Discover the beauty - both natural and man-made of the Basque region as you journey from Bilbao all the way to Biarritz in France. Spend time in the laid back pretty coastal city of San Sebastian and explore the city on a culinary tapas tour along the pedestrianised streets. Take time to chill out and take a stroll on one of the two beaches at the city's doorstep. Then enjoy a number of days hiking through the countryside enjoying amazing coastal views and passing through small Basque villages. Many of the trails are part of the large Camino de Santiago - an ancient pilgrim trail that leads all the way to Santiago de Compostella in the North East of Spain. Stay in luxurious hotels throughout and spoil yourself with the gastronomic offerings in the region. (For there are more Michelin stars in the Basque region than there are in the whole of France!). Continue on your journey, and cross over the border into France as you make your way to the quaint fisherman's village of St Jean de Luz. Check out the regal city of Biarritz on a walking tour before returning to Bilbao and the signature building of the city that is the Guggenheim museum. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum and some time at leisure before being dropped off at Bilbao airport at the end of your trip.

Ideally situated on an excellent spot on the Bay of Biscay , San Sebastian is surrounded by verdant mountains. the city poscesses no less than three beaches - the laid-back Ondaretta, the casual and friendly Playa de Gros, and the popular Playa de la Concha .

Meet your driver for a private transfer from Bilbao airport to your hotel in San Sebastian.

In every neighborhood you'll notice scores of establishments- some traditional, some offering original and innovative gastronomic jewels, some exhibiting tempting delicious counters. That's why selecting a limited number of bars and planning a tasty route is as difficult as taking your place at a counter and picking out one single pintxo! Therefore we'll take you on tour with your guide who knows all the best spots. Explore its old town between the sea and the River Urumea, the marina and the fishermen's district. Looking at the sea, is the old Casino, nowadays the City Hall from where an elegant promenade with railings and street lamps runs along beautiful La Concha Beach. One of the best ways of touring approaching to its culture is through the cuisine. Enjoy your stay in San Sebastian and taste the exquisite basque gastronomy in any of its excellent restaurants and don´t forget to taste "pintxos" and "cacuelitas" (different kinds of small dishes) which, accompanied by cider, "txakoli" or good wines satisfy the most demanding palates. Recommended bar / restaurants are Aloña Berri, Bergara and Patio de Ramuntxo as well as La Cuchara de San Telmo and Ganbara.

We will begin our trip in the neighborhood of Gros, at the award winning Alona Berri bar. The establishment also stands out for its wine cellar. Near there you will also find the crowded Bergara Bar, a mix of tradition and innovation. Walking along Zurriola Avenue you can admire the beach and architect Rafael Moneo's Kursaal auditorium and congress center. Then taste the delicious specialities of Patio de Ramuntxo, also an award winning establishment. The next stage will lead you along the pedestrian Alameda del Boulveard Avenue. (Tapas not included as you can choose as much or as little as you like on your tour).

Villa Soro(4*) is a charming 25 bedroom hotel located in a renovated 19th century villa which has been declared a Historical Heritage Building of San Sebastian. Villa Soro is an outstanding new address, offering a harmonious balance between the warm and familiar atmosphere of a century-old home and the comfort and services of a luxury hotel. Tranquillity, warmth and courtesy are the main characteristics of Villa Soro. The property has a garden designed by the French landscape designer Ducasse in 1898, with pleasant living areas reminiscing the family atmosphere of this stately home, and a very professional team permanently at your service.

Overnight at Villa Soro (4*).

Hondarribia ("sand ford" in Basque, also known by its Spanish name Fuenterrabía or the French one, Fontarabie) is a town situated on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth, in Guipúzcoa, Basque Country, Spain. The border town is sited on a little promontory facing Hendaye (France) over the Txingudi bay. The town holds an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle. In addition, Hondarribia features a beach across the Bidasoa from the touristy housing estate Sokoburu in Hendaye, alongside a mountain called Jaizkibel providing a hilly backdrop to the town. A road leads north-east from the beach area to the Cape Higuer, located in this municipality.

