DETAILS
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, proud traditions and striking natural beauty of Basque Spain and France on this seven-night adventure based in the lovely border town of Hondarribia. Explore Bayonne’s Gothic cathedral and the renowned seaside towns of San Sebastián and Biarritz. Visit the Basque villages of St-Jean-de-Luz and Espelette, where strings of red peppers decorate whitewashed homes. Marvel at the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim in Bilbao and admire Hemingway’s beloved Pamplona. Along the way, learn about traditions at a 16th-century country home, visit a cider house and dine at a txoko, an exclusive Basque gastronomical club.
- Pricing from
- $3,595
Group size of 24 guests! Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
Housed in a former 18th-century convent, this new hotel offers the comfort, luxury and modern amenities of a boutique property complemented by historic character. Restaurants, shops and landmarks are an easy walk from its prime location. Head to the rooftop terrace and pool for stunning views over San Sebastián and Concha Bay. The Aldapeta Gastrobar serves innovative takes on traditional Basque dishes and a hearty breakfast buffet. Feel rejuvenated at the spa, featuring two pools and a steam bath, or the well-outfitted fitness room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
CANCELLATION-All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
– Cancellation received up to 90 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
– Cancellation received 89 to 60 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
– Cancellation received 59-45 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
– Cancellation received 44 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE.
If a tour is canceled by AHI Travel before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting one of these options from AHI Travel:
i) transfer to another date of the same tour, if available; ii) book another tour of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for paying any difference in price); or iii) book another tour of lesser value, if available (with a refund payable to you for the difference in price); or iv) receive a full refund for the land-only portion of the applicable tour
CANCELLATION GRACE PERIOD-Reservations made prior to 120 days before a tour´s scheduled departure date may be canceled within 7 days following the reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 120 days prior to a tour´s scheduled departure will not qualify for the grace period.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
day 1&2
In Transit/Bilbao, Spain | San Sebastiàn
Arrive in Bilbao, where you’ll be met by an Travel representative for your transfer to the Catalonia Donosti Hotel in San Sebastiàn. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Reception in the hotel and then continue the conversation over a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
-
day 3
San Sebastián
With a culinary reputation second to none, many people believe San Sebastián is the best city in Spain, if not the world, to enjoy a meal. See the Old Town highlights and stroll along stunning La Concha Bay. After free time this afternoon, learn how the Basque people have preserved their distinctive culture and language for thousands of years in this region. Tonight, join a diverse group of residents for a delicious dinner and conversation.
-
day 4
Bayonne, France | Biarritz
Today, explore picturesque Bayonne, France’s Basque capital, which sits at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers. Visit the Gothic Sainte-Marie Cathedral and its cloisters during a guided Old Town walking tour. Then relax over lunch at a rustic cidrerie, or cider house, where you can fill your glass right from the cask! Next, it’s on to elegant Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay. Take in this chic seaside resort on a waterfront walk.
-
day 5
Bilbao, Spain
Admire the acclaimed Guggenheim Bilbao, hailed as one of the most important works of contemporary architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, it features a stunning, curved titanium exterior. After a tour of the museum’s modern art collection, see more of Bilbao’s world-class architecture and enjoy lunch. During free time later in San Sebastián, perhaps you’ll choose to dine at a classic Basque restaurant or try the more casual experience of the pintxos (tapas) bars.
-
day 6
Sare, France | Espelette | Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Step back in time at a 16th-century farmhouse and discover French Basque family customs before traveling to Espelette to see whitewashed homes decorated with garlands of red peppers. Over lunch, learn about herri kirolak, rural games based on old farming tasks like chopping wood and lifting heavy stones. Then head to beach town Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a historic fishing port filled with colorful Basque houses. Tonight, before tomorrow’s travels, learn about writer Ernest Hemingway’s passion for Spain.
-
day 7
Pamplona, Spain
Meander down the atmospheric streets made famous by Hemingway, where crowds throng each July for the chaotic Running of the Bulls during the weeklong festival of San Fermín. See the bullfighting ring, Cathedral Square and the Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral. Later, delve into the enduring popularity of Europe’s oldest pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James, which has several stops in Basque Country.
-
day 8
San Sebastián
Spend your free day on your own in the San Sebastiàn area. You can also choose to join today’s Elective Activity. On this optional tour, you’ll travel into the heart of the pastoral Gipuzkoa province to visit Tolosa, home to a large, lively town market, and Azpeitia, the birthplace of Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits. This evening, gather for a Farewell Reception and Dinner to celebrate your wonderful adventure in Basque Country.
-
day 9
Depart for home city
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers, then depart for the Bilbao airport and head home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans