Basque in the Glory Tour
8 days / 7 nights
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
April 5 – 12, 2008
Oct 25 – Nov 1, 2008
Tour Price
2,000 EUR is approx. 3,085 USD
(USD price as of May 2, 2008)
Basque in the Glory Tour Photos
Day 1: Bilbao and Gehry's Guggenheim
We start at the one time industrial powerhouse of Bilbao, which is currently
undergoing its own Renaissance. Leading this resurgence is the internationally
acclaimed Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry's titanium masterpiece evokes
images of a flower and a ship. Once we get our local guide's inside perspective
of the museum - you can decide what comes to mind! Turning back the clock,
we will explore the Casco Viejo and the original seven streets where Bilbao
was born some 700 years ago.
Sleep: Bilbao
Day 2: The Coast of the Bay of Biscay
Heading for the coast and to get the blood going, we start with a morning
visit of the island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Its 231 steps
once led to a 10th century chapel, where a replica stands today that provides
equally stunning views. After lunch, we'll exercise both our legs and
imagination as we enter the Oma Valley to visit the curious Painted Forest.
This fascinating work of art by Agustin Ibarrola utilizes pine tree trunks
as the canvas to create interesting visual treats.
Sleep: Bilbao / Walking: 7 miles
Day 3: The Northern Camino de Santiago
For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have been trekking 500 miles across Northern
Spain to reach the sacred tomb of Saint James, located in Santiago de
Compostela. Today, we will get a sampling of the original and lesser-known
Northern Camino as we stroll across the stunning coast of the Bay of Biscay.
After our short pilgrimage, we are rewarded with a fine meal of local
Basque cuisine and the crisp txakoli white wine.
Sleep: Zumaia / Walking: 8 miles
Day 4: The Glitz and Glamour of San Sebastian
Today is a rest day from the boots, although we will still enjoy a leisurely
walk around the amazing sculpture gardens of Eduardo Chillida. Chillida
is a famous Basque sculptor, whose massive iron and granite sculptures
are delicately incorporated into the landscape of beech, oak and magnolia
trees. We then make our way to 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 unique and wonderful place for an
evening stroll.
Sleep: San Sebastian
Day 5: Hondarribia, Hills, and the Sea
We start the day with an excursion to the local market in the quaint
little fishing village of Hondarribia. We then head up to the old center
of town, where the 15th-century walls still stand and reminds us of the
conflicts survived with its neighbor, France. Next we hit the trail and
work our way along the coast, passing through chestnut and pine forests,
with glimpses of the blue sea. We continue along the green mountains,
where we encounter the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, home to a 15th-century
statue of the Virgin.
Sleep: San Sebastian / Walking: 9 miles
Day 6: San Adrian Tunnel, the Gateway to France
Today we retrace the steps of medieval merchants on an ancient trade
route dating back to the 11th-century. The mountain tunnel of Saint Adrian
linked Spain to the rest of Europe, and here, we will stop to have a sampling
of the delicious Idiazabal, a local cheese made from the sheep that graze
in the pastures of these mountains. We retire to our renovated country
farmhouse and have a nightcap of patxaran before bedtime.
Sleep: Aratz / Walking: 7 miles
Day 7: Laguardia and the Rioja Wines
A visit to a winery and a nice glass of Rioja wine!!! What a treat, but
only after we have walked around the Protected Biotope lagoons, whose
dense reed beds provide haven to the migrating birds from all over Europe.
That evening we have some more vino tinto, behind the 13th-century walls
of the hilltop town of Laguardia, before we sit down for our farewell
dinner celebration.
Sleep: Laguardia / Walking: 5 miles
Day 8: Back to Bilbao
Sleeping in after our fiesta the night before, we slowly and sadly pack up and head back to Bilbao to catch our flights / spend another night. Although, since eight days were not nearly enough, we'll be sure to see each other again on your next Fresco Tour!
