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

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Overview
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?
Itinerary

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.
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!
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.
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
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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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 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.
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners
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