Distinctive & delicious regional cuisine, unique culture & architecture, splendidly varied countryside including world-class seaside resorts, atmospheric fishing villages, surf-fringed cliffs, sandy beaches, deep-green mountain valleys, charmingly tranquil rural villages, vivacious small cities replete with medieval quarters, cathedrals & ancient cobbled streets. It's all there for your enjoyment in the French & Spanish Pays Basque. This nine-day trip will provide seven fortunate guests with a delicious taste of this delightful region. In France we will visit Biarritz, Bayonne, St. Jean Pied du Port, Bidarray, Ixtassou, St. Jean de Luz & Espelette. In Spain, we visit San Sebastian, Spain's 'hot' culinary mecca, plus resurgent Bilbao & its stunning Guggenheim museum.
Highlights of the trip will include:
Visits to top regional markets including Les Halles in Biarritz, Les Halles in Bayonne, and La Brexta market in San Sebastian where we will learn about uniquely Basque seafood, Jambon de Bayonne, Espelette peppers, ewes milk cheese, wines, gateaux Basque & myriad other goodies.
A leisurely gastronomic lunch crafted from seasonal Basque products at Ostapé, a luxe secluded hill top auberge in Bidarray, nestled in the green foothills of the Pyrennes.
Exploring vibrant markets & historic quarters in Bayonne, St. Jean Pied du Port, St. Jean de Luz and Spain's San Sebastian and Bilbao.
Visiting the stellar Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Visits to culinary artisans, including a vigneron to taste & learn about the region's distinctive Irrouleguy wines. And we will enjoy a dégustation of Basque cheese & charcuterie. We visit various patisseries and chocolate shops to sample Basque specialties.
A San Sebastian Tapeo, a 'tapas crawl' where we will dine and drink in the legendary tapas bars in the atmospheric' old quarter'.
Shopping for Basque table linens, espadrilles, pottery & other regional treasures.
Basking in the Bounties of the Pays Basque is limited to seven guests. The tour begins in Bayonne and ends in San Sebastian. Connections to Paris or to Madrid are easily arranged. Included: three-star hotels double occupancy, three nights in Bayonne, two in Biarritz, four in San Sebastian. Daily breakfast. Meals, tapas & tastings as detailed in itinerary. Transportation in the Pays Basque in a comfortable minivan with a local driver-guide. Admission to the Guggenheim museum, Basque Museum and any fee-based activity noted in the itinerary.
Price: $3,595, Deposit: $375, Single supplement available.