Enjoy your hike today which will take you from San Sebastian to Pasajes de San Pedro along a trail through Monte Ulia that is part of the famous pilgrimage route “Camino de Santiago”. The route is approximately 10 km, (3 hours walking). For your security and well being, your English Speaking Guide will accompany you on the trail.

You will have a vehicle at your disposal today to support you on your hiking trail. (Please note that the vehicle will typically meet up with the trail where it is vehicle-accessible).

El Parador de Hondarribia (4*) will allow you to feel like you are back in the Middle Ages. Thick stone walls, arches, armour and spears adorn this castle which was founded in the 10th century by the king Sancho el Fuerte of Navarre in the early days of the Christian re-conquest. The defensive appearance of the thick walls conceals a magnificent interior. The immense naked stone of the courtyard stands out, as do the beautiful views of the French coast and the sea which may be enjoyed from the splendid terrace or from some of the bedrooms. Charming nooks and crannies, spaces adorned with arches, wrought iron and coffered ceilings surround the guests in an atmosphere of indescribable beauty. Lances, cannons and armour make up the interior decoration offering an air of historical elegance.

Overnight at Parador de Hondarribia (4*).

From Hondarribia, your hike today will take you to Pasajes de San Juan through Jaizkibel and along the famous pilgrimage route “Camino de Santiago”. (approximately 10 km, 3 hours walking). Your English speaking guide will accompany you on your hike.

You will have a vehicle at your disposal today to support you on your hiking trail. (Please ntoe that the vehicle will typically meet up with the trail where it is vehicle-accessible).

Overnight at Parador de Hondarribia (4*).

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing port on the Basque coast and now a famous resort, known for its architecture, sandy bay, the quality of the light and the cuisine. The town is located south of Biarritz, on the right bank of the river Nivelle (French for Urdazuri) opposite to Ciboure. The port lies on the estuary just before the river joins the ocean.  The summit of La Rhune, a mountain iconic of the Basque country, is situated approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) to the south-east of the town. The summit can be reached by the Petit train de la Rhune, which commences from the Col de Saint-Ignace, 10.6 km (6.6 mi) to the east of the town on the D4 road to Sare.

Enjoy a great hike today as your make your way from St Jean de Luz. to Hendaya, hiking through the French Cornice. (Approximate distance:9 Km - 3 Hours). Hendaya is the furthest point in the South West of France you can go, a frontier town with Spain and confined on the edge of both the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees Mountains. Hendaye is a sprawled town, split into 2 main areas and separated by 2 kms. The old medieval Basque Town is situated on a hill top and commands good views of the Bay of Chingoudy and the river Bidassoa estuary below to the North & West, with the impressive scenery of the foot hills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the West, South & East. Here in the town is where you find most of the shops, the Mairie, Pelote Basque etc.

You will have a vehicle at your disposal today to support you on your hiking trail. (Please ntoe that the vehicle will typically meet up with the trail where it is vehicle-accessible).

Grand Hotel Loreamar is located in Saint Jean de Luz, on the sea side and in the heart of the city. The Hotel and Thalasso-Spa is a 100-year old confection that dominates the sea front, an epitome of La Belle Epoch. Located at the gateway to Spain, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the ideal point for discovering the Basque Country. This resort hotel boasts 52 rooms and suites, all equipped with high performance air conditioning and soundproofing. Looking out over the ever- moving spectacle of the ocean, you can sample the marvellously fresh cuisine of Nicolas Masse, who uses the best quality products that have made the region famous.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Loreamar (5*) .

