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Your guides for this tour will be Pablo (+34) 677 35 65 86, Stephane (+34) 611 68 97 2) and Jean Paul (+593) 99 518 3888.
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard for each individual guest is 7.5-10% tip of the trip price at the end of the tour. Local currency is preferred.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Your insurance policy number is xxx. You can find your insurance documents here.
Click here for our packing suggestions for a guided bike tour.
In order to ensure that there is enough space for everyone to travel comfortably in the van, we ask that you bring only one standard hold luggage size suitcase and one rucksack per person.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Sunday, September 7th. Madrid.
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Welcome to Madrid, and the start of your La Vuelta bike tour!
Arrival at leisure in Madrid. You can check into the hotel from 3pm.
Today, we’ll enjoy some free time to get to know Spain’s elegant capital.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Madrid.
Visit one of the galleries that make up Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”: the classical Prado (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm, and Sun 10am – 7pm), the modernist Reina Sofia (open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 10am – 2:30pm), or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a former former private collection (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm and Mon 12pm – 4pm).
Make a selfie stop at some of Madrid’s most legendary landmarks: Plaza Mayor, the elegant arcaded square that has been at the centre of madrileño life for centuries; Plaza del Sol, where you can visit the iconic bear and strawberry tree statue and the Km 0 plaque, the origin of all Spain’s roads and the exact geographic centre of Spain; Gran Vía, Madrid’s buzzing central street, full of shops and theatres; and the imposing Puerta de Alcalá, which once marked the entrance to the city.
Explore the Royal Palace, the biggest in Europe (open Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 10am – 4pm).
Next door, visit Madrid’s unique cathedral (open daily 10am – 8:30pm), whose construction spanned more than a century and was only completed in 1993!
Take a stroll in the elegant Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Catch at art exhibition at the striking Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat for a romantic cruise on the lake, or visit the peacocks in the “secret garden” named after architect Cecilio Rodriguez.
Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar and restaurant (open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm).
Discover Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple! Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was transferred to Madrid, brick by brick in the 1970s.
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday morning, we recommend a trip to El Rastro market (open Sun 9am – 3pm) to hunt for treasures and soak up the lively atmosphere!
Enjoy a Spanish-style tapas crawl at one of the local hotspots: laid-back Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, Calle de las Huertas in the historic Barrio de las Letras, or trendy Calle Ponzano in Chamberí.
For a fun local experience, grab lunch or dinner at one of Madrid’s renovated gastromarkets. The elegant Mercado San Miguel, which is located right by Plaza Mayor, is the most famous, and we also recommend Mercado Ildefonso, Mercado San Antón or Mercado Anton Martín.
Try traditional Castilian fare at the oldest restaurant in the world! Sobrino de Botín has been in continuous operation since 1725 (open daily 1pm – 4pm/8pm – 11:30pm).
Sample excellent fusion cooking in a laid-back, traditional setting at La Castela (open Mon – Sat 12:30pm – 5pm/8pm – 12:30am).
Enjoy excellent seafood at Pescadería & Club Fisherman’s, located in the trendy Ibiza district.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of Madrid’s 27 Michelin star restaurants.
Visit one of Madrid’s “tabernas centenarias”: the title awarded to restaurants and taverns that have been in continuous operation for at least a century, and often two! Some of our favourites are Bodega La Ardosa, Casa Alberto and Casa del Abuelo. For a sweet treat, visit La Mallorquina, a bakery that dates back to 1894!
For an immersive historical experience, visit La Venencia, a unique bar that only serves sherry, where the waiters will likely write your order on the bar in chalk and where cameras are banned: a tradition dating back to the bar’s popularity with spies during the Spanish Civil War!
Ranked multiple times among the best bars in the world, modern cocktail spot Salmon Guru is a great place to celebrate your bike trip with an amazingly creative concoction!
As a land-locked city, Madrid has for centuries prided itself on its ability to obtain top-quality seafood through sheer purchasing power! To this day, fresh seafood is auctioned in coastal cities in the very early hours of the morning and rushed to Madrid to be sold in markets and served in bars and restaurants. For this reason, one of Madrid’s signature dishes is the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich). Try this madrileño staple at one of the famous bars near Plaza Mayor (we like Bar Postas and La Campana), or at Bar El Brillante near the Reina Sofia Museum.
One of Spain’s most cherished traditions (and particularly in Madrid) is la hora del vermut: vermouth o’clock! Traditionally, Spaniards enjoy their vermouth pre-lunch, between 12pm and 2pm, although in recent years la hora del vermut has extended to most of the day. Our favourite spot to indulge in this tradition is at Casa Labra near Sol, where vermouth is paired with delicious cod, served in croquetas and as deep-fried bites. Don’t be afraid of the frequently long queues, they move quickly!
When visiting Madrid in winter, you can’t miss one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes: cocido a la madrileña. Every madrileño has fond memories of their grandmother cooking this hearty stew of vegetables, chickpeas, chorizo and pork, which is traditionally served as two or three courses: first the broth, then the vegetables and then the meat. Two of our favourite spots to try cocido are Taberna Malacatín and Taberna La Bola, both family-run establishments that have been in operation for over two centuries.
