THIS
IS BASQUE COUNTRY
Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, hear little known tales of seafarers, be acquainted with the unique history, delight in local wines, feast on incredible cuisine. Fall in love with the quaint, sophisticated, relaxed, and exuberant mélange that spans the borders of France & Spain - This is the Basque region!
Basque Highlights
San Sebastián (Donostia)
Made famous during the Belle Époque! It appeals to beach-goers in search of sun, surf and sophistication!
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Pays Basque
The French Basque countryside and coastal towns are simultaneously French and distinctly Basque.
Rioja Wine Region
Rioja is home to exceptional Spanish red's. Walk vineyards & meet winemakers while oohing & aahing through medieval villages.
Bilbao Spain
The unofficial capital of Spain's Basque region this cosmopolitan city is home of the Guggenheim Museum & a UNESCO old town.
Sample Pintxos
Think of these as Basque tapas - much more than food, it’s a vibe! Gather in the Old town for small bites & new friends!
The Camino de Santiago
Also known as the Way of Saint James, you can walk a small section or spend the entire day on the famed pilgrimage route
Saint Jean de Luz
Bienvenue! Our favorite town on the French Basque coast. Shop, dine and enjoy the Grand Plage boardwalk in relaxed elegance.
Basque Countryside
In both the French & Spanish Basque region find lovely villages for quaint and low key towns surrounded by rolling green hills.
BASQUE REGION
Basque Country, or Euskadi as it’s known in the Basque language, is a rugged coastal region with the Bay of Biscay to the north and verdant hillsides and mountains to the south. Crossing modern borders in France and Spain, its home to an ancient language, deeply rooted cultural traditions, and distinctive cuisine. The Basque area in Spain is politically autonomous.
With an astonishing variety of activities for travelers of all interests, the Basque Country is a dreamy destination, and deserving of your focused attention. We recommend spending a minimum of 5 days in the area to not leave with a huge amount of fomo. No matter the length of your stay, chances are you’ll be planning to return! Whether you’re interested in exploring the famous culinary scene, heading out on a trail, luxuriating in a renowned winery, lounging on the beach or taking in the many museums and historical sites - this area is pure delight! Welcome to the wonderland that is the Basque Region!
Meet Jon!
A proud ambassador of his hometown, Jon shares his passion for the Basque's culture and rugged beauty. Feel the joy & pride by spending time with Jon in Spain!
Basque Itinerary
Our favorite way to design your trip includes locally-focused, absolutely stunning, and culturally rich places. We encourage you to travel slowly, allow time to get caught up in the moment, and enjoy each special moment - in true Basque style!
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Head to Bilbao’s La Ribera Market for cooked to order seafood, sampling of fresh produce, or a selection of pintxos and Txakoli wine to the beat of live music.
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Sun worshiper? Spend the day in a gorgeous Pays Basque (French) beach town soaking up the sun and cool French vibes!
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Make your way to the tiny fishing village of Getaria for its famed grilled fish. Little restaurants are popped in between narrow streets and medieval buildings. The scenery along the coastal route combines for a perfect relaxing afternoon!
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Visit Gernika, the 1937 bombing almost entirely destroyed the city & inspired Picasso’s most famous piece of art – “Guernica”. Also known as an important political site where Basque autonomy was granted and the host to a fantastic weekly market.
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Follow the rural roads to the mystical isle of Gaztelugatx(z)e. This rock rises from the waves , on a strip of rocky coastline, inviting you to take in the full timeless beauty of Spain’s rugged north coast.
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You’ll find that folks are passionate about gastronomy around here, looking for something extra special, let us arrange your meal at one of the Basque Country's nearly 40 Michelin starred restaurants.
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Visit a traditional winery for txakoli (cha-coli)! A slightly sparkling, low alcohol white wine from the Spanish Basque, to pairs perfectly with salty seafood pintxos!
