The departure point for our epic journey is the Basque city of San Sebastian, or Donostia to the locals, which sits on the Bay of Biscay a little over 20km from the French border.

In the evening we will have a chance for the guide team and Skedaddlers to get together and sample some typical Pinchos (no tapas here!) as we wander the narrow streets of Casco Viejo, the charming historic centre of the city.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,540 Metres Approx.

The main objective today is to break your legs in gently and get over the Cordillera Cantabrica, the rolling green natural barrier that runs along the Atlantic north. The gradients are generally gentle and by the time we arrive in the lovely village of Lekunberri you will have made a significant start on your journey south.

We sneak out of central San Sebastian on an asphalt cycleway by the river before taking on a busier section through the suburbs of Astigarraga and Hernani. After leaving the coast we leave any heavy traffic behind and head out on quiet lanes with little other company than local cyclists and the occasional car as the route winds upwards alongside the Rio Umrumea.

The route passes over a series of small cols during the day, the Alto de Uitzi being the high point at 810 metres, an ideal place to have a relaxing picnic of tasty local produce. The lanes around this area are surprisingly tranquil and the views fantastic. Already the coastline feels a world away.

A last curvaceous descent brings us to the centre of the Navarran Larráun valley at the foot of the beautiful Aralar range and the pretty town of Lekunberri, our hime for the night. Our hotel is a traditional inn serving fabulous Navarran mountain cuisine and local wine.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,515 Metres Approx.

The day begins with a gentle glide down a tree lined valley before we take on the climb of the day, the crossing of the edge of the stunning Urbasa and Andina natural park.

The route passes over a series of small cols during the day, the highest being the Alto de Guembe (920m). The roads are superb and the descent out of the sierra is pure magic as it snakes down the mountainside to Estella.

Estella has a well preserved old town with a beautiful plaza major and church and is a key resting place for pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostella.

During the afternoon the terrain is more forgiving as the route heads into La Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine producing region. We’ll pass Bodegas Irache, where there’s a Fuente del Vino as well as a wine museum. Free wine pours out of a tap at the vineyard to refresh passing pilgrims, though we would advise not filling you water bottle this early in the day!

Riding past the limestone ridges of the Sierra Santiago de Loquiz to the north we enjoy a welcome gentle descent along the River Ega valley into Rioja region where wine has been a way of life for centuries. The route climbs a little on minor roads affording a great view of vineyards and the Sierra de la Demanda in the distance where we will be in a few days.

Riding through a beautiful blanket of vines, we will arrive at the Camino stage-post town of Viana and we’ll meander through lanes for the final kilometres to our destination for the evening, Logrono, the capital of Rioja.

Logrono is gaining a culinary reputation to rival anywhere in Spain and no visit to the town would be complete without a visit to Calle del Laurel which showcases the best pincho and tapas bars in the area. A great chance to go shoulder to shoulder with the locals, soak up some fantastic Riojan atmosphere and wash down local culinary delights with fruity red “˜de la tierra‘, while getting to know your riding “˜amigos’ for the journey.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,180 Metres Approx.

Our day in the saddle begins by following the Camino de Santiago. We will leave the city via the Puerta del Camino and head into the seemingly endless vineyards of Rioja; quiet, single lane strips of asphalt lead us through pretty sandstone villages, heading towards the dark, looming Sierras de Cebollera. By mid-morning we’ll reach the tiny village of Ventosa, which has been offering travellers refreshments for hundreds of years; with never-ending views across the Ebro plains it’s a fitting spot for a break.

Our route proceeds West and a steady descent on winding roads leads us into the dramatically located medieval town of Nájera where the Rio Najerilla is an ideal shady spot for a sumptuous picnic lunch of local delicacies (there might even be time to stretch out under the shade of a tree for a rejuvenating siesta before heading out for the final stage of the ride!).

Next we’ll follow along the Rio Najerilla on a steady incline passing through the villages of Banos de Rio Tobia, Bobadilla and Anguiano before a final steady climb brings us to the Monastery of Valvanera, nestled in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains. It is overseen by San Lorenzo peak – the highest point of La Rioja (2,271 m). The monastery’s rich history reflects deep devotion, helping it survive three fires (1111, 1413, and the late 19th century) and the 1839 Mendizábal expropriation that left it in disrepair. Legend says the monastery began in the 10th century when an image of Our Lady of Valvanera was found in an oak tree.

