2011 Basque in the Glory Tour
8 days / 7 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
July 10 - 17, 2011
Basque Tour Price
2,500 EUR is approx. 3,224 USD
(USD price as of July 23, 2010)
Single Supplement Fee: 350 EUR
Tour Photos of the Basque Country
July 10, 2011: 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 works 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: 4 KMs or 2 miles
July 11, 2011: Day 2
Hondarribia to Pasajes San Juan
Starting from our hotel, we begin our Northern Camino de Santiago with a short climb to the Sanctuary of Guadalupe where we enjoy views of the beaches and sea below. The yellow arrows take us a bit higher as we cross along the Mountain of Jaizkibel and work our way down to the tiny port of Pasajes de San Juan. We return to Hondarribia, where we finish the evening with a fine meal of Basque Cuisine.
Sleep: Hondarribia / Walking: 15 KMs or 9 miles
July 12, 2011: Day 3
Pasajes San Juan to San Sebastian
This morning, we return to Pasajes de San Juan and 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 afternoon stroll.
Sleep: San Sebastian / Walk: 8 KMs or 5 miles
July 13, 2011: Day 4
San Sebastian to Zarautz
With boots on, we leave San Sebastian with a stroll 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, through small hamlets! 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. We continue 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.
Sleep: Zarautz / Walk: 21 KMs or 12 miles
July 14, 2011: Day 5
Zarautz to Itziar
Leaving Zarautz, 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. 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 Itziar, where we hop in the vans, and return back to Zarautz.
Sleep: Zarautz / Walk: 18 KMs or 10 miles
July 15, 2011: Day 6
La Rioja Wine Region
Our sampling on the Northern Camino de Santiago has come to an end, but we continue with a different type of sampling! This morning, we hop in the van and head south to try some of the famous Rioja Wines of the Basque Country. These world famous tintos have become the trademark of this region. In the afternoon, we'll visit a winery and finish the day with a fine meal.
Sleep: La Rioja / Walk: Day Off
July 16, 2011: Day 7
Laguardia & Bilbao
We start the morning with a look behind the XIII century walls of the hilltop town of Laguardia. Afterwards, we enjoy a light stroll around the lagoons of Laguardia, which provide a haven for migrating birds and help irrigate the vineyards that surround it. Afterwards, we head back to Bilbao, where we have a rest before meeting for our farewell dinner celebration.
Sleep: Laguardia / Walk: 9 KMs
July 17, 2011: Day 8
Bilbao's Guggenheim
After our delicious breakfast, our local art historian takes us on a guided 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!
NOTE: As with all our trips, your walk is accompanied by a support van and multiple shorter walking options are available on a daily basis. We can accommodate your walking needs and desires!