For the most daring, a very traditional side to madrileño cuisine is casquería: offal! These dishes date back to the hard times in Madrid’s history, and one of the most popular variations is callos: a stew of strips of tripe,chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage). For a really authentic experience, try callos along with caracoles (snails) at Restaurante Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles.
No trip to Spain would be complete without churros con chocolate! The most traditional spot for churros in Madrid is at Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving up churros (thin deep-fried dough) and porras (fat deep-fried dough) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, since 1894!
One of the most unique snack experiences in Madrid is buying cookies from an “invisible” nun! For centuries, Spain’s cloistered monasteries and convents have funded themselves by selling baked goods, a tradition that still persists today. Ring the bell at the Convento Carboneras (located right behind the Bike Spain Tours office!) between the hours of 9:30am – 1pm/4:30pm – 6:30pm, and place cash on the torno (rotating wall) to buy cookies baked by the nuns themselves!
Monday, September 8th. Baiona
Route: 14 km/8.7 miles
Elevation: +143 m/+469 ft
Accommodation: Parador de Baiona
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception by 8:30am so our van can collect it and transfer it to Ourense.
10am: Your guide, Pablo, will pick you up from the hotel reception and accompany you to Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station. In case of any issues, please call Pablo on (+34) 677 35 65 86.
11:17am: Train departs from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor station. You can access your train tickets here.
1:39pm: Train arrives into Ourense station. Your Bike Spain Tour guides will pick you up from the station and transfer you to your hotel in Baiona.
We’ll take some time to explore Baiona’s atmospheric historic centre and quaint fishing port. The town’s most important historic building is the Castelo de Monterreal, a medieval fortress that still retains the cannons once used to defend the town from pirates, and which offers fabulous views over the bay from the parapet. Nowadays, it is a luxury hotel; our hotel for the night, in fact!
Later, we’ll carry out the bike fitting and tour welcome briefing. Next, we’ll take our bikes out for a spin before getting to know each other over a delicious dinner.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Baiona.
Take a stroll around the seafront old town, exploring the corridor-like streets full of traditional palaces, built by Galicians who made their fortune in the New World centuries ago.
Baiona was, in fact, the first port in Europe to hear the news of the discovery of America, when La Pinta arrived there on 1st March 1492. A replica of this famous ship can still be visited in the port today (open daily 10:30am – 1pm/4:30pm – 7pm) as well as a sculpture dedicated to the historic encounter between the two worlds.
If your legs are up to it, we recommend the short hike up to the 17m tall sculpture of the Virxe da Roca, where you can ascend the spiral stairs and admire the views from the boat in the virgin’s right hand (open daily 11am – 2pm/4pm – 9pm).
You can also spend some time relaxing on the beach after your cycle ride.
Tuesday, September 9th. Baiona.
Route: 96.8 km/60.1 miles
Elevation: +1772 m/+5813 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 16: Poio > Mos. Castro de Herville
Accommodation: Parador de Baiona
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Our first route starts with a climb out of Baiona along a road that offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, before continuing southward,along one of the wildest and most scenic stretches of Spain’s Atlantic coastline. On clear days, keep an eye out to sea—you may catch a glimpse of the Cíes Islands on the horizon.
Further down the coast, we’ll pass by the Monastery of Santa María de Oia, an impressive 12th-century beachfront monastery. As we near A Guarda, watch for the old cetáreas along the coast—stone rockpools that were once used to store live shellfish until market time. A Guarda itself is a charming medieval village, which still retains many of its original colourful fishermen’s houses.
From A Guarda, the route follows the dramatic Atlantic shoreline, wrapping around the base of the majestic Monte de Santa Tegra. As we round the headland, we’ll begin to trace the edge of the Ría de Miño, where the Miño River meets the Atlantic. The estuary here is wide and peaceful, with views across to Portugal on the opposite shore.
From the estuary, we turn north at Tomiño, leaving the Atlantic coastline behind and following the gentle curves of the Miño River inland. The road here is quiet and shaded in parts, lined with verdant vineyards and small farms that give a glimpse into the region’s rural life.
Continuing toward O Porriño, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating, with occasional short climbs that reward you with panoramic views of the river valley.
From O Porriño, a short climb leads to the Castro de Herville, an ancient hilltop settlement surrounded by forest, and the finish point of today’s La Vuelta stage! We’ll head to the VIP finish area and cheer on the peloton as they arrive.
Afternoon at leisure in Baiona.
Wednesday, September 10th. Valladolid
Route: 59.1 km/36.7 miles
Elevation: +1429 m/+4688 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Juan de Austria
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
We’ll begin today with a short transfer to Mondariz-Balneario, a town famed for its thermal spa heritage.
Leaving Mondariz behind, the route rolls gently through patchwork fields and small forests. The roads here are quiet, offering uninterrupted views of Galicia’s lush countryside. Keep an eye out for old stone bridges and the occasional watermill, reminders of the region’s rural history.
