From San Sebastián, the route does not continue along the coast. It turns straight into the Basque interior, following the Oria valley through Hernani and Andoain to Tolosa, then on via Ordizia and Beasain into the Goierri. After that, the day gets harder: Zumarraga, Bergara and Arrasate bring narrow valleys, industrial towns and longer climbs. Beyond Eskoriatza, the road rises through Leintz-Gatzaga to the Arlaban pass. From there, Álava opens out. The final kilometres cross the plateau into Vitoria-Gasteiz.