Enjoy a morning hike on one of the hiking trails in the area before being brought to Biarritz (15km:20 mins away by vehicle) for a guided walking tour of the city. Biarritz's reputation is mainly due to the presence of the Emperor Napoleon III and Princess Eugenie and you will discover why these young royals came to love this place. You will walk in the footsteps of Royal visitors from all over the world that have helped create the special atmosphere of the modern Biarritz, the Beach of Kings. You will discover the famous town centre, visit the enchanting Rocher de la Vierge and Biarritz Casino, take in the seaside views that will stun you and discover why stars such as Gary Cooper, Deborah Kerr and Frank Sinatra fell in love with her elegant contours and zest for life. At the end we will present the Hotel du Palais, built in the shape of an 'E' by Napoleon as a show of love for his Engenie. Enjoy Biarritz's fabulous shopping or perhaps some delicious hot chocolate, a speciality of the region. (Includes Visit to La Rocher del al Vierge, Biarritz Casino and Vieux Port (Old Port).

You will have a vehicle at your disposal today to support you on your hiking trail. (Please note that the vehicle will typically meet up with the trail where it is vehicle-accessible).

Overnight at Grand Hotel Loreamar (5*) .

Bilbao is a city of contrasts and rapid regeneration. Little more than an industrial wasteland not so long ago, the city has emerged from the ashes with the construction of the Guggenheim and hasn't looked back since. Although 'the gleaming silver waves of Frank Gehry's creation' is the star attraction of Bilbao, it's in no way the only one. The old city shipyards have been developed as a centre for art and culture. In the historical centre, medieval streets wind their way around the pretty Plaza Nueva, the city's main square, where people congregate day and night to sample pintxos (Basque tapas) and watch the world go by.

On the way to Bilbao, enjoy a hike from Zarauz to Getaria. The Camino de Santiago route that you will be walking on today brings you through Santa Barbara and through Txacoli Vineyards. Enjoy the verdant views along the way.

You will have a vehicle at your disposal today to support you on your hiking trail. (Please note that the vehicle will typically meet up with the trail where it is vehicle-accessible). At the end of your hike, you will be transferred to your hotel in Bilbao.

The Lopez de Haro Hotel (5*) is ideally located in the commercial and financial centre, Frank Gehry designed in this hotel the famous Guggenheim Museum, which is only 5 minutes walk. The hotel offers a comfortable interior decorated in a welcoming style to make guests feel at home. The hotel has 53 rooms and suites, a ladies' floor, an executive floor and non-smoking rooms. The decoration and colors are different on each floor. Moreover, all rooms are fully equipped to satisfy the most demanding guests. Experience the best of Basque cuisine in the onsite restaurant. The Club Nautico Restaurant, with its first-class china, cutlery and glassware, adds distinction and delight to the service elevating the Basque cuisine to new heights. Informal dining is also available at the Ambigu.

Overnight at Lopez De Haro (5*).

Enjoy a 1.5 hour private visit of the Guggenheim museum with a guide. “The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao offers a comprehensive overview of the visual arts of the 20th century. Its collecting approach includes acquiring singular examples and signature works by leading postwar and contemporary artists; commissioning new, site-specific artworks that respond to the particular space in and around the Frank Gehry building; and representing work by modern and contemporary Basque and Spanish artists in order to preserve and bring global attention to their vital cultural heritage.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Collection has its own unique identity, while also complementing the collections at the other Guggenheim institutions. The Museum’s collection currently features works by some of the most significant artists of the second half of the 20th century, such as Eduardo Chillida, Yves Klein, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Clyfford Still, Antoni Tàpies, and Andy Warhol, among others”.

Bilbao offers plenty of attractions for the visitor - both within the city itself as well as the surrounding cities and area. The obvious "must see" is the Guggenheim museum", but outside of this, the historical part of the city as well as the pathways alongside the river are worth checking out. If you feel like exploring outside of the city, consider a day trip to the beautiful city of San Sebastian. Located on the coast, this city boasts two beaches as well as a great historical area - alot of which is pedestrianised (and has a plethora of great tapas bars). Alternatively, consider a day trip taking in a number of basque villages and learning about this unique culture. The Rioja wine growing region is within a stone's throw of Bilbao. Consider a day trip visiting some great wineries of the area. Please speak to your Kensingotn Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these options (or doing anything else).

Overnight at Lopez De Haro (5*).

Transfer to/from Bilbao Sondica Airport to/from your accommodation in Bilbao.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).