French Pyrenees to Basque Country Hiking & Walking Tour
Sparkling Biarritz to Spain's Rioja Wine Region
On a map, there’s a line. One side France. The other, Spain. But as you immerse yourself in the the language, customs and gastronomy of Basque Country, you’ll see it’s a place all its own.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $6,099 - $6,199/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Dance between the French and Spanish border on the Grande Randonnée 10, a hiking trail that spans the length of the Pyrenees Mountains
- Get your pilgrim’s passport stamped as you trek along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, including the renowned pass from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, Spain
- Savor La Rioja’s bold red wines, which pair perfectly with pintxos—the Basque Country’s famous small bites
- Luxuriate in the artistry and comfort of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry
- Walk through seaside splendor and flysch, tiered geological formations that emerge dramatically from the water, to reach charming Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Biarritz Airport & Travel Details
- Hike along the coast, past hidden beaches, quaint seaside villages and rugged rock formations
- Arrive in the charming town of St-Jean-de-Luz, beloved for its picturesque square
- Stroll the town’s sheltered port, where fishermen tend to their colorful boats
- Sip a post-hike libation on the terrace of our exquisite retreat.
Night 1
Deluxe Hotel
This hilltop hotel above Saint-Jean-de-Luz features sweeping panoramas of the Atlantic, spacious sunny lawn and pool spaces and access to a 15-mile coastal path. La Réserve is just that—a reserve of calm where you can fully relax. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Discover the Basque Country’s bucolic charm as you walk through green, sheep-dotted hills
- Hiking in the Pyrenees, skirt the line between France and Spain on an ancient route once used by wayfarers and smugglers
- Linger over a classic Basque lunch in picturesque Bidarray
- Explore the landscape surrounding our idyllic retreat or simply take in the scene from the pool.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
A beautifully restored 17th-century Basque farm comprised of red-roofed cottages spread out on 110 forested acres and offering pastoral tranquility and views over the rolling green hills. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Cross into the Navarra region of Spain for a walk on the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
- Trek through medieval villages and across old stone bridges
- Taste an array of local pintxos—delicious small plates
- Prepare to be stunned by tonight’s Frank Gehry-designed hotel and winery
- Rural beauty surrounds us in La Rioja wine region, where hundreds of ancestral wineries have thrived for generations
- As you hike, admire the play of sunlight, shadow and color on the vineyard-laced landscape
- Walk on centuries-old cobblestone streets in historic villages like Laguardia and Elciego
- Indulge in Basque specialties with Michelin stars—the ideal finish to an extraordinary week.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Created by Frank Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece—featuring Michelin-starred cuisine—is a destination unto itself. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bilbao Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
