Spain & France: The Basque Country

Your adventures throughout this lush, mountainous region explore scenic landscapes and an ancient
culture unchanged since the time Columbus launched his fleet from these very shores. With the
Pyrénées as a backdrop, the walks follow panoramic ridgelines, trout-filled streams, and centuries-old
footpaths once trod by pilgrims and smugglers. Charming villages welcome you to experience a way of life rooted in a dramatic history. Monasteries, private wine cellars, and mysterious caves add intrigue to a journey that begins in Bilbao, where modern-day Spain is celebrated through design achievements like the renowned Guggenheim Museum. Soon you reach the frontier—also a second meeting point, the quintessential French village of Sare.
     You trace the Pilgrim’s Way (Camino de Santiago) into the celebrated Rioja wine region and conclude in the heart of farm country, exploring the emerald Cantabrian valleys undulating to the Atlantic Ocean. The vibrant cities of Pamplona and Hondarribia add allure to this diverse destination. At day’s end, you relax in lodgings rich in the character of the region. Comfortable posada inns evoke simple elegance, while a 19thcentury mansion and a Gothic palace add historic dimension. Authentic meals, influenced by the French and Spanish in equal measure, earn their worldwide acclaim and deepen our admiration of Basque culture.