May 10 - 18, 2022
Special small group size limited to 10 participants - waitlisted
Trip Leader - Philippe Apchin | Assistant Leader - Deirdre Butler
Ongitorri! Welcome to the Basque Country.
Home of the Basque people, the Basque Country lies in the Western Pyrenees where the snow- capped mountains act as a natural barrier between France and Spain. On the Atlantic coast, this ancient free-spirited region with a turbulent history and enigmatic language is full of delights: lush valleys, green rolling pastures, picturesque villages unchanged over the centuries. The region’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in the cuisine, a mix of both Spanish and French with specialities like Poulet Basquaise: chicken in spicy tomato and red pepper sauce or creamy brebis cheese best served with black cherry conserve.
The great variety of landscapes between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean offers hikers opportunities to discover a spectacular coastline, authentic fishing ports, remote valleys with their charming Basque villages and impressive mountains.
The trip is designed for the active hiker. The walks vary in difficulty with distances between 6 and 9 miles and daily elevation gains up to 2,000 feet and one day with 3,000 feet of descent. Except for a couple of days in the more remote areas, there are plenty of opportunities with convenient public transportation, for the non-walkers to shop or explore at their leisure before joining the rest of the group for dinner in the evenings.
What’s Included:
All lodging double-occupancy with en suite bath (single supplements available).
On trip transportation by private taxi, public bus, train, the railway at La Rhune and the passenger boat from Hendaye to Hondarribia.
All breakfasts and seven dinners.
Gratuities for local service providers.
All hikes.
4 pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your adventure.
What’s not included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip.
Dinner the first night in Biarritz, all lunches. Beverages with meals.
Entrance fees to any museum or house.
Tips for trip leaders at your discretion.
Other expenses including Covid-19 tests, quarantine and medical evacuations.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Trip Date May 10 - 18, 2022 | 9 day trip
Special small group size limited to 10 participants - waitlisted
Trip Price and Deposit: $3,200 per person | Deposit: $800 | Single supplement fee $429
Remainder to be paid by February 9, 2022
SPECIAL! Extend your vacation in Europe and join us on our prior trip, A Walking Tour in Provence, May 3 - 10 and secure a $300 discount** on the combined two trips. Relax in style and comfort on the included first-class train journey across France from St Remy to Biarritz and enjoy the passing French countryside, towns and villages.
Alternatively, extend your European vacation to include England and join us on our follow-on trip, Valleys & Lakes of the Lake District, Northern England, May 20 - 27 and secure a $300 discount ** on the combined two trips.
** Note - may not be combined with other trip discounts.
Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
How to Sign Up
Complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Form
Follow the next steps.