Main Information
Ride Across the Pyrenees with SFIDA Cycling
Cycle across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea on an unforgettable point-to-point journey.
Starting in the Basque Country, we’ll head east along spectacular mountain roads.
This epic itinerary features some of the finest climbs on both sides of the Pyrenees. In France, we’ll tackle legendary Tour de France cols, including the Aubisque, Tourmalet and Peyresourde.
Crossing into Catalonia reveals a different side of the mountains, where quieter roads, outstanding food and warm hospitality accompany us towards Girona.
Along the way, we’ll ride through five distinct language regions—a vivid reflection of the Pyrenees’ cultural diversity.
We’ll spend our final night in Girona, one of Europe’s cycling capitals, with time to explore this beautiful city.
Trip Details
- Destination: France and Spain.
- Duration: 9 days / 9 nights
- Dates: 25 September–4 October 2027
- Hotels: 2- to 4-star accommodation
- Meals: All meals included
Travel Information
- Arrival airport: San Sebastián (EAS)
- Departure airport: Barcelona (BCN)
Options and Pricing
- Non-rider discount: 10%
- Rental bike: Available
- Rental e-bike: Available
- Price: €4,550.00
Ride Statistics
- Total distance: 865 km
- Total climbing: 20,750 m
- Average daily climbing: 2,300 m
- Average daily distance: 96 km
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4,550 euros pp
- Single supplement: 850 Euros
- Rental bike: 750.00 Euros
- Rental e-bike: 800.00 Euros
Own bike fee: 200 Euros. This fee applies to guests bringing their own bikes. It helps cover the additional time our mechanics and support team may need for inspection, setup, and repairs when bikes arrive in poor condition.
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Nine nights of accommodation in 2–4-star hotels.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Nine breakfasts.
- Nine lunches.
- Nine dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced ride leaders and at least one mechanic.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- 90 or more days before the trip starts: You will receive a partial refund of the trip cost, less the 800 Euros cancellation fee, any non-recoverable hotel charges, and any other costs already incurred in preparing the trip.
- Less than 60 days before the trip starts: No refund or credit is available.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, the full deposit must be paid. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until the deposit has been received.
Itinerary
After meeting the SFIDA Cycling team at San Sebastián Airport, we’ll transfer to Hondarribia, check in, enjoy lunch, and begin with a trip presentation.
In the afternoon, we’ll prepare the bikes and head out for a warm-up ride on the nearby Alto de Jaizkibel, a classic Basque climb that we’ll ride from both sides.
Route: Day 1 route.
Distance/climbing: 33 km / 960 m
Climbs: Alto de Jaizkibel from Hondarribia and Pasaia
Hotel: Hotel Jaizkibel
Leaving the Atlantic coast, we begin our journey east towards the Mediterranean Sea. Today’s route takes us through the French Basque Country, with five main climbs and a succession of shorter hills.
It is a demanding but beautiful day on quiet roads, offering a true taste of the rolling Basque landscape.
Route: Day 2 route.
Distance/climbing: 109 km / 2,640 m
Climbs: Collado Arichulegui, Alto de Agiña, Collado de Lizarrieta, Puerto de Otxondo, Puerto de Izpegui
Hotel: Hotel Pyrénées
We leave the hotel and ride through beautiful Basque landscapes before reaching the first major climbs of the trip. The Col de Bagargui is long by Basque standards, and its descent includes steep sections where caution is essential.
We then continue towards the Col de Soudet, another substantial climb. From the summit, the route descends towards Cette-Eygun on narrow Pyrenean roads that make this one of the most memorable stretches of the ride.
This is a tough stage, so steady pacing will be important throughout the day.
Route: Day 3 route.
Distance/climbing: 107 km / 3,000 m
Climbs: Col de Bagargui, Col de Soudet
Hôtel: Château d’Arance
Today we enter true Tour de France territory, riding climbs that are woven into the history of the race. Over the next three days, the climbing comes thick and fast, giving the trip the feel of a never-ending queen stage.
After leaving the hotel, we head towards the Col de Marie-Blanque, a short but steep climb near the top, before descending to Laruns. From there, we begin the mighty Col d’Aubisque, a first-category Tour de France climb.
