Off the beaten” Basque Country & its contrasts

Day 1:                         

Welcome to Bilbao airport & The Basque Country.  Meet local guide and enjoy a city walking tour to stretch the body.  Once we finish with the visit, get ready for a 55 min. transfer to Oñati; in the heart of the Basque Country, full of tradition, and where the first University was established back in the XVI th Century.  If we have enough time, we can make a very special spelunking activity in Arrikrutz Caves… (Optional).  We will have a welcome dinner all together in the Hotel.

• Night & dinner in Oñati:  Hotel Torre Zumeltzegi ***

Day 2:              

We are surrounded by mountains, where the Basque language is very alive and local way of life stills untouched.  Today we feel the territory going hiking in Sanctuary of Aranzazu´s area.  The open fields where sheep enjoy life to produce one of the best cheeses in the region (Caserío Gomiztegi), and the amazing architecture & art we can discover in the Sanctuary, are part of the wonders we may experience during the day.  Private transfers needed.

–     Night in Oñati:  Hotel Torre Zumeltzegi ***

• Hiking routes: Santuario Aranzazu – Urbia fields, or easier 11 km                         Herrería Mirandaola – Santuario de Aranzazu 19 km        

Day 3:               

We start the day with a 45 min. transfer to Rioja region.  We will make a nice walk around small villages, views, and vineyards; the local treasure, following the ancestral “Wine & Fish route” or the Ignatian Way (Saint Ignatius founded back in 1534 “La compañia de Jesús”; Jesuits).  Once we are in the medieval town of Laguardia, we will visit a very old and traditional winerywhile tasting its wines.  We stay for the night in a great Hotel located in the beautiful village of Villabuena de Alava.

–     Night in Villabunea de Alava:  Hotel Viura ****

• Hiking routes: La Población – Kripan 8 km (Camino Ignaciano)           Laguardia – Lagrán 12 km (Wine & Fish route)

Day 4:               

We start the day with a 60 min. transfer to Navarre, and ahead of us a deep walk in the Natural Park of Urbasa.  First, a short drive to the place where the walk begins in the middle of the Natural Park.  Along the circular walk, the beech forest, caves, megalithic monuments, and the mystical landscape will be our partners.  Depends on the year season, the forest will be dressed up in different colours.  We´ll use the compass to “get lost” inside the forest and try to see wild animals like roe deer or rabbits. Once we finish with the loop, we go back to our Rural Hotel in Arbizu.

–     Night in Arbizu:  Hotel Olatzea ***

• Hiking route: Natural Park of Urbasa – circular route 10 km.

Day 5:               

After a 15 min. drive to the starting point of Lizarrusti, we´ll start today´s hike crossing from one valley to another.  First, going uphill, then continue along the plateau of Aralar (1.100 m. altitude) discovering local cheese makers, some prehistoric monuments, and finally climbing mountain Txindoki (The Basque Zermatt).  Once we finish the hike in Larraitz, a 30 min. transfer will take us to San Sebastian (the pearl of the Biscay gulf) for the next three nights.

–     Night in San Sebastián:  Hotel Lasala Plaza **** or similar

• Hiking route: Lizarrusti – Larraitz 15 km.

Day 6:                         

It is a day to relax.  After yesterday´s hike, lets enjoy a peaceful day discovering the old town, the harbour, the beach ….  with a guided city tour.  We´ll also have the chance to visit the market (if it´s open) and to have a snack with some cider in a traditional Basque Gastronomic Club.  The afternoon will be for free.

–     Night in San Sebastián:  Hotel Lasala Plaza **** or similar

Day 7:               

Ahead of us, we have a nice walk starting in the city of San Sebastian going east towards France.  It is an easy walk along the coast with pleasant views of the ocean and covered by vegetation.  At the end, the natural bay of Pasajes, with its charming fishing villages of Pasajes San Pedro and San Juan are waiting for us.  We will try some local food before going back to San Sebastian with a 10min. transfer

–     Night in San Sebastián:  Hotel Lasala Plaza **** or similar

• Hiking route: San Sebastian – Pasajes San Pedro 10 km

Day 8:                         

After packing and having breakfast, we get prepared for a transfer towards airport drop off.

We hope you had a great time among us, and maybe by this point you have learned a few words in Basque.  Mila esker etortzeagaitik, lagunak!!

END OF THE TRIP