The Experience
From Seaside Biarritz to Art-Infused Bilbao
On a map you’ll see the line. One side France. The other, Spain. There it is—definitive, exact. But set foot here and you’ll see it’s a place all its own. An independent spirit shines through as you gaze out over the sparkling Bay of Biscay and walk the high plains and valleys of the often overlooked Pyrenees. As you take in a game of basque pelota and wonder how many pilgrims throughout the centuries have walked this very same stretch of the Camino de Santiago. And raise a toast to the vibrant color and light—and excellent wines—of La Rioja. Journey from the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Pyrenees in France to the glorious green mountain landscapes of Spanish Basque Country Enjoy a breathtaking ascent in the Pyrenees, with views of vast beech forests and broad patchwork hills Discover the famed pilgrimage trail of Saint James, the Camino de Santiago Superb Basque cuisine created by Michelin-starred chef Francis Paniego and exquisite wines of the Rioja region Extend your trip in Bilbao and visit the dazzling Guggenheim Museum, or travel to the stunning seaside town of San Sebastián
Day 1 Hike along the coast, passing beautiful beaches, quaint seaside villages and rugged rock formations Arrive in the idyllic town of St-Jean-de-Luz, beloved for its picturesque square lined with cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants Stroll along the town’s sheltered port, where beret-capped fishermen tend to their colorful boats. Days 2-3 Discover Basque Country’s pastoral charm as you stride through green sheep-dotted hills in a region celebrated for its fromage de brebis—a creamy cheese with a sweet taste This is the land immortalized in the Legend of Roland Hiking in the Pyrenees, skirt the line between France and Spain on an ancient route once used by pilgrims and smugglers Visit an artisanal cheese farm and soak up the scene in riverside St-Etienne-de-Baïgorry, a hamlet brimming with typical Basque timbered houses. Day 4 Welcome to Spain! We cross the border into the Navarra region for a walk on the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route Exchange greetings with travelers from all across the world as you ramble through medieval villages and across old stone bridges along the “Pilgrim’s Way” Taste an array of local pinchos—delicious small plates. Days 5-6 Rural beauty and tranquility surround 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 Amble on ancient cobblestone streets in historic villages like Navaridas and Elciego Savor Basque specialties at a Michelin-starred restaurant—the ideal finish to an extraordinary week.
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The Route
