6 minute read
France & Spain’s Basque Region
France&Spain’s BasqueRegion
A Stay in Hondarribia
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
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.
Itinerary
Hondarribia
Day 1 | In Transit Depart for Bilbao, Spain. Day 2 | Bilbao, Spain | Hondarribia | Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to the Parador de Hondarribia. Join your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3 | Hondarribia | San Sebastián | 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.
Local Flavor: Sip cider and savor Basque cuisine during lunch at a traditional cider house. Excursion: Biarritz. A former whaling town, Biarritz is now a chic seaside resort on the Bay of Biscay. Walk along the waterfront promenade for a sweeping view of the coast. Make your way to the Rocher de la Vierge, an outcrop connected to the shore by a bridge built by Gustave Eiffel. See the medieval Atalaye watch tower, where fishermen kept an eye out for whales. Local Flavor: Enjoy special access to a txoko, a Basque gastronomic society, for dinner. These renowned members-only clubs preserve Basque culinary traditions through private dinners. Taste Basque specialties prepared in a unique venue that most travelers are not able to experience. Day 5 | Bilbao | Excursion: Bilbao. Visit the Guggenheim Bilbao, which itself is a beautiful piece of art designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Filled with exciting works of modern art, the museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Bilbao. Tonight, have dinner in Hondarribia. Day 6 | Espelette, France |
St-Jean-de-Luz |
Excursion: Basque Traditions. Visit Maison Ortillopitz, a 16th-century Basque country home in the French Basque region, to learn about Basque life and traditions. Stop in the charming town of Espelette, where strands of the eponymous red peppers adorn whitewashed homes in the traditional method of drying the peppers. Savor a delicious lunch in Espelette. Excursion: St-Jean-de-Luz. This pretty town has a swashbuckling past. In the 17th and 18th centuries, fishermen traded their nets for swords and cannons to become feared corsairs. See the St-Jean-Baptiste Church and stroll through Place Louis XIV, the main square. Educational Focus: Hemingway’s Spain. Discover writer Ernest Hemingway’s passion for Spain and its culture with a local expert. Day 7 | Pamplona, Spain | Excursion: Pamplona. Explore Pamplona and its deep ties to Ernest Hemingway. See Castle Square, the Gothic cathedral, and famous bullfighting ring. Enjoy free time for lunch as you wander along the 16th-century streets. Upon your return to Hondarribia, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of the town and stroll along the waterfront. Tonight, join the txikiteo, a favorite evening activity that involves visiting a few bars to enjoy a txikito, a small glass of wine, and pintxos, Basque cuisine’s acclaimed small plates. This custom is as much a culinary quest as it is a social activity because each bar has its own specialty pintxo. Day 8 | Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,
France |
Excursion: Art and Wine of French Basque Country. Travel to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where many pilgrims once began their journey to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest corner of Spain. Explore this walled town in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, and learn about its history. Continue to an Irouléguy wine cellar on the outskirts of town. Sip this regional wine and savor a selection of accompanying pintxos. Tonight, celebrate your week in Basque Country at a festive farewell reception and dinner. Day 9 | Depart Hondarribia for the U.S. | Transfer to the Bilbao airport for the return flights to your gateway city.
Overnight Featured Site
Bilbao Bay of Biscay FRANCE
Biarritz Bayonne Hondarribia St-Jean-de-Luz San Sebastian Espelette St-Jean-Piedde-Port
SPAIN
Pyrenees
Pamplona PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA | HONDARRIBIA Feel the romance of medieval Spain while staying at the Parador de Hondarribia, a 10th-century fortress also called the Castle of Charles V. Bask in the cozy, modern ambiance created by the vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, and tapestries on the walls. Located in the center of the historic quarter, enjoy being near Hondarribia’s restaurants and shops. Enjoy excellent service and comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Smithsonian Journeys Experts
Margaret Monnier | April (See page 11) Nathanael Greene | May (See our website) David Gies |September 10 (See page 11) Rafael Chacón |September 24 (See page 10)
For further information, visit SmithsonianJourneys.org.
Tour Dates & Prices
April 23 –May 1, 2022 May 14-22, 2022 September 10-18, 2022 September 24 –October 2, 2022
Tour Price $4,790
VAT is included.
Price includes $250 special savings –Limited time offer. See website for details!
All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $795 (limited availability). Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change.
Flights and transfers included for FlexAir participants.