French Pyrenees to Basque Country Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
French Pyrenees to Basque Country Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Apr-Jul, Sep-Oct2026: Apr-Jul, Sep-Oct
Sparkling Biarritz to Spain's Rioja Wine Region
On a map, there's a line. One side France. The other, Spain. But as you gaze at the resplendent Bay of Biscay, walk the high plains and valleys of the Pyrenees, follow the path of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and toast the vibrant colors, light and superb wines of La Rioja, you'll see it's a place all its own.
Highlights
- Journey from the dramatic Atlantic Pyrenees in France to the green mountain landscapes of the Basque Country in Spain
- Hike up to breathtaking views of the region's iconic vast beech forests, broad patchwork hills and sheep-dotted pastures
- Walk with travelers from all over the world on part of the famed pilgrimage trail of St. James, the Camino de Santiago
- Savor excellent Basque cuisine created by Michelin-starred chef Francis Paniego and exquisite wines of the Rioja region
StartBiarritz
EndBilbao
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Hike along the coast, past hidden beaches, quaint seaside villages and rugged rock formations • Arrive in the charming town of St-Jean-de-Luz, beloved for its picturesque square • Stroll the town’s sheltered port, where fishermen tend to their colorful boats • Sip a post-hike libation on the terrace of our exquisite retreat.
Night 1
This clifftop property overlooks the deep-blue Atlantic and offers plenty of sunny lounge spaces throughout its manicured gardens to take in the view. (pool)
Days 2-3
Discover the Basque Country’s bucolic charm as you walk through green sheep-dotted hills • Hiking in the Pyrenees, skirt the line between France and Spain on an ancient route once used by wayfarers and smugglers • Linger over a classic Basque lunch in picturesque Bidarray • Explore the landscape surrounding our idyllic retreat or simply take in the scene from the pool.
Nights 2-3
A beautifully restored traditional Basque farm from the 17th century offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Cross into the Navarra region of Spain for a walk on the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route • Trek through medieval villages and across old stone bridges • Taste an array of local pintxos—delicious small plates • Prepare to be stunned by tonight’s Frank Gehry-designed hotel and winery • Rural beauty surrounds us in La Rioja wine region, where hundreds of ancestral wineries have thrived for generations • As you hike, admire the play of sunlight, shadow and color on the vineyard-laced landscape • Walk on centuries-old cobblestone streets in historic villages like Laguardia and Elciego • Indulge in Basque specialties with Michelin stars—the ideal finish to an extraordinary week.
Nights 4-5
Created by Frank Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece—featuring Michelin-starred cuisine—is a destination unto itself. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared, limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
Amid Basque country and the Pyrenees foothills, you can look forward to some exciting terrain our hikes. If you want additional support, we have Leki Trekking poles available in addition to water, snacks and ample encouragement provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides. We can also flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles, but you should be comfortable with steep climbs and descents or hopping in the van for a lift.
While we always aim to get off the beaten path, this region is a popular coastal vacation spot for European tourists. You'll be among locals and fellow travelers when we visit towns, and there can be moderate car traffic on some of the country roads we bike on (cars in this area are very respectful of bikers).
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
*Deluxe Hotel
This clifftop property overlooks the deep-blue Atlantic and offers plenty of sunny lounge spaces throughout its manicured gardens to take in the view. (pool)
Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
A beautifully restored traditional Basque farm from the 17th century offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Created by Frank Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece—featuring Michelin-starred cuisine—is a destination unto itself. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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