Spain’s Basque Country, La Rioja & Burgos

A very enjoyable experience, as it was my first organised holiday. Allan, May 2022 Reevoo

San Sebastián • Bayonne • Pamplona • Burgos • Bilbao • Santillana Del Mar

Experience Basque culture, captivating towns and cities along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, spectacular scenery, Rioja wines, an inspired and gastronomic heritage From northern Spain to southwestern France, it is a region of beauty and diversity, crowned by the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees.

Bayonne

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Bilbao

Arrive at Bilbao or Santander airports for your transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 – San Sebastián & free afternoon

Gloriously sited on a shell-shaped stretch of the Bay of Biscay and framed by fine white-sand beaches, San Sebastián is one of the most enchanting coastal resorts. It’s flanked by two hills – Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull and this morning we explore the bay between them. As we walk through the old town we’ll see its highlights, such as Constitución Square, which was once a bullring. The tour concludes at a traditional family-run bar, giving you the opportunity to sample pintxos. Not to be confused with tapas, they tend to be more elaborate, particularly in San Sebastián, where their creation has become an art form. So popular are they that ‘txikiteo’ has become a local pastime – going from bar to bar in the evenings enjoying pintxos and drinks before settling down to a main meal. The rest of the day is free to explore. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of San Sebastián and sample traditional pintxos

DAY 3 – Bayonne & La Rhune Railway

This morning we cross the French border to Bayonne to experience Basque culture in the north. Situated where the River

We stay at the same hotel for the first three nights in San Sebastián and the following two nights in Burgos. The Bilbao hotel depends on your UK departure and date.

Silken Amara Plaza, San Sebastián

HHHH Abba Burgos Hotel, Burgos HHHH

Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao, Bilbao

HHHH Hesperia Hotel, Bilbao HHHH

Nive meets the Adour, Bayonne was once a fortified Roman town. During our guided walking tour, we’ll see colourful half-timbered buildings, the remains of 17th-century ramparts and the stunning Gothic cathedral, seat of the former Bishops of Bayonne. We then journey inland to La Rhune, an imposing mountain sacred in Basque mythology at the western end of the Pyrenees. The La Rhune cog railway takes us past typical Basque villages with red-shuttered houses and rolling countryside, home to Pottok ponies, Manex sheep and birds of prey. From the summit that towers on the border between France and Spain, we are treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay. After a wonderful day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Bayonne and journey on the La Rhune cog railway

DAY 4 – Pamplona & Rioja Winery

Today we travel to the wooded foothills of the mighty Pyrenees, passing beautiful landscapes of rolling countryside and rocky gorges. We travel to Pamplona for a guided walking tour and we’ll see its cathedral, a fine example of High Gothic architecture, as well as the 16th-century citadel. This afternoon we follow part of the pilgrimage route through La Rioja, Spain’s legendary wine region, for a guided tour and tasting at one of the traditional wineries. We have a guided

Santillana del Mar

FRANCE

Bayonne Bilbao San Sebastian La Rhune

Pamplona

Burgos

SPAIN

KEY

Arrive Depart Abba Burgos Hotel

tour and tasting at one of the region’s traditional wineries to learn how their grapes are crafted into the noble drink. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Pamplona and guided tour and tasting at a traditional winery

DAY 5 – Burgos & free afternoon

The 9th-century city of Burgos was founded as a fortress to defend the Kingdom of Navarra from the Moors and it became the capital of Castile and Léon for five centuries. During our guided tour, we explore the old quarter’s twisting streets and 13thcentury cathedral and there’s free time to explore further. This evening we dine at an excellent restaurant specialising in Castilian dishes. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Burgos

DAY 6 – Bilbao

Today we journey to Bilbao, the largest city of the Basque Country and one of its great treasures. Surrounded by green hills of Artxanda, Bilbao has a very attractive and lively medieval centre with pretty parks and attractive architecture. We enjoy a visit to the Guggenheim to see an array of works by modern Spanish and international artists, with free time to admire the art. (B) + Included Experience – Visit the Guggenheim Museum

DAY 7 – Santillana Del Mar & Altamira Cave Museum

We drive through the stunning Cantabria region, dominated by lush forests and the dizzying peaks of the distant Picos de Europa mountains. We stop at the medieval town of Santillana del Mar to wander its well-preserved cobbled streets and admire the charming ensemble of 15th- to 17th-century houses. Then we head to Altamira caves, containing some of the world’s finest Ice Age art. We visit the cave museum nearby to see its replica, which is every bit as astonishing as the original. + Included Experience – Visit Santillana del Mar and Altamira cave Museum

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Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 1 Dinner Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 4 guided tours including Bayonne,

Burgos, Pamplona and San Sebastián • Ascend to the peak of La Rhune mountain by vintage cog railway • 4 visits including the Guggenheim

Museum, Santillana del Mar, Altamira cave Museum and one of Rioja’s traditional vineyards with tasting • Sample delicious pintxos at a traditional bar in San Sebastián

DAY 8 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Please note: On some departures it may not be possible to visit the Altamira Cave Museum, and an alternative itinerary will be offered.

Burgos

Based on 32 reviews