This remarkable Monastery will be our resting place for the night. After settling in, there will be time to explore the grounds and enjoy a taste of the Valvanera Liqueur “The secret of the Monks.”

Surrounded by the peaceful beech woods and the soothing sound of flowing water, the monastery’s tranquil setting offers the perfect end to a day of adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 985 Metres Approx.

Following a relaxing breakfast it is time to head deeper into the La Demanda Mountains. Leaving our hotel, we creep further away from the fertile Ebro Valley, the mountains become ever more enclosed around us, until we reach the Mansilla Reservoir.

The ride now takes us on a beautiful climb up through a twisted narrow canyon, taking us high into the Demanda mountain range. As we cross into the Castille y Leon province, the road eases into a beautiful glacial valley before arriving in the small, picturesque village of Neila, an ideal spot for lunch by its cooling spring. The village is isolated and takes a privileged spot in the middle of a vast wilderness, surrounded by mountains.

The objective of the afternoon is the long but steady climb to Puerto el Collado at 1,400m in the Sierra de la Nela. All that’s left now is a swooping descent down through pines to our home for the night, Quintanilla de la Sierra.

Peace and tranquillity are simply oozing from the walls of the family run hotel and the owners know a thing or two about feeding weary travellers!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 570 Metres Approx.

The morning will take us on a roller-coaster ride through the isolated pine forests of perfect asphalt snaking it’s way to San Leonardo for a morning break.

Then we descend into the Parque Natural Canon del Rio Lobos. A series of dramatic switchbacks plunges you into the bottom of the impressive limestone canyon created by the river Ucero.

The climb out of the Canyon is the last real climb of the day, as the route drops steadily through farm land and vines to the lengthy river, the Rio Duero, that arrives at the Atlantic in the Portugese city of Porto.

Ribera del Duero, a vast and arid fine wine region punctuated with Crusader castles and mile after mile of vineyards is home to some of Spain’s most sought after and applauded wines.

The vineyards of Ribera del Duero stretch intermittently for more than 70 miles along the River Duero. These sprawling lands feature a mix of different soils, exposures and elevations some as high as a half-mile above sea level. The semi-arid terrain, ample amounts of sunlight and extreme temperature swings from day to night sometimes a 50-plus degree difference create optimal ripening conditions for the Tempranillo grapes that define Ribera del Duero wines’ distinctive character.

During the evening there will be change to taste the wines of this popular wine region.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 615 Metres Approx.

Another forgiving day on the bike with a few climbs coming early in the day. We’ll head east to cross the Duero before continuing our journey south through the Natural Park of Rio Riaza with arid rolling landscape and huge skies.

The beautiful medieval village of Maderuelo that sits above the River Riaza is a deal spot for a relaxing break before we push onto the next area of outstanding beauty and the Natural park of Rio Duracion and the impressive town of Sepulveda.

Situated on a grand fortified rock surrounded by hills and plains eroded by the sun and the winds, Sepulveda is famous for offering some of the best roasts of Castile.

Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1951, Sepúlveda reflects the influence of the Romanesque style in its monuments and streets, dating back to its era of greatest splendor in the 11th to 12th centuries. Sepulveda is the site of the first Romanesque church constructed in the province, El Salvador Church, dating back to 1093.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

This is the last day in the saddle before the first scheduled rest day of the trip. We ride through the southern most are of the Castile y Leon province with vast rolling grazing lands, holm oak forests and imposing views if larger sierras in the distance, giving a feeling of incredible space and vastness.

The route is punctuated by tiny hamlets and villages with culture steeped in herding, often transhumance, where herds of sheep are taken to the lush green sierras of the north in summer, away from these parched lands.

It’s a relaxing ride and one that ends in the enchanting city of Segovia where we can rest for two nights. Segovia is a wonderful place to spend time and has an abundance of great restaurants and be sure to try the regional speciality, suckling pig!

• Meals: Breakfast

No need to think about the bike today, rest your legs, do some washing and envelope yourself in this wonderful city.

