Basque in the Glory Tour
7 days / 6 nights
Over 1,000 years ago the original way to Santiago worked its way along the Northern Coast passing through the fabled Basque Country. Come with us and discover this mysterious land of proud people and marked contrasts. A culture that has always been tied to the land, we get a closer look of the Basques as we stroll their lush rolling hills, wander their imposing mountains, and skirt the tides of their rocky coves. We’ll get a glimpse of sophisticated cosmopolitan centers and century-removed hamlets. Have a taste of full-flavored cheeses, the freshly caught seafood, and the crisp subtle wines.
Basque in the Glory Tour Dates
May 2 – 8, 2009
May 30 – June 5, 2009
September 12 – 18, 2009
Tour Price
2,000 EUR is approx. 2,552 USD
(USD price as of Nov. 10, 2008)
Single Supplement Fee: 300 EUR
Basque in the Glory Tour Photos
Day 1: Eduardo Chillida & Hondarribia
At 12 noon, the group meets in Bilbao, the onetime industrial powerhouse which is currently undergoing its own Renaissance. After introductions, we hop in the van and head for the French border. Our first stop is the beautiful sculpture garden of Eduardo Chillida, a famous Basque sculptor, whose massive iron and granite sculptures are delicately incorporated into the peaceful lush landscape of beech, oak and magnolia trees. Afterwards, we continue to the pleasant fishing village of Hondarribia for a light stroll around the port, where pilgrims arrived by boat and began their pilgrimage to Santiago over 1,000 years ago!
Sleep: Hondarribia / Walking: 2 miles
Day 2: The Northern Camino & Hondarribia
Starting from our hotel, we begin our Northern Camino de Santiago with a good climb to the Sanctuary of Guadalupe where we enjoy views of the beaches and sea below. After passing the remains of an old fortress that kept watch of potential invading ships, we continue through small hamlets and work our way to the coast and the light house that currently helps guide sailors along their way. We finish the evening with a fine meal of Basque Cuisine.
Sleep: Hondarribia / Walking: 6 miles
Day 3: Guadalupe to San Sebastian
Starting from Guadalupe, the yellow arrows take us a bit higher where we cross along the Mountain of Jaizkibel and work our way down to the tiny port of Pasajes de San Juan. Here we cross over to the other bank of San Pedro just like the pilgrims did a thousand years ago – via boat! We then work our way past large “caserios”, old stone Basque farm houses, and are soon greeted by the stylish resort town of San Sebastian, a place that has long been popular with the Spanish bourgeois. Here the beauty of the Concha beach makes it a wonderful place for an evening stroll.
Sleep: San Sebastian / Walk: 11 miles
Day 4: San Sebastian to Orio
With boots on, we leave from our hotel and pass by the famous Wind Combs of Eduardo Chillida. We leave San Sebastian with a steady climb up to the Monte Igeldo and stop to enjoy the views of bay below. The rocky coast of the Basque Country has us going up and down hills, but today it seems mostly up! However, the beautiful views of the sea to our right keep us company and we quickly make our way to the busy fishing port of Orio. Here we regroup and return to San Sebastian for some R&R or even shopping! Those of you who would like a day off from the boots, are more than welcome to spend the day wandering the posh streets of San Sebastian!
Sleep: San Sebastian / Walk: 10 miles
Day 5: Orio to Zumaia
Continuing west, we make our way into Zarautz, one of the nicer beaches along the Basque Country and the place people from San Sebastian go to get out of the city. We continue along a wonderful walkway that borders the sea and enter Getaria, whose famous sailing son, Juan Sebastian Elcano, was the first to sail around the world. We continue along the Northern Camino de Santiago and reach the village of Zumaia, a Basque port famous for its whaling villagers and now their ship building. Our day ends with a visit to a txakoli winery, the light sparkling white wine of the region!
Sleep: Zumaia / Walk: 9 miles
Day 6: Zumaia to Deba
Our walk quickly takes us to the coast where we alternate between cliffside paths, rolling green farmland, and views of the blue sea. We also will see along the hillside the flocks of sheep to remind us that the Basques are not just men of the sea, but also pretty good sheppards! Our day on the trail ends in Deba, where we hop in the vans, and return back to Bilbao to rest up and prepare ourselves for our Farewell Dinner Feast.
Sleep: Bilbao / Walk: 8 miles
Day 7: Bilbao and the Guggenheim
After our delicious breakfast, our local guide takes us on a visit of the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece evokes images of a flower and a ship – you decide what comes to mind! After the tour, we say “Agur”- goodbye in Basque as we hope that you have enjoyed your visit of our backyard!
