where is the basque …this is a truly spectacular area of the basque country. -throughout this tour...
TRANSCRIPT
Pais Vasco, Basque Country, or Euskadi in the Basque language is a journey
into the undiscovered. Naturally beautiful, and culturally rich, this region of
northern Spain and southwest France offers a taste of Europe unlike any
other. Unsurprisingly, this region is quickly becoming a haven for people
traveling to and throughout Europe who are searching for unique and
exceptional experiences. From spectacular mountain vistas, world-renowned
vineyards, charming coastal villages, Michelin-star restaurants, famous
museums. The Basque Country has so much to offer its visitors. We at Tours
of Basque promise to deliver a unique and exciting experience!
WWW.TOURSOFBASQUE.COM
WHERE IS THE BASQUE COUNTRY?
BILBAO ARCHITECTURE & CULTURE TOUR
-We will walk along the beautiful Nervion River towards the world renowned
Guggenheim Museum designed by famous architect Frank Gehry.
-If desired, guests can also enter the Guggenheim Museum.
-We then make our way to the Ribera Market (the largest covered market in
Europe) to take a look at all the fresh produce, fish, and meats, all originating
from the sea and local countryside.
-Take a trip back in time as we walk through Bilbao’s scenic Casco Viejo or
Old Part, which highlights the 700 year old buildings and architecture that
make this area so unique.
-Points of interest on our Bilbao guided tour include century old Cathedrals,
City Hall, local Basque food markets, Iberian ham shops, designer boutiques,
etc…
-We finish this Basque tour with a lovely short train ride aboard the Artxanda
Funicular to the peak of Artxanda offering stunning views of the city.
—10:00am-3:00pm. Approximately 6 hours.
—Includes 3 course lunch at a delicious restaurant in the old part of Bilbao.
—150 euro/person for groups of 2-3
—110 euro/person for groups of 4-6
ESSENTIAL LA RIOJA WINE TOUR EXPERIENCE
-This La Rioja tour will take you on a visit to a subterranean winery lying
beneath the historic Basque city of LaGuardia that dates back centuries.
-A visit to a traditional family run winery is included to highlight the absolute
pinnacle and prestige of the La Rioja winemaking. This estate produces wine
that rates in the top 100 of Rioja wines with more than 90 Parker Points.
-We will also guide you around the medieval city of LaGuardia along with
external views of some of the most architecturally significant wineries in the
La Rioja.
-During our private guided tour of LaGuardia we will stop for a delicious 3
course Basque meal inside the city walls.
—8:30am-4:30pm. Approximately 8 hours.
—Includes 90 minute visit to 2 wineries coupled with 2 tastings per winery.
—Includes a 3 course lunch with red/white wine and mineral water.
—230 euro/person for groups of 2-3
—200 euro/person for groups of 4-6
SAN SEBASTIAN & COASTAL ROUTE
-We begin this Basque experience with a guided tour of San Sebastian. We will
walk along the La Concha beach on the way to the old part of the city.
-The magnificent city of Zarautz is our next stop, which holds the designation
of having the largest beach in the entire Basque Country. This city was once a
popular summer destination for European royalty.
-We will stop in the fishing port of Getaria. Getaria has some of the best
restaurants in the Basque Country along with San Sebastian.
-We will then make the short drive to the unique coastal village ofZumaia, with
its famous rock formations containing fossils that date back some 100 million
years. Here you will find some of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire
Basque Country.
-Throughout this tour of San Sebastian and the Basque coast we will stop for
delicious pintxos (if desired), some visually stunning photo opportunities and
easy treks (if desired).
—8:30am-4:30pm. Approximately 8 hours.
—Includes a 3 course lunch with red/white wine and mineral water.
—210 euro/person for groups of 2-3
—175 euro/person for groups of 4-6
THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS – PAMPLONA, HEMINGWAY & THE BASQUE
PYRENEES
-The Basque city of Pamplona (Iruña in Basque) is a city famous for two
things: Ernest Hemingway called this city home as he was writingThe Sun Also
Rises, and secondly this is the city where bulls run the streets.
-We will guide you through the winding streets of the old part where
Hemingway savored his beloved Rioja wine while he chatted up the locals. We
will also point out the infamous path that the bulls run during the San Fermin
festival.
-We stop for lunch in the old part of Pamplona for 3 course meal at a family
run Basque restaurant.
-After Pamplona we will take you on a visually stunning drive through
thePyrenee Mountains. This area, sheltered by the steep green Pyrenee slopes
seems to be forgotten in time.
—8:30am-2:30pm. Approximately 8-9 hours.
—Includes a 3 course lunch with red/white wine and mineral water.
—235 euro/person for groups of 2-3
—195 euro/person for groups of 4-6
COAST OF BIZKAIA & HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF GERNIKA TOUR
-We will take you directly north along the beautiful tree-lined roadsheading
north to the rugged coast of the Basque Country.
-Our first stop on this Basque Country tour will be in the historic town
ofGernika. This city holds political importance for the Basques as the local
politicians have made important national decisions here for nearly 1000 years.
Gernika has historical significance as the sight of a horrific aerial bombing in
1936. This is also the site of the Pablo Picasso’s famous Guernica painting
portraying this violent day.
-The small fishing port of Mundaka is our next stop. This small city is home to
a world-class surf break know the world over amongst surfers.There are
also and some excellent Basque restaurants and pintxo bars.
-Bermeo is a short drive west from Mundaka, and is a large fishing port that
was historically a whaling port for the Basques.
-Our next stop on the Basque coast is at the 10th century hermitage of San
Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is an incredible feat of engineering. This small
church sits at the pinnacle of a small island connected to the coast only by a
small stone bridge.
-On the way back we will take you the scenic route through the Basque
mountains and small towns that dot the countryside.
-Throughout this private Basque tour we will stop some visually stunning
photo opportunities and easy treks (if desired).
—9:00am-5:00pm. Approximately 8 hours.
—Includes a 3 course lunch with red-white wine and mineral water
—195 euro/person for groups of 2-3
—145 euro/person for groups of 4-6
FRENCH BASQUE EXPERIENCE
-We will stop in the Spanish Basque border town of Hondarribia with its
unrivaled architectural beauty before heading over to the French Basque
Country. We will take a walking tour around the old part of this fishing port,
and of course stop for a pintxo or two!
-Hendaia will be our second stop, which offers our first glimpse of theFrench
Basque culture. Hendaia has a spectacular beach with numerous fine
restaurants and bars lining the historic port.
-The next coastal city we stop at is St. Jean de Luz, a beautiful coastal town
with a notable French influence. This Basque city was also where French King
Louis XIV chose to get married in 1660.
-We will then make our way inland to the French Basque countryside. This
region has numerous mountain hamlets in the shadow of the grand Pyrenees.
This is a truly spectacular area of the Basque Country.
-Throughout this tour of the Basque Country we will stop for delicious Basque
pintxos, some visually stunning photo opportunities, easy treks (if desired),
and lunch.
—8:30am-5:30pm. Approximately 9 hours.
—Includes a 3 course lunch with red/white wine and mineral water.
—230 euro/person for groups of 2-3.
—190 euro/person for groups of 4-6.