Basque Country, Pamplona & French Basque Country, 6 days (5+1 gift)

Arrival at Bilbao airport from where we will start our trek to the Basque Country and neighboring Navarre. Transfer to the hotel for settling in the rooms and a first walking tour then in the city which we will get to know in more detail in the following days

Today's tour of Bilbao is going to highlight in the most direct way the urban renewal and indeed, the very transition of a gray boring industrial city to a beacon of art and culture that attracts quality tourism from all over the planet.

From the top of the verdant Archanda hill on the north-western outskirts of the city, we will not only enjoy the panoramic view, but also observe the urban structure, the gradual development and the transformations of its central core. Our next stop is the basilica of Panagia Begonia, patroness of the city and sailors, where the precious statue of Panagia is kept. Then we will wander through the picturesque alleys of Casco Viejo. Around the Gothic Cathedral of St. James, the entire medieval city of Bilbao developed, and later, the lively Plaza Nueva. Imposing mansions, but also emblematic modern projects highlight in Ensanche the dynamic momentum of the city towards the future. In the afternoon, time is free and there are many options. Bilbao offers itself to the traveler open, exuberant and welcoming to explore through its multiple reflections.

Beacon light, the building of the iconic Guggenheim Museum that we will tour today. The museum, designed by superstar architect Frank Gehry, is the hallmark of a former industrial city that is now buzzing with art and culture. Our acquaintance with Bilbao is then completed with a visit to the suburb of Getxo (Getxo) in the port area near its mouth in the Bay of Biscay. Here proudly stands another landmark of the city, none other than the famous Vizcaya Crane Bridge, which connects the areas of Las Arenas/Areete and Portugalete. Afternoon free for more city tours.

Today we start with Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the autonomous since 1980 province of the Basque Country with its medieval center on the hill above the square of the White Virgin. Climbing to the top we will wander between 16th century Renaissance mansions, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the "Portalon", the famous 15th century inn located at the northern end of the medieval town. The Church of Saint Michael with the statue of the White Virgin, patron of the city, gives us another reason to flash the flashers, just before we go down to the twin squares of the White Virgin and the Plaza de España with the town hall, where the heart beats city's. Next is the emblematic city of Pamplona in the province of Navarra. The medieval kingdom of western Europe from its foundation in 814 to 1035 played a catalytic role in the Christian reconquest of Iberia from the Arabs. Pamplona is world-famous for its bullfighting festival, a custom that is sometimes criticized for its cruelty, the visitor will see a lot of sights that prove the legend of the city's allure. With its majestic cathedral, archaeological treasures and 16th century fortifications, Pamplona has many stories to tell. At the same time, the green parks, as well as the well-kept center with its picturesque alleys and wonderful corners for food and drink are a pole of attraction for the youth, but also for quality tourism. From Plata del Castillo we head to the well-preserved walls and the Cathedral of Santa Maria, just before ending up at Plata Constitorial with the impressive City Hall. We will have free time at our disposal to get a good taste of the city's nightlife, which means wandering the picturesque alleys and shops tasting tapas and drinking chilled sangria. In the early afternoon we arrive at our hotel in San Sebastian. The city is famous for its beaches on the Bay of Biscay, its famous cuisine and lively nightlife. The tour starts from Monte Igueldo. In La Concha bay we will enjoy the amazing view with the island of Santa Clara and Monte Urgul. A sculptural composition by Eduardos Tsigidas with the imaginative title "The comb of the wind" will make us turn our heads at the end of Ontareta beach. Running along the coastal avenue along the long beach of La Concha and the Centro Romantico with its elegant buildings we end up in the atmospheric Parte Vieja. In the evening we suggest you get a taste of the city, like the locals: At the dozens of Pintxos Bars in the area you will enjoy excellent finger food, grilled fish (pescado a la brasa), always accompanied by frozen txakoli.

Medieval walls, fortresses and historic palaces welcome us to the historic center of the extremely picturesque Hondarribia, just before we cross the imaginary border to enter the French region of the Basque Country to their metropolitan center: the equally picturesque Bayonne or Bayona in the Basque language. At the confluence of the Nive and Andour rivers, in the northern part of the cultural region of Bascone, Bayonne has ensured its prosperity as a leading commercial center for centuries, and is still home to France's ninth largest port. In its historic center, a bunch of characteristic buildings with timbers, but also the majestic cathedral set the stage for a novel that, carrying the patina of another era, puts the visitor in the shoes of the heroes of Ernest Hemingway in the novel, "the sun will rise forever ». A city of art with a great cultural heritage and culinary traditions, famous for its ham and chocolate! Our French Basque getaway continues with Biarritz. Perched on the ocean, the cosmopolitan resort – which once served as a whaling port – gives us a taste of the irresistible allure of the boudoir. Biarritz is synonymous with the good life with loads of shops (including Galerie Lafayette) and great patisseries. The fact that it is the vacation spot of the imperial family could not be mere coincidence. In the 19th century, Empress Eugenie, Napoleon's Spanish wife seems to have loved it at first sight. And this is the story behind the imposing Hôtel du Palais, the empress's summer residence, which will of course be a stop on our tour. Among the notables who have enjoyed the sea air and thermal baths of the city number 64 were Napoleon the Great and Victor Hugo. In its impressive coastal zone with the huge waves with which the surfers compete, the rock of Parthenos dominates. In the meantime, the aristocratic mansions, the Casino, the Hôtel du Palais and a host of other luxurious villas are protected cultural heritage monuments and landmarks of the Belle Epoque and Art Deco aesthetics. A romantic walk on the beach and return in the afternoon to San Sebastian.

At the conclusion of our trip we will head east through a stunning route, stopping first at the seaside resort of Zarautz, famous for its long beach, and the small fishing village of Getaria with its picturesque harbor and narrow streets. Just before returning to Athens from Bilbao airport we exclaim "hurrengo arte" which means "to see you again". How can you finally say "goodbye" to a country that you will definitely want to return to?