Vuelta a España

Sepp Kuss wins the Vuelta a Espana and we were there to witness it

Vuelta a España

A fantastic mix of live race-viewing and challenging rides in Spain’s most iconic Northern mountain regions.

Welcome to the heart of Spain, where the Vuelta a España 2024 promises an unforgettable experience. Dive into the renowned world of Spanish cycling with breathtaking climbs, thrilling race action, and the allure of Asturias, Basque Country, and Rioja’s Northern regions. Cap it off with the Grand Finale in Madrid.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

No Upcoming Departures

Duration

Non-Rider Friendly

Yes

Rental Bike

Not available

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Our Vuelta a España K/QOM Challenge provides a fantastic mix of LIVE race-viewing and challenging rides on the legendary routes and climbs of the Cordillera Cantabrica in Northern Spain.

Witness the 3 key mountain-top finishes: Stage 16 in Lagos de Covadonga, Stage 19 on the Alto de Moncalvillo and Stage 20 on the climb to Picon Blanco. You’ll also meet the riders and the teams in the VIP area at the start of Stage 18 in Vitoria. Round off a week of spectacular race-viewing with access to the VIP Lounge at the Finish of the Final Stage Time Trial in Madrid.

Our trip to La Vuelta also features an unforgettable riding experience. Challenge yourself on the region’s legendary routes and climbs, including Lagos de Covadonga, the Mirador de Fitu and the 2 summit finishes in Moncalvillo and Picon Blanco.

No-one does La Vuelta like Thomson!


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As usual, Thomson has delivered an amazing bike trip experience. Loved the rides, the food and the wine. The best part of this and any ...

William Lloyd LaRone, Canada — 2017

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Amazing trip! Spectacular challenging routes. Wonderful experience of the Vuelta. Exceptional ride staff. Excellent accommodations. Good food. Well-organized. I am a better cyclist from the ...

Richard Lowinger, USA — 2016

star star star star star
Wonderful focus on the ride above all else and the other aspects being very well prepared as well.

Lawrence Pemble, USA — 2016

See more reviews
Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Bienvenidos a España Parador de Cangas de Onís
02 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Summit Finish in Lagos de Covadonga Parador de Cangas de Onís
03 Quintessential ride in the Cordillera Cantabrica Parador de Cangas de Onís
04 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village in Vitoria-Gasteiz Jardines de Uleta
05 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Summit Finish on the Alto de Moncalvillo Jardines de Uleta
06 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Picón Blanco Jardines de Uleta
07 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Stage Finish in Madrid Hotel Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII
08 Adios y hasta pronto!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
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Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Bienvenidos a España

Our trip to the Final Week of La Vuelta starts in Bilbao, where our staff will meet you at the airport before the transfer to your first hotel  in Cangas de Onis. After checking into the hotel we’ll have our Orientation Meeting followed by lunch, then our mechanics will be on hand to help you get the bikes ready for the first ride.

Our warm-up ride takes you high into the hills above Cangas where serene roads and the spectacular Cordillera Cantabrica landscapes set the scene for the week to come!

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Summit Finish in Lagos de Covadonga

A classic Vuelta stage today with a summit finish in Lagos de Covadonga, one of the iconic Vuelta a España climbs. You’ll ride this legendary climb just hours before the pro peloton, then settle in for an action-packed afternoon of race viewing from the VIP Lounge at the Summit Finish.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Quintessential ride in the Cordillera Cantabrica

Saddle up for an epic ride in the Cordillera Cantabrica mountain range. There’s a reason why this is the favorite destination of La Vuelta a España: chellenging rides, spectacular landscapes and quaint towns abound in this natural paradise. Your ride today includes the iconic climb to the Mirador de Fitu which featured in yesterday’s Vuelta stage – let’s see how close your Stava time is to the top pro climbers!

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Stage starts at La Vuelta offer fantastic opportunities to get up-close to the riders, the race celebrities and get a first-hand view of the inner workings of a Grand Tour. This is the place to get these all-important souvenirs, gifts, autographs and photos with the riders.

