Basque Country

20 JUNE: Flight to Vitoria – transfer to San Sebastian

Meet at Bergamo airport, check in, and fly to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Transfer along the coast to San Sebastian-Donostia. We’ll explore the historic center of this vibrant Basque city, beautifully nestled by the sea, and relax in the long Concha Bay, where we’ll enjoy the scenery while waiting for the sunset, perhaps nibbling on a local pintxo (excellent Basque tapas). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

21 june: San Sebastian – Pasai Donibane

Breakfast. Our first day of walking offers a glimpse of the Basque coast, along trails immersed in lush vegetation. We skirt Mount Ulia and head toward the La Plata lighthouse, offering beautiful views of the rugged coastline. We then descend toward the Pasaia Strait, where we board a small boat that takes us across the canal to the small town of Pasaia Donibane, a picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and a cobblestoned historic center that was once home to the writer Victor Hugo. We relax on the small beach of San Juan and then check into our hotel. Dinner in a traditional tavern and overnight stay.
Distance 10,2km
4h walking time
Elevation gain/loss +330/-320m

22 june: Pasai Donibane – Irun

Breakfast. A beautiful hike with breathtaking views of the coast between Hondarribia and Pasaia. We’ll traverse the entire ridge of Mount Jaizkibel through green meadows, fern forests, and free-grazing horses. This coastal area, rich in botanical diversity, is also constantly monitored by the flight of numerous birds of prey. We then descend towards the Guadalupe sanctuary and reach Irun, a vibrant Basque town on the French border. Check-in and dinner.
Distance 16,4km
5h walking time
Elevation gain/loss +590/-590m

23 june: Irun – astigarraga – tolosa

Breakfast. Today’s walk will take us inland to discover the typical rural landscapes of the Basque region, through oak forests, streams, and hills. We’ll pass villages like Gurutze and Oiartzun, numerous farms with cows and flocks of sheep, but also, and above all, apple orchards for cider, the fermented apple juice that in these parts of northern Spain is also drunk with meals. We’ll reach the hermitage of Santiagomendi, where we enjoy an unparalleled view of the Bay of Biscay, and then gradually descend towards Astigarraga, the capital of Basque cider, where a guided tour of the cider museum awaits us, including a tasting! Afterwards, a private taxi transfer will take us to Tolosa, a charming city on the Oria River and the former capital of the province of Guipozkoa. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Distance 21,8km
Walking time 6h30min
Elevation gain/loss +750/-770m

24 june: Besain – Zegama

Breakfast. Following the Oria River, we arrive at  Tolosa station, where we take the train to Beasain. We exit the town passing by the old mill. Today’s route is a series of ups and downs, allowing us to discover other small rural communities dedicated to livestock farming and agriculture, such as Olaberria, located on a plateau with splendid views of the Aitkorri-Aratz mountain range. We then arrive at the stunning fortified village of Segura, and rejoin the Oria River, which will accompany us along a bidegorri (bike path) to the entrance of Zegama, a charming village at the foot of the valley, where we settle into a guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay.
Distance 16,2km
Walking time 6h
Elevation gain/loss +490m/-350m

25 june: Zegama – Salvatierra

Breakfast. We’re approaching the highlight of our journey through the Basque Country. A day we’ll never forget! The beauty of the scenery in the Aizkorri Natural Park is complemented by the magical experience of walking through the San Adrian Tunnel, a natural passage carved out by water erosion in the rock at just over 1,000 meters above sea level. It has been used since Roman times and later by merchants and pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Our itinerary then continues along a Roman road through a large beech forest. We then descend to the village of Zalduondo, and from there we continue on a flat path towards Agurain-Salvatierra. Overnight stay at a guesthouse and dinner.
Distance 22,3km
Walking time 6h45min
Elevation gain/loss +880m/-600m

26 JUNE: Salvatierra – Vitoria

Breakfast. An easy stage with almost no elevation gain in the Alava plain, amid rolling hills and vast agricultural fields of wheat, oats, and legumes. We walk along comfortable dirt roads while discovering tiny villages and Romanesque hermitages. The stage ends in Alegria-Dulantzi, where we take the train to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the administrative capital of the Basque Country, with its stunning almond-shaped medieval old town, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, other historic buildings, colorful murals, and numerous tree-lined parks that make it one of the greenest cities in Europe. Hotel check-in and traditional dinner.
Distance 13km
Walking time 3h45min
Elevation gain/loss +100m/-120m

27 giugno: back home

Breakfast. Depending on our flight time, we still have a few hours to explore Vitoria before heading to the airport. Return and end of the tour.

Trekking guide: Alessandro Oprandi

Note: Excursions may be modified due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

difficulty level:

Moderately challenging. The hike covers an average distance of 17-20 km with an average elevation gain of 400-500 m (uphill/downhill). It doesn’t present any technical difficulties, but some stamina and good walking fitness are required. Not suitable for beginners or those with limited physical condition.
The average walking time is 5-6 hours per day, including stops.

group size:

Max. 12 participants

hiking trail info:

The route follows forest paths and dirt or country roads. Some stages also include stretches of asphalt (with limited or almost no traffic).

required hiking gear:

Hiking boots with treaded soles, preferably ankle-high. A 25-30L daypack (you’ll receive a detailed packing list), suitable clothing including hiking pants (NO JEANS!) and technical shirts that dry quickly.

Climate:

Ideal for hiking with pleasant, relatively warm days, highs between 22°C and 25°C. Cool mornings and evenings. Possible showers or seasonal thunderstorms.