The Basque Country is full of delights: lush vistas, trout-filled streams and picturesque villages unchanged over the centuries. Lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees; a range of snow-capped mountains that form a natural barrier between Spain and France. The region is neither French or Spanish in terms of its food, architecture, traditions or language but has a character completely its own. We follow some of Europe's most scenic long-distance footpaths besides mountain streams, through terraced vineyards and lush pastures. Passing through quaint villages of traditional white stucco houses adorned with red shutters, along pathways followed by pilgrims over 1000 years ago.
Days 1 & 2
Walk from Auriziberri to Burguette, one of Hemmingway's old haunts. Visit Roncevalles one of the most important pilgrim sites along the Santiago de Compostela. Explore the Irati forest, the best preserved beech forest in Europe and one of the most pristine areas in the Pyrenees.
Days 3 & 4
St Etienne di Baigorry: Walk one of Europe's most famous long distance paths, the GR 10; visit St Jean Pied de Port the doorway to the Pyrenees; wine tasting of the local Irouléguy wines; stay in a Basque farmhouse
Days 5 & 6
Walk along the border between France and Spain. Stay in the village of Ainhoa , an attractive medieval village of typical Basque houses. Visit Sare one of France's most beautiful villages
Try the regional speciality 'Gateau Basque' a special cake filled with black cherry jam.
Days 7 & 8
Urdax: visit prehistoric grottoes; follow the smuggler's route from France into Spain; walk to Zugarramurdi famous for its colony of witches; stay in a tower house built in the 18th-century.
Days 9 &10
Hondarribia: explore the charming seaside town of Hondarribia; walk through Mediterranean macchia to the shores of the Atlantic; take the historic funicular railway to the top of La Rhune for your last glimpse of the Pyrenees