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The French Basque town of Espelette is a picturesque half-timbered village known for its dried red peppers of the same name. Homes proudly hang bundles of the peppers from facades for a totally unique scenery.
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Catch a match of Jaa Alai, often billed as “the world’s fastest game”. It’s played in a three-walled court where a hard rubber ball is caught and thrown with a cesta, a hand-held wicker scoop strapped to the player's arm. You have to see to believe!
The Basque Region
On the Atlantic coast, where the French and Spanish border meet is a special place, home to a proud and distinct culture, with its own language and traditions. Known as Euskadi, it is an autonomous region is Spain. The French refer to the area as “Pays Basque”, and although autonomy has not been recognized, the French consider it a cultural region.
Perhaps the most internationally famous destination in Basque country is the seaside city of San Sebastián (known locally as Donostia), Spain. A total stunner with gorgeous architecture, a historic pedestrian-only area, two beaches and arguably the most critically renowned culinary scene…. in the world! No surprise considering this area is one of Europe's most ancient, and most independent-thinking regions.
With so many cultural riches, don’t overlook the fact the landscape truly dazzles. Home to steep mountains, verdant hills, and lush valleys that roll until they are met with striking, rocky coastlines. You'll also enjoy the charm of small towns, family-owned wineries serving up full-bodied wines, local farms operating on passion and time-honored traditions, and centuries-old pilgrimages paths on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.
Conscious Travel Collective designs trips that will immerse you in the stunning scenery, art, history and culture, remarkable natural abundance and of course the incredible cuisine of the Basque Country.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
How long do you suggest for a trip that includes the Basque regions of both France and Spain?
It really depends on how much time you can spend, how much you want to cover, and what is a comfortable pace for you to move about. We usually advise from 9 - 14 nights, depending on the pace you like to travel, and the places you are interested in visiting. That said, we always encourage travel that is slow, and intentional to allow travelers to have a more meaningful experience.
What airport is best to arrive into for a Basque Country trip?
It depends on your specific trip details, such as the route, duration, time of year and any plans you may have after your time in the region. However, this area has three airports we frequently use the smaller local airports in Bilbao, San Sebestian, and Biarritz. For those coming long distances, consider flying into major hubs like Paris, or Madrid and get connecting flights to the local airports.
What is the best time of year to visit the Basque Region?
There really is not a bad time to visit the Basque region. The temperate climate means mild weather all year - never too hot, or too cold. Rain an occur any time of year, but typically only hangs around a day or two before clear, sunny skies return.
We love the spring and fall for this area, since the months of July and August and become a bit more crowded, and we prefer a less busy vibe.
The winter months are extra low key, and a great way to experience the cities with very few crowds. Plus, anytime you can be in Europe for Christmas or New Years is an experience to treasure!
What currency is used in this region?
Both France and Spain use the Euro (€) as the official currency, which makes it very easy to go back and forth between the borders. ATMs are widely available to withdraw cash (euros), and credit cards are widely accepted, but some places may only accept cash, especially in rural areas or for small amounts.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink in France and Spain. Bottled water is also readily available to purchase.
I'm traveling Solo, can I work with Conscious Travel Collective ?
We welcome all travelers, this means solo, couples, trios, groups - you name it! Most of the folks with design for are traveling with just one or two other people. We have lots of expertise in travel design for just 1-2 travelers and know how to capture the essence of immersive travel for travel groups of every size!
We also work with travel agents, and small group trip leaders to design something really customized and special for their travelers. Travel agents know their clients, and are deeply in touch with what they will enjoy, and we are deeply connected to the destination, so this makes for a dream team!
We also love to design for groups, but really encourage folks to keep their groups small, no more than 14 people. Group travel because it's a great way to have a private, fully curated experience at a great value, plus the immersive experiences work beautifully when sharing with a group.
Need clarification or have additional questions? We are happy to be of service!
Just send an email to hello@conscioustravelcollective.com