After waving goodbye to the peloton as they head out on Stage 18, you’ll have lunch at the hotel then jump on the bike for a magnificent ride through the surrounding Basque countryside.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Summit Finish on the Alto de Moncalvillo

In the renowned land of La Rioja, celebrated for its distinctive wines, today’s final climb echoes the same bold character. The Alto del Moncalvillo, featured just once before in the Vuelta in 2020 but i already etched in our memories after the fierce battle between Carapaz, Roglic, and Vingegaard – a showdown that ignited the stage with relentless attacks. You’ll ride this famous climb just hours before the pros then settle into the VIP Lounge to witness what promises to be a thrilling stage finish.

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Picón Blanco

The final mountain stage and the Vuelta organisers have set up a gem of a stage with a summit finish on the super-challenging climb to Picón Blanco. Riding this legendary climb on race day will be an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Our Logistics Team will have set up our Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee in the final kmo of the climb which will be buzzing with thousands of passionate fans excited to see this thrilling final stage of the 2024 Vuelta. Enjoy the atmosphere from the comfort of our Private Hospitality Marquee. Food, drinks, and satellite TV race coverage will keep you entertained as you wait for the peloton to approach.

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Lounge at the Stage Finish in Madrid

This year’s Vuelta culminates in an individual time trial through the streets of the capital city, Madrid. The climbers will need to arrive in Madrid with their homework done if they aim to keep the coveted red jersey. Will it be a second Vuelta triumph for Sepp or Remco, or a maiden victory for Jonas, or will an outsider steal the show?

Regardless of the outcome, you’ll be there to witness history unfold from the luxury of the VIP lounge at the Stage Finish.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Adios y hasta pronto!

Your trip to the Vuelta a España ends at the Riu Plaza Hotel on Monday September 9 after breakfast.

Please note we will not be providing a drop-off service on Monday morning. Both Madrid Airport and Train Station are short taxi rides from the hotel. Our staff (and the hotel staff) will be available to help you reserve transport to the airport or train station.

Sepp Kuss wins the Vuelta a Espana and we were there to witness it

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow San Martin de Bada
from Cangas de Onis
5.3% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Cuadroveña
from Arriondas
6.2% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow San Martin de Bada
from Arriondas
5.2% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Collado de Zardon
from Corao
4.4% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto del Torno
from Rinsena
6.5% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de la Robellada
from Puente Nuevo
4.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Lagos de Covadonga
from Covadonga
7.6% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Collada Mohandi
from Sellaño
7.3% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de la Llama
from Villamayor
4.2% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Mirador del Fitu
from Loroñe
8.0% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow San Martin de Bada
from Arriondas
5.2% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto de Zaldiaran
from Vitoria
4.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Puerto Vitoria
from Ventas de Armentia
3.3% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
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12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto de Azazeta
from Egileta
6.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Puerto de La Aldea
from Bernedo
6.9% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de Moncalvillo
from Hornos de Moncalvillo
8.8% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto de Zaldiaran
from Vitoria
4.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto de la Horca
from Boveda
4.5% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Picón Blanco
from Espinosa de los Monteros
7.9% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
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>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Stage

Rest Day: Covadonga


Stage 16

Stage 16: Luanco to Lagos de Covadonga


Lagos de Covadonga is a well renowned climb among cyclists. This particularly long stage will feature two Category 1 climbs, Fitu and Llomena, where the riders who manage to escape will play a starring role before the climb up to Lagos. This is a potentially dangerous stage as it will take place right after a rest day, which could cost one of the favourites dearly.

Stage 17

Arnuero > Santander


This is the final clear opportunity for the sprinters in this edition of La Vuelta. The two Category 2 mountain passes within the first half of the stage will favour an escape, which must then be controlled by the sprinter teams in order to emerge victorious in a sprint to the finish-line in Santander.

