On this journey into the Pays Basque, explore France and Spain to experience a culture that is ironically neither French nor Spanish. Amid the peaks, high plains and valleys of the Pyrénées, the modern Basque people - hearty and independent like their ancestors - sustain centuries-old traditions. Accompanied by local guides, hike trails between villages in the foothills, mingle in markets, play the traditional handball game of pelote, and delight in pepper-infused flavors, Michelin-starred cuisine, robust wines and warm hospitality.    

Days 1-2 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Rendezvous in Biarritz In St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walk the narrow cobblestone lanes of this historic market city Savor Basque culinary specialties prepared by Michelin-starred chef and noted hotelier Firmin Arrambide Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on a guided hike into Spain A trek up the pass of Roncesvalles, a region immortalized by the legend of Roland, offers vistas of beech forests and patchwork hills  Watch and learn as locals play a round of pelote.

Days 3-4 Ainhoa

Hike over Loyola Pass into beautiful Zugarramurdi, a tiny village targeted during the Inquisition as a haven for witches Stroll among the half-timbered facades of 13th-century Aïnhoa, one of France's most beautiful villages, before a private tasting of Irouléguy wines and a Michelin-starred dinner  Explore Espelette’s bustling market  Walk among traditional Basque villages, rolling vineyards and pastures dotted with sheep In the Atchuléguy foothills, look for pottoks, indigenous wild horses.

Days 5-6 St-Jean-de-Luz

Follow the Nivelle River to the Spanish border and Sare, the Basque country’s cultural gem  Feast on the area's best paella and wash it down with delicious sangria  Explore the charming seaside town of St-Jean-de-Luz, featuring a picturesque square lined with cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants Enjoy a guided walk along St-Jean’s sheltered port, where beret-capped fishermen tend to their colorful boats.

Basque Delights: Casual Inns

Les Pyrénées (2 nights): An intimate country inn with a sprawling garden and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hotel Ithurria (2 nights): This grand 17th-century Basque home on the town's walled square is a historical monument with its own pelote court and pool.

Grand Hotel (1 night): A Belle Epoque retreat with beach access, a swimming pool, spa and al fresco dining.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

• Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
• 4.1, 5.7 miles
• 50 feet elevation gain

Day 2

• Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
• 6.4, 8.4 miles
• 900 feet elevation gain

Day 3

• Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
• 4.2, 7.9, 9.3 miles
• 1200 feet elevation gain

Day 4

• Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
• 5.3, 7.3 miles
• 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 5

• Levels 3 to 5  2 Route Options Available
• 7.2, 11 miles
• 170 - 460 feet elevation gain

Day 6

• Level 1   1 Route Option Available
• 2.7 miles
• Walking Tour 1 hour

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

2010 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

• 5/30-6/4Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/5-10Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
• 10/3-8Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
• 10/17-22Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
  
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Guest Trip Reviews

I had the best time meeting the group, laughing, eating excellent food, singing, hiking and sometimes sleeping. The accommodations were great, the trip planning was seamless and the leaders were absolutely fantastic and accommodating at every turn. I haven't laughed this much for a good while. I am recommending it to everyone who will listen. Bravo! Thanks for such an amazing cultural, social and physical experience!

This trip was outstanding in every respect! It was a great introduction to a fascinating area and culture. All of the credit goes to our leaders who gave us their time, effort, and energy without stint. (Did they ever sleep?)

I loved every minute! Probably my favorite vacation EVER. The combination of physical exercise, great food, and exposure to local culture and information and culture made a perfect getaway.