THE IGNATIAN WAY

Let the pilgrimage begin.

Book Now

Taking an ancient path to find new things.

A largely unknown route in Spain that goes from one hotbed of cycling to another. Start in the culinary heaven that is San Sebastian and ride to the Spanish capital of cycling, Girona. See rural Spain up close and personal and get away from the masses on this stunning route.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrive in Pamplona and get checked into the hotel. We meet at 6pm for a trip overview before going out for pintxos on the lively Calle San Nicholas.

Day 2

We start our journey by riding north to San Sebastian (Donostia) via a converted railway with more than 20 tunnels. The route begins on tarmac and about 26 miles in we jump on the gravel railway for a super scenic ride through the Foothills of the Pyrenees. On the outskirts of Donostia we jump back on the road and wind our way into the city. We arrive early enough to shower and then explore the shops and bars before we have dinner.

Day 3

There are 2 ride options today. The more avid cyclists can do a 70ish mile route that winds its way through lush valleys and over climbs made famous in the Vuelta España and Pais Vasco. Those that want a little more free time to explore Donostia can opt for a route that takes in 2 of the most famous climbs in the area, Jazkibel and Castille Ingles. Tonight’s dinner is in the hills overlooking the city in a local eatery no other tourists will see.

Day 4

Let the Pilgrimage begin! We leave Donostia via one of the most cycled routes in the Basque Country. After a coffee stop in Getaria we roll up into the hills. We stop in San Ignaciano’s hometown of Loyola and pick up our credentials, this is the official start of the Pilgrimage. The photo opportunities are almost endless as we pass quaint farms, twisting rivers, and majestic peaks. We finish in the mountain town of Onati and stay in a gorgeous little hotel where we also have dinner.

Day 5

Today we make our way to The Rioja. Starting in Onati we take in a few hills and start to leave the mountains behind. Going over the final climb before the thrilling descent to Laguardia, the entire Rioja Valley is laid out before us. We stop for a bit in Lapoblacion to take in the views and grab a few photos. Tonight we’re in the charming town of Laguardia where we go for a wine tasting and dine in the elegant dining room of our hotel.

Day 6

After about 10 miles of riding, we pass through the capital of Rioja, Logrono. The route is a fun mix of gravel and tarmac as we roll through the valley. We pass through small farming communities and stop along the way to chat with the workers and grab a coffee and a pintxo. We’re getting into the area that is the habitat of many different bird species. For the next few days there will be tons of storks and birds of prey in the skies around us.

Day 7

More farms, more birds, many rabbits, and the occasional family of foxes share the landscape with our rolling bunch of travelers. We continue through some of the Spanish “Big Sky Country” and the vibes are strong. Something about the area seems to fill us with a mixture of awe and calm. It’s a great way to live out here on the bike enjoying all that is around us. This region really makes you feel that. Ending in the bustling city of Zaragoza with its Moorish Cathedral contrasted by some amazing modern art we get ready for our chill day tomorrow.

Day 8

Layover day in Zaragoza. Enjoy a massage, some shopping, or just sleep in and have a lazy day of relaxation. A visit to the afore mentioned Cathedral is also a great idea.

Day 9

Today there are options. Ride the 100 miles to Lleida, go halfway and grab a shuttle in the van, or just take another day of recovery and ride in the van. Taking the van might be a great option because it will give you time to enjoy the Parador we stay in this evening, and to explore Lleida a bit. The ride is a rolling hill route with great territorial views from the tops of the hills. With a very interesting lunch in a truck stop halfway there.

Day 10

Leaving the rolling farmlands we get into some forested roads and more substantial hills today. The scenery is changing and the eco system is as well. The wild flowers are exploding with color and all of the rivers are full and flowing. it’s so lush you can almost taste it. We are well into our journey and by this time the group has figured out its pace and the tempo of the days. As a guide, I love it when you can see the travelers gel into a group. We stay in a very cool hotel in Igualada that used to be a tannery, it’s been renovated and modernized in some very cool ways. Make sure to have extra film in your camera tonight!

Day 11

One of the most scenic routes you will ever ride is the road up to Monserrat. Towering rock formations, expansive views and a super fun palmares make this day special. We stop at the monastery long enough for a coffee and a few pictures and then we leave the tourist masses behind and get back to our peaceful journey. We stop in Manresa to get our Compostela for completing the Pilgrimage before we back track a couple of miles to our lodging. Tonight we stay in super modern cabins at a local vineyard. Of course, that means a wine tasting and tour of the bodega. Make sure you pack light so you have room to bring a bottle or two home with you.

Day 12

Adventure day! It is the second word after-all. What a great route. Forested climbs, river crossings, and smooth downhills make this a great day on the bike. We stop for lunch at in a small town at a great little restaurant. The super nice wait staff make us feel like locals and the food is amazing. I always get a little bitter-sweet at this point because I know we’re close to the end and I just want to keep riding together.

Day 13

Another crazy amazing route! This day is so fun. We pass back through Manresa and continue our extended pilgrimage to the cycling capital of the world, Girona. Tiny farm roads and dirt tracks lead us to a dam where we connect to a road system that follows the edge of a reservoir giving us a thrill ride with expansive views. So many pictures to take….. We jump on one of the many dedicated cycle paths to travel the last few miles into Girona. Look at all of the bikes! Look at all of the pros! So awesome to be in a place that is so vibrant with cyclists. Our lodging will have you wanting to move in and live out your days in Catalunya.

Day 14

Options! You can have an epic day and take the route out to the coast and back, You can do a shorter ride that has one of the most famous climbs in Girona. You can chill at the house and enjoy the vibes. Or, you can go into Girona and explore the city. All are great options and can be combined into whatever day you want to have.

Day 15

Departure Day. We train into Barcelona and jump on our flights home. Thank you for a journey like no other!

“Discovering new places by bike on this ancient path showed me more about myself, what I want in life.”

— Jose Mari