France and Spain, Pyrenees and Atlantic coast, mountain and sea, cliffs and sandy beaches, nature and culture – This is what you should be expecting from this exceptionnal hike through the Basque Region.
France and Spain, Pyrenees and Atlantic, mountains and sea, cliffs and sandy beaches, nature and culture – All of this is part of our guided hike through the Franco-Spanish Basque region. You will go swimming and hiking, observe birds and visit the peace museum in Guernika and the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
Between Zarautz and Bilbao, at the foot of the Pyrenees and the mountains of Cantabria, little fishing villages with their colourful boats await you. This view in particular will for sure create some lifelong memories...
With the sea always nearby, you will discover the amazing vineyards of Txakoli, the wild and jagged coast, vertiginous cliffs, small rocky bays along sandy beaches, forgotten hamlets, pine and oak tree forests and the biosphere reserve of Urdaibaï. Enjoy this bucolic landscape, when the sea is as calm as a lake…
Day 1: Arrival in Saint Jean de Luz – Hike to Zumaïa
This hike begins in Saint Jean de Luz, where you will meet your guide at the train station at 9 am. From Zarautz you will follow the St James' Way along the coast, passing by the ruins of the tower of Gazteluzar, the vineyard of Txakoli and Getaria, a small fishing port, overlooked by the light house of San Anton. Finally you will reach Zumaïa (or Deba), where you will spend the following night.
Duration: 3 to 4 h – Ascent: 400 m – Descent: 400 m
Day 2: Uninhabited coast
The path follows the abrupt coast from Algorri to Deba. This natural uninhabited coast is impressive with its unusual geological forms, beaches, bays, cliffs and grasslands. Finally you will drive to Elanxtobe.
Duration: 5 h – Ascent: 500 m – Descent: 500 m
Day 3: Leikeitio and the island San Nikolas
You will discover the lovely streets of Leikeitio and its colorful port, next to the island San Nikolas. Then you will hike up to Otoio (396 m) with its green oak trees and continue down to the beach of Ogella Hondartza, which looks just like the Canadian coast. From one rocky bay to another, you will hike to the hermitage Concepcion, which dominates the sea. Finally you will drive to your accommodation in Elantxobe or in a village in the surroundings.
Duration: 5 h – Ascent: 700 m – Descent: 700 m
Day 4: Biosphere reserve: The bay of Urdaibaï
Today you will climb the Ogoño (305 m), a 250m high cliff which emerges perpendicular to the sea, before visiting the biosphere reserve, and hiking up to the hermitage Atxerre. From there you can enjoy the amazing panoramic view on the bay of Urdaibaï, famous for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. After the descent in the bay, you will reach Gernika, where you can visit the famous tree Gernikako Arbola and the peace museum. The train will then take you along the bay to Mundaka or Bermeo.
Duration: 5 to 6 h – Ascent: 400 m – Descent: 400 m
Day 5: Loop around the Gaztelugatxe hermitage From Bermeo, the biggest fishing port of the Basque region, you will walk up to Burgo Mendia, to see the hermitage of San Pelayo. You will then be able to admire the extraordinary hermitage of Gaztelugatxe, located on a small island beaten by the winds and waves...
Duration: 6 h – Ascent: 500 m – Descent: 500 m
Day 6: Discovering Bilbao You will be brought to Bilbao, where you will discover the city and visit the Guggenheim museum. For dinner your guide will surprise you…
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast you will drive back to the train station of Saint Jean de Luz, where the stay ends at about 10:30 am.
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Indicated pricing per person in double room occupancy
Single bedroom according to the availability with a surcharge in price (+ €240).
Our tour begins and ends at the train station of Saint Jean de Luz.
You must organise the arrival and return by yourself.
For groups of 6 persons at least, we can arrange dates and content for the trip.
An organised guided tour in english can also be arranged.
Included:
6 nights in double bedroom with full board (Picnic for lunch), French licenced guide, carrying of the luggage, transfers according to the programm, entrance fees for the visits, visitor's tax.
Can be booked by individual travellers!
Guaranteed departure: 6 persons (max. 15 persons)
Not accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
Last possibility of cancellation from the tour operator: 21 days before the beginning of the trip
Nights in comfortable hotels and B&Bs in double bedroom
You may book single bedroom according to the availability with a surcharge in price (+ €240)
Average duration of the hike: 4 to 5 hours a day on paths with a difference in altitude of 300 m to 700 m a day.
During some stages, there are several but short ascents and descents.
The order, completion and the exact layout of the routes can be subject to change due to weather conditions.
Walking with French people, an authentic experience
French speaking licenced guide
For groups of 6 persons at least, we can arrange dates and content for the trip.
An organised guided tour in English can also be set up.
We recommend you to stay eco-friendly by taking the train to Saint Jean de Luz.