SPAIN: PYRENEES TRAILS & BASQUE ELEGANCE

Charming Alquezar

Enjoy a delightful lunch before being transferred to Alquézar, a scenic drive of around 3 hours. Alquézar is a stunning village steeped in history, often ranked among the most beautiful villages in Spain. Overlooking the town is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, originally a Moorish castle dating back to the early 9th century. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the old town as we explore the vibrant medieval street markets, where history and local culture come alive.

Day Hike to Vero Canyon

We take a drive out to a viewpoint called Portiacha from where we get fantastic views of some of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees as well as down into the Vero Canyon. From there we hike back to Alquezar. Our route takes us past three sets of neolithic cave paintings dating from 3,000 BC to 22,000 BC. We cross several canyons the final one being the Rio Vero where we can take a swim before the ascent to Alquezar. An excellent and very varied hike.
(Distance 10km, ascent 480 metres, descent 580 metres)

Further Exploration of Vero Canyon

After breakfast we’ll take a short hike along the ‘pasarelas’ – a wonderful walkway deep in the Vero Canyon, just above the water with views to the cliff above.
(Distance 2.8km with 170 metres of ascent/descent.)

Wine Tasting at Sommos Winery

This afternoon, we will visit Sommos winery and its vineyards. Enjoy a walk through the vineyard followed by a guided tour of the winery, including a wine tasting experience. After lunch, transfer to Biescas, approximately a 1.5-hour drive, where you will check in and relax.

Spectacular Spanish Pyrenees

Ordesa with its jaw-dropping view of the 1km deep canyon is the highpoint of Pyrenees spectacular scenery! We will go on a 4X4 wheel drive ascending 1,000m to start hiking above the canyon.

Easier option: Rim of Ordesa Canyon
A beautiful walk high above the canyon with truly stunning view of both the canyon and some of highest peaks in the Pyrenees along the French/Spanish border. At the end of the hike, 4X4 wheel drive brings us back to our hotel
(Distance 10km hike with 200m ascent)

More challenging option: Ordesa and Anisclo
Hike along the Ordesa Canyon rim with stunning view of both the canyon and some of highest peaks in the Pyrenees along the French/Spanish border. Then cross the alpine meadow to Anislco, another km deep canyon before descending to the village of Nerin where a short drive brings us back to hotel.
(Distance 18km hike with 350m ascent and 1,200m descent)

Fabulous French Pyrenees

Today you have 2 options for a day in the French Pyrenees:

Option 1: Full-Day Hike

If you’d like a full day of hiking, we’ll head to the Lacs Ayous area, which is a short drive away and allows plenty of time for a complete hike. We hike underneath the iconic peak of Pic du Midi d’Ossau – an extinct volcano. The route climbs to the Lacs Ayous – a set of mountain lakes with great views of Midi d’Ossau and the valley below.
(Distance 15 km, 600 metres ascent)

Option 2: Visiting Gavarnie

If you’d prefer to visit Gavarnie it’s a long drive and means that it will be more of a driving/sightseeing day with only time for a short hike in Cirque de Gavarnie. The drive is spectacular and on the way, we’ll pass over the Col d/Aubisque which is one of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France and is a spectacularly steep road with superb views. We’ll stop for some photos at the top. Then continue to Gavarnie where we’ll do the hike to the base of the Cirque. It’s only a short hike lasting between one to two hours.

San Sebastian with Pintxos Tour

Enjoy a walking tour on the romantic side of San Sebastian on foot, with elegant 19th century buildings of French inspiration in Belle Epoque style. Interesting features include the Plaza de Gipuzoka, the Paseo de Francia, alongside the Estacion del Norte, with its fountains and early 20th century mansions and the pretty Maria Cristina Bridge.

From there, the walk flows seamlessly into the evening’s highlight, a pintxos tour, weaving through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town. Hopping from bar to bar, you’ll taste a variety of creative and traditional pintxos paired with local wines and ciders. While enjoying these culinary gems, you’ll discover more of the Old Town’s charm. Between bites and sips, you’ll enjoy not just the flavours but the soul of the city-its history, architecture, and local life, all coming together in one memorable experience.

Old Town of San Sebastian, Pasaia, and Hondarribia

Explore the picturesque old town of San Sebastian, flanked by a port, the Urumea river and Mount Urgull. We will visit three significant buildings – the Church of San Vincente, the oldest in the city; the Basilica of Santa Maria, an impressive Baroque work dating from the 18th century; and the Museo San Telmo, a 16th century Dominican convent, once a military barrack and now a Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship.

Next, head to the town of Pasaia, enjoy a lobster lunch with a harbor view. After lunch, we drive to Hondarribia, a beautiful town right in the border with France. It has the best-preserved old town in the area, a lively old fishermen’s neighborhood.

Dinner at a 3 Michelin-starred Restaurant

In the evening, you have options to dine in one of the 3 Michelin stars Restaurant in San Sebastian. (*subject to availability upon reservation)
1) Arzak – A joint effort between father-daughter duo Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, blends traditional flavors with creative, modern techniques. A classic of New Basque Cuisine.
2) Akelaŕe – Chef Pedro Subijana creates inventive, modern dishes with influences from Spanish and French cuisine, often featuring local seafood.
3) Martín Berasategui – Chef Martín Berasategui is known for his artistry and creativity, crafting dishes that are precise, bold, and modern. French-influenced Basque fine dining.

Journey to Bilbao

This morning, a 1.5-hour drive brings us to Bilbao. Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank O Gehry, is a masterpiece of design and a wonder of construction. Explore the museum with its intriguing collection of vanguard works from the 19th and 20th centuries.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your onward flights.