Next, gentle hills open up to wide valleys dotted with farmhouses and orchards. Passing Carballeira, the landscape alternates between open farmland and shaded woodland lanes.
Approaching Camposancos, the road narrows, taking you along gently winding paths that lead to San Xusto. Here, the countryside begins to hint at the nearby river valleys, with glimpses of the distant hills creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
From San Xusto, the route continues via Serantes and Leiro, where small villages with rustic charm provide the sense of timeless Galician life. A highlight along this stretch is the Monasterio de San Clodio, an ancient monastery with origins dating back to the 10th century. Its historic architecture and serene gardens make it a perfect spot for a short pause and a few photos.
The ride concludes at Pazo de Toubes, an elegant restaurant with its own winery, set in a traditional Galician manor.
From here, we’ll travel by van to Valladollid, ahead of tomorrow’s time trial.
Explore some of Valladolid’s historic highlights: the central Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s oldest main squares; the famously unfinished Cathedral of Valladolid (climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area); and the Church of Santa María La Antigua, a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic church with a distinctive tower.
Those interested in Spain’s literary history can pay a visit to Casa de Cervantes, once home to Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, widely regarded as the world’s very first novel.
History fans will also enjoy the Museo de Valladolid, which covers the city’s history from Roman times onward.
If art is more your thing, check out Museo Patio Herreriano, where you can admire an extensive collection of modern Spanish art, housed in a beautiful old monastery.
Thursday, September 11th. Valladolid
Route: 101.4 km/63 miles
Elevation: +995 m/+3265 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 18: Valladolid > Valladolid
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Juan de Austria
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s stage is a time trial in the historic city of Valladolid, a lively university town with an impressive architectural heritage. We’ll enjoy a scenic loop through the countryside of Valladolid, finishing with the time trial, before heading to the VIP area to cheer on our favourites as they cycle the very same route!
Leaving the city, our route heads southwest toward Ciguñela, where open fields of golden cereal crops stretch to the horizon, giving a first taste of the vast Castilian plains.
Cycling through Robladillo, the landscape remains gently rolling, dotted with traditional farmhouses and small copses of oak and pine. The quiet roads make for a peaceful ride, with the occasional flock of sheep or tractor.
From here, the scenery alternates between farmland and small vineyards, interspersed with historic stone walls and country chapels. Here, the expansive sky and wide horizons give a sense of the vast Castilian countryside.
From Castrodeza, the route heads north, where small villages blend history and modernity. Keep an eye out for Fuensaldaña, dominated by its imposing medieval castle perched on a hill, which offers a striking landmark against the open plains.
The route returns to Valladolid along gently rolling fields, offering glimpses of the city’s skyline as you approach.
Friday, September 12th. Segovia
Route: 36.1 km/22.4 miles
Elevation: +262 m/+860 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 19: Rueda > Guijuelo
Accommodation: Parador de Segovia
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, laundry, garden
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Today, we’ll be watching the start of the stage in Rueda! We’ll cycle from our hotel to the start of the stage, and use our VIP passes to join in with the behind-the-scenes excitement before the beginning of the day’s stage, taking selfies with our favourite pro cyclists and chatting to their teams.
After seeing off the peloton, we’ll travel by van to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia. Here, we can visit the impressive Roman acqueduct, which was in use from the first century AD up to 1973; the enormous Gothic Cathedral; and the Alcázar Castle, said to have inspired Walt Disney!
Saturday, September 13th. Madrid
Route: 68.4 km/42.5 miles
Elevation: +1558 m/+5112 ft
La Vuelta: Stage 20: Robledo de Chavela > Bola del Mundo. Puerto de Navacerrada
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, we’ll enjoy a beautiful cycling route in the province of Segovia. We’ll discover the Palacio Real de Riofrío, constructed in the 18th century and still in use today by the Spanish Royal family. The palace is surrounded by some 600 hectares of forest, making for a very pleasant cycle ride.
Next, we’ll enjoy some beautiful cycling through the fairytale villages and tranquil pine forest of the mountains of Madrid before tackling the final climb up to the Puerto de Navacerrada, a La Vuelta favourite, having featured in the race no fewer than 34 times in the race’s history!
Once in Navacerrada, we’ll watch the nail-biting finish from the VIP section, before heading down into Madrid ahead of tomorrow’s grand final!
Sunday, September 14th. Madrid
La Vuelta: Stage 21: Alalpardo > Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Goya
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Last day party!
Today is the day of the grand final. We’ll spend the morning at leisure in Madrid. In the afternoon, the party begins!
3:30pm: Our private Bike Spain Tours space in the luxury Neptuno VIP area, located in Plaza de Cibeles (around 20 minutes from your hotel on foot), will be open from 3:30 – 7pm. We’ll enjoy an open bar all afternoon, as well as a buffet of gourmet snacks (don’t eat too much before arriving!). From our VIP area, we’ll enjoy premium views of the race finish and the podium.
Monday, September 15th
Departure day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our services will come to an end.
We hope that you had a wonderful La Vuelta experience with us!
