7 days / 6 nights
Casual
Private Group
The Basque Country
Kingdom of Navarra
This is a culinary walking adventure along a hand-picked portions of the gorgeous Cantabrian Coast and Basque-Navarra, that combines our passion for great food and produce with some of the finest culinary arts in the world. From the farthest-reaching point of Biscaya through the Basque region to the border of Southern France, this route is studded with cultural gems and stunning seascapes and mountains. As we hike from one hotspot to another, we enjoy the fresh air and the picturesque fishing towns and mountain getaways, all while sampling the extraordinary cuisine this area is famous for.
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
This enchanting territory and our immersive tours are well worth the discovery, and we can make your vacations unique and memorable, so come and join us on one when it’s optimal for you.
May through November
We customize to fit with fabulous experiences, the comfort of great accommodation, out-of-this-world gastronomy and a chance to discover this spectacular region.
We pick you up in downtown Bilbao and set off to hike from the coast to the beautiful islet hermitage San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, dedicated to John the Baptist that connects to the mainland by a sprinkle of stone steps. This dramatic isle of Gaztelugatxe was used as the location for Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestral home of Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones. After a lunch with spectacular ocean views, we travel into dense forest to Gernika, a city famed for its role in the Spanish Civil War. Our hotel is a magnificent castle, the Castillo de Arteaga.
Food: Lunch and dinner
Travel: The best portion of Bilbao / Bermeo / San Juan de Gaztelugatxe / Gernika
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
Estimated Walking Time: 2,5 hrs
How far: 5 miles /8 km, elevation gain: 241 steps
We visit the Urdaibai Bird Center located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, where we can observe wild birds in the marshes where scientists study their migrations and habitats. Our walk takes us along impressive cliffs, passing picturesque villages and Basque farms. Upon arriving at Elantxobe, we eat delicious seafood pintxos and the perfect wine to combine.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: Urdaibai / Elantxobe
Sleep: Three Star Hotel and Spa ***
Estimated Walking Time: 2 hrs
How far: 5,5 miles / 9 km, elevation gain: 300 meters
Zumaia – Getaria – Hondarribia
We walk from Zumaia a portion of the breathtaking coast where we can see the unusual and beautiful Flysch and karst formations. Later, at lunch, we toast with a fine txakoli, the local sweet sparkly wine, in the fishing village of Getaria. We visit the colorful Hondarribia, where your hotel is nothing less than a converted 10th-century castle. We dine in the historic quarter in a Michelin-starred restaurant for what we believe to be the best seafood in town.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: The best portion of Zumaia / Getaria / Hondarribia
Sleep: Four Star Hotel Parador ****
Estimated Walking Time: 3 hrs
How far: 5,5 miles / 9 km, elevation gain: 300 meters
Hondarribia – Pasajes – San Sebastián
We hike along the coast on the northern route of the Camino de Santiago to a beautiful fishing port. Feast on an exquisite seafood meal in this delightful town where Victor Hugo once resided. Sail away to San Sebastian in style on an antique schooner, while sipping cava. Gourmet discovery remains high on the agenda as we arrive to San Sebastián – the haute-cuisine heart of Basque Country. For dinner, dine on traditional Basque pintxos in the town’s historic center.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: The besto portion of San Sebastián / Pasajes / Hondarribia
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
Estimated Walking Time: 5 hrs
How far: 10 miles / 16 km, elevation gain: 450 meters
We set off to Navarra to experience a full day of mountain relaxation. Up a winding mountain pass that culminates in an idyllic landscape ideal for a country walk with picturesque white-washed Basque farm houses. We take a walk into the pretty Navarra mountains with its lush forests, Navarran hamlets and enjoy the luxuries of a mountain getaway. The highlights of the day is an in-house wine tasting in the 5 star hotel Arantxa bodega and simply to enjoy this stunning hotel and the serenity of this privileged place in the world.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: The best portion of San Sebastián / Igansi
Sleep: Five Star Hotel ****
Estimated Walking Time: 2 hrs
How far: 5,5 miles / 9 km, elevation gain: 300 meters
After a morning of spa treatments, we meander into the quaint Navarran countryside with its charm and rustic villages. In Pamplona, we explore this fascinating historic city, the Cathedral and the plummeting 16th century fort walls. We trace the route of the famous bull run and have a look at the imposing bull ring. Dinner is a cooking demonstration in an exclusive gastronomy social club. First we learn how to make and then enjoy the food we prepare.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel: The best portion of San Sebastián / Pamplona
Sleep: Heart of Pamplona Apartments
Estimated Walking Time: 2 hrs
How far: 5,5 miles / 9 km, elevation gain: 100 meters
After a fine breakfast, we’ll assist in arranging your transportation to the nearest airport or train station for your onward travels.
Food: Breakfast
Travel: Pamplona
* NST itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
The Hotel de Londres is a pretty boutique hotel in San Sebastián with a La Belle Epoque feel. It has views to the Concha Bay and the city center. Luxury, modern facilities and a high level service make this historic building one of the best hotels in San Sebastián.
With views to the Bay of Biscay coast, this hotel is a 10th century castle fortress. Also known as the Castle of Charles V, you will feel as if you are in an authentic medieval fortress. The imposing entrance and its thick damages stone walls by cannon fire set the tone. The inner patio crowned by adorned arches, wrought iron and coffered ceilings make this hotel unique.
Located in the center of the capital of the province of Navarra, Heart of Pamplona Apartments are ideal for visitors to Pamplona, Navarra or the Basque Country. HOP apartments are located right by all the necessary services for a pleasant stay. They are silent corners in the middle of lively streets, in the most popular areas of restaurants and bars.
Stephanie, the dynamo of our organization, is a Canadian who has fallen in love with this region of Spain. She is enterprising, innovative and has an endless amount of energy to design unique outstanding travel plans, making her passion her profession. She has the firm conviction that until the product standards are exceptional, they should not be offered.
“Our goals are two: one is to dazzle our visitors and another is to share with them what we find so extremely enchanting about this region of Spain”.
Oliver is our greatest ambassador of Pamplona. Oliver has it all: charm, conversation and deep knowledge of his Basque culture. You will feel like you’ve made a new friend during one of his energetic tours. Oliver is always on the beat searching for the perfect pintxo and exciting, outside-the-box experiences. He is dedicated to designing the most exclusive events for our guests, such as the Hemingway to the Basque Coast tour, or a walking tour of the Running of the Bulls course with an international bull runner. He knows the all the best destinations and activities on the off-the-beaten cultural track.
“This is our essential hallmark that sets us apart from any other events agency”.
