Copie de Basque Country | deeptravelspain

BASQUE COUNTRY

There is no culture, language or traditions in Europe older than those of the Basque people. Not even the Romans could colonise them, There is something essential in these lands and people, that makes them both unique and universal. There are so many faces to discover in Euskal Herria that it is almost impossible to grasp it all.

The culinary tradition is not only omnipresent but it has acquired such an outstanding level that today the region hosts the highest amount of Michelin stars restaurants in the whole world (it is sometimes mentioned as “the milky way” for that reason). These lands are also home to one the best wine regions worldwide: la Rioja Alavesa lies in the Basque country too. Whatsmore, some of the best contemporary sculptors emerged from the iron industrial cities such as Bilbao, which, and this is no coincidence, hosts the world famous Guggenheim.

The tour we have designed will let you get to know some of these extraordinary people that shape, sing, paint cultivate these lands and seas. We will enter their homes or workshops, ride their horses, walk their trails and sail in their boats. It's quite possible you won't understand a word of euskera (the Basque language) but be assured you will feel at home.

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DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Let’s soak in!

We meet in Bilbao this morning and head to the natural reserve of Urdaibai for a walk into its natural beauty. Overviewing the picturesque estuary for lunch. Meet Ernesto, he will show us his Txakoli wine estate and arouse our taste buds with a wine tasting of his local variety... Osasun! Tonight we have dinner at our relais & Chateaux hotel !

Day 2: Archaic sophistication.

To arrive horseback riding to a Michellin star grill that lies in the middle of a stunning natural reserve is kind of a cool way to fill in our morning schedule. In the afternoon we will visit the town of Guernica with a History lover sociologist and have a Jai Alai class with Fernando, a former world champion. Let’s have some organic veggies in the “garden to table” Baserri Maitea restaurant.

Day 3: The last of the Mohicans.

Cheesemaking day with Cristina and Ricardo, a couple of renowned and awarded shepherds. They’ll teach us and tell us about this endangered labor. Edorta Lamo, from the first Michelin star winning tapas bar will tell us why he settled back in his native village and ran off the San Sebastian’s food scene. Of course we won’t just eat his words for lunch if not his creations. If spending the night in a wine Estate (who wouldn’t) is on your bucket list, well tonight the domain opens its doors for us.

Day 4: Literature and bullfight.

Let’s run the bulls in Pamplona today, our friend Iñaki will explain how to not injure yourself trying. Pamplona also is a culinary temple where Jesus and his wife Nerea (awarded chefs) will grant us a cooking class to design tapas. Have a ride by 4wd with Paxi, our witch hunter, in the Baztán Valley, cradle of the Basque culture. Get ready for the San Sebastian nightlife and tapas scene !

Day 5: Farewell party and mermaids.

Good morning Sailors !! Our captain Iratxe will teach us how to navigate safely the basque coast up to Getaria, where the famous sailor El Cano will start, along with Magellan, the first tour of the world… no bad harbour to disembark don’t you think? Let’s understand the inspiration of one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century by visiting his house and house center Chirilla-leku, with Miki our contemporary art specialist. Back to traditions, Iñaki and his fisherman uncle are waiting for us to visit Hondarribia and to sail back to San Sebastian where our final night party is waiting for us.

Day 6: Adios!

Say goodbye to your tour leader today! At the agreed upon time you will be driven to the airport for connecting flights home. Adios!