Discovery of the Basque Country by bike

The Basque Coast: where Ocean and Mountain merge

Spain - Spanish Bask country

Guided walking

Guided Walking

7 Days

6 Nights

6 Activity Days

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From 1.070,00 €

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The coasts of the Basque Country are shaped by the last foothills of the Pyrenees, revealing stunning beaches framed by cliffs. The sea here is clear, sometimes stirred by beautiful waves. While swimming and sunbathing are popular, hiking along the Atlantic Ocean is the true highlight. Here, there's no need to choose: the sea and the mountains blend together perfectly. To discover this magnificent union of elements, we offer a comfortable exploration, staying in family-run hotels and in the wildest areas, far from towns and seaside resorts. With the ocean as your backdrop, you'll journey from hills to coves, from cliffs to beaches, from meadows to forests…
Gastronomy is also an essential part of this journey, as the region boasts an exceptional culinary and cultural heritage. You'll savor Basque specialties: tapas, Txakoli wine, fresh seafood, and more.
Finally, for a touch of culture, you'll visit the famous Guggenheim museum, as well as the superb Gaztelugatxe hermitage, a fascinating surprise awaits!

HIGHLIGHTS :
• Coastal hikes with lots of opportunities for swimming.
• Discover the Spanish Basque Coast, its typical atmosphere, its ports and seaside resorts.
• Tapas evenings in Mundaka.
• Discover the rich and varied gastronomy of the Basque Country.
• Diverse coastal landscapes some of which were used as sets for the famous series "Game of Thrones".
• Major cultural attractions: Gaztelugatxe and the famous Guggenheim museum.

Dates and Prices

Departures :
Guaranteed departure from 4 participants.

Price per person :
- Price low season : 1070€
- Price July-August-September : 1130€

Supplements:
- Single Room Supplement: 295€ per person
- Extra Night in Hendaye and/or Bilbao: Please contact us

Price includes

- Full-board accommodation from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- All transfers during the trip
- Guidance by a certified mountain leader (BE AMM) specializing in the Basque Country
- Visits to Gaztelugatxe et Guggenheim museum

Price doesn't include

- Insurance
- Meals not specified in "Price Includes"
- Transfers not included in the program
- Visits not specified in "Price Includes"
- Drinks
- Booking fees: €15

Day 1: Start of the trip in Hendaye, followed by a half-day hike

Meet at 2.30 pm at Hendaye station, wearing hiking gear.
After a short transfer, we set off on a gentle hike through the green hills and Txakoli vineyards above Getaria, a town proud of its famous sons, such as the navigator Elcano and the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.
Distance : 9km, duration : 3h30, ascent : +280m, descent : -280m. Transfer : 30 min.

Day 2: From Zumaia to Deba, geological sanctuary

This stage takes us through one of the most breathtaking and geologically significant parts of the Basque Coast, the "Geopark of the Basque Coast." This area, recently declared a protected biotope, showcases uninterrupted layers of rock formations spanning over 50 million years of Earth's history. It is one of the world's most important geological sanctuaries.
Distance : 14km, duration : 4h45, ascent : +600m, descent : -600m. Transfer : 20min return journey.

Day 3: Between Ea and Lekeitio, in the heart of Biscay

During a beautiful and rugged coastal journey from cove to cove, we will discover two iconic spots on the Bay of Biscay coast: Ea, a magnificent little coastal harbour and its fjord; and then Lekeitio, proud and culturally vibrant, whose bay is home to a lively harbour and a fascinating sight: an island that people have connected to the mainland via a causeway accessible only at low tide! A truly lovely day…
Distance : 14km, duration : 5h30, ascent : +650m, descent : -650m. Transfer : 1h.

Day 4: Elantxobe harbour and Laga beach

Start on foot from the hotel for a varied circular hike, taking in forests, a fishing village and an idyllic beach, all offering views of the magnificent and impressive Ria de Mundaka.
Distance : 13km, duration : 5h30, ascent : +650m, descent : -650m. No transfer.

Day 5: The famous hermitage of Gaztelugatxe

Nestled on its own little island, battered by the winds and tides, the Gaztelugatxe hermitage is both surprising and fascinating. We’ll visit it at the end of a fairly easy hike overlooking the ocean, the hermitage itself, and the lovely Matxitxako lighthouse. This will give us plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular setting of the hermitage.
After the hike, we’ll head to Gernika for a cultural and historical interlude: a visit to the highly symbolic Tree of Gernika and the Parliament.
In the evening, a tapas night in Gernika.
Distance : 10km, duration : 4h, ascent : +380m, descent : -380m. Transfer 30min return journey.

Day 6: The rugged coast of Astondo, followed by a visit to the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao

Get ready for one last hike in the stunning, wild landscape of Biscay. Today we’re setting off from the beautiful beach at Astondo, where we’ll explore the petrified dunes, a unique geological feature on the Basque coast. We’ll follow the coastline, from cliffs to coves, for one last taste of everything that makes the Basque coast so special: where the mountains meet the sea!
Distance : 10km, duration : 4h, ascent : +500m, descent : -500m. Transfer : 50min one way, 35min for the return journey to Bilbao.

Day 7 : End of the trip

The trip ends after breakfast. For those who arrived by train, a transfer from Bilbao to Hendaye station (1 hour 30), arriving at 10.40 AM.

This itinerary has been designed based on the latest available information. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, and changes beyond our control may be necessary. Our local guides are experienced and may adjust the itinerary if needed for safety reasons or due to weather conditions.

Welcome

On Day 1 at 2:30 PM at Hendaye train station.

For those arriving by car: Paid parking is available at Hendaye train station:
Effia Long-Term Parking – Hendaye Train Station

Dispersion

The trip ends after breakfast on day 7. For those who arrived by train, a transfer to Hendaye train station is scheduled, arriving at 10:40 AM.

Level

Terrain type
Hikes are fairly easy, on good trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky.

Level 2
These trips are designed for people looking for active holidays. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Hikes of 5-6 hours per day on average, with altitude gains of 400m-700m, on easy trails and paths.
* Be advised : The walking times mentioned are for informational purposes and are average times that account only for the actual walking duration, without including breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary.

Accommodation

6 nights in a ** or *** hotel or bed and breakfast of equivalent standard, in a double room.
Single room on request, with supplement and subject to availability.

Meals :
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam)
- Dinner often based on Basque specialties, include a starter, main course and dessert
- Picnics included
- Drinks not included

Luggage porterage

During the hike, you will only carry your personal belongings for the day, your picnic, and enough water.

Group

From 4 to 8 participants.

Supervision

Hiking is supervised by a certified guide specializing in the Basque Country.
The RESPYRENEES guide team is 100% local. Based in the Basque Country or the Pyrenees, the landscapes, culture, and history of these regions hold no secrets for us!

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