Basque Country: France to Spain Walking & Hiking
Wander from the verdant countryside to coastal San Sebastian
6 Days, 5 Nights
16
B&R Activity Levels
$6,995 USD
Single Supplement: $2,300 USD
View Dates
Walk from France to Spain (passport optional, appetite mandatory) through Basque Country, where sheep bells ring, and jagged cliffs hover wave-batter shores. Wander postcard-perfect villages, stroll lush Pagoeta Park, and see geology throw a tantrum at Flysch Geopark. End in San Sebastián, swapping your trail boots for pintxos, vino and an evening of culinary mischief at a secret Gastronomic Society.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Trip Start: Brindos Lac & Chateau
Time: 9:30am
Nearest International Airport: Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
Farewell
Trip End: San Sebastian Airport
Time: 07:20am
Nearest International Airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO) or Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Our journey begins with a gentle hike along the Nive River, leading us deeper into the spectacular Basque Country. After lunch in a quaint town, we'll learn the local passion for pelota basque before returning to Brindos Lac & Château for a relaxing evening by the lake and a celebratory welcome dinner.
Activity:
Daily walk: 8 km (5 mi) | Elevation 182 m (597 ft)
Long option: 10 km (6 mi) | Elevation 190 m (623 ft)
Day 2
Walk between Ainhoa and Sare through lush valleys and forest paths, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of grazing sheep and village life. Taste local flavours and traditions, then unwind over dinner with panoramic views of the Basque hills.
Activity:
Daily hike: 11 km (7 mi) | Elevation 145 m (476 ft)
Day 3
Head to Spain’s Basque Country this morning, where we’ll begin our walk in the small village of Aia. Accompanied by ocean views, we’ll wander to Pagoeta Natural Park, home to a medieval mill and botanical garden. After lunch in a Txakoli wintery, we’ll head to Zarautz. This evening, enjoy a lovely beach stroll before dinner on your own.
Activity:
Daily hike: 11 km (7 mi) | Elevation 164 m (538 ft)
Long option: 15 km (9 mi) | Elevation 397 m (1,302 ft)
Day 4
A breathtaking hike awaits us at the Flysch Geoparque, one of the most extraordinary routes along the Basque coast, and home to geological formations that are over 60 million years old. After lunch in a fisherman’s port, we’ll set off to the Akelarre Hotel, our peaceful home overlooking the Bay of Biscay.
Activity:
Daily hike: 7 km (4 mi) | Elevation 72 m (236 ft)
Long option: 13 km (8 mi) | Elevation 340 m (1,115 ft)
Day 5
Departing from the hotel, we’ll set off along the Camino de Santiago to reach downtown San Sebastián. Eventually, we’ll meet our local guide in the old town for a tour and pintxos lunch. After an afternoon exploring on your own, we’ll regroup for a fabulous final night celebration at the exclusive Gastronomic Society.
Activity:
Daily walk: 7 km (4 mi) | Elevation 60 m (197 ft)
Day 6
Dates & availability
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Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Brindos, Lac & Château
Location: Biarritz, France
UR Bare Hotel
Location: Txakoli Wine Region, Spain
Akelarre Hotel
Location: San Sebastian, Spain
What's included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS.
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Van support where trails permit.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
Terrain
Some hikes have challenging up and downhills and uneven terrain along rocky trails. We recommend familiarity with hiking in these conditions.
Meals
Be aware that lunches and dinners are scheduled later than you may be used to, as is common in Spain. We'll embrace the local dining traditions by enjoying our meals later in the day.
Weather
Expect milder, fresher temperatures—this isn’t the classic hot Spanish sun, but a cooler, more temperate climate perfect for walking.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it's an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
The Basque Country has so much to offer.
From the dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay flanked by the Pyrenees mountains, the Basque Country has so much to offer. Throw into the mix its renowned cuisine, modern architecture, lively culture and the proud spirit of the Basque people, and you have the makings of a great trip.
— Ninon Vlug; Experience Designer, Basque Country