On the secret paths and traditions of the Basque Country
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationBasque Country / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions94.63 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Discover the Basque Country like you've never seen it before! This hike has been designed to take you off the beaten path. Your state-certified guide, passionate about the region, will lead you along less-traveled trails, offering a unique experience . Pristine and wild landscapes will accompany you throughout your hikes. The trip will be punctuated with gastronomic and cultural breaks for a complete immersion in this exceptional region. In the evenings, comfortable accommodations with a pool and jacuzzi will allow you to relax and recharge before the next hike. Combining discovery and relaxation , this off-the-beaten-path adventure will revitalize you and leave you captivated by Basque culture.
The highlights
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An off-the-beaten-path hiking circuit designed and led by local guides
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The best of the Basque Country with a very wide diversity of landscapes
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A stay enhanced by gastronomic and cultural breaks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
These trips are designed for those seeking an active holiday. Regular walkers, in good physical condition, with experience in mountain hiking are recommended.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 719 m
- Average daily descent: 719 m
- Maximum altitude: 2017 m
Management
You will be accompanied by a state-certified local guide who is a specialist in the Basque Country.
Program
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Start of stay in Bayonne, then hike along the coastal path in the Southern Basque Country
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 45km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 620 m
- Negative elevation 620 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM at Bayonne train station. Set off to explore Mount Jaizkibel and its verdant slopes. The hike follows the ocean, taking you past cliffs and small coves, and offering glimpses of remarkable geological formations. At the end of the day, a transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel in Sare.
Day 1 -
Wild nature of the Kingdom of Navarre and the summit of Alkurruntz
- Transportation Minibus - 01h15 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Maximum altitude 934 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Start your day in the historic village of Amaiur in Navarre. You'll first follow a section of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), then climb to the summit of Alkurruntz. From this peak, enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Basque coast.
Day 2 -
The world of shepherds – Urkulu summit
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1423 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This hike takes you along the border, through an authentic pastoral setting. You'll explore the limestone summit of Urkulu, a historical site marked by Roman times. Surrounded by beech forests, this place has served as a refuge for shepherds and their flocks for millennia. We'll take advantage of the opportunity to stop at one of their farms to taste their summer cheese.
Day 3 -
Aldudes Valley and Quint Country
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 45km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Negative elevation 530 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Explore the Pays Quint, also known as Kintoa, a unique territory nestled in the heart of the Basque mountains. Your adventure begins in the village of Aldudes, situated at an altitude of 370 meters on the banks of the river of the same name. From there, you'll climb towards the border ridge. Through beech forests, summer pastures, fields of ferns, and over mountain peaks, you'll be amazed by the diverse landscapes that characterize this mountain range. On the return journey, we'll stop for free time in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a listed village located on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago).
Day 4 -
Iraty Forest – its mythical summit, the Pic d'Orhi
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 880 m
- Negative elevation 880 m
- Maximum altitude 2017 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The hike begins at the edge of the vast Iraty forest, gaining altitude and leading to Iraty. From there, the view opens up to the high Béarn mountains. The ascent continues towards the isolated summit of Orhi, where you'll be greeted by chamois and unique alpine flora. At the summit, a breathtaking 360° panorama awaits.
After the hike you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of Basque pig farming, during a stop at one of our local producers, famous for his cured meats.
Day 5 -
Peñas d'Itsusi, in the kingdom of vultures
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 90km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 880 m
- Negative elevation 880 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, follow the GR10 trail towards the impressive Peñas d'Itsusi, nicknamed "the ugly rocks." Along this route, you'll have a commanding view of the landscape alongside griffon vultures, soaring between small streams and majestic cliffs. The trip concludes at 4:00 PM after a transfer to Bayonne train station, during which you'll have the opportunity to relive the highlights of this adventure.
Day 6
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group is at stake.
It requires it.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will be accommodated for 1 night in a 2-star hotel in a double room, then you will stay for 4 nights, in a double room, with our partners and friends at:
- Maison ANDREINIA: ** hotel with swimming pool and jacuzzi.
- or Maison LAIA: bed and breakfast with swimming pool.
Single room available on request, with supplement and subject to availability.
During this stay, you will be accommodated for 1 night in a 2-star hotel in a double room, then you will stay for 4 nights, in a double room, with our partners and friends at:
- Maison ANDREINIA: ** hotel with swimming pool and jacuzzi.
- or Maison LAIA: bed and breakfast with swimming pool.
Single room available on request, with supplement and subject to availability.
Access
Luggage storage:
Hotel Côte Basque, located opposite Bayonne train station, offers luggage storage.
2 rue MAUBEC, 64100 BAYONNE
05 59 55 10 21
Go to the starting point
If you are arriving by car, we recommend parking in the covered car park at Bayonne train station (10 rue Ste Ursule, 64100 Bayonne) or in the covered car park at the IBIS Bayonne Centre hotel (46 boulevard Alsace Lorraine, 64100 Bayonne). Reservations are recommended during peak season.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- Transfers during the stay
- The tour is led by a qualified guide specializing in the Basque Country.
- The visits and tastings listed in the day-by-day itinerary
The price does not include
- Meals not listed in the day-by-day plan
- Transfers not included in the program
- Drinks
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF178.39 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- First aid kit
Equipment to bring
- Backpack of approximately 40L
- Sleeping bag sheet
- Picnic
- Airtight container for picnics
- Gourd
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes
- Telescopic poles
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Headlamp
- Picnic tableware
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Breathable walking clothes
- Change of clothes
- Swimsuit
- Towel
They traveled with us
The Gaëtan team
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- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
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