Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 38
The free-spirited Basque country is a world
apart, with its own ancient language,
celebrated cuisine, and emerald mountains
offering some of the most
gorgeous hiking in all
Spain. On our captivating
hiking and cultural
adventure, we follow
smugglers’ paths into
hidden valleys, and cross
spectacular high trails
to travel from Spain into
France on foot. Eating
well is the second religion
of the Basques, and we’ll enjoy a cooking
class, sip superb red Rioja wines, and savor
dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Ongi etorri!
Days 1-5 Bilbao / La Rioja / Navarre High
Country / Arbizu Basque lore and legend is
all around us on hikes amid the hidden rock
labyrinths of Gorbea and the limestone peaks
and lush meadows of Urkiola. In Navarre’s high
country, our trails lead along ridges in the
footsteps of mountain tribes who settled here
6,000 years ago, and to a remote monastery for
a picnic lunch. On one afternoon, you’ll join a
private cooking class of La Rioja specialties and
taste wines with a master winemaker, the owner
of our charming hotel.
Days 6-7 High Route of the Pyrenees From
Roncesvalles Pass, where the Basques defeated
Charlemagne’s army in 778, hike right into
France on the spectacular Pyrenees High Route,
passing mysterious stone megaliths, then head
back into Spain and the remote Aldudes Valley,
where a much-prized cured ham is made.
Days 8-10 Bidarray, France / Hondarribia,
Spain On the grassy slopes of Mt. Atxuria,
retrace the smugglers’ trail used by armies that
fought in the 19th century Spanish civil wars.
Our last hike is along the cliffs of Hendaye,
France, where mountains spill into the sea
amid hidden islands and coves that were once
the secret refuge of Basque witches. From our
hotel in the colorful fishermen’s quarter of
Hondarribia, we join the locals for the tradition
of txikiteo, or pintxo-bar-hopping, in the town’s
tavernas. Depart on Day 10.
Limestone peaks, high trails, savory specialties, and fine wine make for the perfect hiking adventure. PHOTO: JUAN CARLOS MUÑOZ
“It was a great trip.
The hikes were
spectacularly
beautiful, the food
and wine very
special, and the
Basque villages so
cozy and fun.”
Barry P.,
Virginia Beach VA
ROBERT FRIED
MATTEO CARASSALE
HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the unique Basque heritage
with visits to pilgrimage sites and local
bodegas
• Hikes include forested trails that lead to
monasteries and ridge walks past
fascinating stone monuments
• Cross the borders of Spain and France—
on foot!
• Savor a Welcome Dinner in a Michelin-
starred restaurant
• Private wine tastings, cooking class,
and picnics including renowned Basque
cheeses
• Charming hotels, including a Baroque
manor house, a historic grain mill-turned-
hotel, and a family-run riverside inn
• Join the local pastime of txikiteo, going
from bar to bar, snacking on small
delicacies and a drink before moving on
to the next place!
• Enjoy an insider’s experience with native
Basque Trip Leaders
DETAILS
• 10-day trip begins in Bilbao and ends
in Hondarribia
• 9 nights historic hotels and inns
• All meals included except 3 dinners
DATES
May 30-Jun 8, 2017
Jun 27-Jul 6
Aug 28-Sep 6
Sep 18-27
TRIP COST
$5495 (11-15 members)
$5895 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $550
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3+ 4 5 6 7
9 hiking days on moderate trails,
some steep sections, 3-6 hours a day,
van support