Segovia is a place of romance, a living legacy of the past set in an inspiring setting perched on a rocky hilltop. This historic walled town reveals its rich cultural heritage with its stunning views and magnificent monuments such as the ancient Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale castle, awe-inspiring cathedral, exquisite Romanesque churches, and mystical atmospheric medieval world of cobblestone streets, ancient alleyways, and charming squares.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 870 Metres Approx.

On rested legs we have a longer day on the bike, skirting the northern flanks of the dramatic Sierra de Guadarrama.

We start with easy kms past wheat fields waving in the breeze and cultivated pasture, sparsely populated with holm and cork oak. The climbs arrive towards the end of the day as we head into the foothill of the western edge of the Guaderrama, along pine lined quiet lanes and plains with never ending views.

It’s a forgiving day after a rest and ends in beautiful Avila and gazing down at the World Heritage city looks like something out of a storybook or fantasy movie. It’s a special place to spend the night and a city that prides itself in what it puts on the table. Roast meats, bean stews and fabulous pastries are on every menu.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,775 Metres Approx.

South of Ãvila, the plains of Castilla yield to the precipitous Sierra de Gredos, a secret world of lakes and granite mountains rising up to the Pico de Almanzor (2592m). While the occasional castle or sanctuary may catch the eye, the overriding appeal is the scenery.

The day is a day of 2 passes, 2 climbs and 2 descents. The first is the gentle Puerto de Navalmoral at 1513m and then we tackle the Collado de Serranillos, the highest point of the trip at 1,580m. Though the climb is long is is fairly gentle and easily manageable with a steady approach. The rewards are well worth it though, with breathtaking views and an amazing descent sweeping downwards, clinging onto the hillside and losing nearly 1,000m in height.

This col is a significant moment on the journey as we break through the physical barrier of the Sierra de Gredos which divides north and south Spain, with the air usually becoming instantly warmer as we take on the huge descent down to Arenas de San Pedro village, our home for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

Once out of the foothills of the Gredos the day is short and largely downhill as we cross the vast Teitar river valley through the small region of La Vera famed for the paprika produced from its peppers. The first palm trees and orange trees of the trip also start to pop up in this fertile region sandwiched between the plains and the Sierra de Gredos.

Our destination the village of Oropesa, is dominated by its turreted 14th-century castle that looks north across the plains towards the Sierras. Parts of the old town walls survive and the village has a handful of noble mansions and a couple of Renaissance churches that are worth checking out, as well a small main square flanked by bars and restaurants.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,580 Metres Approx.

Today will stand out as one of the tougher days of the trip, but the effort is more than worth it. There are three descent climbs to get your teeth into, the second, Puerto del Hospital being the most lofty at 1,099m.

After we cross the mighty Rio Tajo our route twists its way into the Sierras past sheep and lambs (the warm climate means there are two lambing seasons here) as the landscape becomes wilder and much less tamed by agriculture.

The roads are fantastic and virtually traffic fee creating a relaxed meandering ride as we make our way towards the town of Guadalupe. It is a popular tourist town nestled in the Sierras of the same name which attract village pilgrims who come to visit its churches, monastery and famed black virgin.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 760 Metres Approx.

We are now in central Extremedura, known for its harsh winters and searing summers. The landscape is dramatic giving an incredible sense of space and an ‘out there’ feeling.

Quiet backroads lead us to the vast, picturesque Garcia de Sola reservoir and across its dam. Many rivers in this dry area are dammed so that water supplies last through the summer. After the reservoir the road undulates through the Sierra de Siruela on a stunning minor road which sees little traffic.

The stage concludes in a peaceful town where traditional architecture and a relaxed atmosphere provide a perfect end to the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 920 Metres Approx.

In the freshness of the early morning, the route begins with a smooth descent over asphalt to cross the vast Sirena Reservoir. We pass through many small villages, including the curiously named Belalcázar, crowned by its impressive castle.

The road rolls through farmland and hillsides dotted with holm oaks and wild olive trees. After the village of Cabeza del Buey, we enter Andalucía — the final province of our journey. This far north, Andalucía is covered in rolling dehesa, Mediterranean scrub, and abundant agave cactus. It feels like a world away from the Basque Country. We are now closer to Africa than to where we started!

