2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Basque country is a world apart, with its own language, renowned cuisine and wine, and some of the most gorgeous hiking trails in Europe. With our Basque Trip Leaders, we’ll hike the coast, countryside, mountains, and some of the best parts of the famed Camino de Santiago for an immersion in culture, legend, and cuisine. Our insider’s journey brings us to evocative megalithic monuments, ancient Basque farmsteads, and from France into Spain on a historic pilgrim trail. Eating well is the second religion of the Basques, and we’ll have classic lunches among farmers and fishermen, taste local mountain cheeses, go pintxo -hopping in the foodie Hiking in the Land of the Basques MOUNTAIN AND COASTAL TRAILS FROM FRANCE TO SPAIN pasturelands for a lunch at a gathering spot for shepherds. Overnights are in Saint-Étienne-de-Baigorry, an idyllic Basque village in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. Days 3-4 Camino de Santiago / Roncesvalles, Spain / Pamplona Starting at the historic cross at Biakorre, we hike one of the most beautiful stretches of El Camino, the epic pilgrim trail into Spain, ending at Roncesvalles Abbey, where the Basques defeated Charlemagne’s army in 778. Another hike on the pilgrim trail brings us to medieval Puente la Reina, with its graceful arched bridge. Our charming hotel in Pamplona is the same one Hemingway used to stay in! Days 5-6 Village Hike / Hondarribia / San Sebastián A village to village hike brings us through southern Basque country, with lunch in a cafe where we’ll join local farmers— it’s a classic spot. In San Sebastián, the views are fabulous as we hike from Monte Igueldo down to the magnificent bay of La Concha, then join in the tradition of pintxo-hopping—a foodie “pub crawl” to sample the best tapas. A renowned local professor will give us a talk on Basque history while we sip Txakoli (Basque white wine), and our accommodation is a lovely seaside parador in Hondarribia. Day 7-8 Bilbao / Depart Heading along the coast to Bilbao, we have lunch among fishermen in a small fishing harbor. The afternoon is free to visit the Guggenheim Museum, and we celebrate with a Farewell Dinner in a Michelin-starred Basque restaurant. Depart on Day 8. capital of San Sebastián, and enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bilbao, home to the glittering Guggenheim Museum. Days 1-2 Biarritz, France / Saint Étienne-de-Baigorry / Mount Okabe Meeting in Biarritz, one of our hikes is on Mount Okabe, with its Iron Age stone circle, and we descend through

“Such a great trip. The hikes were

spectacularly beautiful, the food and wine very special, and the Basque villages comfortable and fun.” Barry P., Virginia Beach VA

BRIAN MCGILLOWAY IÑAKI LIZARRAGA

JAVIER LARREA

Our Basque Trip Leaders love sharing their ancient culture and distinctive cuisine—and especially their hiking trails!

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike from France to Spain on the pilgrims’ route • Enjoy private wine tastings, delicious picnics, and meals in local Basque gathering spots • Explore mountain, coast, and village to village trails • Experience Basque country with Trip Leaders who have a passion for sharing their culture and cuisine • Savor a special Basque dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bilbao DETAILS • 8-day trip begins in Biarritz, France, and ends in Bilbao, Spain • 7 nights historic hotels and inns • All meals included except 2 dinners

TRIP COST $5495 (12-15 members) $5895 (4-11 members) Single supplement: $810

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 6 hiking days on moderate trails, some steep sections, 2-5 hours a day, van support

DATES May 20-27, 2019 Jun 24-Jul 1 Sep 16-23 Oct 7-14

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 54