down through the same Gorge of La Hermida to the coast. Our goal – small village Llanes in Asturias at the sea and its gorgeous Bufones de Pria. The coast looks simply amazing. You will love it. Let us guide you through the village and have great dinner. It’s up to you to have more tapas or better fabada - traditional bean stew of Asturias.
Distance 60-70 km
---Day 5---
Back into the mountains
Llanes – Cangas de Onis
We will start our ride along the sea to a village of Ribadesella. We stop to see Cuevona de Cuevas (beautiful caves) and start to climb gently up to Cangas de Onis. This historical town was the first capital of the kingdom of Asturias. The road to Picos de Europa starts exactly from there. Short guided walk in the town is up to us tonight.
Distance 50-60 km
---Day 6---
Picos de Europa…
Cangas de Onis – Picos de Europa (Lagos de Cavadonga) – Cangas de Onis
It’s fantastic climb to Picos de Europa and its lakes - Lagos de Cavadonga. It’s long ~20 km, but it will be a fun ride down afterwards. The Picos is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges and parks in Spain. You will be amazed by beauty of this area. No rush for today. You choose your own pace to go up.
Distance 40-50 km
---Day 7---
Enjoy the last day on a bike
Cangas de Onis – Gijon
This is our last day on bikes and it will be a long day. We start our day climbing to Mirador del Fito (optional - drive in the van). The views from the top of that climb is simply incredible. We are sure you won’t regret it. The rest of the route is demanding with two smaller climbs on our way, but you will do it! Our goal is to reach the port of Gijon. After visit of Gijon, we will transport you to the capital city of Asturias – Oviedo. A walk through its beautiful old town and delicious meal will be a perfect finish of your cycling holidays.
Distance 80-90 km
---Day 8---
Hasta luego Spain…
We will transport you to the airport or a hotel in the morning. Optional, if you still be ready to ride, we can plan a short ride or, better, climb l’Agliru?! – the hardest climb in Europe, in the morning.