French Pyrenees & Spain's Rioja Region Walking & Hiking Tour

6 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
62 reviews  
90%
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Group Tour
On a map, there's a line. One side France. The other, Spain. But as you gaze at the sparkling Bay of Biscay, walk the high plains and valleys of the Pyrenees, follow the path of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, and toast the vibrant colors, light and superb wines of La Rioja, you'll see it's a place all its own.
From$4,098
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Journey from the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Pyrenees in France to the glorious green mountain landscapes of Spanish Basque Country
    • Enjoy a breathtaking ascent in the Pyrenees, with views of vast beech forests and broad patchwork hills
    • Discover the famed pilgrimage trail of Saint James, the Camino de Santiago
    • Extend your trip in Bilbao and visit the dazzling Guggenheim Museum, or travel to the stunning seaside town of San Sebastián

What's this trip about?

    On a map, there's a line. One side France. The other, Spain. But as you gaze at the sparkling Bay of Biscay, walk the high plains and valleys of the Pyrenees, follow the path of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, and toast the vibrant colors, light and superb wines of La Rioja, you'll see it's a place all its own.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBiarritz
End CityBilbao

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Meals
    • Accommodation

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Hike along the coast, passing beautiful beaches, quaint seaside villages and rugged rock formations

Arrive in the idyllic town of St-Jean-de-Luz, beloved for its picturesque square lined with cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants  Stroll along the town's sheltered port, where beret-capped fishermen tend to their colorful boats.

Days 2-3: Discover Basque Country's pastoral charm as you stride through green sheep-dotted hills

In a region celebrated for its fromage de brebis—a creamy cheese with a sweet taste  This is the land immortalized in the Legend of Roland  Hiking in the Pyrenees, skirt the line between France and Spain on an ancient route once used by pilgrims and smugglers  Savor a traditional Basque lunch in charming Bidarray before watching a demonstration of Basque pelota—then give it a go yourself!

Day 4: Welcome to Spain!

We cross the border into the Navarra region for a walk on the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route  Exchange greetings with travelers from all over the world as you ramble through medieval villages and across old stone bridges along the "Pilgrim's Way"  Taste an array of local pintxos—delicious small plates.

Days 5-6: Rural beauty and tranquility surround us in La Rioja wine region, where hundreds of ancestral wineries have thrived for generations

As you hike, admire the play of sunlight, shadow and color on the vineyard-laced landscape  Amble on ancient cobblestone streets in historic villages like La Guardia and Elciego  Savor Basque specialties at a Michelin-starred restaurant—the ideal finish to an extraordinary week.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,098
Price per day$683
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,070
Last Updated: 8/14/2018

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Backroads.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Backroads Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
58
Great
1
Average
0
Disappointing
1
Terrible
2
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Other Backroads Reviews

G

Glenn

Jun 2022

Provided byBackroads

Disappointed

Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her hus...

P

Patty

Sep 2020

Provided byBackroads

We just completed the biking/hiking trip in Maine

We just completed the biking/hiking trip in Maine. Our trip leaders Liz, Mariah, and Josh provided exceptional service for us. They were well versed on the histor...

J

Jennifer C.

Aug 2020

Provided byBackroads

My whole life is changed because of this experience

My whole life is changed because of this experience. I've just been home for an hour or so, and have already emailed everyone I know to tell them to get on the Backr...

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International Flights
    • Passport and Visa Charges
    • Personal Expenses

Accommodation

Hotel Parc Victoria: St-Jean-de-Luz (1 night)

Enjoy lush gardens and lovely art deco style at this elegant 19th-century hotel. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Auberge Ostapé: Bidarray (2 nights)

A beautifully restored traditional Basque farm from the 17th century offering pastoral tranquility and dramatic views of the surrounding emerald hills. (pool, spa)

Hotel Marqués de Riscal: Elciego (2 nights)

Created by Frank Gehry to complement his famed Guggenheim design in Bilbao, this architectural masterpiece—featuring Michelin-starred cuisine—is a destination unto itself. (pool, spa) 

Cancellation policy

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date

156+ days, then the cancellation fee per person is $200**

126-155 days, , then the cancellation fee per person is $200**

96-125 days, then the cancellation fee per person is $200**

61-95 days, then the cancellation fee per person is 30%

31-60 days, then the cancellation fee per person is 60%

0-30 days, then the cancellation fee per person is 100%

Note: ** Rather than paying the cancellation fee, you may choose to keep your trip deposit ($600) in a holding account to use on a future Backroads trip with no expiration date.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
backro-FrePyrBac

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