Typically Spain Holidays Educational trip 14th - 17th May 2015
The Basque Region and Navarra is like nowhere else in Spain. It has it's own language and it is very green and mountainous. Although I had been to Bilbao before, I had not traveled around the countryside, coast or mountains, so I was quite excited to see more and discover it's charms.
You can fly from Gatwick and Heathrow with British Airways directly to Bilbao, a 2 hour flight, this is the gateway to the area and it is best explored by car which is easy to do, though not really necessary in the city.
Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport we traveled all of 5 minutes to the Palacio Urgoiti in Mungia (Page 49), a 4* boutique hotel just a 15 minute drive to the centre of Bilbao or the coast. The elevated position of this charming palace offer spectacular views of the mountains nearby from the beautiful terrace and gardens. This hotel would be a good place to either start or end your holiday to this region of Spain.
Getxo & Bilbao
From here we traveled to the coastal harbour town of Getxo, the gateway to the city passing under the Transporter Bridge and the famous Frank Gehry architecture of the Guggenheim Museum into the heart of the city. A former industrial city that has transformed into charming place to visit even for a short break. Getting around the city is easy either on foot or by using the modern tram system.
No visit to Bilbao is complete without actually visiting the Guggenheim only one of four in the world, alongside New York, Venice and Abu Dhabi and the iconic mascot of the city 'The Puppy' which is covered twice a year in plants and sits directly in front of the museums entrance. The contemporary art maybe not to everyones taste, but the river side location, cafe culture and the building is in itself worthy of a visit.
They city is set within a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, so it is worthwhile taking a panoramic tour of Bilbao to the nearby Artxanda Mountain, where you can survey from above and point out where you have been so far. Back in the city either taking a local guide or walking by yourself around the old town of Casco Viejo best visited in early evening as the locals either finish work or start the weekend. The main feature is the Pintxos bars, where you can try small snacks typical of the region, many of these bars compete yearly to come up with new tastes. As you wander from bar to bar through the medieval streets past churches and under the balconies of the residents, you really get to live as the Basque do and the best part is that it is great value for money, 1.20 euro for a double expresso!
Getaria
The best way to visit the Basque region is to hire a car and get out of the city after a couple of days. Along the coast is the beautiful peninsula town of Getaria, famous for it's fishing and production of all things Anchovy, where you can try the different ways they are prepared, I can't say I have ever been a fan of this highly salty slither, but when combined as part of the Pintxos, I could see what the fuss was about. In this area is the beautifully restored Hotel Saiaz of Getaria a cross between museum and modern art, reflected in the conflict of the hotel manager and his mother. The elevated location over the coast and floor to ceiling windows is both a great location in the cobbled streets, but also knowing that you will be looked after well and have an authentic experience of the old and new of this region. A 20 minute walk to across to the other side of the town will bring you to a calmer beach that is ideal for surfing.
San Sebastian
Half an hours drive further east along the coast brings you to the beach city of San Sebastian, again surrounded by mountains, the curved bay of La Concha (the shell) has fantastic sandy beaches and a cosmopolitan way of life, where food is at the heart of everything in the city. Getting around is again easy and you can abandon your car for a couple of days visit. Another place that a birdseye view from Igeldo Mountain will take your breath away at the beauty of the bay below. If you want the complete historical and gastronomic tour, a local guide can be arranged which is highly recommended to get to know this fascinating place.
Hondarribia
Only 20 kms along the coast from San Sebastian is the little border town of Hondarribia on the Txingudi bay facing the town of Hendaye in France, a boat across the marina runs between the two towns. High above the residential homes is the castle and old walls and cobbled streets of immaculate traditional buildings and dominated by the stunning Parador of Hondarribia. The elevated position and terrace give a fantastic view across the river and you feel suitably royal in your surroundings.
Navarra
The neighbouring mountainous and rich kingdom of Navarra runs easterly and southern and is a contrasting mix of the Basque and the Spanish, fused into the central passionate city of Pamplona. The Pilgrim's Way passes through this region, mountainous in the north to almost desert plains in the south, full of Roman towns, Romanesque churches and some of the most beautiful countryside that at times takes your breath away.
Pamplona
This city made internationally famous by the love affair of Ernest Hemingway, where he wrote his first novel The Sun Also Rises. The book is centered around the events of the San Fermin fiesta that runs for 8 days from the 6th - 14th July each year, famous for it's bull fighting, brutality, drink and song. Even without this connection it is hard not to fall in love with the city, it feels like the beating heart of the region and when I visited there was a triathlon taking place - the city was full of it's residents making an occassion in every square and street available, with bands, traditional costumed dancers, parades and such, it was hard to tell whom it was for. To get to know this city, it is recommended and a great orientation of the region to take a guide, especially if you want to follow in the footsteps of Heminway, usually ending in a visit to one of his haunts the Cafe Iruna (Iruna being the medieval name for Pamplona)
Ujue
Outside of Pamplona, the countryside looks like it hasn't changed for hundreds of years and approaching the medieval village of Ujue which is part of the Pilgrims trail is a fine example of what you imagine this area to be like and a great place to take a photograph. At the highest point is the 12th century fortified church of Santa Maria, in the Romanesque design with Gothic additions, a sanctuary to the villagers and the pilgrims that pass through and pay homage. The quiet cobbled streets run down and outwards from the church leading out into the surrounding countryside of olive trees and small vineyards, plus the snow caps of the Pyrenees in the distance.
