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
Hondarribia: Rendezvous in the charming seaside town of Hondarribia; walk
through Mediterranean macchia to the lighthouse at Cabo Higuer; take the
historic funicular railway to the top of La Rhune for your first glimpse of
the Pyrenees; stay at the Parador El Emperador a converted castle built in
the 12th century.
Days 3, 4 & 5
Urdax: Transfer to Sare one of the most beautiful villages in France; eat
a slice of Gateau Basque; visit prehistoric grottoes; follow the
smuggler's route from France into Spain; walk to Zugarramurdi famous for
its colony of witches; visit the Medieval monastery of Roncevalles an
important pilgrim site along the Santiago di Compostela; stay in a tower
house built in the 18th-century.
Days 6 & 7
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; winetasting
of the local Iruogley wines; stay in a majestic 12th-century castle.
