At a Glance
Set out on an unforgettable 6-day multi-adventure from Bilbao to San Sebastián and Biarritz as you hike, bike and kayak. Uncover the hidden treasures of two outstanding countries from Spain to France as you traverse serene beaches, glorious landscapes, picturesque towns, spectacular Flysch cliffs and immersive traditions.
Your adventure begins as you arrive in the fascinating city of Bilbao in Spain. Delight in the sight of the 60 million years old spectacular Flysch cliffs in the vast remarkable Basque. Set out to San Sebastián blessed with a shimmering bay and glorious white-sand beaches. Embark on an exceptional journey as you share a path with pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela. Embark on a kayaking adventure in the region's beautiful waters, and hunt for Pintxos through the streets ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers as specified
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees.
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information.
- Fully equipped titanium bike including helmet and accessories
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Meet with your tour leaders today at 9 a.m. at the Bilbao Airport in Bilbao, Spain. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Following our meeting in fascinating Bilbao, we travel north to Elorriaga Auzoa, a small village located just beyond the seaside town of Deba. Our hike takes us through the unique coastal region between Deba and Zumaia, a protected biotope by the Basque government due to its geological and geomorphological value. Welcome to the remarkable Basque Country, where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. Hike in the vast Basque while marvelling at the 60 million years old spectacular Flysch cliffs towering above the sea. Continue inland into the hilly countryside, where limestone mountains pose a striking contrast against lush green farmland. This route leads you to our lunch spot. Take a break here to enjoy a classic Basque meal. |
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After filling your bellies, you can continue hiking through Txakoli vineyards or opt for a lift in the van to San Sebastián, whose shimmering bay and white-sand beaches will sweep you off your feet, and where our home for the next two nights, Hotel Maria Cristina is located. Set in the city centre opposite San Sebastian’s Victoria Eugenia Theatre, the stunning 5-star Hotel Maria Cristina is surrounded by gardens and offers spectacular views over the Cantabrian Sea and Urumea River. Go for a swim in the hotel outdoor pool or relax in your room before meeting for a welcome reception and dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. |
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft) Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, afterwards we travel to Pasaia where we begin our hike along some of the region’s most iconic trails. Walking alongside us on this route are pilgrims trekking the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Christians have walked these routes since the Middle Ages and today pilgrims and adventurers alike make the same extraordinary journey. Go on to the hip neighbourhood of Gros in San Sebastián where you are free to enjoy lunch on your own with lots of restaurants and mouth-watering dishes to select from. |
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After lunch, you have the rest of the day to explore this resort town of San Sebastián. Blessed with the most beautiful beaches in Europe, unwind and relax at the beach, or join a kayaking excursion in the turquoise waters surrounding San Sebastián. Tonight, engage your palates to a new experience as we hunt through the streets of San Sebastián for pintxos, small plates similar to tapas that are especially popular in Basque Country. After an introduction to these delicious snacks, we head out to search for the best ones in town. |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: If you’re up for a morning of adventure, join your trip leaders for a surfing lesson in one of the most popular surfing spots in the world. Meet up with professional surfers from the Pukas Team, one of the oldest surfing schools in Spain, for a beginner’s course in riding the waves. If you feel like taking things slow, enjoy a leisurely cappuccino before leaving for France where another round of adventure awaits you. Arriving in France, we enjoy a picnic lunch together, afterward, your trip leaders fit your bike and give a brief lecture on various biking techniques and safety measures. Cycle into the elegant seaside town of St-Jean-de-Luz, watching for traffic as we enter the village on a slightly busier road. If you’re up for an extra challenge, you can head all the way up to Col d'Ibardin before settling into your stately room at the Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa, then head right across the street to feel the sand between your toes. |
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Located on the seaside in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the 5-star Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa provides an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience. Rejuvenate at the hotel’s sauna, take a dip in the indoor heated sea-water swimming pool, or refresh your tired muscles with a soothing spa session. Delight in the best of dishes served as we sit down tonight for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before retiring for the night. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Done with a hearty breakfast this morning, we begin our adventure with a shuttle to c, a charming and quintessential Basque village. Hike through the stunning Basque landscape while capturing breathtaking views of the coasts and mountains that make up the landscape on your cameras. Come across sheep, goats, pie noir (Basque pigs), and endangered pottok ponies. Take a break to refuel with lunch, then continue exploring, or head back to the hotel for some leisure. Book a session at the hotel’s spa, savour the views of the sea from our hotel’s lovely terrace, or loosen up with a drink in hand at the hotel’s lounge. Head back this evening into St-Jean-de-Luz, explore the city’s narrow streets or waterfront and enjoy dinner all by yourself with lots of stunning restaurants to pick from. Your Trip leaders are also happy to recommend some of their favourite dining spots. |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Get more acquainted and unravel the countless charms of French Basque Country as you cycle along the coast. Ride past tiny fishing villages and hillside towns with classic Basque architecture. Make a stop at a charming restaurant for a delicious family-style lunch, thereafter we are introduced to the sport of pelote basque. This is one of the oldest sports in Europe and is played by hitting a ball against a wall (the fronton) with your hand, a racket, or a wooden bat. Watch a demonstration of the sport before giving it a shot. |
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After playing, you can decide to keep biking along the enchanting rolling Basque hills or you can decide to shuttle to our home for the night, the Hôtel du Palais. Previously a palace built by Emperor Napoleon III as a token of love for Empress Eugenie, the 5-star 19th-century oceanfront hotel maintains an unforgettable link between the flamboyant past of the second empire and a modern symbol of refined luxury. Luxuriate in the unmatched setting of the old-world elegance and grace offered by the hotel. Spoil yourself to massage treatments at its spa, take a dip in the hot tub, relax by the poolside. Later, we gather for a glass of wine on the terrace. Then we are treated to a gastronomic Tour de France at the hotel’s restaurant. |
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) Round up this spectacular exploit with one last tour of the lavish coastal city of Biarritz. Known as the "queen of beaches and beach of kings" ever since Empress Eugénie and Emperor Napoleon III made Biarritz the favourite resort of the European aristocracy. The fascinating city of Biarritz offers lots of hidden gems and famed spots ranging from glamorous beaches to its old port tabernas (taverns). We enjoy a final lunch together and bid out farewell before exploring town on your own or returning to the hotel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Bilbao, Spain
- The finish point is Biarritz, France
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Bilbao. The closest major airport is Bilbao Airport and is 16 km from the center of Bilbao.
While Basque Country has a typically moderate climate, it can also offer rain at any time of year, keeping the region's signature landscape lush and green. Regardless of season, you can expect a range of weather each day, from hot sun to cool breezes as well as some rain. On most days you'll be comfortable in short sleeves, although you might want to wear a lightweight jacket or vest when you head out in the morning. Please come prepared with quality breathable rain gear (waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, and waterproof or water-resistant boots or shoes). It does get colder at higher elevations, and mountain weather can be unpredictable, so bring along some warmer layers in addition to your rain gear.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.