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Hondarribia
Itinerary Day 1 | In Transit
France &Spain’s Basque Region
Depart for Bilbao, Spain.
Day 2 | Bilbao, Spain | Hondarribia | Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to the Parador de Hondarribia.
A Stay in Hondarribia
Join your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.
Delve into the wide-ranging soul of the Basque region in both France and Spain. Settle in and explore the cultural traditions of sophisticated resorts and art havens as well as gem-like villages dotting the Bay of Biscay and nestled amid the Pyrenees. Reside in the seaside village of Hondarribia, with its charming fortified old town known as a Basque mecca for foodies, and be fully immersed in quintessential Spanish Basque culture.
Highlights Include Hondarribia: Stay in charming Hondarribia, ideally located to explore destinations on both sides of the French and Spanish border. French and Spanish Basque Country: Get to know cities and towns in both French and Spanish Basque Country, including San Sebastián, Bayonne, Biarritz, and many more. Basque Cuisine: Relish the many opportunties to immerse yourself in the delicious culinary heritage of Basque country. From cider houses 24
Day 3 | Hondarribia | San Sebastián |
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
to pinxtos bars and dining clubs to fine-dining restaurants, Basque restaurants are known for their blend of tradition and creativity. In addition to the included culinary events, take advantage of ample free time to try local favorites, Michelin-starred restaurants, and more. Vineyard Visit: Visit a Irouléguy winery to try regionally produced wine and local cheeses. Bilbao: Tour vibrant Bilbao and the worldfamous Guggenheim Museum. Pamplona: Discover Pamplona, which has one of Spain’s most charming historic districts.
BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687
Excursion: Hondarribia. Get to know this pretty town that will be your home during your stay. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and explore the old town’s coloful lanes. Conclude your tour at the Santuario de Guadalupe, originally built in the 16th century. Admire the sweeping views of the countryside and Txingudi Bay. Have lunch at a restaurant near Hondarribia on your way to San Sebastián. Excursion: San Sebastián. This seaside town, called Donostia in Basque, was a 2016 European Capital of Culture. See its old town, including the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro. Stroll along Paseo de la Concha, a promenade that hugs the shoreline, for a beautiful view of the bay.
Day 4 | Bayonne, France | Biarritz | Excursion: Bayonne. Bayonne sits at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers and is the capital of France’s Basque region. Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral during a tour of the old town.