We’ll rest and refuel in the charming village square of Dos Torres.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,810 Metres Approx.

This is an incredibly rewarding day in the saddle, it is also one of the longest days with the most metres of climbing. The ride is first class along roads that roller coaster their way past the Puente Nueva dam and into the wild Parque Natural de Hornachuelos with abundant wild fauna.

This rural route is occasionally interrupted by immaculate whitewashed villages such as Villarta, a maze of narrow streets with an immaculate square and church at the centre.

The route descends on a twisting, flowing road which dances and winds round corners to take you to the Guadalquivir River and the majestic, historical Cordoba.

• Meals: Breakfast

A rest day in the birth place of Spanish Flamenco – a UNESCO World Heritage listed city that is a curious mix of Moorish and Catholic architectural wizardry.

You’ll have plenty of time to have a wander around one of the true wonders of Andalucia, the Mezquita as well as discovering the city’s mix of Jewish and Arab culture and its medieval architecture, whitewashed courtyards, winding alleys and leafy squares.

After a late afternoon siesta you can head out for dinner in one of the famous ‘Patios de Cordoba’ and why not top off the evening with the delights of a traditional Flamenco show? But don’t overdo it, you still have 3 days left on the bike.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,335 Metres Approx.

Well rested we head south deeper into Andalucia. Firstly through sunflower filled fields and then through the largest olive producing area in the world, its sea of olive trees blanketing the rolling hills beyond.

After 40km we pass through Baena where the pungent aroma of olive pressing fills the air. The town is at the centre of the high grade olive oil industry and we may see some hand pickers at work here.

The route then takes us to Zuheros, on the northern edge of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. Zuheros sits in a truly picturesque setting: a maze of whitewashed streets and a cliff-top castle nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs, with olive groves stretching endlessly below.

From there, we continue riding a little further until we reach our final destination for the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,505 Metres Approx.

After breakfast we will quickly be in the peace of the Andalucian countryside. The back lanes thread a trail past impressive rock formations through Sierra Subbetica. The day is classic Andaluz; a cocktail of parched craggy sierras, olive and almond groves and fortified white-washed villages.

We’ll stop for a morning break in Priego de Cordoba perched on an escarpment overlooking the rolling mountainsides and after lunch the route takes us deeper into this stunning sierra. Here dramatic peaks are home to southern Spain’s largest breeding colony of griffon vulture, as well as Bonnelli and Booted eagles.

Tonight we stay in peaceful rural accommodation in the mountains, to relax and gather our thoughts for the last step to Malaga.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,250 Metres Approx.

This is the last day of our journey together, day 17 across Spain and one savour! It’s an incredibly fun ride with a big downhill bias, which, it would be fair to say, you’ve earnt it!

Our first objective is to cross the Puerto de Alazores at 1051 metres, a very steady warm up from the hotel in the shadow of Maroma mountainside looming over a thousand metres above.

The area is pure Andalucia, abundant in olive and almond groves, goat herds and country folk going about their business on cared for smallholdings. The mountainsides are rugged, craggy and dry with herbaceous scrub, shaded by sparse wild olive and holm oak and crowned by deep blue skies.

We’ll descend to Alfarnate for a morning break at a road side inn or Venta that claims to be the oldest in Andalusia before climbing into the imposing Montes de Malaga.

We head into the wilds on a back lane passing ancient villages seemingly lost in time, our wheels effortlessly meandering through magnificent scenery as we catch glimpses of the azure Mediterranean way below.

At the top of our last climb at Puerto de Leon at 905 metres we stop for our last lunch together before a terrific descent to the city of Malaga and the Mediterranean.

Its time to congratulate yourselves and fellow travellers and celebrate in Malaga style with chilled wine and seafood!

• Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to pack our bags for the last time and say farewell to our fellow travellers as we transfer to Malaga for our onward journeys.

Why not stay a few days in Malaga?

Malaga is a great place to relax and unwind after three weeks on the road and if you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been here!

Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion in the last decade, with half a dozen new art galleries, and a fantastic port area to discover.