Stage 18

Vitoria-Gasteiz > Maestu-Parque Natural de Izki


This mid-mountain stage in Álava, with two Category 2 climbs and one Category 1 climb, has the potential to eliminate the purest sprinters from the peloton. Fast riders who manage to do well in the mid-mountain could become favourites in stages such as this one, which is likely to result in a reduced peloton sprinting towards the finish-line.

Stage 19

Stage 19: Logroño to Alto de Moncalvillo


This stage is practically flat until its final part. The Alto de Moncalvillo, where Roglič obtained victory in 2020, starts off gently and becomes far more challenging in the final kilometres. The favourites must make the most of this in their second-last chance to make a difference to the general classification.

Stage 20

Villarcayo > Picón Blanco


Key stage of La Vuelta 24, with seven point-incurring mountain passes. Following the climb of the Estacas de Trueba Mountain Pass, the race will enter Cantabrian territory and overcome many climbs before returning to the Province of Burgos through the Portillo de Lunada. The Portillo de la Sia and the Tornos Mountain Pass will add another level of difficulty to the stage, whose main highlight will be the Picón Blanco – the race’s final judge.

Stage 21

Madrid > Madrid


La Vuelta will, once again, end with a time trial. Almost 22 km without any significant technical or orographic difficulties that will allow the specialists to test their all-rounder capabilities. If the general classification remains close at this point, these final 22 km will be full of excitement up until the very end.

Stage


A fantastic mix of live race-viewing and challenging rides in Spain’s most iconic Northern mountain regions.

Vuelta a España

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
3 San Martin de Bada (from Cangas de Onis) 01 32 5.3%
3 Cuadroveña (from Arriondas) 01 33 6.2%
3 San Martin de Bada (from Arriondas) 01 33 5.2%
4 Collado de Zardon (from Corao) 02 28 4.4%
3 Alto del Torno (from Rinsena) 02 35 6.5%
3 Alto de la Robellada (from Puente Nuevo) 02 36 4.6%
HC Lagos de Covadonga (from Covadonga) 02 105 7.6%
2 Collada Mohandi (from Sellaño) 03 61 7.3%
3 Alto de la Llama (from Villamayor) 03 33 4.2%
2 Mirador del Fitu (from Loroñe) 03 78 8%
3 San Martin de Bada (from Arriondas) 03 33 5.2%
3 Puerto de Zaldiaran (from Vitoria) 04 31 4.6%
4 Puerto Vitoria (from Ventas de Armentia) 04 20 3.3%
3 Puerto de Azazeta (from Egileta) 05 44 6.6%
3 Puerto de La Aldea (from Bernedo) 05 48 6.9%
1 Alto de Moncalvillo (from Hornos de Moncalvillo) 05 102 8.8%
3 Puerto de Zaldiaran (from Vitoria) 06 31 4.6%
4 Alto de la Horca (from Boveda) 06 28 4.5%
1 Picón Blanco (from Espinosa de los Monteros) 06 85 7.9%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices

Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Parador de Cangas de Onís

    Jardines de Uleta

    Hotel Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      La Vuelta Race Viewing arrow
    • Stage 16: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Lagos de Covadonga
    • Stage 18: access to the VIP Departure Village in Vitoria
    • Stage 19: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Alto de Moncalvillo
    • Stage 20: access to our Private Race Viewing Marquee on Picón Blanco
    • Stage 21: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Madrid
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x lunches
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      La Vuelta Race Viewing arrow
    • Stage 16: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Lagos de Covadonga
    • Stage 18: access to the VIP Departure Village in Vitoria
    • Stage 19: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Alto de Moncalvillo
    • Stage 20: access to our Private Race Viewing Marquee on Picón Blanco
    • Stage 21: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish in Madrid
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x lunches
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up at Bilbao Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Bilbao Airport

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    No organised Drop-Off



    Vuelta a España

    Experience the best of both worlds – live race-viewing and challenging rides across Spain's iconic Northern mountains.