A One-day Basque Mountain Experience Tour
9:00
Transport to the Basque Pyrenees
Transport from Irun (or San Sebastian for larger groups). Journey time is one hour.
10:00
Morning Introduction
An introduction to the medieval landscapes of the Basque Pyrenees and the Basque farming culture. Here we offer an insider’s portrait of Basque life and explore their umbilical links with the land, and the importance of honesty, trust, hard work and solidarity within our mountain community.
10.20
Village Tour of Zubieta or Ituren
A walk around the village of Zubieta, as profiled in the recent Channel 5 documentary 'The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo'. We take the time to explore the characteristics of village life, the striking architecture of its village houses, and ‘palacios’, its church, washing stones, lime kilns (full of witching tales), plaza, bridges and watermills. We also talk about the famous pagan carnival characters of the Joaldunak who come to bless the land and ward away the evil spirits. (The main date of the Ituren and Zubieta village carnivals are in January and are hailed by anthropologists to be among the most ancient ceremonial rites in Europe.) They also appear on other dates too but these are less publicised. We go on a gentle 1.30 hr walk around the surrounding countryside, understanding how geography has shaped culture.
13:30
Local Basque Lunch in Donamaria
We enjoy a 'Menu de Degustacion' at a traditional, Michelin-recommended Basque restaurant hidden in a distant mountain valley far from the madding crowd. This award-winning, family-run restaurant only works with local Basque producers and Navarran wines. It is located by the side of the river with beautiful gardens and grounds - so there may be the opportunity for some wild swimming! A talk with its owner about the secrets of Basque cuisine.
16:00
Walk the Farming Hamlet of Ameztia
We have a gentle walk through the farming hamlet of Ameztia, Ituren and an introduction to Basque farming life as we meander gently along paths lined with dry-stone walls. We pass farmsteads, fields, meadows, mountain barns and working homesteads as we step back in time to understand the lives of the Basque mountain families. These lives have changed dramatically over the past 50 years.
18.00
Transport to Hotel
Transport back to Irun or San Sebastian.
Optional Extras
• Visits to a working watermill mill and ethnographic museum.
• Walks can be designed of different lengths and difficulties.
Price
Price starts at 260 euros per person (Groups of minimum 4 people). Including gourmet meal at Michelin-recommended restaurants. Price for 2 people: 285 Euros pp. All participants require a minimum level of fitness and good walking/hiking shoes.