Locally produced food and wines can be sampled by having lunch at the Pasta Urrutia, where they also run cookery workshops making cakes, biscuits and bread, which I tried, though judging by my efforts in comparison to how they are supposed to be, I don't think I will take up this form of bakery soon.
Olite
Half an hours drive directly south of Pamplona is Olite, a stunning medieval town dominated by the castle, the seat of the Navarre King Charles III (Carlos III). You could be mistaken that you are in France as the Palacio Real de Olite as it is known emulates many architectural French Gothic designs, a fairytale image. The castle is very accessible and a great place to get up high in the towers and view the town below and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Part of the palace is now the Parador of Olite where you can stay, or if you prefer something smaller, family orientated and less palatial, is the charming hotel of Merindad de Olite.
In this region is the small yet excellent wine area, sandwiched between the Rioja and French border. A visit to one of the few vineyards such as Pagos de Araiz will give you a chance to taste and experience what is internationally a small market, but are all excellent white, red and rose wines that they produce.
Yesa
40 minutes east of Pamplona is the small village of Yesa, on the border to the next region of Aragon. The quiet countryside becomes even more dramatic on route. Here we visited the Monastery of San Salvador of Leyre (a popular girls name in Spain) this is one of the most important historical monasteries in Spain and dates back to 842AD, where the Benedictine monks can be heard reciting the Gregorian chants. Overlooking the reservoir and with walks to the hills and gorges nearby is an excellent place for hiking but also to relax for a few days. in the grounds of the Monastery is the Hotel Hospederia de Leyre which is a quiet and comfortable yet understandably simple with it's surroundings. This is a great place to combine with Pamplona.
Summary
Though our trip was fast paced, It was a great introduction to the region and I felt I saw a suitable mixture that is the essence of these two regions. You could easily spend two weeks in the area and still only see a fraction, but overall understand what it was that Hemingway and the Basque people are so passionate about.
Though the country and regions speak Basque and Spanish, English is also widely spoken and the people are exceptionally welcoming and friendly. I was suprised by how good value for money this area is. Hotels that are classified by star ratings are usually higher quality and are declassified by at least a star, so you feel you are paying for 5* at 4* prices.
Hire a car and get to know this area some more, you will not be disappointed by it's passion, beauty and charm and overall how green this area of Spain is.
Call 01892 653456 or click here to email Paul, who will be happy to help you organise a holiday or short break to this area.
You can fly from Gatwick and Heathrow with British Airways directly to Bilbao, a 2 hour flight, this is the gateway to the area and it is best explored by car which is easy to do, though not really necessary in the city.
Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport we traveled all of 5 minutes to the Palacio Urgoiti in Mungia (Page 49), a 4* boutique hotel just a 15 minute drive to the centre of Bilbao or the coast. The elevated position of this charming palace offer spectacular views of the mountains nearby from the beautiful terrace and gardens. This hotel would be a good place to either start or end your holiday to this region of Spain.
Getxo & Bilbao
From here we traveled to the coastal harbour town of Getxo, the gateway to the city passing under the Transporter Bridge and the famous Frank Gehry architecture of the Guggenheim Museum into the heart of the city. A former industrial city that has transformed into charming place to visit even for a short break. Getting around the city is easy either on foot or by using the modern tram system.
No visit to Bilbao is complete without actually visiting the Guggenheim only one of four in the world, alongside New York, Venice and Abu Dhabi and the iconic mascot of the city 'The Puppy' which is covered twice a year in plants and sits directly in front of the museums entrance. The contemporary art maybe not to everyones taste, but the river side location, cafe culture and the building is in itself worthy of a visit.
They city is set within a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, so it is worthwhile taking a panoramic tour of Bilbao to the nearby Artxanda Mountain, where you can survey from above and point out where you have been so far. Back in the city either taking a local guide or walking by yourself around the old town of Casco Viejo best visited in early evening as the locals either finish work or start the weekend. The main feature is the Pintxos bars, where you can try small snacks typical of the region, many of these bars compete yearly to come up with new tastes. As you wander from bar to bar through the medieval streets past churches and under the balconies of the residents, you really get to live as the Basque do and the best part is that it is great value for money, 1.20 euro for a double expresso!
Getaria
The best way to visit the Basque region is to hire a car and get out of the city after a couple of days. Along the coast is the beautiful peninsula town of Getaria, famous for it's fishing and production of all things Anchovy, where you can try the different ways they are prepared, I can't say I have ever been a fan of this highly salty slither, but when combined as part of the Pintxos, I could see what the fuss was about. In this area is the beautifully restored Hotel Saiaz of Getaria a cross between museum and modern art, reflected in the conflict of the hotel manager and his mother. The elevated location over the coast and floor to ceiling windows is both a great location in the cobbled streets, but also knowing that you will be looked after well and have an authentic experience of the old and new of this region. A 20 minute walk to across to the other side of the town will bring you to a calmer beach that is ideal for surfing.