The summit of the Aubisque is an ideal place for a food stop before we continue through the spectacular Cirque du Litor and Col du Soulor area, where cliffside roads and panoramic views make this section especially memorable.
We finish the day’s climbing with the Col des Bordères, a short but scenic climb followed by a beautiful descent, before arriving in Luz-Saint-Sauveur for the night.
Route: Day 4 route
Distance/climbing: 118 km / 2,900 m
Climbs: Col de Marie-Blanque, Col d’Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Col des Bordères
Hotel: Hotel Montaigu
The Col du Tourmalet is, without question, the most iconic climb in the Pyrenees and one of the most famous ascents in cycling.
First climbed by the Tour de France in 1910, the Tourmalet has carried more than a century of cycling history. Today we climb it from Luz-Saint-Sauveur, a rewarding and scenic ascent before descending the opposite side.
To complete this memorable stage, we climb the Hourquette d’Ancizan, one of the hidden gems of the Pyrenees and a road that often surprises riders with its beauty.
We finish the day in Saint-Lary-Soulan.
Route: Day 5 route
Distance/climbing: 70 km / 2,250 m
Climbs: Col du Tourmalet, Hourquette d’Ancizan
Hotel: Mercure Sensoria
Saint-Lary-Soulan sits in the heart of the Pyrenees, surrounded by mountains and within easy reach of some exceptional climbs.
We begin the day with the Col d’Azet, a beautiful opening climb, before descending through Val Louron and heading towards the Col de Peyresourde.
After enjoying the famous crêpes at the top of the Peyresourde, we descend to Bagnères-de-Luchon and begin the climb to the Col du Portillon, which marks the border between France and Catalonia.
We finish the stage in Arties, in the Val d’Aran region.
Route: Day 6 route.
Distance/climbing: 84 km / 2,800 m
Climbs: Col d’Azet, Col de Peyresourde, Col du Portillon
Hotel: Parador Arties
Leaving Arties, we begin the day with the long climb to the Port de la Bonaigua. The ascent starts among green valleys and gradually opens into high mountain scenery as we near the summit.
After regrouping at the top, we descend towards Sort, a lively Pyrenean town and the gateway to the next climb: the Port de Cantó.
We climb the Port de Cantó from its shorter side before descending and joining the main road towards La Seu d’Urgell, our destination for the night.
Route: Day 7 route
Distance/climbing: 118 km / 2,400 m
Climbs: Port de la Bonaigua, Port de Cantó
Hotel: Parador de la Seu d’Urgell
From La Seu d’Urgell, we ride through the Cadí Massif on quiet, scenic roads that lead us deep into this beautiful corner of Catalonia.
Little-known climbs such as the Coll de la Trava and Coll de la Josa show why this quieter side of the Pyrenees is such a rewarding place to ride.
Small towns such as Gósol and Saldes make excellent stops along the way. Gósol also has a small Picasso museum, reflecting the time the artist spent in this part of the Pyrenees in 1906.
As we continue towards Ripoll, the landscape begins to change and we gradually leave the high Pyrenees behind, drawing closer to the Mediterranean Sea.
Route: Day 8 route
Distance/climbing: 116 km / 2,565 m
Climbs: Coll de la Trava, Coll de la Josa, Coll de Merolla
Hotel: La Trobada Hotel Boutique
From Ripoll, we begin the day with the climb over the Coll de Canes, which leads us towards Olot.
Olot sits in the heart of La Garrotxa, an old volcanic region known for its distinctive landscape.
From there, we follow scenic roads towards Banyoles Lake, where we’ll pause before the final stretch of the journey.
After Banyoles, we continue to Empúries on the Mediterranean coast, marking the end of an epic ride across the Pyrenees.
Route: Day 9 route
Distance/climbing: 107 km / 1,400 m
Climbs: Coll de Canes, Coll de Caselles
Hotel: Hotel Carlemany Girona
After breakfast, we’ll transfer by van to Barcelona Airport.
We expect to arrive by 11:00, so please plan your flights accordingly.
