LEGENDARY PASSES OF THE PYRÉNÉES
- Day 1 Arrival. You will be greeted at Bilbao Airport and transferred to our 4-star luxury hotel in the hills above the coast. Lunch is provided as we assist in bike assembly and get guests checked in. Our introductory ride takes us along the dramatic Basque coast. Dinner is with chef Aitor Arguinzoniz, renowned for the exceptional quality of his ingredients and his unique method of cooking over an open grill. Perhaps the most unique dining experience in the Basque Country! Ride distance: 35 miles. Overnight: Getaria/Hotel Iturregi
- Day 2 Our tour begins on the Basque coast, as we ride parts of the Clasica San Sebastian course, including the Alto de Garate which leads us to the Bay of Biscay and the famed Monte Jaizkibel, the major climb in the Clasica. We’ll then scale the Puerto de Oxtondo and the Col d’Izpeguy, regular climbs in the training regimen of Miguel Indurain, in the foothills of Navarra and our hotel-five luxury villas, each a display of traditional Basque architecture. The Alain Ducasse-inspired cuisine of Cedric Roubin is matched by the stunning views from the dining room. Ride distance: 71 miles. Overnight: Bidarray/Auberge Ostapé
- Day 3 Our second stage takes us over the impressively scenic and challenging Col de Burdincurutcheta and the Col Bagargui and deep into the Vallee de Soulee and the tiny village of Barcus. Our stay is highlighted by the cuisine of Chef/owner Pierre Chilo. Ride distance: 68 miles. Overnight: Barcus/Hotel Chilo
- Day 4 Today’s ride takes us into the higher Pyrenees. Our first climb is the Col de Marie-Blanque, before taking on the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Soulor. We finish in the village of St. Savin in the shadow of the Tourmalet, and enjoy dinner with Chef Francois St. Martin. Ride distance: 68 miles Overnight: St. Savin/Hotel Le Viscos
- Day 5 For those looking for a rest day or a recovery ride, there is the option to enjoy an easy day on the bike through the Gorge de Luz. If you’re looking for a more challenging day, we will ascend the Hautacam, 17 kilometers at an average grade of 6.8%. This evening we will enjoy a night on our own in the village of Argeles-Gazost.Ride distance: Multiple options offered. Overnight: St. Savin/Hotel Le Viscos
- Day 6 Today is our most challenging ride covering three passes-the Col duTourmalet, Col d’Aspin the Col de Peyresourde. These feature regularly in the Tour de France, and define the most demanding and beautiful section of the Pyrenean mountain chain. Our 4-star hotel in the town of Bagneres-du-Luchon is an oasis of comfort to recover, enjoy dinner and prepare for our final day. Ride distance: 71 miles. Overnight: Bagneres-du-Luchon/Hotel Acta
- Day 7 Our final ride takes us over the trifecta of the Col de Portillon, the Col de Mente and the Col de Portet d’Aspet. We will visit the Fabio Casartelli memorial before continuing into the Plantaurel valley and our luxury retreat in the historic village of Mirepoix. Our final celebratory dinner is in the creative hands of Chef Rogier van den Biggelaar. Ride distance: 85 miles. Overnight: Mirepoix/Relais/Royal
No comments:
Post a Comment