San Sebastian
Half an hours drive further east along the coast brings you to the beach city of San Sebastian, again surrounded by mountains, the curved bay of La Concha (the shell) has fantastic sandy beaches and a cosmopolitan way of life, where food is at the heart of everything in the city. Getting around is again easy and you can abandon your car for a couple of days visit. Another place that a birdseye view from Igeldo Mountain will take your breath away at the beauty of the bay below. If you want the complete historical and gastronomic tour, a local guide can be arranged which is highly recommended to get to know this fascinating place.
Hondarribia
Only 20 kms along the coast from San Sebastian is the little border town of Hondarribia on the Txingudi bay facing the town of Hendaye in France, a boat across the marina runs between the two towns. High above the residential homes is the castle and old walls and cobbled streets of immaculate traditional buildings and dominated by the stunning Parador of Hondarribia. The elevated position and terrace give a fantastic view across the river and you feel suitably royal in your surroundings.
Navarra
The neighbouring mountainous and rich kingdom of Navarra runs easterly and southern and is a contrasting mix of the Basque and the Spanish, fused into the central passionate city of Pamplona. The Pilgrim's Way passes through this region, mountainous in the north to almost desert plains in the south, full of Roman towns, Romanesque churches and some of the most beautiful countryside that at times takes your breath away.
Pamplona
This city made internationally famous by the love affair of Ernest Hemingway, where he wrote his first novel The Sun Also Rises. The book is centered around the events of the San Fermin fiesta that runs for 8 days from the 6th - 14th July each year, famous for it's bull fighting, brutality, drink and song. Even without this connection it is hard not to fall in love with the city, it feels like the beating heart of the region and when I visited there was a triathlon taking place - the city was full of it's residents making an occassion in every square and street available, with bands, traditional costumed dancers, parades and such, it was hard to tell whom it was for. To get to know this city, it is recommended and a great orientation of the region to take a guide, especially if you want to follow in the footsteps of Heminway, usually ending in a visit to one of his haunts the Cafe Iruna (Iruna being the medieval name for Pamplona)
Ujue
Outside of Pamplona, the countryside looks like it hasn't changed for hundreds of years and approaching the medieval village of Ujue which is part of the Pilgrims trail is a fine example of what you imagine this area to be like and a great place to take a photograph. At the highest point is the 12th century fortified church of Santa Maria, in the Romanesque design with Gothic additions, a sanctuary to the villagers and the pilgrims that pass through and pay homage. The quiet cobbled streets run down and outwards from the church leading out into the surrounding countryside of olive trees and small vineyards, plus the snow caps of the Pyrenees in the distance.
Locally produced food and wines can be sampled by having lunch at the Pasta Urrutia, where they also run cookery workshops making cakes, biscuits and bread, which I tried, though judging by my efforts in comparison to how they are supposed to be, I don't think I will take up this form of bakery soon.
Olite
Half an hours drive directly south of Pamplona is Olite, a stunning medieval town dominated by the castle, the seat of the Navarre King Charles III (Carlos III). You could be mistaken that you are in France as the Palacio Real de Olite as it is known emulates many architectural French Gothic designs, a fairytale image. The castle is very accessible and a great place to get up high in the towers and view the town below and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Part of the palace is now the Parador of Olite where you can stay, or if you prefer something smaller, family orientated and less palatial, is the charming hotel of Merindad de Olite.
In this region is the small yet excellent wine area, sandwiched between the Rioja and French border. A visit to one of the few vineyards such as Pagos de Araiz will give you a chance to taste and experience what is internationally a small market, but are all excellent white, red and rose wines that they produce.
Yesa
40 minutes east of Pamplona is the small village of Yesa, on the border to the next region of Aragon. The quiet countryside becomes even more dramatic on route. Here we visited the Monastery of San Salvador of Leyre (a popular girls name in Spain) this is one of the most important historical monasteries in Spain and dates back to 842AD, where the Benedictine monks can be heard reciting the Gregorian chants. Overlooking the reservoir and with walks to the hills and gorges nearby is an excellent place for hiking but also to relax for a few days. in the grounds of the Monastery is the Hotel Hospederia de Leyre which is a quiet and comfortable yet understandably simple with it's surroundings. This is a great place to combine with Pamplona.
Summary
Though our trip was fast paced, It was a great introduction to the region and I felt I saw a suitable mixture that is the essence of these two regions. You could easily spend two weeks in the area and still only see a fraction, but overall understand what it was that Hemingway and the Basque people are so passionate about.
Though the country and regions speak Basque and Spanish, English is also widely spoken and the people are exceptionally welcoming and friendly. I was suprised by how good value for money this area is. Hotels that are classified by star ratings are usually higher quality and are declassified by at least a star, so you feel you are paying for 5* at 4* prices.
Hire a car and get to know this area some more, you will not be disappointed by it's passion, beauty and charm and overall how green this area of Spain is.
Call 01892 653456 or click here to email Paul, who will be happy to help you organise a holiday or short break to this area.