DIFFICULTY: 6/9 – Medium - LENGTH: 8 days & 7 nights - ACTIVITY: Hiking
Joining different routes, we will taste the coastal way, the inland way and one of the main temples in the Basque region: Arantzazu. Rural life will be at every corner, and the chance to learn some words in Basque, too. Let’s be a local!
Day 1: Arrival pick up in Bilbao (main international airport) Zumaia Day 2: Zarautz Day 3: Aia Day 4: Bidania Day 5: Segura Day 6: Arantzazu Day 7: Oñati Day 8: Departure transfer to Bilbao (main international airport)

Day by day:
Day 1:
Welcome to the Basque Country. Meet local guide in order to get all the information about the trip, stretch your body, and breathe some fresh air. A transfer from airport will take you to the coastal town of Zumaia; where your hiking trip starts. It is a day to have a first touch with the spirit of the Basque culture.
• Night & dinner in Zumaia: Hotel Flysch, or similar
Day 2 :
Your route starts form your hotel´s door. The track takes you along the coast with nice views of the ocean and the fishing village of Getaria. Some txakoli vineyards, flysch natural biotope, and local farms are waiting for you. At the end, in Zarautz, you have the chance to go to the beach for a bath in the ocean.
• Walking distance Zumaia – Zarautz 11 km
• Night & dinner in Zarautz: Hotel Alameda, or Pension Txiki Polit

Day 3 :
The walk starts at sea level and goes constantly uphill discovering the inland. Part of the route goes through a cider territory at the exit of Zarautz. You will get up to the top of Pagoeta peak; with magnificent views of the area, before finishing the route in Aia. The night will be at a restored Farm house, where to discover the Basque tradition with a local family.
• Walking distance Zarautz – Aia 13 km
• Night & dinner in Aia: B&B Agroturimo Azkue or similar

Day 4 :
We get into the Pilgrimage Way of Saint James; an old, wild and forgotten route. Sometimes with some views of the coast, but mainly surrounded by forests, hill passes, loneliness and the yellow arrows marking the route. Tonight, a magnificent Hotel will receive you and take care of your dreams.
• Walking distance Aia - Bidania 19 km
• Night & dinner in Bidania: Hotel Iriarte Jauregia **** or similar

Day 5 :
We will continue over the mountains discovering multiple local farms; called “Baserriak” where 3 generations usually live at the same time. We are getting deep into the Basque culture where the Basque language; “Euskera” is the main communication method. We are away from tourism, experiencing the local way of life and our own thoughts. It can be a nice moment to have a “pintxo” and a drink sharing with locals.
• Walking distance Bidania - Segura 27 km
• Night & dinner in Segura: Hotel Imaz or similar

Day 6 :
As the previous days, after breakfast we have our luggage packed for the next hotel before the walk starts. The route goes under San Adrian´s tunnel to appear in a somehow preserved medieval path that crosses a plateau, and finally goes downhill into the Holy Sanctuary of Arantzazu. You won´t feel indifferent under this location and its art expressions. Take a look to the crypt where Basque Artist could express at the end of the XXth Century their ideas.
• Walking distance Segura - Arantzazu 23 km
• Night 6 dinner in Arantzazu: Hotel Santuario de Aranzazu or similar

Day 7 :
Today we go down into the valley to Oñate. Oñate was the settlement of the first University in the Basque Country back in 1540. This is the heart of the Basque culture and the roots of our present. The village has a very traditional style and is very active with locals and a new generation of students moving around.
• Walking distance Arantzau - Oñate12 km
• Night & dinner in Oñate: Hotel Torre Zumeltzegi or similar

Day 8:
A transfer to Bilbao or other destination in order to go back home will be organized for you. We are sure you had the chance to discover a new world opening yourself and sharing these days with the Basque people. Have a nice trip back home!

NOTES:
. Every morning we will provide participants with some food & water to carry in their backpacks with the waterproof or warm clothes they may need during the day´ s route.
. Route changes may occur due to weather conditions or physical conditions of any of the participants.
. The main luggage would be transferred daily from one hotel to the other
. Emergency number: 112
. Guide´ s name and phone number:
. The program here described has been designed exclusively for TRAVEL EXPEDITIONS and the Tour Operator has the copyright of it. This means that we do not allow the use of the information described in this program by another travel agency or guiding assistance person besides us.